Ok, so hotdish/casseroles! They're the bread and butter of a family's survival when extracurricular activities take family members away from home in the evenings. I've been away a lot since rehearsals started for Church Basement Ladies, (I was honestly hoping to audition for the next production at Theater Atchison, but those hopes were dashed when … Continue reading Green Chicken Enchiladas
Kathy’s Shortcut Caramel Bars
My mother Kathy used to make these all the time growing up! Lucky for me, I never knew how easy they were to make. Something this yummy shouldn't be this easy, you almost feel like you're sinning as you smell the glorious smells wafting from your oven. My mum got this recipe from an old … Continue reading Kathy’s Shortcut Caramel Bars
Church Basement Chipper Bars
My mom made these all. the. time. growing up. They are straight out of the church basement cookbook, and as everyone knows, the best recipes come from church cookbooks, don't they? Processed with VSCO with e5 preset I was inspired to revisit this recipe since I was recently cast in Church Basement Ladies, it's adorable, … Continue reading Church Basement Chipper Bars
You’ll Never Work in This Town…Oh Wait…
Here's a little Gigstad Family update! I'm sad to announce that my partnership with Rainbow Communications has ended, so I won't be filming full episodes anymore. But I'm looking at it as a door closing and keeping my eyes open to future windows of opportunity presenting themselves! In the meantime, I've been doing some shorter … Continue reading You’ll Never Work in This Town…Oh Wait…
Easy Parmesan Grits
This week we looked at South Carolina with the children, it grows more peaches than Georgia??? What? My world is shattered! I absolutely love seeing the kids try new things. NONE of them had tried grits before (with the exception of Liesl), and they all seemed to really enjoy them. I had mostly empty bowls … Continue reading Easy Parmesan Grits
Chocolate Pub Cake
I remember trying to appear sophisticated in my mid-twenties when I lived in Chicago. I'd order Guinness sometimes when I was out and about, thinking that my choice of beverage disguised my farm-girl roots. Oh sweet Jessica, bless your heart, you weren't fooling anyone! I'm not really ok with drinking a whole Guinness by myself, … Continue reading Chocolate Pub Cake
Pecan Pie Minis
Processed with VSCO with e5 preset Last week's study of the United States was on Georgia, and as I stated in a previous post, I have the happy task of picking a recipe each week from each state to try with our school group. Georgia...Georgia... Where to go? What to do? The food options were … Continue reading Pecan Pie Minis
Hot Chocolate Affogato
Here’s a lovely winter treat for you! Affogato literally means "drowned" in Italian. It's difficult to imagine anything more lovely than drowning ice cream in hot chocolate, right? These dreary days are in desperate need of a little perking up! First, my kids adore these, and I love any excuse to break out the espresso … Continue reading Hot Chocolate Affogato
Handpies for Kids!
So, our kiddos in our homeschool co-op are studying a new state in the United States each week. Learning about it's history, landmarks, topography, etc. And so, my friend had the fantastic idea to pick a food from each state in the United States to have each week. I’m in charge of picking the food … Continue reading Handpies for Kids!
Pink Hummus for the holiday win!
Dazzle your friends with this super-pretty appetizer! It’s only two ingredients (ok, ok, not counting the garnishes) plus you can have it with veggies OR carbs, so you are winning, winning, winning your holiday get-together. If you’re not going to a holiday get-together, you can just impress yourself. You will need... 1 10 oz tub … Continue reading Pink Hummus for the holiday win!
Pistachio Pudding Muffins
As I mentioned in a previous post, on a trip to Massachusetts this summer, I became rather obsessed with these pistachio muffins Scott and I would have every morning. And then I thought, I needed recreate them at home, complete with the crunchy, sugary topping. And so, here they are! A Christmas gift to you! … Continue reading Pistachio Pudding Muffins
Apple Harvest Salad
This salad has so much going for it, and it's the prettiest winter salad eva! I love how it's mostly sweet, but it's got some spice, kind of like me! hahahahah *kneeslap* I think this salad is truly elegant and definitely worthy of a holiday get-together, whatever the size! The pears and the gorgonzola together … Continue reading Apple Harvest Salad
Baked Fontina
You guys, this is very, very special. Baked Fontina is a dish as special as grandma's china, your wedding dress, the birth of your children, I'm serious. This is a special occasion appetizer, it's so decadent and serving something warm and luscious in a cast iron skillet brings so much joy. I was so thrilled … Continue reading Baked Fontina
Vanilla Spice Pudding
My hubs and son are big fans of pudding. Smooth, creamy and dreamy, plus it keeps great in the fridge! I also tell myself it’s got a lot of protein which is good for the kiddos. I don't talk to myself about the sugar in it. My self doesn't have time for that kind of … Continue reading Vanilla Spice Pudding
This post is not perfect…but Martha’s Vineyard is!
Ugh! It's just been such an emotional year! Are you with me in being so, so tired? Just emotionally drained? Depleted? Exhausted? Spent? Numb? Comatose? Ok, I'll stop now! Because life has resembled an emotional rollercoaster the past few weeks, I hope you'll keep your expectations low on this being a perfectly written post, but, … Continue reading This post is not perfect…but Martha’s Vineyard is!
Light and Fluffy Bacon Cornbread
Are you like me, in that you don't really go for that super dense, cumbersome cornbread? On a trip to South Carolina over the summer we went to a fantastic restaurant with the BEST cornbread! It was almost like cake, just moist, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth....No exaggeration, my sweet son Cal INHALED two man-size pieces in about … Continue reading Light and Fluffy Bacon Cornbread
Pork Chili Verde
When the cold weather sets in, by January I have made chili and cinnamon rolls 1,875 times. This cannot go on. We need a NEW chili recipe that's just as delicious and easy as my fall-back. This pork chili checks all the boxes. I happen to love the zing of lime! You will need...2 TBS … Continue reading Pork Chili Verde
Chipotle “Mock and Cheese”
Ok, I'm super excited about this recipe. It's at least half healthy because...it's half cauliflower and half pasta, and it's amazing! It's so saucy, so spicy, and the crunch on the top...I'm dead! I don't feel guilty eating it at all. And you can play with the proportions of pasta to cauliflower, depending on how … Continue reading Chipotle “Mock and Cheese”
Easy White Queso
Shockingly easy! And who does not love chips and dip for a party! I broke out the Halloween cookie cutters, and toasted up some different colored tortillas in the oven to accompany this truly irresistible dip. It has a little spice from the enchilada sauce, but it's mild enough for your miniature monsters. Liesl happened … Continue reading Easy White Queso
Monster Cupcakes
Scott and I took a little holiday this summer for our anniversary, (10 years!) and (to Martha’s Vineyard, if you’re curious) every morning we’d stop by this cute little bakery for breakfast before we set out to do our touristy activities. And, as vacation carbs don’t count, I was intrigued/addicted to these fantastic pistachio muffins! … Continue reading Monster Cupcakes
Slow-Cooker Cyclops Sliders
These are basically just sloppy joes but with pork, all dressed up in their scary Halloween outfits! Sloppy Joes are my kiddos favorite food, maybe second only to chili. So, I knew that these would be intriguing to them! Everyone in my family also loves pulled pork, so this one is a winner all around. … Continue reading Slow-Cooker Cyclops Sliders
Sausage Biscuit Casserole
Hearty, and pretty quick and easy for a weeknight, especially if you use canned biscuits. Might I suggest you give my Tall, Flakey, Sexy Biscuit recipe a try? You will need... ● 2 lbs country sausage● 3 cups chopped curly kale● 2 cups cubed squash (butternut or acorn)● 1 cup chopped vidalia onion● 1 cup … Continue reading Sausage Biscuit Casserole
Apple Cider Donuts
These are a bit of a process, but by golly, they're worth it! Quite literally impossible to stop eating! These are going to be a bit cakier than your normal, yeast donut because of all the sugar in the cider, but they're not as dense as your traditional cake donut. I think they're a perfect … Continue reading Apple Cider Donuts
German Potato Salad
Every year, when the weather turns chilly, I look forward to the Atchison Oktoberfest like it’s Christmas! And in a way, it is! There’s so much joy, a chill in the air...There are so many crafty vendors up and down the mall, jazz bands, DJs, tons of people and kiddos out enjoying themselves, plus all … Continue reading German Potato Salad
Top 5 things that have been going on…can you relate?
Hey! Even with a pandemic, it seems like life just doesn't slow down, does it? We're busy here, preparing for school, trying to tie up some loose ends before we get bogged down with harvest and some evening activities starting up again (fingers crossed!!). These things have been keeping me (ok, distracting me!) from touching … Continue reading Top 5 things that have been going on…can you relate?
Baklava Bites
Who says desserts can't be fried? If we're being honest, this is a little Greek/Asian fusion that's so delicious and addictive. It got rave reviews from Jeff and Abby , who came over to help film the Greek Feast Episode a few weeks ago. I wanted to combine the flavors of baklava (honey, nuts, flakiness) … Continue reading Baklava Bites
Strawberry-Mint Dipping Sauce
This could go on any number of desserts. Ice cream, pancakes, French toast, those sweet pita chips from the grocery store?? You will need: 1 pint strawberries, washed and hulled and quartered 2 TBS lemon juice 3 TBS sugar 1 sprig fresh mint Combine all the ingredients in medium saucepan over medium heat. Let the … Continue reading Strawberry-Mint Dipping Sauce
Mediterranean Nachos
Salty, creamy, spicy, check all the boxes on this appetizer! I promptly devoured this plate of deliciousness after it’s beauty shots were done and made it dinner. It's nice and light, but still hearty and satisfying, I think it checks all the boxes for a summer night on the patio. 1 can chickpeas drained, rinsed … Continue reading Mediterranean Nachos
Sour Cream Scones
Sour Cream Scones are getting my family (ok, maybe just me!) through what appears to be a dreary weekend. They’re a snap to put together and you can throw in whatever you want. Chocolate, berries, nuts, anything 🙂 Enjoy! Wet ingredients:1/2 cup cold milk1/2 cup sour cream1 tsp vanilla extract Dry ingredients:2 cups flour1/2 cup … Continue reading Sour Cream Scones
Tropical Cake
This is a little spin off Sena's Rum cake, which won the Mother's Day recipe contest a few months ago. I happen to love coconut, and I had a can of coconut milk languishing in my pantry. I thought I'd just up the ante on this very shareable cake and make it perfect for summer. … Continue reading Tropical Cake
Sunshine Bars
These are fun and different for your dessert rotation! They're tart, tangy, buttery, and a little zing of lemon calms the grapefruit aftertaste, so you get the best of everything! I think these would look beautiful on a Mother's Day spread or for any kind of summer get-together. These Sunshine Bars will be featured in … Continue reading Sunshine Bars
Greek Lamb Kebabs
We're taking a little departure from your usual summer fare here! I lurrrve me some Greek food! There was a fantastic restaurant in Greektown in Chicago that I frequented when I lived there. I remember the grilled octopus and nothing else, honestly. It tasted vaguely of charcoal and the ocean, and it was so tender … Continue reading Greek Lamb Kebabs
A little update…
Well, hello there! It’s been a while and just like you, I’ve been trying to keep up with everything that’s going on in our country right now. Some joyful things are that Cal is freshly 5 (sob! I’m not joyful about this at all). What will I do when he’s too old to want to … Continue reading A little update…
Knievel Lemon Bars
These tangy, delicate little bars make an appearance for every Fry/Knievel holiday. Until recently, I was under the impression that they were my mom's recipe since she makes them for every Fry/Knievel holiday, but no! Lo and behold there was Aunt Rita's name in the Knievel cookbook. It felt like the time I figured out … Continue reading Knievel Lemon Bars
Sena’s Rum Cake
Congratulations to Sena of Woodstock, Georgia! If you follow Highbrowdownhome on FB or Instagram @extravagantwife, you might recall that I had a Mother's Day recipe contest going, asking viewers of the show to submit their favorite recipe they associate with mom. Sena submitted this scrumptious cake recipe, and it's so luscious, PLUS it has a … Continue reading Sena’s Rum Cake
Mother’s Day Chicken Salad
As many of you’ve found, it’s been about bloody impossible to stay out of the snacks during this “unprecedented time.” It’s been a daily struggle for me not to throw caution to the wind, and dive headfirst into multiple bags of chips, crackers, etc. I’ve been trying to keep my sanity with daily walks, etc, … Continue reading Mother’s Day Chicken Salad
Three Cheese Beer Dip
I was lucky enough to get to see my dad a few weeks ago. I served this up one evening and he absolutely adored this dip. As in "Jessica, you should be a restaurant consultant" loved it. Bless his heart! So in my clinical study, it's a big hit with the men-folk. You're going to … Continue reading Three Cheese Beer Dip
Great Loss and Small Gain
Scott has been selling hay to Brian, a beef farmer out by Seneca for years and years. It takes nine trips for Brian to haul all the hay to their farm, which is about 45 minutes away from us. It's a several day process, Brian has a lot of mouths to feed! Sadly, I’ve never … Continue reading Great Loss and Small Gain
Pecan Glazed Ham
Is there anything more perfect for Easter than a beautiful, show-stopping ham? Methinks not. I love how this dish is so hands-off! Show-stopping and easy?? I'm all ears! (Hahah bunny reference there!) You will need: 1 9-12 lb spiral-cut pre-cooked ham 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup honey 3 TBS stone ground or spicy mustard … Continue reading Pecan Glazed Ham
Berry Bruchetta
This is my all time favorite. Anyone who knows me, knows I would leave this earth completely happy with any form of bruschetta as my last meal. This sweet version is incredible. It's creamy, crunchy, tangy, sweet. All the delicious adjectives you can think of! It also happens to be one of the first things … Continue reading Berry Bruchetta
Homemade Tropical Granola
I began selling this granola at the Atchison Farmer's market a few years ago. I began experimenting with it at home and thought it was too delicious not to share. Did it take off like gang-busters and conquer the world? Erm...maybe I should have put a little more effort into my business plan? Let's just … Continue reading Homemade Tropical Granola
Mexi-Tot Breakfast Casserole
This feeds a hungry crowd. I love the spicy kick in the pants it gives to a traditional brunch. You're going to need... A large assembly of tater tots (I think I counted 70+ one time?) 2 packages beef chorizo, cooked and drained (or 1 package country sausage, browned and drained) 8 eggs 1 cup … Continue reading Mexi-Tot Breakfast Casserole
Tall, Flakey, Sexy Biscuits!
Yields 6 biscuits. This recipe is easily doubled for a crowd. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Butter a pie pan, cast iron skillet, or baking sheet. Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt). Work the cold butter in with a pastry cutter, fork, or pulse together in a food … Continue reading Tall, Flakey, Sexy Biscuits!
An Outsider’s Guide to the Colorado Ski Resorts
One of the (many) things I love about my husband is that he turned me onto the beauty of Colorado and the many pleasures it affords (I've been re-reading Pride and Prejudice, can you tell??). One of the best activities to do there is ski, of course. I've been going out with Scott for a … Continue reading An Outsider’s Guide to the Colorado Ski Resorts
Nashville Chicken Sliders
I love these spicy little guys! They've got the whole shebang, literally! Spice, crunch, sweetness, and bite. They're the perfect size too, I like putting the chicken on a slider bun so the chicken drapes out the sides. Side note: is food draping a thing? Add some pickles, and stick a fork in me, I'm … Continue reading Nashville Chicken Sliders
Perfect Home Fries
Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest, no? You don't get much more simple than these home fries. I love to add in the sweet potato for some beautiful color and flavor. You will need: 3 medium brown potatoes 1 peeled medium sweet potato 3 TBS olive oil 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 … Continue reading Perfect Home Fries
Barbecue Popcorn
Mmmkay, let me tell you about this addictive substance! Barbecue Popcorn is so fun, so EASY and super-tasty. It travels really well to any kind of outdoor/tailgate/potluck situation you may have, and definitely a step up from just salt and butter. I’m smitten with it, (as in I catch myself standing over the bowl) and … Continue reading Barbecue Popcorn
Potato Sausage Galette
So pretty, so rustic, you'll be so glad you gave this a try! It's a hearty, satisfying breakfast. Flakey crust enveloping delicious sausage, creamy potatoes and the whole eggs resting on top? I'm dead! You will need: 12-16 oz breakfast sausage (such as Jimmy Dean's) 2 medium red potatoes diced to bite size pieces 1/2 … Continue reading Potato Sausage Galette
Skillet Chicken Enchiladas
Diet food that doesn't taste like diet food? Ok, sign me up! Deprivation is for the birds! Skillet Chicken Enchiladas have so many fun flavors and textures and COLORS, oh my gosh! Plus, I love the presentation of this secretly healthy dish. I happen to use a 12 inch cast iron skillet, but you could … Continue reading Skillet Chicken Enchiladas
HBDH Episode 2: Brunch Bliss…Blissful Brunch? A Brunch Full of Bliss?
My family and I recently took a trip to Florida! Pictured below is not Florida. It's flying into Chicago on the way home. It was a cruel 0 degrees. Zero. Lord, have mercy. From 80 to 0. The humanity!!Being in the south (although I don't think Florida technically counts as THE South, does it??? Can … Continue reading HBDH Episode 2: Brunch Bliss…Blissful Brunch? A Brunch Full of Bliss?
Classic Madeleines
Madeleines are beautiful “squat, plump little cakes"immortalized by Marcel Proust, and loved by generations. I like to think of them as French biscotti in a sense because they are purrrfect with coffee. Since I baked bunches of them for “French Cafe at Home,” I’ve had a surplus of madeleines on hand, and no lie, I … Continue reading Classic Madeleines