Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

What a week! Most of us have never experienced anything like this. With more people getting sick it’s very scary. Here in Wisconsin, as in most states, the Governor has ordered us to stay home. I know it’s not easy but staying home is the right thing to do!

We are all struggling and trying to find our new normal. My dining room is now my office. You’ll find me there every morning working on new recipes on my laptop with a cup of coffee or two or three and Arlo the dog at my feet. I think our pets are loving all this together time. Also, it is kind of nice not to not have to put shoes on in the morning. Just trying to look at the bright side of things.

As many of you might know, I just can’t sit still. Especially in times of crisis. I decided last week the show must go on and I gotta keep cooking! I’m cooking real easy recipes from my fridge, freezer and pantry every day and sharing it live on my Facebook page. It’s a "mini cooking" show from my kitchen! A huge THANK YOU to all who are watching it daily! I’m feeling the love with all your kind comments and words of encouragement. I’m going to keep doing what I do best! You can see the videos and more of what’s going on in my house if you follow me on on Instagram too!

With the restaurants and bars closed except for takeout we are having to cook now more than ever. Plus, we are having to figure out breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can help!

I was on the radio in Wisconsin yesterday sharing secrets, recipes and tips for when we are stuck at home. Try to keep a stocked pantry with food that will keep like pasta, canned beans, tomatoes and boxed cake mixes. Yes, I said a boxed cake mix or two. Come on, we all need treats once in awhile, especially now.

My Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is a bit of sunshine on a cloudy day. We’ve had lots of clouds lately and I say we all need some sunshine! Super easy and so good! I love lemon anything. I also love that this recipe is super versatile. You can use the batter to make a pretty bundt cake for dessert, a bread, or even muffins! Delicious anyway you slice it! I even had a slice of it for breakfast with my coffee this morning. It was YUMMY! Click Breakfast & Brunch and Dessert for more tempting recipes.

I mentioned having some pasta in your pantry. My homemade Alfredo Sauce is the easiest ever! You’ll never buy store bought Alfredo again after you make this. It’s meat free, too, so it’s perfect for Lent. Why not make it for dinner tonight? Delicious, too, with some leftover cooked chicken or shrimp on top. Click Dinner for more easy breezy dinner recipes.

Here’s another tip. Cook once and get a few different meals out of it. Why not make a big pot roast this weekend? My Sweet Chili Beef Roast is a family fave. Just throw it all in your slow cooker and you’ve got dinner for days. Day one serve it with my Cheesy Potato Bacon Packets or my Loaded Potato Casserole. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! Later in the week shred up some of that beef and warm it with BBQ sauce. Serve it on buns to make hot BBQ beef sandwiches. Serve it with my Mighty Good Macaroni Salad and it’s a taste of summer! Man, I can’t wait ’til summer.

And, I’m not done yet! You get can one more totally different meal from this roast. When you shred some meat, heat it and toss it with salsa. Serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite fixings for a fun, festive taco night. Cook once, get three different meals. Oh yeah! That’s how I roll! Click Slow Cooker, Casseroles, Soups, Salads and Sides for lots more simple and satisfying recipes.

For dessert, why not have some fun and get those kiddos in the kitchen to make my Dirt Cups? Yeah, they are a bit messy but hey, that’s what vacuums and dogs are for! Take some pictures because you’re going want to remember the time in the kitchen with the kids!

What you are cooking? I want to see it! Please share it on my public Facebook page. How are you and your family holding up? Do you have anything that’s helped make the day better? I’ve started running. It’s not easy but it’s helped a lot! I’ve also tried to not be so hard on myself. I thought I’d get to all those projects I’ve put off, but I just haven’t been able to get to many at all. One day at a time I guess. I want to thank all of you for really helping me during this crisis. I’ve felt your love, kindness and support! It’s meant the world to me!

Please know you and your families and all of the people who’ve gotten this horrible virus are in my thoughts and prayers. I believe in my heart that together we will get through this!

Order Amy's Cookbooks on Amazon!

If you are stuck in the house and need some new ideas and recipes to keep busy why not treat yourself to my cookbooks? I have two cookbooks with lots of beautiful color pictures and each is filled with nearly 200 unique, delicious recipes. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

You can always see what I’m up to on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter. Follow me!

Hang in there everybody. Try to stay calm, be kind to yourself and others and keep cooking. Have a good weekend, and let’s cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom