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My recipe for upside-down tomato tart graced the cover of Food Network magazine. Yes, this recipe was tested in the FN kitchen and it is award-winning! Tart Tatin A tarte Tatin is basically an upside-down pastry. According to ‘history’, maybe folklore, two sisters ran the Hotel Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron, France. […]
Dreams have no expiration date, so dream big! You never know what will happen. Just read my story. Never in my wildest dreams! But, I did dream! There’s No Expiration Date on Dreams Yep, that’s my original quote. Dreams have no expiration date. Most everything in our world now has […]
NOTE: I wrote this post pre-Covid19. Let’s wait until we’re free, clear and safe before we institute Sunday dinners! It’ll be awesome to gather friends and family, hug, share great food and realize that we truly are #inthistogether. This life we have can’t be taken for granted. xoxo ~ally […]
Now that I’m two weeks out from my total shoulder arthorplasty (surgery), I’m in the process of the long road to recovery and rehab. One thing’s for sure I am itchin’ to get back in my kitchen. And, I have to some degree with the help of my granddaughter who’s […]
Shoulder surgery. While this isn’t a walk in the park, I’m hoping you’ll pickup a nugget or two of some helpful information! Huge thank you to my doctor and medical team at Steadman Clinic!
I’m using both hands as I type this quick and spontaneous post for International Women’s Day 2020. And, if you’ve a Baby Boomer woman, I think you’ll get what I’m saying and agree. Plus, if you’ve got GenX daughters and/or Millennial daughters, granddaughters, do them a favor and send this […]
My dear foodie peeps, You never know what the next turn is on the road of living. Yes, life can throw you curveballs. There’s no dodging or ducking. You have to do something when you know that curveball is coming your way. I’ll be taking a major detour and hiatus […]
Happiness is just something we all seem to want. Sometimes we wonder ‘what is happiness’. It’s seems to be an intangible, but is it really? I say happiness is something that comes from the depths of your soul and heart. And, happiness is something that can happen because of so […]
What’s it really mean to be downsizing your home? Does that mean you find a home that’s less square footage? A home that’s all on one level? A tiny home? Downsizing has so many different connotations. For those entering their 50s, 60s and beyond, sometimes downsizing sometimes means, among other […]
Get the FREE COPY! Click here, luvs! Holiday Issue of Ally’s Boho Living. Once you’ve done that, come on back and read this post! I’ll be here ZZzzzzzz…xoxo ~ally I’ve done a lot of things in my life, but having the title of Co-Editor and Photographer is a new one I […]
You never know what life has in store for you. If you live long enough, you realize this because some things that happen just don’t make sense, especially if they’ve not been planned and strategically executed. You see for decades I was in the world of education as a teacher […]
When you’re a foodie as in a food blogger and someone who creates recipes and cooks for a living, you are in the kitchen most all the time. No different than working in an office for a company, being a teacher and in your classroom, working in a department store, […]
For all my Boho peeps! SPECIAL DISCOUNT: Use ABL50 at CheckOut (Expires 9/4/15) Now, there’s no denying that I’m a dreamer. A big dreamer. Have been since I was a kid growing up in those Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia where I was taught by my Mom that anything’s possible if […]
I admit it. I don’t mind aging…well, I don’t mind tooooooo much. What I do despise about aging, hate it like the dickens, is to possibly look at the last 20 to 30 years of my life and see someone who shrivels up and becomes ‘old’. I don’t want to […]
If you want to dig into Hong Kong’s history, look no further than its food. A massive city that embraces antiquity and technology, Hong Kong’s culinary scene, from hole in the wall shops and eateries, tea houses, dim sum restaurants, herbal tea bars, and bakeries to skyscrapers, exceptionally fine dining, […]
When President Bill Clinton, Hillary and Chelsea first saw the Great Wall of China, all he could say was ‘Amazing, amazing’. Maybe for him it was one more check off his bucket list. It’s definitely one more check off my bucket list! Driving from Beijing to the Great Wall was […]
They say that one of the hardest parts of dim sum making or dim sum dumpling making is in the folding and creation of the little dough filled critters that are so popular and tasty with endless varieties of fillings. Dim sum is an old, yet quite trendy, culinary dish […]
First impressions. You’ve heard the saying about those initial moments of meeting someone new or trying something you’ve never tried before. The first impression is a real phenomena, yes, an aspect of psychology that has validity. Usually we think of it when we meet someone for the first time. Did […]
This post will be kind of different from most of my posts. Why? Because it won’t be finished and complete. I’ll keep adding to it almost daily talking to you about what’s happening on our magic carpet ride to China! Just pretend that we’re in my kitchen and just talking. […]
Tasting Singapore! Sometimes dreams do come true. And, what I mean is I’ve always dreamed of going to Asia. Visiting China and Singapore. And, now I’m heading there!! Not only will I meander for days in Shanghai, Bejing and Hong Kong, but I’m going to get to experience some exclusive foodie […]
I have this really great Army green vintage jacket that I found in a boutique in Crested Butte, Colorado. When I saw it, I knew it was mine and I had to have it. Perfect for traveling~wrinkled, washable, pockets. And, best of all, on the back this message ‘I’m in […]
OK, I admit, I’ve never really thought of myself as a ‘grandma’ in the traditional sense. I mean, yes, I loved and adored my paternal grandmother, Alice, whom I was named after. Much of my cooking was inspired by spending hours on end in the kitchen with her. And, I […]
Sometimes you just have no idea how much you can dig down and draw from your inner self. Your back’s against the wall. You’re slapdab worn out. Every muscle in your body is aching. Doing yoga is even a chore. You just want to run to the nearest corner and […]
I’m so happy to share this beautiful post ‘food is a family affair’ because it’s the memories of one special friend, Joan Leotta, who is a published author and writer who happens to have a love affair with food. Memories like this can make you realize how strong the impressions […]
Glitter. It’s that shiny stuff that makes you smile. It’s something that adds sparkle and pizaaazzz to your life. It’s shiny. It’s happy. It’s magical. I believe we all can sprinkle mind glitter, and it’s what’s called dreaming. Yes, this is my belief. My mantra. Never stop dreaming. This mind glitter […]
The Hatfields & McCoys feud is probably the most famous in American history. If you don’t know anything about it, then you are missing out on a treasured gem in our country’s development. Starting shortly after the Civil War when the world was so different, when lawlessness existed, and when […]
“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” — Pablo Picasso Your imagination is a powerful thing. It’s the brain’s way of seeing what the possibilities are. Everything that we use in today’s world is because of someone’s imagination that sparked dreams and ‘seeing’ what could be. No […]
When I was having babies, I never thought about them growing up. Becoming adults. Getting married. Actually, all I thought about was getting through the day, feeding them, doing homework, making sure they were at their after school activities, in bed getting their rest for school the next day and […]
Last Spring 2015, Ben and I took a fabulous trip to the Napa Valley. One of our most memorable visits was a personal invitation to explore Continuum Estate, a boutique winery owned by the two of legendary Robert Mondavi’s adult children. How in the world do you get an invite […]
Sometimes the best way to stretch yourself and grow is to dive into a culture that’s not your own ~ally “Why” is such a specific word. When you’re asked a ‘why’ question, you can be put on the spot or you just might have all the answers. You give a […]
I suppose all the movement and writhing while rehearsing for this performance did me in! Never had I experienced a burning electrical pain like I was having in my left leg and only from my knee to my hip! Never in my wildest dream would I think that this pain […]
When I was a littl’ girl in elementary school, which went to 6th grade,I couldn’t wait for school to be out every day. As a seven-year-old, the most fun thing for me to do after walking home from school then getting my homework done was to walk over to Grandma’s […]
I can’t remember taking real vacations as a kid. Mom and Dad, and later just Mom because Dad died when I was 10, didn’t have the money or time. Life was hard, well much harder than today. Plus, loading up four kids in an old Ford that wasn’t really that […]
As I’ve gotten more time under my belt with this thing called living and life, I’ve come to realize that sometimes there could be just this one chance. That sometimes opportunities just might not come along again. Rather than contemplate or hedge on a deciding, ask yourself, if not now, […]
My new cookbook Ally’s Kitchen~A Passport for Adventurous Palates that’s a top Amazon international cookbook would not have happened without YOU! Five years ago, I had no idea I’d be doing a cookbook, but it happened because so many of you on social media kept saying to me ‘ally, you need […]
Rose-colored glasses. Yes, that’s what happens when you think others are like you and want only the best for you, are being genuine and truly have an honorable intent. You’d think I’d learn to clean off my rose colored glasses. I’m talking about reality TV shows. I was cast on […]
With each passing year of my life, I go backwards. Kind of like the movie ‘Back to the Future’. You see, I find myself embracing and coveting all that was good and memorable for me about the 1960s and into the 70s. College was full of new adventures, friends, experiences […]
You never know what will happen when you’re riding a Harley. You never know what will happen when you’re on an adventure! I call them ‘harley tales.’ So, Ben and I decided to take a Harley trip to Crested Butte & Aspen—a short, but exciting 3-day exploration. It’s particularly good […]
Backroads when driving offer the most charming glimpses into history and the past. Unless you’re really in a hurry to get somewhere, I say avoid those big highways and Interstates. It’s worth the time. Sometimes getting to your destination means finding lonesome and scenic country roads and maybe backroads. That’s […]
The word ‘death’ seems too final, as if it’s totally over, gone, forever buried and never to be again. I prefer to say ‘passing’ when someone leaves Earth and is no longer in the flesh. Isn’t that what we’re all doing—just simply and memorably passing through this life—hopefully, etching our […]
I grew up during a time when grandchildren were to be seen not heard. And, this was no more evident than when we had big family gatheringss at my grandmother Alice’s home, which was right around the corner within a stone’s throw of our home~~looking back I think my Mom […]
