Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful week. I know it’s hard for the holidays to come to an end. This weekend we are taking down the Christmas decorations. It's always kind of a drag, but sure feels good when it’s done! Nothing better than a clutter-free and clean house to start the new year. I’m going to celebrate with banana bread! Got bananas that need using? This weekend why not WOW the family with my Blender Banana Bread? It’s the absolute best. So easy too. You just gotta try it! When it’s in the oven baking it makes the house smell so good!

In Wisconsin, we Packers fans are excited for the game this weekend and then after that the playoffs! This weekend Green Bay takes on the Detroit Lions. We’ll be watching on the couch. This morning I’m on Fox 6 Wakeup in Milwaukee making the perfect appetizer for game day. It’s my Chili Cheese Dip. It’s always a WINNER! Just 3 ingredients. You can make it ahead and bake it when you are ready. LOVE THAT! Warm out of the oven it’s AMAZING. I always serve it with Fritos Scoops for dipping. Total yum!

Looking for some healthy recipes for the New Year? I get it. I’m right there with you! It’s been cold and snowing this week in Wisconsin. This weekend I plan on making a big batch soup. Maybe even two!

My slow cooker Southwest Chicken Stew is hearty but healthy. Easy too! Just throw it all in your slow cooker in the morning and go do your thing. When you come home after a long day, the house will smell amazing and you’ve got one delicious guilt-free dinner. Go ahead, have seconds because it’s good for you. Perfect for game day, too.

I like to serve it with my Big Batch of Corn Bread with homemade Honey Butter. Oh man, is this good!

If you like mushrooms, you’ll love my Mushroom Barley Soup. It’s another of my favorites when I want something cozy and comforting but a little bit lighter. Click Salads, Soups, Nice ’n Lite, Appetizers and Sides for more of my favorite recipes.

This time of year, my slow cooker is a real life saver! My Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken is delish. So easy and healthy too.

If your gang likes Asian food, they’ll give my Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken two thumbs up! It’s like Chinese take out without the wait. Easy on the wallet too. Click Slow Cooker, Sandwiches, and Dinner for more of my favorite winter recipes to warm you up.

If you still have leftover candy canes, use them to make my Snow Flake Hot Cocoa. It’s so yummy after sledding or a day out in the snow! Click Drinks and Desserts for more tempting recipes.

Treat yourself in 2022! Book a Cooking Mom Vacation!

Besides cooking I love to travel. I’m so excited to be hosting amazing vacations! To find out why my trips are so special check out my blog post Culinary Vacations with The Cooking Mom. Let’s meet new friends and travel together on these trips of a lifetime!

If you are interested in joining me in Italy in fall 2022, now is your chance! There was a waitlist but we just were able to get a couple more rooms for my upcoming trip to Tuscany! Read Join The Cooking Mom in Tuscany for details. These rooms can accommodate 2 people. Don’t wait! If you are interested call Brittany TODAY at Bon Voyage Boutique Travel 920-725-2880 or email her at brittany@bonvoyagebt.com to make your reservation!

Time is Running Out! Join The Cooking Mom in Ireland in April 2022!

I’ve always dreamed of going to Ireland. Let’s experience it together. This trip is almost booked up! We just have a few rooms left. From Irish cooking classes, to scone baking, Irish cheese, and Jameson whiskey tasting, we’ll do it all. We’ll even stay in two real castles! 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!

Mackinac Island for Lilac Fest in June 2022!

Back in June, I hosted a trip to one of my favorite places, beautiful Mackinac Island, Michigan. It was amazing! I LOVE this island. Have you ever been? If not you need to go! There’s no place like it! Join me next summer because I’m going back. We are staying at my favorite resort on the island. It’s fabulous! We’ve even added an extra night so there will be more time on this trip to sightsee, shop or just relax! This trip is already filling up. We can only take a limited number of people. Click Join The Cooking Mom on Mackinac Island to get all the details. We’ll be there next June during lilac season. It’s absolutely gorgeous that time of year! I hope you’ll join me. Call Brittany at Bon Voyage Boutique Travel 920-725-2880 or email her at brittany@bonvoyagebt.com to book your spot!

Join Amy on a River Cruise in France in April 2023!

Bring on lots of wine tasting, gourmet meals, fresh croissants and pastries and so much more! Join me on a river cruise through Southern France from Burgundy to Provence. It’s the ULTIMATE way to see France! In April of 2023, we’ll cruise the Rhone river on a gorgeous new boutique ship with only 150 passengers. It’s first class all the way and it’s a true ALL-INCLUSIVE river cruise, meaning all your food, drinks, and excursions are included. Gratuity too!

Plus, you’ll have the option to stay a couple days after the cruise to experience Paris. It will be spring and the blossoms will be in full bloom. It’s going to be stunning! Click Join The Cooking Mom on a French River Cruise to get all the dates, pricing and tantalizing details. This trip is going to be truly over the top and so wonderful! Join me! Plus, there are special discounts if you book now. Call Brittany at Bon Voyage Boutique Travel 920-725-2880.

Future Trips!

I'm starting to plan now for more culinary vacations in 2023 and 2024! I want to know where you want to go. Email me the trips you’d be interested in at info@thecookingmom.com!

Order Amy's Cookbooks!

If you like my recipes, I think you will love my cookbooks. Both of my cookbooks are full color, and each is filled with nearly 200 unique recipes. They're available on Amazon. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

Gotta run! My TV spot on Fox 6 in Milwaukee is coming up soon! I’ll also be on WGN TV in Chicago cooking some of my favorite winter recipes. Hope you’ll watch! You can always see what I'm up to on Instagram and Facebook. Check out my videos on YouTube, too.

Have a great weekend! Stay warm and healthy and cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom