A Matter of Happiness (and a classic bourbon cocktail)

A Matter of Happiness tells alternating tales of a 1920s trailblazer in Detroit with her modern day descendant in Kentucky bourbon country. It’s a story of determination for both. Of course, since it is set in Kentucky, there’s lots of bourbon. . . . → Read More: A Matter of Happiness (and a classic bourbon cocktail)

“Green Tea with a Kick” Hot Cocktail (for Turkey Hollow and Movies & Munchies)

Take a family of city dwellers (minus one because the parents are divorcing), add an eccentric long-lost aunt, a tale of magical woods and you get a story of sasquatch proportions.

Movies & Munchies‘ November feature is Turkey Hollow, a Jim Henson romp through a mysterious hollow. It features the aforementioned dysfunctional family holiday as . . . → Read More: “Green Tea with a Kick” Hot Cocktail (for Turkey Hollow and Movies & Munchies)

Cookies for the Road (and for The Book of Maps)

A road trip is the central plot of The Book of Maps so I included a great road trip staple, cookies. Read on for a book review and a recipe. . . . → Read More: Cookies for the Road (and for The Book of Maps)

November 2022 “In My Kitchen”

Welcome November! Not only is it my birthday month, but it’s the official start to the holiday season (IMHO).

Let’s start out with some beverages. I visited Iowa and family in mid October. I always bring back some local beers, mostly IPAs, but I also usually throw something in the cart that is a bit . . . → Read More: November 2022 “In My Kitchen”

It’s Great Pumpkin Bread, Charlie Brown!

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown for Movies & Munches, October edition. . . . → Read More: It’s Great Pumpkin Bread, Charlie Brown!

Sweet Potato Pie from Never Meant to Meet You

This stopover on the TLC Book Tour found me reading (and enjoying) Never Meant to Meet You by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans. From the authors of Tiny Imperfections comes a riotously funny, emotionally real look at race and religion, love and heartache, and the realities of parenting through it all. . . . → Read More: Sweet Potato Pie from Never Meant to Meet You

October 2022 “In My Kitchen”

I hate to start every IMK post with something like “I can’t believe it’s October,” but I really can’t believe it’s October. Since I work for a college access/awareness program, September is busy with College App Week and prepping families to get ready for October 1 and the FAFSA opening. Plus, I have eleven new . . . → Read More: October 2022 “In My Kitchen”

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Magical Mushroom Pâté

I’m hosting this round of Cook the Books. When the other co-hosts and I were trying to choose the next four books last winter, I was at a loss. As I read book reviews and peruse through bookstores, I see lots of books that I want to recommend for Cook the Books. Then, . . . → Read More: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Magical Mushroom Pâté

“In My Kitchen” September 2022

We had some rain (much needed). We’ve had some cooler weather. Will September bring more? We will have to wait and see. In the meantime, step into my August kitchen.

On a recent date night, we visited a quaint pizza place that made their own version of fireball. We noticed that almost everyone coming in . . . → Read More: “In My Kitchen” September 2022

Cobbler Recipes and Where Wild Peaches Grow

A review of a new novel about family, heritage, traditions and history. The book is set in Natchez, Mississippi and it’s a history we should all learn about. Keep reading for the review and a couple of cobbler recipes from the archives. . . . → Read More: Cobbler Recipes and Where Wild Peaches Grow