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The Best Beef Stew!

December 6, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

Beef Stew, the ultimate comfort food?

Oh my goodness. This is the best beef stew! John made it last week. You’ll want to make it soon. He’s not one to strictly follow a recipe. Instead he studies lots of recipes then creates his own by adding a little more of something, changing something, omitting something. This beef stew is one of his best. It’s hearty, flavorful and comforting. A keeper recipe for sure!

O Come All Ye Comfort Foods…

What makes a comfort food? For me, a comfort food nourishes body and soul, touching some special space inside, reminding me of childhood, home, winter days long ago, snow days, Sunday after church days, days I wrap tight and hold dear. Something about the perfect combination of food, flavor, family, makes me feel better. Comfort foods are reliable.

They aren’t low calorie. Hahaha. Life doesn’t work that way.

“On this cold, winter day, I’m really craving some tuna packed in water to make me all cozy inside,” said no one ever. 

(Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against tuna.)

Momma made beef stew in the fall and winter. It stuck to our ribs when the weather was frightful and noses were runny. It was an inexpensive meal, too, one that called for not much meat but lots of potatoes and carrots. And, it was a good way to sometimes sneak in peas, which I didn’t much like.Continue Reading

5 Halloween Appetizers for your Spooky Soiree

October 24, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

Halloween Appetizers

Sponsored Post: This Halloween appetizers post is sponsored by Tyson Foods. All content and opinions expressed are my own. #WMDeliciousDisguises

Hey, friends. I’ve been working on a few new Halloween appetizers for the spooky soiree my husband and I are planning this weekend. The coolest thing about all of these deliciously disguised recipes is the first step of each is already prepared by the good folks at Tyson Foods. In other words, these appetizers include Tyson Any’tizers, Chicken Nuggets, or Hillshire Farms Cocktail Sausages. Easy!

When planning a spooky soiree, shortcuts are much appreciated, especially shortcuts that result in great taste and flavor. And bonus—all the ingredients in these five recipes were purchased at my local Walmart Neighborhood Market (660 MLK Jr. Blvd, Fayetteville, AR). One stop shopping is an immense bonus with a lengthy party planning to-do list.

Halloween isn’t just for kids. When we lived in Dallas, our home was known as the neighborhood  Halloween party house. Three years ago, we moved to Northwest Arkansas. It’s taken us this long to get back in the swing of hosting a Halloween party. (Don’t ask.) But, this is the year! We are excited about resurrecting our spooky soiree, and in creepy yet elegant fashion, we plan to go all out with food and decorations.

Five Halloween Appetizers

Today I’m sharing five Halloween appetizers along with serving suggestions to complement the mysterious ambiance I’m hoping to create. Yes, mood is created not only with home decorations and clever costumes, but also with food, plating, presentation, and spices. Little touches can make a memorable impact.

I try to imagine, what would Count Dracula serve to his guests?

Let me show you what I’ve come up with…Continue Reading

Hot Dogs and the Thrill of the Roast

October 10, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner

Hot Dogs and the Thrill of the Roast

Oh, hot dogs! Today I’m honoring the hot dog roast, a simple slice of Americana that reminds me of lake days and baseball and a summer soon behind us. I know, I know, hot dogs are the opposite of healthy, and vegetarians probably gag at the thought of them. I only eat two or three (okay five or six) a year, so no doubt I have worse habits I could / should / do fret over from time to time. But this is me trying to keep things light over here in my Grace Grits and Gardening world.

Personally, I think we could all use a big ole hot dog roast.Continue Reading

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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