If you like a pumpkin cake, then you will enjoy this treat filled with William Sonoma’s Pecan Pumpkin Butter then topped with Caramel Icing. So good!

Not your traditional cranberry sauce for your next holiday meal. Fruity, spicy and nutty make this side dish the perfect compliment to turkey, chicken or pork. Put this on your left over turkey sandwich and you won’t be disappointed!

A family-favorite recipe from the Junior League of Springfield Honest to Goodness Cookbook. My version of the Illini Pork Medallions recipe is great served on a crusty roll paired with your favorite soup recipe or can be served over mashed potatoes for a Sunday night dinner. Both options are certain to please.

To say I am a fan of Ina Garten is an understatement. Her warm gentle nature resonates with me when she is preparing a meal. Not only do I love to watch her cook, but I have not made a recipe from one of her cookbooks that it has not become one of my go-to family favorites. Her corn chowder is at the top of the list. It is hearty and speaks to what we love in every way. Thank you, Ina Garten for lending your talents to the masses.

Every party should start with a “Welcome Cocktail”. A pumpkin martini is a great option for your fall gathering. Combination of cinnamon liqueur and vanilla rum make this drink so yummy, it is like having dessert before dinner.

If you like pumpkin butter, flaky pastry and brie cheese then this super easy appetizer is one to showcase at your next holiday gathering. It can be made in one large torte or in a mini cupcake pan for individual appetizers. So delicious and sweet it is dessert before dinner.

When you think of Italy do you think of beautiful lemon linens, wine, pasta and great bread? I do. The Italians are known for amazing lemon trees, hence limoncello of Sorrento. Hopefully, this makes you want to create an Italian lemon feast for your upcoming dinner party.

Growing up in Tampa and making many visits to Ybor City, one of my favorite meals growing up was a Cuban Boliche’. My mom found this wonderful authentic Cuban meat shop where she purchased this roast stuffed and ready to bake in the oven. Very often this was a special treat served on a Sunday afternoon due to the length of time to prepare and cook. Hint - great food often takes days of prep. This meal is no exception.

This cocktail is so refreshing and just down-right yummy! A semi-frozen fruity wine cocktail that is great by the pool, on the deck or served with my Cedar Plank Grilled Mango Pineapple Swordfish for a delightful summer night treat!

This is a great summer dish. Light and fresh but full of flavor. Swordfish is a mild, white meaty fish that performs really well on a soaked cedar plank. Who doesn’t love cedar plank grilled fish? Topped with my mango pineapple salsa and served over mixed greens and you have a refreshing light meal. Pair this with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a Mango Pineapple Sangria Cocktail and you have a spectacular dinner for 2 or 4! *Mango Pineapple Sangria Cocktail featured in another post.

Lots of bright colors for this tablescape! So fun and a “Gal Pal” kind of celebration; Birthday, Retirement, Bachelorette Party…whatever the occasion, your friends are sure to love it! This beautiful gray with gold rim plate ware is from the Addison Dinnerware collection @crateandbarrel.

One of my favorite tablescapes to date. I especially like the citrine glassware and chargers; they really compliment the lemon vibe.

Loving the sunshine on this outdoor table scape. The lavender and deep purple compliment the variations of green! The exquisite light gray linens and magnolia leaf placemats for this table scape are from @frontgate.

Blue and green hues pay tribute to spring florals tucked in a napkin of watercolor blooms from @williamsonomahome.

Pretty in Pink! Can you tell I like pink? Soft gold metallic accents elevate this delicate plate ware. However, the gorgeous florals and linens steal the show.

Italian Brodetto Seafood Stew is actually quite easy to make, and you should not be intimidated by the ingredient list. This is a great Sunday night dinner or for a special occasion such as Mother’s Day or Birthday. If you enjoy a seafood boil then you will love this Italian spin off. This dinner can be served with a light salad and a side of pasta or even served over pasta if you need a starch. For me lots of crusty bread soaked in the stew broth is all I need as an accompaniment.

Lemon Honey Parfait styled on my William Sonoma Lemon plates! If you want a light lemon dessert for Easter or any dinner, then this super easy dish is perfect. It has a fresh lemon flavor enhanced by the honey. I like to buy local organic honey to promote my personal wellness. Locally sourced honey is great for your immune system as the bees gather nectar from plants in your local environment. Like lemon desserts? You are sure to love my adaptation of this recipe from El Mundo Eats!

Fresh seasonal berries with cinnamon pecans make this salad more of a dessert! The special touch to this salad though is the whipped feta paired with the very light champagne vinaigrette. This salad is part of the Mother’s Bridal Luncheon Menu. I serve it with my Savory Chicken Salad Puffs and a Black Berry Tea. Not only is it a yummy lunch but is very pretty on the plate!

If you have ever been to Seaside, Florida then hopefully you have had the opportunity to visit the Great Southern Cafe and tried their Shrimp Grits A Ya Ya! They are simply the best. When my daughter said she found their recipe on 30A Eats, then we HAD to try it. The recipe did not disappoint. We made sure to read all of the suggestions and are happy we did because we decided to follow a recommendation and add the Old Bay Seasoning. So, this is my adapted version of an amazing restaurant’s signature dish!