Pasta Salad

This pasta salad recipe is a family favorite. I've been eating this since I was a kid. It's one of those recipes that all of my mother's children know how to make. It's a staple, particularly in the summer or at a potluck. And it's one we always get compliments on. Better yet, it's extremely easy!

Pasta Salad


16 oz. Rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
1 large bottle of Italian Dressing
1 packet dry Zesty Italian Seasoning Mix (This is KEY! You must not leave this out!)
Cheese (Cheddar, Colby, whatever), cubed
Tomatoes, chopped
Cucumber, chopped
Pepperoni, sliced


Toss all of the above ingredients together in a large bowl.

Onion Strings

These were so yummy! This recipe comes from the Pioneer Woman Cooks. The PW is amazing! I don't know where she learned to cook, but I would love to spend a weekend at her ranch learning from her!

Onion Stings

Source: Pioneer Woman Cooks

1 large onion

2 C buttermilk

2 C all-purpose flour

1 T salt

Black pepper (she just says "plenty")

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Oil for frying

Peel the onion. Slice into very thin rings. Separate the onion slices and place in a shallow baking dish. Pour the milk over the top. Press the onions down with a fork so they are soaking in the milk. Let sit on the counter for 1 hour. Half way through, stir them so they all get coated.

In a bowl, combine the flour and spices. Pour 1-2 quarts of oil in a large pot or dutch oven and heat to 375.

Using tongs, remove a handful of onion and immediately toss in the flour mixture. Shake off the excess flour and put into the hot oil. Break them apart with a slotted spoon and let them fry until golden. This doesn't take long. Continue with the remaining onions.

Mashed Potatoes

This were perfect with our chicken fried steak for dinner. Warning...NOT healthy! But yummy :)

Mashed Potatoes

2 1/2 lb. red skinned potatoes, quartered
1/2 C whipping cream
1 stick butter
1 T salt

Bring the potatoes to boil in a large pot. Once boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes. Add the cream, butter, and salt to the potatoes. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes. Enjoy!

Easy and delicious!

Snap Beans

Charlie and I made a trip to the Farmer's Market last weekend. We bought some yummy green beans, or I like to call them, snap beans! I remember as a kid my family growing them and having to snap the ends of off...Good times!

Snap Beans

Fresh green beans, snapped

1/2 c. water

1 tbsp. sugar

1/2 stick butter

Garlic salt or 1 clove garlic, minced

Place all in a pot, cover and cook on medium 10-15 minutes. YUM!