Penne a la Vodka

Today, our yearbook sponsor photographed the class favorites. This day always makes me smile because there is so much overlap between the categories. Most atheletic is also a valedictorian. Most school spirit has awesome style and is also brilliant. And so many of my students not there today show so many of these traits, tooContinue reading “Penne a la Vodka”

Hot Cheese Puffs

Happy Friday, y’all! It has been a week! I’m still in the midst of grading my last big set of papers for my seniors. I’ve been grading 8-10 hours a day, without seeing students except on Zoom, and I’m tired. But, it is Friday! And these little hot cheese puffs are the perfect accompaniment toContinue reading “Hot Cheese Puffs”

Michael’s Instapot Chicken Tikka Masala

Last year, I started teaching a night class for a few weeks before each ACT. And I loved getting to interact with kids from all different schools and meet some great personalities along the way. My little “side hustle” became one of the best parts of the week. Today, for the second time, I connectedContinue reading “Michael’s Instapot Chicken Tikka Masala”

Crème Brûlée

You want to know what really drives my kids crazy? Most of the “fancy” desserts I make leave the house. Grasshopper brownies for Christmas parties, cookies for my students, a cheesecake for a friend’s Thanksgiving. Sure, my kids get to taste. If I’m plating something, the edges I cut off are theirs, no questions asked.Continue reading “Crème Brûlée”

Smoky Venison Chili

Do your kids ever talk you into things that no one else can? I grew up in a hunting family. but I’m the only one of my siblings who has never killed a deer. My dad always offered — I was just never that interested. My husband, too, has offered, and while I’ve always beenContinue reading “Smoky Venison Chili”

Mexi Coleslaw

So what’s the craziest thing that’s happened during a Zoom meeting for you? Mine have been fairly tame so far. I mean, other than that news guy showing up the week we started all of this. In general, I’ve managed to mute out background noise (using my son’s Fortnite headset). I’ve been, if not “professionallyContinue reading “Mexi Coleslaw”