Archaeology digs uncover history, cultures, people, lifestyles and more. They’re usually painstakingly detailed and timely. When you go to the Gulf coast, it doesn’t take much digging to realize how the history, culture, people and their lifestyles are shaped and influenced by the Gulf Coast waters. While I kind of […]
Little things, yes, small things, in life can bring such pleasure, satisfaction and happiness. Doesn’t take much other than maybe some effort and thoughtfulness, then throw in some creative thinking and planning, and you can create sparkling memories that can be shared for a lifetime! Fantasy is a beautiful thing. […]
Four pounds of thick cut hardwood smoked bacon. Two pounds of ground sausage. Four pounds of ground meats. Three pounds of pasta. Five pounds of new potatoes. Thirty-two eggs. Mounds of fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses and salad greens. Milk, Juice. A big homemade double chocolate cake. Wine~~lost count on the […]
This may be the shortest post I’ve ever written~~my cookbook’s now on Amazon & you can pre-order!! I’m so exhilarated!! I even went to Amazon.com and ordered some just for the thrill of it. Yes, the eagle has landed! After working months on the manuscript, taking thousands of photographs, having major […]
Clubs, circles, groups and cliques. We know them. We’ve grown up with them since childhood. Usually like-minded people who come together because of a common interest, a common thread, a mutual mission, passion, and purpose. From those early years of scouting, athletic teams and school clubs then on to college […]
Sometimes people just blow me away! Meeting spirited folks on Google+ and other social media who just adore food like I do is like having a safe deposit box full of valuables~~one of my shining friends, Mary G., is from across the pond~~she’s got a wicked sense of humor, a […]
Yeah, I’m talking about getting a cookbook contract~~pretty far-fetched I thought, but let me share with you how all of this came about! Do you believe in God winks? After about three years of the website, growing the social media connections for Ally’s Kitchen, developing foodie relationships with cool folks […]
As a kid I never remember doing ‘overnight’ camping as in the sense of pitching a tent, taking your provisions, building a campfire. You get the idea. Oh, yes, there were a few day camps I went to like Girl Scouts, and, yep, we had s’mores. Then there were the […]
Two of the things that I love best about traveling in Europe are the people and the bicycles! The people in Paris enchant me as they go about their days~~it seems it’s more relaxed, life is easier. There’s more camaraderie as I see them sit at cafes, sip wine and […]
I Googled this question—‘what creates happiness’? And, you know how many hits I got—over 22 million! There’s obviously a lot of people writing about happiness, what it is, how you find it, how you keep it—it’s indeed a mysterious phenomenon. As a former psychologist, who had a private practice for […]
This post is brought to you by Target, however, all the opinions & thoughts are ally’s~~follow along with #MyKindofHoliday #mkoh About 5 years ago, I started doing yoga. I had this bummer L4 & L5 and didn’t want back surgery, so I sought some alternative modes of treatment including taking […]
Not sure where to start sharing with you about this 2013 WFC competition—I think I’ll just do some streams of consciousness and illuminate random thoughts for you—maybe it’ll make sense, no there’s no sequence or order—it’s just letting you have a seat in the balcony of my brain—and listening to […]
Psssssst~~If you haven’t read the first part, swing by and check it out~~read more~~ Once upon a time~~blah blah blah, maybe a blip or glitch or two, then it’s Cinderella time~~and, she lived happily ever after! I remember these kinds of fairy tales when I was a little girl~~and, now […]
Once upon a time~~blah blah blah, maybe a blip or glitch or two, then it’s Cinderella time~~and, she lived happily ever after! I remember these kinds of fairy tales when I was a little girl~~and, now even as a kid in a big body, I admit I have probably fantasized […]
Probably the best things about competitive cooking and making it to these events whether as a viewer, contestant, judge, or just visitor is meeting the people! And, I had the great fortune of commiserating for four days with foodies who share the same insane passion as I for FOOD! And, […]
The First 5 Piccolo Chapters~Read On Chapter Six~~The Village of Disnik It’s strange how mistakes, wrong turns, and blunders can turn out to be exactly right—I mean at the time you don’t know it, but it sometimes happens that way. We’d followed our directions, we thought, to a tee and […]
Wearing my Oz red shoes and riding on my magic carpet, I had a real-life fairy-tale! Like a Nicholas Sparks’ novel, a Lifetime movie or, better yet, the movie, Pretty Woman’ {“I want the dream!}, this sojourn could not have been scripted any more perfectly~~it was probably ‘in the stars’…destined […]
April is ‘National Grilled Cheese Month’ and as it approaches, I am having mixed emotions. Excited to share my fabulous experience as the 2012 Wisconsin Cheese ‘Grilled Cheese Academy’ grand winner, and sad, because, like Miss America, or in my case, Miss Cheese, I’ll relinquish my crown to the next lucky cheese […]
Parents Embarrassing Their Kids on Social Media Ten surefire ways to embarrass kids on social media. Listen up parents, these are things that you might want to consider when on social media! Social media is here to stay, and, as such, we as parents and grandparents have to figure out […]
I usually don’t even make New Years’ resolutions because one, I don’t think they work and, two, I usually work on things in my life as they crop up. But, this year is different, I’m making a resolution for 2013, and it’s spurred by the fact that sometimes you just […]
