I made this snack meal for Elizabeth on a day that she helped me install a lot of home decor decals. Recently she crocheted this cute fox for me so I made a fox themed meal.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Fox and Kits – tortilla chips cut with a cookie cutter, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt – bake in 375 over for about 10 minutes, Cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes
Top Right: Peanuts
Bottom Right: Strawberries
I never had a dedicated movie room before but it was on my wish list when I looked for this house. I don’t like having a television in my main living area. I did not have one at all in my last apartment. I used my laptop to watch programming. Some visitors and an ex-boyfriend sometimes complained that I did not have one. Now I have a dedicated room for viewing. I don’t consider the white folding table and wooden activity table part of the room since they don’t coordinate well. I could remove them if I wanted but it is how I am living with the room now so I kept in the photo. The decor in this room is simple since the main focus is the tv.
Flooring: Contractors removed the carpet and installed vinyl plank flooring.
Walls: I did not paint the walls and kept what was there when I purchased the house.
Art: I bought this frame and assorted movie posters. It was difficult to find the size I wanted in a movie I was okay with and liked the image. These are not necessarily my top 4 movies but I like all of them.
TV: Samsung 75 inch
Reclining Soda and Individual Recliners: These have power recline and I love them! I ended up getting them from Raymore and Flanigan.
White Folding TV Table: From Walmart. The exact model is no longer available.
Small Wooden Table and Chair: I had this for a long time in many apartments and in my last house.
Switch and Outlet Cover Plates: I bought these from Etsy.
Storage Bench: I had this in my apartment
“Before” photo.
“Before” photo.
“Before” photo.
“Before” photo.
Deborah and I went to Chimney Bluffs State Park along Lake Ontario near Sodus, NY (about an hour from my home). We parked in the alternate parking lot near the steps to the top and a path to the beach. It was my first time there. I was in awe at the beauty! I made a picnic dinner and Deborah brought chairs and delicious homemade iced tea made with lemon balm, spearmint, and some raspberry juice. It was a delightful adventure!
I made two of these, one for Deborah and one for me. The Thai Peanut Potato salad was okay but not good enough to make again.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Spicy Thai Potato Salad over Romaine
Top Right: Peanuts
Bottom Right: Fresh Pineapple
This is my first time to live in a house with a basement bathroom. One of my Grandparent’s houses had a basement bathroom when I was a kid. It was next to the bar. My basement bathroom is adjacent to my movie room. I did not do much to decorate this room. My Dad installed a new toilet paper holder since the previous was broken and he changed the ceiling light bulbs. Other than buying a few things, the biggest project in this room was to decoupage the switch and outlet plates.
Shower Curtain with Rose Hooks: Bed Bath and Beyond (no longer available)
Bath Mat: From my last apartment
Trash Can: From my last apartment bought at Home Goods
Tissue Box: I bought this.
Hand Towel: I bought this.
Cup Holder: I bought this.
Paper Cups
Switch and Outlet Cover Plates: I decoupaged scrapbook paper onto the covers.
“Before” photo.
I made this lunch for my friend Arna. When I was a child, I learned the saying, “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold.” A life theme for me is it is important to keep old friends. I value the shared history. Arna and I first became friends years ago when I was married and had a house in a town about an hour away. Her visit last weekend was special. We had lunch, toured my house and gardens. It was a wonderful day!
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Camels – Cheddar cheese, bell pepper, sweet potato (roasted) cut with a cookie cutter, Eye – paprika, Palm Tree – zucchini cut with a cookie cutter, dried blueberries, hummus
Top Right: Hazelnuts
Bottom Right: Camels – Cantaloupe cut with a cookie cutter, Eye – cinnamon, Pineapple Greek yogurt
I made this turtle themed meal for my Mom at her Lake House. She enjoyed it especially the little turtle tortilla chips. We decided that we would not make the Blueberry salad again. It was not special enough.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Turtle – Cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, food coloring marker details, Spinach Blueberry Salad with Feta
Top Right: Mixed Nuts
Bottom Right: Turtles – cut flour tortilla with a cookie cutter, place on cookie sheet with parchment, spray with cooking spray and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.
