Author: Lisa
-
Cajun seasoning
I’ve been making this seasoning for at least 30 years. I’ve given it to friends and neighbors as a small gift and made it in bulk for my adult children and their friends. It is a great addition to just about anything. We add it to grilled chicken and fish, potatoes, eggs and soups. If… Read more
-
Vinaigrette
I can’t remember the last time I bought prepared salad dressing. Honestly, homemade salad dressing is so much better and ridiculously easy to make. In addition to this vinaigrette version, I also regularly make a french dressing that I’ll need to post at some point. Please make this recipe your own. You really can’t go… Read more
-
Lasagna Bolognese
Northern Italian lasagna is a labor of love, but well worth it! Unlike the Americanized version, there is no ricotta cheese and the meat and bechamel sauces take center stage over the tomatoes. This recipe makes a 9″ x 9″ version that can easily be doubled if you’re serving a larger group. Begin by making… Read more
-
Cinque Terre Italy
If you are visiting Tuscany, consider a day trip or even an overnight stay in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre (which translates to “Five Lands” in English) is a string of small, picturesque villages along the Ligurian Sea. The views are breathtaking and each city is well worth exploring. There’s a reason Cinque Terre is recognized… Read more
-
Greenville South Carolina
We recently moved to Greenville – along with a deluge of other transplants. The city is growing by leaps and bounds, and I would highly recommend it as an excellent long weekend destination. Walking down the tree-lined Main Street, you’l find countless shops and restaurants. There are also plenty of parking options, which is rare… Read more
-
Oven roasted fries
I won’t call them french fries because of my loyalty to my beloved Belgium. The Belgians call them frites, which translates to ‘fries’ in English. Legend has it that American soldiers were stationed in the French-speaking part of Belgium during World War I and, thinking they were in France, called them ‘french fries’. Tip: If… Read more
-
Tagliata
Tagliata is a popular Italian dish of sliced beef served over arugula. It’s typically served as a secondo (second course) during a traditional Italian dinner. If I order tagliata in Italy, I skip the primi (first course). We like to make this dish at home, often for special occasions or when we are hosting guests.… Read more
-
Our stint with a nomadic lifestyle
In March of 2023, we sold our Florida home anticipating that our South Carolina condo would be completed within six to nine months. Because we sold our Florida home fully furnished we decided to spend the interim time traveling and renting Airbnb and/or furnished apartments one month at a time. As is typically the case,… Read more
-
Getting ready for a move
We’ve moved five times since 2016, so I like to think I’ve learned a few lessons along the way. If you’re considering a move, here are a few tips. I’m probably odd in that I actually enjoy moving. I love to be organized and I don’t like clutter. Moving is the perfect opportunity to get… Read more
-
Cappuccino
We’ve been making morning cappuccinos at home for at least 20 years because for some unknown reason I really don’t like regular coffee. We started out with a cheap espresso machine and upgraded every few years, always with the same results. The cappuccinos started out OK, but sometimes tasted burned. I also spent way too… Read more