We’re a family with healthy appetites! We admit it, all of us love to eat! There’s an actual GB’s Kitchen in Kearney, Nebraska. It’s not a restaurant, it’s in my little house and it’s happiest when it’s full of six long-legged grand kids gathered round the table. This sign was a gift from one family…
A Simple Brunch for a Special Friend
Savoring some one-on-one time with someone who goes back with me a long, long time. Like so long ago we sewed clothes for Barbie when she came dressed in only her iconic 60’s black and white v-striped swimsuit. (Very slimming!) Like learning dance steps to a 45, stocking footed, on an immaculate linoleum floor in…
Butter Recipe Zucchini Bread
Made with real butter and lots of cinnamon, this zucchini bread is the best-tasting ever!! There’s a joke that goes around in rural Nebraska about this time every summer. Folks are warned not to leave their cars unlocked because if they do, they might find a back seat full of zucchini! It’s crazy prolific and…
“Tea Room” Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Inspired by the wildly popular chicken salad sandwiches served in the iconic Back Porch Tea Room. In 1996 we moved our country gift shop, Betty Jane’s, from the mall to a wonderful building on our old downtown main street. It was built in 1906 and sat on the main corner in the heart of the…
Perfect Big Batch Pumpkin Bread
Who says you can only eat pumpkin treats in the fall? Not this girl! Recently, our local newspaper began working on a feature cooking section that will be published in the fall some time. My friend Mary Jane writes for the paper and suggested, “Betty likes to bake. Why not call her?” The focus will…
“Fire and Ice” Watermelon Salsa
A beautiful change of pace appetizer. Cool and refreshing but with a nice little kick! Back in my catering days we were constantly looking for the next new thing to serve at an event. When I saw beautiful watermelon in the store recently, my mind jumped back to a salsa that had been a huge…
How to Make Classic Bruschetta in Minutes
You might know this has a back story because, well, I’ve almost always got one for you. It all started when I had my cottage industry beginning in the 80’s. We manufactured the most adorable appliqued tea towels under the name Apple Kay’s right here in little old Nebraska. Over a stretch of 22 years,…
High Class Hobo Potatoes
Here I go again, obsessing over the joy of fresh summer vegetables! Seriously though, what could be better than this? Fresh vegetables, easy clean up, all cooked on the grill so you don’t heat up the kitchen. I know what’s even better! These baby reds and veggies are just plain deliciousness!! What takes it over…
The Simple Summer Joy of a Sheet Pan Dinner
Summertime is a different kind of busy, at least at our house. Maybe yours is like that too? Our summer life is punctuated by ballgames and lots and lots of yard work on our acreage. We’re often out there until the sun goes down. When we can’t see what we’re doing, we have to stop…
Tex Mex Skillet with Cornbread Topping
A complete meal that’s tasty and satisfying. Only one pan to wash and so darn good you’ll want to make it again and again!! One pan? It doesn’t get much better than that!! I’ve been thinking about food or reading about food or making food for as long as I can remember! It’s my love…