I asked my Mom what theme or food she wanted for Mother’s Day. She said Daffodil dinner. It made sense since we celebrated at the mountain Lake House and the daffodils were about to bloom. They were in full bloom for our dinner.
Drinks: Pina Colada with Orange Juice or Seltzer with a ground up pineapple
Daffodil Main: Orange Cheddar mashed potato daffodil with roasted asparagus and sugar snap epas
Daffodil Parfait: Daffodil – cream cheese with food coloring, Dirt – crushed Oreo thins cookies, Whipped Cream
My critique of the meal:
When my Mom asked for “Daffodil”, I was lacking inspiration since I have done it many times before. The drinks were a late idea inspired by my niece who likes serving themed drinks. I wanted daffodil colored drinks. The dessert was a last minute idea. We went shopping right before the meal to get the whipped cream and cookies. The store was out of heavy cream so we used whipped cream from a can. The meal was enjoyed by all!
This is my collection of cute shaped polenta. As with my other collections, I will update when I create something new.
Updated 5/24/26.
ANIMALS
UNDER THE SEA
INSECTS
FALL
HALLOWEEN
THANKSGIVING
CHRISTMAS
NEW YEAR
WINTER
Snowman Polenta with Cream Cheese
GROUNDHOG DAY
VALENTINE’S DAY
Heart Polenta with Tomato Sauce
SAINT PATRICKS DAY
Shamrock Polenta Flag with Cream Cheese and Spinach
EASTER
JAPANESE CULTURE
SPACE
Rocket Polenta
BODY PARTS
BUILDING
EXTINCT / IMAGINARY
PLANTS
Cactus Polenta
TRANSPORTATION
Helicopter Polenta
I made this snack meal for Elizabeth. I enjoy making cute food for her. It is usually the same food but I find different ways to present it. Today we have frogs.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Frogs – tortilla chips cut with a cookie cutter, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt – bake in 375 over for about 10 minutes, Frogs – cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, cherry tomatoes
Top Right: Sunflower seeds
Bottom Right: Strawberries
Over the weekend, Renae and family came over for dinner. Jeff hung poster frames in my movie room. Maybe sometime soon I will reveal that room. I made ordinary shaped ravioli which is rare for me, usually I make fun shapes. You can see a glimpse of this years glorious daffodils in the above photo. I brought some blossoms inside when I deadheaded the patch this week.
Ravioli – I used my favorite pasta dough, filling – Ricotta, Asiago, Parmesan, salt and pepper, (I made and put in freezer), boiled just before serving, served with homemade tomato sauce
Roasted Green Beans
Chocolate Mousse with Raspberries
My critique of the meal: I especially liked the flavor of adding a third cheese to the ravioli filling. While I normally make fun shaped ravioli, using something like this which I had a long time is fun to use. This chocolate mousse recipe is delicious and easy to make. My guests liked that I gave them small spoons to eat the mousse.
Tomorrow is the coronation of King Charles III. I like to celebrate moments in time with cute food, so I decided to create this coronation themed meal. I had many crowns in my collection but not the right shape for the St Edward’s crown. Renae was very kind to print a cookie cutter with her 3D printer.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: St Edward’s Crown – Cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, details cut with knife, jewels cut with oval cookie cutter, painted with food coloring, Purple – mashed potato with butterfly pea powder, peas
Top Right: Pistachios
Bottom Right: Union Jack – Apple, painted with food coloring
I made this bento lunch for my Mom. Over the years I have made a lot of cute food for her but she was especially delighted with this one. Maybe it will make one of my top 10 bento for 2023.
Container: Wooden box purchased in Kyoto at Bento&co.
Bird: Homemade polenta cut with cookie cutter, Eye – dried blueberry
Flowers: Radish cut with a cookie cutter, butterfly pea power for color
Pistachios: Musical notes drawn with food coloring marker
Other: Carrot noodles, lettuce mix, snow peas
I made a mostly make ahead meal for my Mom, Dad, brother, sister-in-law and myself. It was a fun way to enjoy a meal with family and welcome spring.
