Home At Last! with Patty Gironda

I have a mild stomach bug and haven't been able to eat much for four or so days! So, that means one thing for me. Soup! And more Soup! My favorite is a simple broth of chicken, orzo and spinach with fresh diced tomato and a squeeze of fresh lemon! Gentle on the stomach with plenty of broth, this easy soup is ready in under an hour and is a budget-stretching recipe!

Being the queen of gadgets that I am, I am constantly on the look-out for gadgetry that makes cooking meals faster and more functional. There are times when only the use of the hands and old-fashioned techniques will do, but on-occasion I discover a tool or gadget that makes my love of cooking even more fun. My new yellow Babycakes individual cupcake baker is one of those useful gadgets. I have experimented and enjoyed the creativity of the machine and appreciate that it bakes up smaller portions 8 servings at a time! Cooking for two people has always been a challenge for homecooks-especially if leftovers aren't a family favorite. While I think some foods are actually better "the day after" not everyone agrees, causing dinnertime to become more of a challenge. Out of frustration families opt to eat out more or serve high-fat, low-fiber prepared meals at home. Consider instead a healthy high-fiber, low fat soup with chicken and white beans served with two corn muffi...

100-mile treks and patience finally yielded two boxes of luscious Moro Blood Oranges. Finally, I was able to serve my Vampire's Kiss Blood Orange Martinis.  I made a syrup of champagne and black raspberry and transferred the cooled syrup to a bottle with a pourer. Same with the strained blood orange juice. Vampire's Kiss Blood Orange Martini 1 1/2 oz vodka 1/2 oz Champagne syrup 1 oz blood orange juice Place ingredients in a shaker with cracked ice. Stir until well-chilled and strain into pretty martini glass.

I long for the beach and warm sun along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I adore the 27 miles of well-groomed beach that is only steps from the car door. I appreciate that I don't have to be surrounded by hoards of sunbathers and "party-ers". There is plenty of convenient parking along the highway with easy access away from traffic! The tides ebb and flow provide plenty of entertainment as well as great photo opportunities! This year we hope to change it up a bit and try Biloxi's Chateau Blessey Bed and Breakfast !  Referred by a friend it will offer a nice change of pace from the hectic casinos. This pretty renovated home decorated with a bit of a French flair sits directly across the street from the beach I love so much and offers spectacular views of pretty sunsets!  

I rush through the calendar to get to the "parts" of the year that I love! This winter I'm planning a cocktail party, refinishing furniture, re-doing a bath . . . projects that keep my mind off of the cold, dreary days. Spring and Summer are my seasons and the only other way for me to keep ny spirits high during the short, cold months is by enjoying and reliving experiences from the road. This is my 1967 Ford Galaxie convertible and I am READY to put the top down and make memories on the road! It's been a great car and a comfortable ride for the long stretches of sandy beach that we seek out! Our longest trip with the "top down" was 1350 miles-along the Florida coast and back! Wonderful warm nights and pleasant days. We didn't stop to put the top up when it started to drizzle. . .just wrapped up in a blanket to keep warm. One of my favorite memories was last spring's visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast! 27 miles of white sand, seafood around eve...