Yesterday, I did a television cooking segment for NBC 13 Daytime Alabama featuring fresh Chilton County Peaches. One of the three recipes I made was Pork Chops with Peach Salsa which was featured on my site a few weeks back. It had such huge views that I was requested to feature it again.  Here you go.  I hope you enjoy.

Since I was born and raised in the south, I can honestly say I have tried a lot of great fried foods. Over the years, I have worked hard to lighten some of my favorite southern dishes. These Panko-Crusted Fish Sticks have to be one of my favorites. When I made them recently, everyone was raving about them and begged for the recipe. Not only because they were so pretty, but the flavor was out of this world. I served them with this simple sauce, and dinnertime was a hit. These make a great appetizer or main dish for anytime during the year. This recipe also works great with chicken, cut into thin strips.

I have some big news. Very big news!!! For those of you who have not heard, I am working on a cookbook, and the manuscript is due September 15th. It is more work than I ever imagined, and I can’t thank my kids, family and friends enough for their understanding during this busy time.

It is a very “big” book. When I say “big”, I mean it. 400 recipes. The book will be out spring 2011.  It is a very exciting time, and I couldn’t have done any of this everyone’s awesome support. I cannot thank you enough.

I will blog more about it in the coming months.  Stay tuned . . .

My daughter, Leigh and I, were trying to figure out what to do with some fresh strawberries and blueberries. Since it’s been so hot outside (100 degrees today), I thought, how about popsicles? With only 3 ingredients, these Strawberry-Blueberry Popsicles were a home-run. They taste great, especially with chunks of fresh strawberries. