Minneapolis Taste Buds

After another crazy weekend in Chicago, I need to get back on track. We went to my very first game at Wrigley on Sunday. Ever heard the catchy, but annoying Cubs song? It's been in my head for days now. Go Cubs go . . . Cripes - there it is again. Mark was able to reunite with the Starbucks apple fritter for 2 consecutive days, and we had a lot of quality time with our friend, Jackie, who took care of us and fed us well. I have today off to recover and to try to salvage our very thirsty garden in this sweltering heat. Meeting Mark for lunch, and then I think I'll workout and plan a nice dinner for us. It will be hard to beat sister Beth's fabulous Labor Day feast of grilled salmon and succotash though. Last week I made a great recipe from the September issue of Cooking Light that my dad and I just loved - Beef Daube Provencal . I'm not afraid to make it again this week.

My husband was very "meat and potatoes" when we met, but he credits me with making him brave enough to try almost anything. I have my family to thank for that. My dad used to own a restaurant and did the bulk of the cooking while I grew up. My mom was also a great cook and I think I got my baking skills from her. My sister is a chef and teaches cooking classes, so she's always telling me about her latest creations and sharing her recipes. My mother-in-law cooks amazing feasts whenever we're home for a weekend or the holidays, and I've learned a lot from her. The way she creates fantastic meals for 10-20, depending on which kids and grandkids are home, is incredible. One of my favorite things about her meals is the huge bowl of fruit she always has on hand. My husband and I almost always end our meals with a bowl of fruit. It curbs my "I need something sweet" craving and gives us a little something healthy instead of a full-blown dessert. I have some oth...