I am a total sucker for thin-crust Barbequed Chicken Pizza on a weeknight. It takes me to a happy place where work is over and relaxation begins. And sure, you can buy the frozen stuff, but then you don't get to add your favorite extras (more mushrooms, please!) and you certainly don't feel like you can serve it to guests. But homemade pizza? Now that's what I'm talking about!

Winter seems never ending at this point, so coming home to the wonderful aroma of slow-cooker fajitas was just what we needed this week. And, we're getting ready for a winter trip to Mexico, so a little spice seemed apropos. These Make-Ahead Fajitas are incredibly easy!

The very first winter that Ryan and I were married, we were loving having our own place and were anxious to do some entertaining, so we decided to throw a couples party. Of course, the only cooking we really knew how to do was grilling... and in the dead of winter in Minnesota that may sound a little crazy. But we are young, so crazy is what we do. With that idea - and basically no cooking skills - the annual "Burg-a-lation Celebration"  was born.

With the craziness (and expense) of raising four children, my parents usually celebrated Valentine's Day with a special meal at home. The most vivid recollection I have of this was when I was in middle school - the year that my mom arranged for us kids to be the chefs and servers.

With 2009 behind us, it's time to gear up for the most romantic day of the year--Valentine's Day! I don't know about you, but I really enjoy getting into V-day.  Chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, romantic music, flowers, chocolate...Ahhh! I can't wait.  It all comes easy when you're married to the greatest guy in the world!  Will you be my Valentine, Jeremy?

I grew up with a mom who made homemade caramels often, always saying they were so easy. She even made them at my house when my kids were little, and every time they turned out perfect. When I tried them on my own a few years ago, I ended up overcooking the caramel mixture -- ending up with delicious caramel hard candy, but not the chewy homemade caramels I loved! I tried again with the same unfortunate result.

I have friends that host a Super Bowl party every year.  They always have a fun game based on the two teams playing, fabulous prizes and of course, great food.