Reviewing Simone Stier's Cafe Cozy Mystery Series

 Simone Stier's Cafe Cozy Mystery Series starts with A Shot of Scandal where we first meet Parker Hayes, former true-crime podcaster who has decided she wants to try small town life and is reinventing her life as a cafe owner. When a murder and theft occurs at a high society gala in Magnolia Grove (said small town), Parker's plans for a peaceful life start to dissipate as her investigative senses start to itch.

If you love cozy mysteries then this is a great series to look into, it includes all the classic cozy tropes of small town, found family & quirky cast. The setting is the southern town of Magnolia Grove and the books really do make it feel like a warm, tight-knit community.

The characters are great, Simone Stier has done a great job in making the town's residents feel real. Parker's friendships and conflicts with other locals are often a highlight in the books. Although each book can be read as a standalone, if you read them in order you see Parker's growth as she lets people in and develops friendships.

I love the name of her cafe - Catch You Latte which is a very subtle nod to her history as a very successful true-crime podcaster. We learn more about why she stepped away from her podcast as we work our way through the early books. There are often references to episodes of her podcast and it's her experience as a former private investigator and podcaster that give her a unique view point on these situations.

I will say that for a small town there's a high body count and somehow Parker seems to keep stumbling into these murder cases at community events, galas, even haunted mansions.

The tone of these books is very cozy, there's humor, warmth, friendship and plenty of coffee and pastries. One of the recurring characters is Hazel who is a student that loves baking so works for Parker in her cafe baking the amazing cakes for Parker to serve. She also dyes her hair a different shade for each book, the color to compliment the coffee special that is featured in the book. I love the sound of these coffee creations as much as I enjoy the story.

In later books Parker also hires Renee to bake and let's just say Renee and Hazel are like chalk and cheese,. I'm looking forward to see where their relationship arc is going to lead.

Another notable character in the books is Major - her part time dog, because every small town cafe owner needs a dog in my opinion. Then there's Parker's love interest Walt, the town historian. I won't dwell on the myriad of other characters in these books - they are all just waiting for you to discover them.

The mysteries are well constructed with red herrings, twists and clues. There's also a good balance between investigating crime and her day to day cafe challenges. In book 2 (A Drizzle of Danger) for example her grand opening turns into a major crisis when a body is found near her cafe.

Later books continue to raise stakes and weave more complex plots eg A Measure of Mayhem involves a Polar Plunge at a festival, property disputes and hidden grudges. Just as you're thinking surely there's no more secrets this small town can hold and is there anyone left to kill? We see Parker being asked to help investigate a 15 year old cold case in a neighboring small town of Willow Springs in A Dusting of Doubt. 

These books are great for readers who prefer "cozy" over "dark" crime where the violence is implied rather than graphic. The book's tone stays light even when the stakes are high, making them relaxing reads. If you enjoyed Cleo Coyle's The Coffeehouse Mysteries you will love this series.

The series isn't over yet! There are 14 published books so far with one about to be released on December 1st and when you look at the author's page there are 9 other titles that have been listed as also coming! I am halfway through book 12 at the moment.

I love reading cozy mysteries to relax and unwind when my head is too full to concentrate on my more favorite genres of psychological thrillers or gritty whodunnits. Cozy mysteries tend to be more predictable and everything gets resolved happily which means you don't stay awake afterwards thinking about them and you also don't have to concentrate too hard to figure out what's happening.

I also love that a number of cozy mysteries are more character focused and this series is one where you really feel wrapped up in the community as you read the book - like friends on a page.

With all of that it probably comes as no surprise that I was introduced to this series earlier in the year when I was sick and promptly read the first five books in quick succession. I was introduced to a couple of other cozy mystery series at this time as well, but this is the only one where I have an alert to download the new books every time they are published which should tell you that I definitely give this series a big thumbs up.

If you want to enjoy this series and lots more amazing books then you might want to try out Kindle Unlimited - I love it and would rather give up Netflix than my Kindle Unlimited account!

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Recipes to Share - From the Heart

Over the years I have come up with a variety of recipes, and some of them I have written down.

One of my favorite ones is one I made as I became more health conscious. It is a healthier way to enjoy one of my favorite ice cream flavors, butter pecan. I call my version Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream. It only has five ingredients.

Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream

3-4 bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen. (Whenever you make plant based ice cream, at least one of your fruits need to be frozen.)
5 oz. of pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
1-1/2 cup of nut milk (I used almond milk in my recipe.)
1 tsp vanilla

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. This will have a soft serve type consistency. For a milkshake consistency, add more nut milk. For a more ice cream consistency, decrease the amount of milk.

For a pretty print out to share, you can order copies printed on postcards.

Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
by CherylsArt

One of my all time favorites is my Pesto. I especially love this when I have fresh basil to use from the garden. I have tried to go vegan, but I do have dairy based cheese from time to time.

Pesto

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Place all ingredients in blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Then stir into one pound of your favorite cooked pasta.

The recipe above is somewhat different than the one printed on the postcard. I have determined over time that I prefer less of the parsley. You too can adjust the amounts to your own taste.

Pesto Recipe Postcards
by CherylsArt

I am also a practitioner of affirmations, and try to add more smiles to my day. One simple way to add smiles is to consciously think about smiling. Here is my recipe for that. It's called Recipe for Joy.

Recipe for Joy

1. Raise your ears by lifting up the corners of your mouth. (Did you know that smiling raises your ears? - Did you try it? Place your fingers on the tops of your ears, and then smile. Did your ears raise?)
2. Foster the thought, appreciate.
3. Be willing to see with new eyes. (You do not have to have a preconceived idea of something to appreciate. Just do the smile part first, and see what comes when you think the words appreciate. Try it. Did you think of something to appreciate that you may not normally think of?)

Here is a fun postcard to share this recipe for Joy.

Recipe for Joy - colorful word postcards
by CherylsArt

Do you have a recipe to share that you haven't written down yet? Here is a special way that you can share it or them. House of Sylvestermouse on Zazzle has designed recipe cards for you to write down the recipe(s) that you would like to share.

Recipe Cards
by House of Sylvestermouse

And may you have a blessed and wonderful day.

Cheryl Paton

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Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread

 There is something comforting about the aroma of freshly-baked bread in the kitchen. Now imagine the same scent, but with melted cheddar cheese and fresh herbs.

We love freshly-baked bread in the fall, and I like to try different ingredients. I found a recipe for this cheddar cheese bread and decided to make some additions to it with the herbs. 

Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread Reviewed

This Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread is baked to a golden brown, flavorful loaf that's perfect for soups, sandwiches, or just enjoyed with a pat of butter. I love it best lightly toasted with butter.

Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups shredded cheddar 

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or fresh herbs 

1 cup milk

1 large egg

2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, sugar, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs. 
2. Stir in the shredded cheddar and set aside. 
3. In another bowl, mix together milk, egg, and butter.
4. Combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix. I used my KitchenAid Stand Mixer for this on low speed for about 2 minutes.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch x 5-inch greased bread pan.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
7. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

When I make fresh bread, I can't wait to get that first warm slice with butter. So, I only waited about 5 minutes before I sliced into it. 

This cheddar cheese and herb bread is one of those recipes that feels fancy, but this is so easy to make. This makes a perfect homemade gift for friends and family. I will certainly be making this one again.

Find more recipes on ReviewThis Here:

ReviewThisRecipes.com

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My New, Easy Way to Get Soft, Smooth Heels and Feet Overnight

In October 2023 I wrote a post sharing the method I was using to soften dry, callused, cracked heels and feet. Since then, however, I have discovered an even faster, easier, and less messy way, thanks to the Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System. Here is my product review of this fantastic, convenient system that will especially appeal to those of you who don't like to wear socks over foot cream to bed.

A Quick, Easy and Elegant Upgrade to My Foot Care Routine

I’ve always believed that caring for our skin shouldn’t stop at our faces. As we get older, our feet need a little extra TLC, especially if we want to keep them looking soft, smooth, and healthy. When my heels became dry, calloused and cracked, I used to use a diamond foot rasp, then soak them in warm, soapy water for 20 minutes, dry them, apply a healing ointment or foot cream, and cover them with socks just before going to bed. That method is still very effective, but it's time-consuming and messy, and I don't love wearing socks to bed.

Fortunately, I have discovered a new way to smooth and soften my calloused feet and heal my cracked heels that takes just a few minutes and is easy and mess-free: The Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System. It's definitely an upgrade to the method I used to use!

A Review of the Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System

The Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System consists of a diamond foot file and a serum in a green glass bottle with a rollerball applicator. After using it for the past year, I can honestly say this is the easiest, most convenient foot care routine I’ve ever used, and surprisingly effective, considering how fast and simple it is. If you struggle with dry, cracked heels or stubborn calluses, this little duo could become your new best friend.

What’s Included in the System

The Flawless Feet System includes two products that work together beautifully:

Step 1: Serum Doctor Flawless Foot File

This isn’t your average foot file. It’s lightweight but sturdy and designed to be used on dry skin only. I use the file either just before my shower or just before bed to gently smooth away rough spots on my heels, the balls of my feet, and anywhere else that needs a little help.

Unlike other files I’ve tried, this one doesn’t feel flimsy or harsh. The grit is just right—it removes dead, dry skin effectively without feeling scratchy or leaving your feet irritated, the way coarser diamond file or "cheese grater"-style foot files can. In fact, even after just one use, my heels immediately looked smoother and felt softer to the touch. I usually use it about once a week to maintain smooth, soft, crack- and callus-free heels.

Step 2: Serum Doctor Flawless Feet Serum

Once your feet are freshly filed and prepped, it’s time for the star of the show, the Flawless Feet Serum. Unlike typical thick, greasy foot creams, this is a lightweight, fast-absorbing roll-on serum that hydrates, softens, and gently exfoliates at the same time. 

Key Ingredients

• Tea Tree Oil: Naturally deodorizes and keeps feet feeling fresh.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: A form of hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates and plumps up dry, rough skin.
• Fruit Acid Complex (apple, lemon, orange, sugar cane): Provides gentle, natural exfoliation to smooth and brighten skin texture.

I love the mess-free rollerball applicator! Because it’s in a glass roll-on bottle, it’s easy to apply without getting the foot serum all over your hands or wasting the serum. The formula absorbs very quickly (within a minute), so your feet don’t feel slippery or sticky afterward. That also means you don't have to wear socks over this serum, the way you would with most foot care creams or ointments.

My Experience Using the System

The first time I used the Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System, I noticed an immediate difference in how soft my heels felt. But where this duo really shines is with consistent use. After a couple of weeks, the rough patches and cracks on my heels and the dry skin around my toes were significantly softer and smoother, and my feet looked healthier overall.

I especially appreciate how fast and easy this foot care system is to use:

1. File the bottoms of your dry feet with the Serum Doctor Flawless Foot File. Gently wipe away any residue (I use a paper towel). As I mentioned, you can file your feet either just before a shower or just before bed.
2. Roll on the Serum Doctor Flawless Feet Serum on clean, dry feet and let it absorb (it only takes a minute or so).

I’ve used plenty of foot creams over the years, but they all leave behind a greasy film that makes it impossible to put on socks or slippers right away. This serum is different—it delivers intense hydration without the mess.

Pros and Cons

What I Love

• Simple, quick, and effective two-step system that takes just a few minutes
• Hands-free, mess-free serum in a roll-on applicator bottle
• Deep hydration without greasiness
• No need to cover with socks
• Gentle exfoliation that smooths rough patches over time
• Subtle, fresh, herbal scent, thanks to the tea tree oil
• Works beautifully for maintaining results between pedicures

Considerations

The price is definitely higher than more mainstream foot care products you buy in the drugstore or on Amazon. The complete Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System (diamond file and foot serum), which is sold at stores like Nordstrom and Anthropologie, among others, costs $56 for the set at the time of this post's publication, but you use so little product each time that it lasts for months. The Flawless Feet Serum in the glass rollerball applicator bottle can be repurchased as needed for $42 (as of this post's publication date). The diamond Flawless Foot File has lasted me for more than a year so far and shows no signs of needing to be replaced. However, replacement files are available for $20 (as of this post's publication date).

If you don't mind using greasy foot creams or ointments and wearing socks over them, the products I shared in my post on How to Soften Dry, Callused, Cracked Heels the Easy Way are less expensive. The choice is yours.

Not Just For Women

After watching my husband use a cheese grater-style foot file, I bought a second Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System for him. He loves how fast and easy it is to use, how quickly the serum absorbs, and how smooth the diamond foot file and serum leave his feet. 

Final Thoughts

The Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System has earned a permanent spot in my self-care routine. I love that it combines gentle exfoliation with deep, lasting hydration, all without leaving my feet greasy or slippery or having to wear socks over a cream or ointment.

If you’ve been frustrated by rough, dry heels or just want to keep your feet looking their best year-round, I highly recommend giving this system a try. It’s an easy, at-home solution that actually delivers visible results, especially if you stick with it consistently.

Your feet will thank you!

My New, Easy Way to Get Soft, Smooth Heels and Feet Overnight by Margaret Schindel

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Spiced Tea and Honey Nut Bread - The Perfect Snack

If you read the post I made on March 25, 2025, for Old Fashioned Rice Pudding, I explained about a very old recipe book that I had found in my mother's things after she passed.  To call it a book, is being kind, as it was just a collection of hand typed (on a manual typewriter!) recipes folded in the middle and stapled together.  No front or back cover, no information of where it came from.  The pages are so ancient they are dark tan in color.  

Anyway, the recipes in this old gem are from a time before I was cooking.  Some of them are recipes for foods I have never heard of like Strawberry Fool or Fruitinays.  I love reading through the pages and some times I find a recipe that I want to try.  This is how I came across the recipes for the perfect afternoon snack:  Spiced Tea and Honey Nut Bread.

This first time I made the bread, I found it delicious, but it seemed to be lacking something to go with it.  I tried coffee, but it didn't fit, I tried iced tea and it was completely not a match.  I was stumped.  So I went back to the recipe book and looked under "Drinks."  When I saw the spiced tea recipe, I knew I had hit the jackpot.  Cinnamon and fruit juices sounded like a great combination!  I got up and made some right then and there.  It was exquisite!  The flavors blended together perfectly and they were just right with the honey nut bread.  It really is the perfect snack!

Spiced Tea

Ingredients

Juice of one lemon

Juice of two oranges

2 Plain teabags (more if you like it stronger)

1 teaspoon all spice

1/4 teaspoon cloves (optional, if you like clove flavor)

1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 and 1/2 cups sugar

6 cups water

Instructions

1. Put spices in a small bag
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the bag of spices.
3. Boil for 10 minutes and remove the spice bag and turn off the stove.
4. Add teabags to the spiced water and steep for 10 minutes.  Remove teabags.
5. Boil the remaining 2 cups of water and add sugar. Stir until sugar melts.
6. Pour the sweetened water into the tea and stir until mixed.
7. Add the fruit juices and mix well.

If you want it drink your tea cold, chill the mixture in the refrigerator and serve over ice.  If you are like me and prefer it hot, place it back on the stove and boil.  I put mine in a carafe so it stays hot to enjoy with our next recipe:  Honey Nut Bread.

Honey Nut Bread

Ingredients

1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts (whichever type you like)

1 cup flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/2 cup of honey

1/2 cup of milk

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sift dry ingredients and stir in nuts.
3. In a bowl beat the egg and add honey, milk and melted butter and mix.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until the ingredients are  moistened and mixed.
5. Grease a bread pan and pour in the mixture.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Honey nut bread is also great with toppings like:

Apple Butter

Fruit Jam

Honey Butter 

Flavored Cream Cheese (like strawberry)

Lemon Sauce

I have even made French Toast with honey nut bread.  I trade in the syrup for some hot honey and it is really delicious.

I really love this old cookbook, it has so many unusual recipes in it and it also has a 'Hints and Tips' section that is pretty funny.  Maybe I will share some tips in my next post, I think you all would find it pretty entertaining!

Enjoy your snack!

  

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Holiday Review of National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

On August 2nd we celebrate the fun food holiday, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. It is the perfect cool treat for a hot summer day. It is a delicious summertime follow-up to July’s National Ice Cream Month. 

Some Fun Tasty History of National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

On National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, we celebrate a delicious delight that is over a century old. We know this to be true because of an article published in the New York Mail and Express (a daily New York City newspaper) in 1899 to verify that there were ice cream sandwiches for sale by street vendors in New York at that time. For one penny! 

The article said the following:

There are ham sandwiches and salmon sandwiches and cheese sandwiches and several other kinds of sandwiches, but the latest is the ice-cream sandwich.

How to Celebrate National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

In my day, the ice cream sandwich I remember (and enjoyed) the most as a child was the traditional brick of vanilla ice cream placed between two soft chocolate wafers. Ice cream and cookies - always a child-favorite!

Over time, many variations of the ice cream sandwich have come about and many can even be created in your own kitchen.

• There is the creation invented by an ice cream vendor in 1928 in San Francisco who used two oatmeal cookies instead of chocolate wafers.  He even had a version of this that he dipped into chocolate before he served it.

• Maybe you could add some chocolate chips around the edges of the ice cream. Or use chocolate chip cookies with chocolate chip cookie ice cream! :) 

• How about chocolate ice cream between vanilla wafers?  

• Making ice cream sandwiches can be as simple or as difficult as you choose them to be. Just select your favorite flavor of ice cream and the cookies/biscuits/wafers you like best and come up with your favorite version.

If you want a challenge and enjoy ‘fun in the kitchen’, try making your own cookies and your own ice cream for a tasty homemade impressive creation!

Summary

This wonderfully simple frozen dessert is an extremely tasty and delicious ice cream treat. So be sure to be ready with your favorites on National Ice Cream Sandwich Day on August 2.

More Holiday Reviews

Review This Reviews: Holidays

More Ice Cream Reviews

Review This Reviews: Ice Cream

*Holiday Review of National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is written by Wednesday Elf

 

HOME NEATLY Ice Cream Sandwich Scoop, Easy Release Sandwich Cookie Scoops for Evenly Sized Gelato Scoops, Ice Cream Scoop with Trigger for Effortless Serving, Stainless Steel Food Scoopers for Kitchen

Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Sandwich Maker - Set of 2, Brown | Craft Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches with Ease | Gift for Family Fun and Parties

Jellybean Foods Ice Cream Sandwich Wafers - Crispy Chocolate Wafers For Ice Cream Sandwiches - Rectangular Sandwich Wafers - Chocolate Cookies - Rectangular Wafers Without Cream or Ice Cream(1 lb)

Nestle, Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches, 6 Count (Frozen)

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Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room - Restaurant Review

In days gone by, many Southern towns had boarding houses, places where you could find a simple quiet room and enjoy, usually, two meals a day in a communal dining room.

The Wilkes House, built in 1870, began operation as a  boardinghouse in 1943, run by Sema Wilkes. 

History

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is a lunch only restaurant in Savannah, Georgia located in what was originally the dining hall of the boardinghouse begun by Sema Wilkes in the historic Wilkes House. She owned and managed the restaurant for 59 years, and today her family continues the tradition.

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is only open for lunch Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. It is closed on weekends and holidays.  It offers popular Southern US home cooking. There is no menu; instead, there are specific offerings each day. These usually include their famous southern fried chicken, along with a variety of vegetables such as black-eyed peas or okra gumbo, plus bowls of fluffy mashed potatoes and the absolutely delicious Wilkes’ macaroni and cheese* dish, along with corn muffins and biscuits. Other days you might find meatloaf or stew as the main dishes. 

Seating is family-style at large tables for ten shared by whoever you were in line with when the doors open. The popularity of this restaurant is such that long lines begin to form long before the 11:00 a.m. opening. In its homestyle tradition, guests are escorted in shifts of ten into the dining room where tables are already set with steaming bowls and platters of yummy Southern food. Guests sit together and pass the food around like family. 

Location

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is located at 107 West Jones Street in Savannah, Georgia, which is close to Chatham Square, one of the 22 famous squares of Savannah.  Jones Street is a cobblestone street in the Historic District that's lined with trees and near the Design District's shops. 

*Favorite Food

My favorites served at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room the day I took my mom was the delicious fried chicken and the outstanding macaroni & cheese. I am not much of a cheese fan, and my idea of mac & cheese is with butter and milk (without cheese). So ordering macaroni and cheese in a restaurant is not something I would normally do. The exception is the dish served at Mrs. Wilkes. It has cheese (cheddar), but the cheese takes second place (taste-wise) to the milk & butter ingredients, along with the 4 eggs. 

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of macaroni and cheese recipes out there, but the best by far (in my opinion) is the version served at Mrs. Wilkes. 

After a trip south a few years ago, Laurie of Northern Minnesota, posted on her Cookin’ Up North recipe blog her adapted version of the Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room she got from the cookbook she bought at the restaurant. 

………………..

Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House Cookbook

Mrs. Wilkes' Boardinghouse Cookbook: Recipes and Recollections from Her Savannah Table

In addition to running Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room for many years (from 1943 until her death at the age of 95) Sema Wilkes wrote several cookbooks filled with the traditional Southern recipes she served at her restaurant.

Along with the recipes, the cookbooks delightfully include remembrances of Mrs. Wilkes, her family and friends, and include some fascinating tales of her most unusual regular customers over the years. The cookbooks are extremely entertaining and read rather like a memoir. This Boarding House Cookbook is one you will enjoy.

Summary

In a brochure about Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, this line is found:

"Stop by and enjoy the special pleasure of a meal shared with neighbors and strangers."

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

107 West Jones Street
Savannah, Georgia
912-232-5997
http://www.mrswilkes.com/

No Reservations
Dine In Service Only
They Do Not Offer Takeout
Hours: Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
No Holidays! - Lunch Only!

View a Sample Menu of daily specials here.

Related Reviews: 

• For More Restaurant Reviews, Check out ReviewThisReviews - Restaurant Reviews: US

• National Macaroni Day

*Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room Restaurant Review was written by Wednesday Elf

+Images courtesy of:

1. Laurie of the Cookin’ Up North blog
2. Wikipedia

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National Macaroni Day - A July Food Holiday

This is a review of National Macaroni Day, which is celebrated each year on July 7th.

What is Macaroni?

Macaroni is a variety of pasta which gets its name, not from its shape, but from the type of dough used to make the noodles. Made with durum wheat, the flour is made from a type of ground semolina, resulting in a softer dough that works best for use with a pasta maker. 

After the noodles are made, they are then formed into shells, spirals, straights, and other shapes. The elbow macaroni is the  most common form found in the United States. 

Macaroni Uses

Macaroni is used in a wide variety of dishes, including casseroles, soups and salads.  It is used in both hot dishes and cold dishes.  It works equally as well in cheese dishes and meat dishes, perfect for both meat lovers and vegetarians.  

Macaroni’s usefulness works especially well for dishes for a large group of people, or simply as a dish to make ahead, making mealtimes easier. A general favorite is the simple Macaroni and Cheese, as there are so many delicious recipes for this family favorite. 

My personal very favorite macaroni and cheese dish is one I have had several times at and from Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, a delightful and delicious restaurant found in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia.

 

*Personal Story about macaroni involves the kid-favorite Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. I have never been very fond of cheese and ever since my teens I have eaten this Mac & Cheese prepared with simply milk and butter ~ no cheese. My family thinks this is very weird, but it is what I prefer. For homemade macaroni & cheese, I like the way Mrs. Wilkes makes their tasty dish seem less ‘cheesy’ then most. It is truly delicious and the only one that really appeals to me ~ cheese-wise! 

My very favorite cold macaroni salad is my family’s favorite ‘Shrimp Macaroni Salad’.  It is basically made with cooked (and chilled) elbow macaroni, shrimp, diced onions, and a sauce made with mayonnaise, mustard, spices and sour cream. There are several recipe variations, but it is really quite simple to make and very delicious to eat. Traditionally, our family always requests it for several summer holidays, such as Memorial Day and the 4th of July!  

Outside the Kitchen!

Macaroni has more uses than just food. It can also be used for fun craft projects for kids. Let the kids play with a box of dry uncooked macaroni for arts and crafts projects. Create such things as necklaces and bracelets, suncatchers, and DIY art projects. Here’s a list of ideas online to get you started. Some call these arts & crafts projects “Pasta Art”. 

A Delicious List of Pasta-Related Celebrations

• National Spaghetti Day: January 4
• National Fettuccine Alfredo Day: February 7
• National Tortellini Day: February 13
• National Ravioli Day: March 20
• National Carbonara Day: April 6
• National Macaroni Day: July 7
• National Mac & Cheese Day: July 14
• National Lasagna Day: July 29
• National Noodle Day | October 6
• National Pasta Day: October 17
• World Pasta Day: October 25
• National Parmigiano Reggiano Day: October 27
• National Noodle Ring Day: December 11
• National Pasta Month | October

To Sum Up this Fun Food Holiday..... 

So, on July 7th, choose your favorite macaroni dish and enjoy a delicious meal on this pasta holiday. As you can see by the list above, there are many pasta days throughout the year to enjoy each dish you like best. 

+All images in this review are compliments of Pixabay

*National Macaroni Day Review is written by Wednesday Elf

Macaroni Cookbooks: 

 

Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese

Mac & Cheese Cookbook: 100+ Simple Recipes from Homeroom, America's Favorite Mac and Cheese Restaurant

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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