Butterfly Ravioli – I used my favorite pasta dough, filling – Ricotta, Asiago, salt and pepper, (I made and put in freezer a week ahead), boiled just before serving, dried parsley garnish
Pesto Cream – homemade pesto thawed from my freezer mixed with sour cream
Salad – Romaine with zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, and kohlrabi cut with a cookie cutter
Vinaigrette – a basic no recipe with olive oil, vinegar, orange juice, and honey
I made this for lunch when my parents were visiting. We all ate it but I put this portion in the cloud boxes. If you make if for a packed lunch, I recommend packing the pesto dressing for the zucchini noodles separate and mix before serving. It was a fun way to eat zucchini noodles!
Container: Cloud box from Japan (set of 3)
Top Box: Garlic and Herb Popcorn
Bottom Box: Zucchini Noodle Caprese
I made this simple lunch for myself. The watering can is yellow to represent my favorite Copper color watering can.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Watering Can – Nishiki rice shaped in a cookie cutter with plastic wrap, yellow food coloring, roasted asparagus
Top Right: Macedonia Almonds
Bottom Right: Flowers – Strawberries with blueberries attached with spaghetti
Last fall, I planted 220 daffodils around a River Birch in my front yard. My friend Deborah helped me break the ground. Carol went with me to the garden store. My parents helped me plant. We had a warm winter; the daffodils were poking up from the ground since early February. I was concerned that my daffodils would be blind the first year. Blind daffodils do not bloom. My concern was unfounded. They are fabulous as you can see in the photos below. Many of my neighbors have remarked how beautiful they are.
My gorgeous daffodils are making me so happy! I frequently look out the window at them, talk about them to anyone who will listen, and walk out to the tree to visit. My neighbors probably say to themselves, “She is out visiting her daffodils again!”
Of course, I had to celebrate with a daffodil themed meal. I don’t think that mine look as good as the inspiration but they are attractive and were delicious! I used the recipe for the dough (with turmeric). I made my own filling with finely cut cabbage, snow peas, carrot, fresh ginger, soy sauce, and a little cornstarch.
I made this meal for my Mom. She enjoyed it and reminisced about her travels to Amsterdam.
Container: Book Bento Box
Contents: Windmill – cut flour tortilla with a cookie cutter, place on cookie sheet with parchment, put small aluminum foil ball under portion to elevate, spray with cooking spray and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Strawberries cut to look like tulips, blueberries, Tulip Rows – carrot cut with cookie cutter, peanut butter, celery, mixed nuts
My parents, brother, and sister-in-law stayed at my house for Easter weekend this year. We had 6 at our main meal since my friend Carol was able to join us. I decided on a Spring forest theme. My Mom did amazing work with the table plants and flowers. My sister-in-law assisted with setting the table. We put candy eggs in the nests. I was concerned that the eggs would fly when people removed their napkins. That only happened to one person.
Table:
Menu:
Dessert:
My critique of the meal:
It was wonderful to have family members involved in the preparations. My Mom and sister-in-law set the table. My brother decorated the desserts. The woodland table was fantastic! The desserts were adorable! As for menu items, the only one I would not serve again is the Pea and Leek tart but I would make the crust again it was perfect. We cut the potatoes for the gratin in cubes because I was nostalgic for Saltsman’s. They were wonderful! I want to only make cubed potatoes gratin in the future. They are more enjoyable to eat. It was a memorable Easter!
Easter weekend, I hosted my parents, brother, and sister-in law. It was a wonderful time with my family.
Decorations: This was my first year with a mantel for Easter. I bought the garland at Michaels, the rabbits came from TJ Maxx. My Mom found the eggs. I bought pink paper grass at Michaels. It was very messy so I expect I will use something different next year. I bought the wreath last year from Michaels. My Mom made beautiful arrangements for my kitchen, dining room and library. A glimpse of my library is in the photo below. I will not reveal my fabulous room until I get replacement French Doors. I ordered them in March and they told me it will take 6 months! My hallway floating shelves has an egg my Mom found, I added a cupcake stand, an Easter Card from my niece, and my Easter Egg Tree.
Easter Breakfast: We enjoyed our traditional breakfast the day before Easter. There were 6 of us since my neighbor Eugene joined us.
Table:
Menu:
My critique of the meal:
The basket bread was especially good this year. It is a time honored family tradition for my Dad to make it. The cheese plate was a new addition this year. It was enjoyed by all. Having this breakfast the day before Easter was a good idea to space out the larger meals and also for time management. My Mom did a wonderful job with the table decorations. My sister-in-law assisted. It was an enjoyable meal.
Happy Easter! This is my collection of Easter food and crafts. As with my other collections, I plan to update when I create something new.
Updated on 4/18/23.
EASTER BASKET
Tortilla Chip Easter Basket
EASTER EGG
Mashed Potato and Pesto Easter Egg
Savory Ricotta Vegetable and Puffed Pastry Easter Eggs
Strawberry and Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs
Mashed Potato Eggs
BUNNY
Cheese and Sweet Potato Bunnies
CHICK
PEEPS
Rice Peeps
Polenta Strawberry Cream CheesePeeps
Polenta Chick Peep
FELT EASTER CRAFTS
EGG EASTER ORNAMENTS
Simplified Wax Resist Egg Ornament
I made this meal for my Dad. My 20 year old niece was helpful and provided most of the menu ideas.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Chick Peep – Polenta cut with a cookie cutter, Eye – dried blueberry, zucchini noodle nest
Top Right: Easter Eggs – Pistachios with food coloring marker details
Bottom Right: Chick Peeps – marshmallow peeps
I made this simple meal for myself.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Basket – Tortilla chip – cut flour tortilla with cookie cutter, brush with olive oil, sprinkled with salt – bake in 375 over for about 10 minutes, Easter Eggs – carrot, romaine lettuce
Top Right: Pistachio nuts
Bottom Right: Cheddar Bagels
Mini Dippers: Raspberry Vinaigrette – I didn’t use the raw onion
Happy Spring! This is my collection of Spring themed food.
Over the years, I created a lot of flower themed food. I will restrict the flowers in this collection to Daffodil, Tulip, Lily of the Valley, and Flowering Trees.
Updated on 5/10/25.
DAFFODIL
Cheddar Mashed Potato Daffodil
Ravioli Daffodil
Lemon Ricotta in Candy Cup Daffodil
TULIP
APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS
Cheese, Carrot, Vegetable April Showers Bring May Flowers
Apple Umbrella with Bell Pepper Flowers
Sandwich Umbrella with Rain Tortilla, Watermelon and Cucumber Flowers
MAY DAY
May Day Veggie Sandwich, May Pole Strawberries and Cream
Noodle May Day Pole, Vegetable Flowers
Quesadilla and Vegetables May Day Basket
FLOWERING TREES
Vegetable Potato Salad Cherry Blossoms
Strawberry Cream Cheese Plum Blossoms
LILY OF THE VALLEY
Cream Cheese Lily of the Valley
Apple and Chive Lily of the Valley
GARDENING
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. I made this fun meal for myself. I rarely make food with rainbows since I find it difficult but I am happy with this very simple rainbow. Click here to see my St. Patrick’s Day food collection.
Container: Book Bento Box
Contents: Rainbow – Red, Yellow, Green bell pepper, cottage cheese, Shamrocks – Tortilla chips cut with a cookie cutter, brushed with olive oil, bake in 375 over for about 10 minutes. Pot of Gold – Peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and non-fat milk powder, dried pineapple
Decorations:
Dining Room: This is the first March that I decorated my Dining Room. I bought the shamrock wreath from Walmart online but I can’t find the same one to link. I made the simple Shamrock garland with paper, hole punch, and string. The trophies are from my youth Irish Step Dancing days. I received the Belleek Irish Cottage tea light holder in 2004.
Hallway Floating Shelves: St. Patrick themed honeycomb decorations, plastic shamrocks (from Dollar Tree years ago), cards from my 20 year old niece and Mom.
I made this meal for myself since I am often looking for new ways to depict shamrocks and flags in food.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Shamrock – Polenta cut with a cookie cutter, cream cheese, spinach, roasted broccoli
Top Right: Cucumber, hummus
Bottom Right: Pistachios with shamrocks drawn with food coloring marker
I made this Astronaut as a guest post for another blog in 2016. The host site no longer exists so I am now publishing the details here.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Astronaut – Wheat bread (cut with a cookie cutter) peanut butter sandwich, Trader Joes Cheddar Rocket crackers
Top Right: Stars – Cucumber and carrot cut with a cookie cutter
Bottom Right: Stars – Cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, blackberries
My 20 year old niece and I made this hippo meal. I made and cut the pizza dough, she did the rest.
Container: U Konserve
Contents: Large Hippo – pizza dough cut with a cookie cutter, mozzarella cheese, Small Hippos, pizza dough, rainbow carrot sticks, blueberries
Happy March! Here is my collection of lamb or lion themed meals. As with my other collections, I will update when I create something new.
Updated: 2/14/26.
2026: Lion Hummus and Lamb Cheese Ball
2025: Mandarin Oranges with Yogurt, Cottage Cheese with White Chocolate and Almonds
2024: Cheese
2022: Pizza
2021: Roasted Sweet and White Potato over Pesto
2017: Hard Boiled Egg
2017: Quesadilla
2016: Peanut Butter Sandwich
2015: Macaroni and Cheese
2014: Sweet Potato and White Potato Shephard’s Pies
2013: Cheese Shapes with Tortilla Roll-Ups
2012: Rice
I made this fun and simple lunch for myself.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Sheep – cheddar cheese (cut with a cookie cutter), food marker detail, cheese tortellini with Italian dressing, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olive
Top Right: Utz White Cheddar Cheese Balls
Bottom Right: Sheep – apple slice cut with a cookie cutter, apple
My 20 year old niece and I made this meal.
Glass Container with Lid
Caterpillars: Rainbow carrots cut with a cookie cutter
Leaf: Fougasse bread
Dirt: Nutella
Last weekend, my 24 year old niece came over for lunch and a visit. It was delightful to catch up and give her a tour of my house.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Elephants – Bell pepper and cucumber cut with a cookie cutter, romaine, Tortilla chips – cut flour tortilla with cookie cutter, brush with olive oil, sprinkled with salt – bake in 375 over for about 10 minutes,
Top Right: Pistachio nuts
Bottom Right: Poppy Seed Bagels
Mini Dippers: Raspberry Vinaigrette – I didn’t use the raw onion
I know that this does not look like Abe Lincoln. My Dad ate this and had no idea what the theme was supposed to be. But, I provided fun nourishment to my family and that is what really matters.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Abraham Lincoln – Pizza crust cut with a cookie cutter, mozzarella cheese, garlic, black olive
Top Right: Pistachios
Bottom Right: Lincoln Hat – Peanut Butter cup cut with a cookie cutter.
This is my collection of winter themed food including snowmen, snowflakes and winter sports. As with my other collections, I plan to update when I create something new.
Updated: 2/19/25
SNOWMAN
Vegetable Potato Salad Snowman
SNOWFLAKE
Rice and Fresh Mozzarella Snowflake
Blue Mashed Potato and Cream Cheese Snowflakes
Tortilla Chips, Apple, Zucchini, and Chocolate Snowflakes
Mashed Potato, Apple, Radish Snowflakes
WINTER SPORTS
FIREPLACE
Mashed Potato and Bell Pepper Fireplace
SNOW
Happy Valentine’s Day! This is my first year decorating my fireplace and mantle for February. Last year I did not yet have the mantle. Also I was too busy working on my house to decorate. I am very pleased with the results! It makes me happy to view it and know that I made it myself.
Felt Rose Wreath – I used this template but cut by hand. I used three different shades of pink, cut leaves out of green felt, the heart wreath form was from Hobby Lobby. I used a lot of hot glue for this project and of course burned myself a little as is common when I use my hot glue gun.
Valentine Garland – I bought the wooden bead garland with tassel ends at Hobby Lobby. I also bought the wooden hearts. I glued paper on the hearts, made a hole with an awl, threaded thin ribbon and tied to garland.
XO Sign and Background – I bought the sign at Hobby Lobby. Since it was not clearly visible against the white fireplace, I covered a piece of carboard with decorative paper.
Green Vase with Fabric Roses – I have had the green vase for a long time. The satin roses were used with birdseed at my wedding since we were told to have guests throw birdseed after exiting the church. A coworker and my Aunt helped me prepare the roses. I think they are beautiful and match this theme.
Pink Taper Candles in Glass Holders
Heart Waffles with Ricotta, Strawberries and Maple Syrup – I made this meal for myself to celebrate myself and have a cute Valentine themed meal in my beautiful dining room. The paper Valentine was an art therapy assignment to make a Valentine for myself.
These are my hallway floating shelves for seasonal decor.
Top Shelf: Valentine card from my parents. Stuffed animal Kangaroo with heart (had this a long time).
Bottom Shelf: Wooden elephants cut with my Cricut machine. My 20 year old niece styled the elephants. I added some hearts for the season.
Go here to see my Valentine collection.
I made this meal for my Mom. I don’t have a lot of success depicting cupid out of food. I don’t consider this a success but I think it is okay for a cupid. They are odd looking. Here is my collection of Valentine themed meals with my past cupids.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Cupid – Niishiki rice shaped in a cookie cutter with plastic wrap, Wing – cream cheese, Eye – spinach cut with a straw, Mouth – piece of bell pepper, roasted asparagus
Top Right: Macadamia nuts
Bottom Right: Hearts – Red bell pepper cut with a cookie cutter, fresh mozzarella balls
I made this meal as a Valentine for myself.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Heart – Tomato Tart
Top Right: Macadamia nuts
Bottom Right: Raspberries
I made this lunch for my Dad.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Heart – homemade polenta cut with a cookie cutter, tomato sauce, peas
Top Right: Pistachios with hearts drawn with food coloring marker
Bottom Right: Strawberries
Here is my kitchen. Last November, I hired contractors to build an island with beverage refrigerator and create a tile backsplash. I also purchased quartz counters. I love my renovated kitchen! Below you can see before and after photos. The nook, counters, sink, faucet, backsplash, floor, and island are new.
Paint: Sherwin Williams Biscuit (I did the painting myself.)
Floor: Sheet vinyl (I tried to get slightly better flooring but the install person said he couldn’t do it because of slope.) I know it does not make sense but I didn’t want to spend a lot on the kitchen floor anyway. I really did not have a choice of color. The floor was done last winter.
Nook Ceiling Light: I hired an electrician to move and change the light over the nook. (He did this the same time he put electricity and light in dining room.)
Outlet / Switch Plates: Charleston White
Counters: Quartz
Tile Backsplash: Pickets since I wanted something more whimsical than rectangles
Nook: From Wayfair. I don’t like the look of knotty pine so eventually I will probably paint it and add cushions for my guests comfort. This is a wonderful nook and my kitchen has the perfect spot for it.
Island: Built by contractors with space for beverage refrigerator. I don’t know why the kitchen did not previously have an island. It is perfect for the space.
Utensil Holder: I love this! It is larger than my last one.
Salt Cellar: I love this! It is very easy to open with one hand.
Soap Dispensers with Tray: Renae’s daughter Elizabeth found the design, cut with my Cricut and installed.
Art: I printed some of my past food creations and put them in frames. Mushrooms, Hug Your Cat, Flower Ravioli, Honeydew Melon Cake
Command Station: Baskets, Menu White Board
“Before” photo.
“Before” photo.
“Before” photo.
Go here to see links for all of my other home decorating projects.
Happy Groundhog Day! Here is my collection of groundhog themed meals. As with my other collections, I will update when I create something new.
Most of these use this cookie cutter.
Updated 1/18/26.
2026: Cinnamon Cheese
2023: Nutella and Whipped Cream Pancake
2022: Ravioli
2021: Polenta
2019: Quesadilla
2018: Rice
2016: Mashed Potato with Soy Sauce
2015: Rice with Soy Sauce
2013: Peanut Butter Sandwich
My niece and my Mom made this breakfast when at my house.
Groundhog – Pancake cut with cookie cutter, Nutella, eye – chocolate chip
Droppings – Chocolate chips
Snow Covered Ground – Pancake with whipped cream
Others in this series:
Bunny, Camel, Cows, Dinosaurs, Ghosts, Moose, Raccoon, Sloth, Squirrels
Tuesday was Carol’s birthday so I had her over for a birthday meal. The wellington is a favorite and I have made it for many Thanksgivings and Carol’s birthdays. This year I served it with spiralized carrots to add something different. Since it was a worknight I kept the meal easy and bought dessert and flowers at Wegmans. The centerpiece also served as a gift for Carol.
