Fried pickles make me think of my friend, Stephanie, who I met in Chicago, but she was Southern as the day is long. She had a beautiful lilt to her voice, she was so comfortable in her skin (I still envy her that), and she'd been through some awful times (her father passed away, and … Continue reading Old Bay Pickle Chips
Homemade Pimento Cheese
Hey, y'all! Our family was excited to take our second trip to coastal South Carolina last week, and it was SUCH a dream. I don't know why, but I'm obsessed with Spanish moss. I think it's haunting/romantic/creepy all at the same time. My kids and husband never missed an opportunity to poke fun at me … Continue reading Homemade Pimento Cheese
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
For whatever reason, when I was a newlywed and found myself in a new town with 0 friends, I discovered Food Network and The Barefoot Contessa and developed a serious girl crush on Ina Garten. Where had she been all my life?? Ohhh, right, living an impossibly posh life in the Hamptons with Broadway producers … Continue reading Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Italian Bruschetta
Processed with VSCO with e5 preset 3 cups chopped tri-color tomatos 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata and green olives 1 TBS store bought pesto sauce 1 large garlic clove, grated 1/3 cup grated fresh parmesean or pecorino 3 TBS olive oil (or more depending on your taste!) 3 TBS fresh chopped basil, plus more for garnish … Continue reading Italian Bruschetta
Summer Street Tacos
Processed with VSCO with e5 preset Hey! It isn't often you get to partner with adorable, young college students on a food project! Can you imagine my delight at being approached by a former student about collaborating with her on a delicious steak recipe? Collegiate Cattlewomen of K-State is the name of her organization, and … Continue reading Summer Street Tacos
Karie’s Aunt’s Taco Salad
So, I was at a potluck the other night, checking out all the food, since...you know, that's what you do at a potluck. What a feast for the senses! It's so fun to get a glimpse of what everyone's tastes are. What everyone thinks is special enough to serve to their friends. I love it … Continue reading Karie’s Aunt’s Taco Salad
Butterfinger Blondies
Why ever not? I ask! Candy in cookies is one of life's most precious pleasures. Why should Blizzards and Sonic Blasts get to have all the fun? Through lots of experimentation, I found that leaving the Butterfingers in semi-big chunks creates these addictive little crunch-pockets throughout. If you're as obsessed with crunch as I am, … Continue reading Butterfinger Blondies
Norwegian Krumkake
One of the (many) things I love about plays and musicals is that it opens you up to all kinds of new cultures and worlds. I probably never would have ventured to try krumkake if not for Church Basement Ladies. What a fun experience! I actually learned quite a bit about special Norwegian dishes. My … Continue reading Norwegian Krumkake
Frantic and frenzied
Frenzied can definitely describe this spring, and early summer. I feel like we’re all burning the candle at both ends. Thank goodness planting is over, and scott has been able to get the crops treated. You have a pretty narrow window to get the corn sprayed before it gets too tall, and he was sweating … Continue reading Frantic and frenzied
Green Chicken Enchiladas
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
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
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
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
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
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