Simple Roast Chicken and Homemade Chicken Stock

Don't let it intimidate you.

Roasting a whole chicken probably seems like overkill when you're cooking for one (sometimes two, but my roommate's eating schedule doesn't always match up with my own).  But one whole chicken and a free afternoon can yield a week's worth of future meals if you use it right.  And, the best part is, it's really not that difficult. 

Green Monster Smoothie

My parents are visiting me for a couple days on their way back from a trip to Alaska.  Last night, we were catching up and making plans to meet this morning after breakfast, when I mentioned one of my favorite breakfasts these days - smoothies, or more specifically, spinach smoothies.  My mother made a face that I'm pretty sure I made myself the first time I heard about these popular "Green Monster" smoothies.

Peachy Keen Kuchen

Growing up in Texas, it's kind of a given that I'd be a fan of peaches.  I can remember family road trips out to Texas Hill Country each summer for our church's annual 4th of July retreat.  My parents would always stop and pick up some peaches from one of the many roadside stands.  My dad would slice up the fruit and hand it out as we continued on our way.  They were always juicy and delicious, but I have to admit, I didn't get what the big deal was.  It wasn't until I moved away that I realized just how good I had it.