Vegetable Wellington (I used frozen Puffed Pastry and for vegetables used zucchini, red bell pepper, and asparagus), served with Citrus Beurre Blanc sauce (recipe at the bottom)
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Carrots – I used my spiralizer and rainbow carrots
Wegmans Chocolate Tartlet
My friend Deborah’s birthday is this week. I had her over for dinner. I asked for food requests and she said, “Mexican flavors / spices”. I find it so much fun to get menu inspiration from friends. We both enjoyed!
Note: You can see a glimpse of my new Valentine’s Day decorations. Last year I was busy working on the house and did not have a mantle yet. This is my first year decorating for this season. I added some customization to a purchased garland, created the felt roses wreath, and papered cardboard to go behind the sign.
Tomato Avocado Salad with Balsamic Dressing – I didn’t use the cucumbers and raw onion
Vegan Black Bean Taquitos – these were easy to make and delicious
Mexican Chocolate Pots de Creme (I would not make again so won’t provide link)
Spiced Maple Pistachios – These were delicious!
I don’t think that these look like cats but that is what they were supposed to be. I made this for my friend Carol. When I asked for her food or theme requests, she requested the quinoa cakes I shared here. I always enjoy requests and presenting food in different ways and these are delicious quinoa cakes.
Container: U Konserve
Contents: Cats – quinoa cakes, Ears – carrot, Face – spinach cut with mini cutter, Black Bean Sauce – black beans, salsa, balsamic vinegar blended in a food processor, Fish – Cheddar cheese, romaine
Round Container: Green grapes
My niece and I made this meal for her lunch. The theme was her request.
Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers
Top: Yogurt Pudding with mini chocolate chips on top (see recipe below)
Bottom: Cow – Niishiki rice shaped with plastic wrap in a cookie cutter, mushroom details, Mushroom Soup
Yogurt Pudding
32 oz plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup whipped cream
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 cup milk
2 packets gelatin – 0.5 oz each
I made this adorable snowman lunch for my Mom. I was inspired to do a snowman since I was making polenta and she likes cream cheese.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Snowman – Homemade polenta (cut with a cookie cutter), cream cheese, Hat – cucumber, Eyes and Buttons – dried blueberry, Nose – carrot sprinkle, peas
Top Right: Utz snowflake pretzels
Bottom Right: Pistachios (snowflakes drawn with food coloring marker)
I made this rice and peas lunch for my Dad. I included Radish since it is one of his favorites.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Snowflake – Niishiki rice shaped with plastic wrap in a cookie cutter, pearl fresh mozzarella attached with spaghetti, peas
Top Right: Snowflake – Peppermint Patty, Macedonia Almonds
Bottom Right: Snowflakes – Radish cut with a cookie cutter, cucumber
I made this meal for my Mom. The fougasse bread was supposed to be a snowflake.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Snowflake – Fougasse (ladder) bread – Great Breads by Martha Rose Shulman (see below)
Top Right: Honey Walnut Cream Cheese – chopped walnuts, cream cheese, honey
Bottom Right: Sliced strawberries
My Mom and 20 year old niece made these pancakes when at my house.
Sloth – Chocolate chip pancake cut with cookie cutter
Branch – Chocolate chip pancake cut with cookie cutter, Nutella
Droppings – Chocolate chips
Others in this series:
Bunny, Camel, Cows, Dinosaurs, Ghosts, Moose, Raccoon, Squirrels
I made this snowman themed tortellini lunch for my Mom. It was an easy but attractive meal on a busy day.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Snowman – cheddar cheese (cut with a cookie cutter), food marker details, cheese tortellini with Italian dressing, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olive
Top Right: Utz White Cheddar Cheese Balls
Bottom Right: Snowman – apple cut with a cookie cutter, cinnamon details with toothpick used to write, Mandarin orange slices
On New Years Day, my niece made homemade ramen. She did most of the work. I only helped with the broth, some toppings and prepared the dessert. Five of us enjoyed the delicious ramen with toppings (my friend Carol joined us). We reused some table decorations from the night before. It was an extraordinary start to the new year!
Ramen – she used this for the broth, this for the noodles
Toppings
Snickerdoodles – served warm from the oven
Eclectic Lamb 
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