Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

TGIF! I hope you had a great week! It’s the first Friday of Lent and that means for a lot of us, including no meat on Friday. Now don't get me wrong. I love a good Wisconsin fish fry but with everything going on I’m going to play it safe and make seafood at home. If you're looking for some new recipes for Lent or meat free recipes, I've got you covered.

I grew up eating tuna casseroles during Lent. To this day, I still crave a good one. I think my Terrific Tuna Casserole is the best ever. The crunchy potato chips on top are just one of the things that makes this recipe totally terrific!

I also love a good tuna melt! Come on, who doesn’t love a warm toasty sandwich? Especially when it’s cold out like it has been! It’s pure old school comfort food that never went out of style in my opinion. My Oven Baked Tuna Melt is one of my FAVES! I love this recipe because it’s baked and not fried. TOTALLY DELISH! I keep it simple and serve it with chips.

It’s great with my Two Ingredient Creamy Tomato Soup. YUMMY! Yep, it’s true. Just 2 ingredients! I always keep a couple jars of good quality marinara sauce in my pantry so I can make this when I have to pull dinner or lunch out of a hat! You won’t believe how good it is! Even better with a little Parmesan cheese on top. Click Sandwiches and Soups for more super good sandwich, soup and stew recipes.

Not a fan of tuna? I know, it's not for everybody. No worries. Why not treat the family to an extra special dinner tonight or this weekend? My Shrimp and Artichoke Scampi is amazing! You'd pay big bucks for this out at a fancy restaurant. Save some dough and make it at home. You won't believe how easy it is to make!

The kids will love my Southern Style Mac 'n Cheese. It’s so good and creamy, so easy breezy too. The secret is the eggs! You just gotta try it. Click Casseroles for more of my favorite casserole recipes and Dinner for more main dish recipes.

It’s been so cold the last couple weeks here in Wisconsin. It’s a great time to throw on an apron and do some baking! Get the kids in the kitchen to help. I always say if you don’t teach them to cook, they’ll never know how. I have such amazing memories in the kitchen with my grandmother and great grandmother too! I feel like they are both in the kitchen with me every time I’m cooking!

Got bananas that need using? At the end of the week I always do. Make my Blender Banana Bread. Yes, you whip up all of the ingredients in the blender! It’s so quick and easy. And so good!

I bet you have everything you need in the house right now to make my Snickerdoodles too. So what are you waiting for? Throw on an apron and get to it! Click Desserts for more cookie and sweet treat recipes.

EXCITING NEWS! Next Week I’m Announcing My Next Culinary Vacation!

Oh, baby it’s cold outside! I’m dreaming of a warm weather getaway next winter! Aren’t you? We’re putting on the finishing touches on my next culinary trip. I’ll have all the details next week! I can’t wait to tell you where we are going next! I will tell you that the trip is going to be in January 2022. We’re going some place guaranteed to be warm with WONDERFUL food! Plus, it’s a budget friendly trip with all your gourmet meals and drinks included! More to come! If you want to be the first to know more email me at info@thecookingmom.com. I'll get you on the list for updates and details on all my trips!

Hopefully it will be safe to travel again by summer. I can’t wait! Let’s travel together! Right now I’ve planned three AMAZING culinary vacations. They are booking up fast. Join me for these trips of a lifetime! In June 2021, join me for a 3-day trip to beautiful Mackinac Island. This trip is ALMOST sold out! Call Brittany at Bon Voyage Boutique Travel 920-725-2880 to get in on the fun and reserve your spot. You can also email her at: brittany@bonvoyagebt.com

In September 2021, join me for a river cruise through Germany, Austria and Switzerland in September. I’ve always dreamed of taking a river cruise through Europe. This trip is going to be spectacular! A river cruise is the absolute best and stress-free way to see Europe. It’s a great value too because gourmet meals and wine, beer, and champagne are all included on the cruise!

In April of 2022, join me on an incredible trip to Ireland! This trip is also booking up quickly! From Irish cooking classes, to scone baking, whiskey tasting, a VIP tour of Guinness, and so much more. We’ll do it all. We’ll even stay in a real castle outside of Dublin! I can only take a small group so get your reservation in soon! Click Join The Cooking Mom in Ireland to read more about this trip and find out how to reserve your spot. I’ve also got more trips planned for later in 2022!

To find out more about my trips and what makes them so unique click Culinary Vacations with The Cooking Mom.

Again, if you want to get on the list for updates and details on all my trips email me at info@thecookingmom.com!

Order Amy's Cookbooks on Amazon!

If you are stuck in a recipe rut, why not treat yourself or a loved one to new recipes? I have 2 cookbooks with lots of beautiful color pictures and each is filled with nearly 200 unique recipes. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

Gotta run. Arlo, the dog, wants to go play in the snow! You can always see what I'm up to on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Check out my videos on YouTube, too. Follow me!

I hope you all have wonderful weekend! Stay safe and cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom