Salami rolls, pepperoni rolls, or any kind of dinner roll with meat kneaded in, is unusual but delicious. They go well with pasta, salads, and other lighter meals where there may be a small amount of meat or none at all. These freeze very well, either baked or unbaked, so just make enough for a meal at a time. Extra rolls should be kept in the refrigerator and then reheated before serving.

This recipe makes a tender, soft roll with a lot of flavor. They are unique and delicious…and you can’t ask for much more than that.
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It is brand new and gorgeous in every way. In the lobby of the hotel is a small bistro…simply called, The Bistro.

It is an open area, very Asian/Art Deco in feel. The colors were a warm rusty red and maize yellow…with a little royal blue. It was relaxing and complimented the hotel perfectly. Another thing I liked was that the booths had partitions between them and t.vs in the partitions. You could sit and drink your coffee and watch Food Network…Which I did, by the way. It felt very luxurious.

The tree outside my bedroom window, the one that HASN’T fallen down from wind, flood, or snow, has tiny pinkish leaf buds on it. Could it be true? Is spring on its way?

Dang, I hope so. I am tired of cold weather, ready for warmth and summer and sitting on the porch. Excuse me,  sitting on the veranda. January might be the first of the year but I have always felt that spring was. It seems more natural a beginning to me. I am excited about my new life, the opportunities that are popping up everywhere, and finally (I hope) getting my kitchen finished this year. With the new book deal (Complete Idiot’s Guides… to be published for Mother’s Day 2011 - cookbook ) I should have enough to do the restoration/remodel on the kitchen. YAY!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to stay at a new Marriott, as well as review a restaurant and a Bistro.  It’s a tough life, but someone has to do it, right?

The Keg Restaurant in Arlington, Texas is a beautiful restaurant. I don’t like chain restaurants, and this is one…but it is definitely a huge step above places like Applebees, Chilis, and other “might-as-well-eat-fast-food” places.

It has a wonderful and luxurious ambiance. A fire in the fireplace and slightly dimmed lighting keeps things quiet, subtle, and romantic - even at lunch. The service was quick, professional, and friendly without being smothering. Servers wear traditional black and white and that is a nice touch, too.

A few days before Valentine’s Day I recieved a book for review. It was written by a man, for men, and contains everything a guy needs to know to seduce his lady with the ultimate romantic meal, place setting and napkin folding included.

The name? Sweeping Her Off Her Feet with Food by Eric S. Lee

I guess, being a woman, I was a bit skeptical about the whole premise of the book. I mean, seriously. If I am going to have a romantic evening a heavy meal isn’t something that is going to get me in the mood. Food or romance, but not at the same time.