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The best MAC AND CHEESE in all the land. Period.

August 12, 2019 By Talya Tate Boerner

the best mac and cheese!

We had friends over to eat Tuesday night. John grilled burgers, and I baked the best Mac and Cheese in all the land which hopefully cancelled out the very average pot of beans I served with it. This is my go-to mac and cheese recipe. There’s no need to make any other. You could add lobster like the fancy restaurants do and have a dish people would pay $17 a serving for in Dallas (i.e. Capital Grille). I truly believe that.
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Pappardelle with Fresh Pesto and Chicken (oh my!)

August 28, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner

Pappardelle Pasta with Fresh Pesto and Chicken

Pasta + Pesto + Chicken

Last week I was in the mood for pasta. AND I was determined to make use of the bumper crop of fresh basil growing in my herb garden. It’s been a stellar summer for herb-growing, and I refuse to let a single leaf go to waste. So I whipped up a delicious platter of pappardelle with fresh pesto and chicken.

Pesto is easy to make. After tasting the homemade version, you’ll never buy pesto from a jar again. Continue Reading

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

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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: May 4, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Rainy Day Edition
  • Spiderwort: my love-hate relationship
  • Sunday Letter: March 23, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: March 16, 2025

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