Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

Happy Friday! My smile is brighter today because after a few weeks of severe winter weather here in Wisconsin, it’s starting to feel like spring may be on the way. It’s going to be sunny with temps in the 40’s in Sheboygan this weekend! We plan on firing up the grill. YIPPEE! I can’t wait!

EXCITING NEWS! Announcing a New Culinary Vacation!

Speaking of warmer weather, I’m planning a winter getaway for January 2022. Come with me! You may have heard I’m hosting culinary vacations. If you’re dreaming of a beautiful beach vacation with amazing food this trip is for you! We’ll beat the winter blues and spend a week in one of my favorite cities, gorgeous Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! My trips are super special and unique! We’ll stay in a super small, just 80 rooms, 4-diamond luxury beach front resort. I worked really hard to make sure this trip is not only first class but really budget friendly too! All of your food and wine and top shelf cocktails at the resort are included. And it’s not your typical all-inclusive. The cuisine is gourmet, fresh and locally inspired! We’ll even have the option of a multi-course chef’s dinner overlooking the ocean. Plus, besides the fancy stuff we’ll go local! We’ll join local foodies in search of Puerto Vallarta’s freshly made warm tortillas, the ultimate tacos, tamales, amazing fresh seafood, and fabulous cocktails too! It will be whale watching season during this trip! Let’s go watch! It’s going to be AMAZING! Why not treat yourself to winter getaway you’ll never forget! Read my latest blog post Join The Cooking Mom in Puerto Vallarta to see pictures and get lots more details. This trip is going to book up fast! Hope you’re on board!

Meat Free Recipes for Lent

I really miss going out to a Wisconsin fish fry! During Lent restaurants are normally pretty busy. With everything going on I’m playing it safe and making seafood at home on Fridays. You know me. I LOVE a good casserole! My Shrimp Fettuccini Casserole feels like something a little fancy. LOVE THAT! It’s the weekend. You gotta do something special! I love to serve this with my big beautiful Strawberry Spinach Salad. It’s so pretty and fresh. A taste of spring! Click Salads and Casseroles for lots more recipes your family will love.

If you like crab cakes, I think you’ll love my Salmon Burgers with Cajun Tartar Sauce. I always keep a can of boneless salmon in my pantry so I can whip these up at the last minute when I need to pull dinner out of a hat! You know those nights! And hey, you can use a can of tuna instead of salmon too. Really easy and good, and easy on the wallet too!

Sometimes a toasty sandwich and soup really hit the spot. My Cheesy Cauliflower Soup is quick and easy. You can use fresh or frozen cauliflower. Either one works great! Switch out the chicken stock for veggie stock and it’s perfect for Lent. Click Soups and Sandwiches for more super good sandwich, soup and stew recipes.

Our grill was covered in snow but not anymore! I’m craving a nice juicy grilled steak like my Ginger Soy Flank Steak. It's my FAVE!

I just saw asparagus on sale at the grocery store for 99 cents a pound! That’s a sure sign of spring. I’m going to pick up a bunch or two and for a side make my Grilled Asparagus with Bacon and Feta! Now, that’s one delicious weekend night in! Click Dinner and Sides for more fun recipes and ideas.

For dessert, get out your muffin tins and make my Cheesecake Cupcakes. Who knew cheesecake could be this quick and easy? I love them with cherry pie filling or fresh berries on top. So pretty! Click Desserts for more sweet treat recipes.

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.

Upcoming Culinary Trips!

I know we are all chomping at the bit to start traveling again! I’ve planned four AMAZING culinary vacations. 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.

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 January 2022, escape winter and Join The Cooking Mom in Puerto Vallarta! I just announced this trip today and we can only take a limited number. I know this trip is going to book up fast! Call Brittany at Bon Voyage Boutique Travel 920-725-2880 for more. You can also email her at: brittany@bonvoyagebt.com

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!

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

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

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

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom