Growing up, one of my favorite things to order when out to dinner with my family was Irish nachos. Although traditional Irish nachos are made with sliced potatoes, I have always preferred the versions made with french fries. I was inspired to recreate this delicious dish over the weekend to accompany a day full of football. Since I was just making this dish for myself and my husband, the portion size is for approximately two people, but go ahead and double or triple the ‘recipe’ (it’s not much of a recipe!) if you are entertaining more guests.

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Some of my favorite days are spent in the kitchen cooking with my mom. Last year, we were preparing for a summer picnic and tasked with making a potato salad to accompany the rest of the BBQ food. After scouring the Internet for recipes, we finally decided to wing it and make up our own. This recipe is the result of that and it’s been a staple in our family ever since. I recently brought this potato salad to a 4th of July BBQ where it was a hit. Luckily, I made way too much, so we had tons of leftovers!

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Scalloped potatoes and ham always reminds me of my grandma. Although she doesn’t make it anymore, my mom and I made sure to learn the recipe; however, we adapted it by using Jarlsberg and gouda cheese, instead of my grandma’s favorite, Velveeta. :-) This hearty, comforting casserole is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast tomorrow (maybe minus the ham)!

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I’m always looking for delicious game day snacks to make on Saturday and Sunday. I came across these tater tot cups on Thrillist, and had to make them. These little guys were amazing! If you’re feeling crazy, dip them in some homemade ranch, as well. You’re welcome. :-)

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Hi everyone! I’m sorry I’ve been MIA–I was on vacation in Chicago last weekend, and got yet another gum surgery this week (let’s hope third time’s a charm!) I haven’t been in the kitchen much after the procedure, but was able to whip up these simple, savory mashed sweet potatoes, and they were delicious! These would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving dinner spread. :-)

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This recipe is incredibly simple; however, it doesn’t lack in the flavor department. I’ve always been a sucker for potatoes–mashed, smashed, baked, roasted, fried–so naturally, these smashed potatoes are my kind of meal. And it doesn’t hurt that bacon is involved. :)

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Happy New Year! After a wonderful two weeks off work, I’m finally back at the office today. I put cooking and blogging on the back burner over the break, but I’m back in action now and bring you potato croquettes. These crispy taters are a must-make. I brought the croquettes to a football party over the weekend and they were gobbled up in no time. I think my brother alone ate five of them!

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You might not believe me (or, you might) when I tell you that this is a Weight Watchers recipe. My mom and I made a few of the recipes while I was home this past weekend, and I’ve got to tell you–they’re fantastic!

We made these bacon, egg and spinach stacks on Mother’s Day morning. One breakfast cup was the perfect amount of food to tide us over before lunch at the country club. Though I’m not on the diet, I will most definitely make these again.

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It’s finally starting to feel like fall here in California, so I’m taking full advantage–donning boots, hats and scarves, and cooking/eating hearty meals. This chicken and potato corn chowder is the ideal comforting dinner on a chilly night.

For you soup fanatics out there, check out my potato and carrot soup, or my butternut squash soup. Or, head over to Sweet Pea’s Kitchen and check out Christina’s soup roundup.

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By Sue

My mom, Sue, is behind multiple recipes posted on my blog, but for some reason, I haven’t featured her on here yet. I find this really odd, particularly because she taught me everything I know today in regards to cooking and baking.

While visiting home last weekend, she made her version of my grandma’s renowned scalloped potatoes and ham. She altered the recipe a bit, but it still has the rich, hearty flavor with melt-in-your-mouth gooey cheese.

This meal will always hold a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my grandma, Doris/Mickey/Maxine–oh, just call her grandma/grammie/grams. I have fond memories of her making this dinner for my family when we lived in Ohio. Fifteen years later, we still ask that she make it every time she visits us in California. At 82-years-old, the woman can still make some mean scalloped potatoes and ham!

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