Ravioli Lasagna

Raise your hand if you want the easiest lasagna recipe you’ll ever see!!

Technically, it’s baked ravioli, but since it’s layered it has a sort of lasagna feel to it.

Lemon Cupcakes

It’s time for a book review and Cook the Books Club post!  This month’s pick is a novel and….hold the presses...I enjoyed it!

I always feel like such a Debby Downer when I’m dumping on a book that someone else picked that I don’t like, so I’m ecstatic when I do like one (or in this case, two in a row!)

I do have to confess that this was a hard read for me, personally.  I very nearly gave a 3 star review instead of 4, but then realized that it was my own personal experience coloring that decision and went with 4.  Much of the story focuses on the main character, Libby’s, struggle with miscarriage, plus there are a couple pregnant characters throughout the story.  These topics are always very sensitive for me, since my 3rd pregnancy ended in a stillbirth.  Though it was 7 years ago, stories like these still gut me.  However, I’m glad I preserved, because the rest of the story was well done and enjoyable as stories from the past and “present” slowly came together in a predictable but entertaining way.

Honeysuckle Season by Mary Ellen Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First off, every character in this book was very tragic. Was there a single character that wasn't affected by miscarriage or the death of a spouse? Wowsa.

Despite all the tragedy, I really enjoyed the sense of mystery as the story flipped from the 1940s to the 2020s. Part of the story were rather predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. View all my reviews

So let’s talk food inspiration!  There was quite a bit of food mentioned, but I was so into the story, I kinda failed to write anything down.  Since part of the story takes place in the 1940’s, I was thinking about researching WWII era ration recipes (always an adventure), when to my delight, I saw that 4 recipes were included at the conclusion of the story!

Easter Bunny Pudding Cups

It’s Food n Flix time and this month, is Peter Rabbit hosted by Literature and Limes.

When this movie came out in 2018...actually scratch that, when it started streaming in 2019, my kids were obsessed with this movie and watched it over and over again.  They still like to rehash their favorite parts to me occasionally!

So can I confess that I didn’t actually rewatch the movie this time around?  I feel like I have a really good handle on it!

Blacked Steak Caesar Salad

I’m a big fan of salads.   I even find myself ordering dinner salads at restaurants!  This one is an at home version of a favorite of mine from a local restaurant.

It’s a favorite because it’s fresh, healthy, and there is a ton of flavor!  The best part is that this dinner salad appeals to the men in my family...because...steak.

Pasta Caruso

Oh boy.

This month’s Eat the World was an adventure for me.

Originally, I was going to make Pasta Caruso but decided not to (yes, really).  I had found a kinda funky recipe originally that included pureeing ham into the sauce and it weirded me out.

Then I was kinda stuck.

Greek Quinoa Pita Pockets

Today’s recipe is a bit of a departure from my usuals - a meatless meal!

This year, during Lent, I didn’t do as much experimenting with meatless meals as I’ve done in the past.  That’s because both of my boys and Hubs spoke up and requested some tried and true favorites as we went through Lent!

Some favorites we enjoyed included Copycat Campbell's Tomato Soup, Creamy Mac & Cheese, Alfredo Noodles (without the chicken), Cheddar Broccoli Soup, and Shoup Noodles!

It was really refreshing to have suggestions, which made for way fewer complaints!

Chef Salad

Happy Easter!  Alleluia!  He is Risen!

It is always such a joyful day!

Today’s Sunday Funday is celebrating too.  Only we’re thinking ahead to those Easter leftovers!

In my house, there is always an abundance of ham and hard boiled eggs leftover.  The ham is no big deal.  In fact, my family loves ham so much that they’ll just eat the leftover and get sad if I horde some back for a recipes like Scalloped Potatoes & Ham or Ham & Bean Soup.

The eggs on the other hand…

We go strong for a little while and then the enthusiasm for eggs quickly fades.

Luckily for me, I love a loaded main dish lunch salad and that’s how I plan to repurpose those leftovers this year!

This chef salad is loaded with all sorts of great protein sources that just happen to be Easter leftovers too!

Enjoy these other recipes that use of those leftovers!

• Au Gratin Potato and Ham Casserole from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Broccoli Ham and Swiss Casserole from Palatable Pastime
• Chef Salad from Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Ham and Cheese Buttermilk Biscuits from Making Miracles
• Ham and Spinach Quiche from Food Lust People Love
• Leftover Brown Rice Cakes from Sneha's Recipe
• Toasted Croissant Croutons from Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Chef Salad

2-3 cups spinach or leafy green of choice

1 hard boiled egg, sliced

⅓ cup cooked ham, diced

2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons croutons

1 tablespoon ranch dressing

1 tablespoon sunflower seeds

Place the spinach in a bowl.  Top with remaining ingredients and enjoy.