So what inspired me to start a blog? Where shall I begin?  A few months ago, the Thanksgiving holiday was a little different for our family.  We used to travel to my sister’s house in Georgia for Thanksgiving every year in the latter years before my Dad’s death but since my Dad passed away a couple of years ago, our traditions have changed some.  We stayed home this year and I actually got to cook. I made all our traditional favorites:  Turkey and dressing, sweet potato casserole, fresh green beans, homemade cranberry sauce and so forth.  It seemed however, that I didn’t make everyone’s favorites and I heard about it.

Christmas Dinner a la casual:  Ham, mashed potatoes(Pioneer Woman), mac & cheese, green bean casserole, cranberry casserole, caesar salad, an crescent rolls

So when Christmas rolled around, I put my children up to a challenge. I said, “You plan Christmas dinner, make a grocery list, do the shopping and the cooking and I’ll pay for it.” (Remember they are 22, 19, and 15) So they jumped on it! They did research and collaborated. The meal turned out great and I didn’t have to cook a thing.  They are awesome kids!   So how is this inspiration?  Well, my husband and son seemed to always go to this one website for recipes, “The Pioneer Woman” so I was curious.  Well that was the beginning of the spark of my new found passion.  I discovered she had a tv show too!  I was hooked.  I related.  Ever since Christmas, I have tried recipe after recipe from the Pioneer Woman.  Cooking every night, even after a long day at work and weekends too.  I even went to Walmart to check out her kitchenware on my birthday and bought myself some presents.

Remember the movie “Julie and Julia”?  Well I had to watch it again last weekend because I was inspired to blog just like the character Julie Powell in the movie.  Strange that the names are all similar isn’t it?…Julie, Julia… Powell, Pell. Hhmmmmm!  Well anyway, I am very far behind in posting my favorite recipes and my comments about each one.  I will try to catch up and keep sharing!  As Julia would say, “BON APPETIT”!!!