Loud and Loving ‘Rainy Day Friends’ Give a New Widow a Second Chance at Life [REVIEW]

July 10, 2018 by 3 Comments

Paso Robles Vineyard

In Jill Shalvis’s new novel, Rainy Day Friends, a California winery offers a young widow a fresh start, a new career, and a family to call her own. (Photo by Harold Litwiler, Flickr)

When a shy young widow finally discovers the reason why her marriage to her late husband had never felt quite right, it rocks her to the core. Then a new job prospect at a winery in California’s Central Coast region appears on the horizon, and it offers her hope, a zany group of friends, and even a chance at love. But will she seize the day or run and hide from this new beginning? Find out in Jill Shalvis latest novel, Rainy Day Friends.  Read more of this post

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Eggplant Lasagna [RECIPE]

February 13, 2017 by 1 Comment

Eggplant lasagna

Our eggplant lasagna is so delicious, your family will never realize it is actually healthy too! (Photo by Jathan Fink, Jadeworks Entertainment)

 

If you don’t cook with eggplant, you’re missing out. Not only is it full of dietary fiber, vitamin B1 and copper, but it is also a good source of manganese, vitamin B6, niacin, potassium, folate and vitamin K. This dish uses four whole eggplants, which are typically in season this time of year and can be purchased pretty inexpensively. Best of all, they combine here to create a new spin on an Italian classic, but without the noodles and the extra carbohydrates that come with them. If you are making this dish for someone who is vegetarian, simply eliminate the chicken sausage from the recipe. Either way, it’s full of wonderful flavors and will satisfy your comfort food cravings! Read more of this post

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Penne with Italian Chicken Sausage and Fennel [RECIPE]

December 11, 2016 by 3 Comments

 

Penne with Italian Chicken Sausage and Fennel

Your guests will want to lick their plates clean when you serve up Penne with Italian Chicken Sausage and Fennel. (Photo by Jathan Fink, Jadeworks Entertainment)

Serve this recipe if you want to impress your guests. It is fairly simple to make, stretches to feed a crowd, and will have your friends and family raving for days. From the moment I put this recipe together for the first time, I knew it was going to be a keeper. The fragrant aroma alone is enough to make mouths water. And that first bite… heaven! Serve it up with crusty Italian bread, seasoned olive oil (I like to blend Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to make a simple dipping sauce), a large tossed salad and your favorite bottle of wine and you have a meal fit for a fine Italian restaurant or a house full of really hungry friends. My guests love this one so much I’ve had to add it to my repertoire, and my guess is you will too. Enjoy! Read more of this post

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Turkey Bolognese [RECIPE]

November 30, 2016 by 1 Comment

Turkey Bolognese

Riffing on a traditional bolognese sauce, we use turkey here instead of beef or lamb.
(Photo by Jathan Fink, Jadeworks Entertainment)

In Italy, a true ragù alla bolognese sauce is made with beef or pork, but this recipe appeals to me because it is lower in fat (for those who need to avoid these meats for health or dietary reasons) and if you still have leftover turkey in the fridge, this is a nice way to help you utilize it. In any case, you’ll need one pound of turkey, whether you shred it yourself, buy it ground, or use Italian turkey sausage like I typically do. By definition, bolognese is a thick sauce packed with healthy veggies and served with tagliatelle pasta, however a pound of fettuccine or even spaghetti works here just as well. Read more of this post

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Chicken Tortellini Soup

November 1, 2015 by Leave a comment

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Our Chicken Tortellini Soup makes for a delicious and comforting meal on a cool autumn day.
(Photo by Jathan Fink, Jadeworks Entertainment)

With the arrival of autumn and cooler temperatures, soup is the natural food of choice in our kitchen. We love it because we can eat off one big pot all week, or serve it up to guests for a wonderful Sunday afternoon supper. This week we craved the hearty goodness and delicious Italian flavors of this yummy Chicken Tortellini Soup. Serve it alongside a tossed salad and warm Italian bread with an olive oil dipping sauce for a complete meal.  Read more of this post

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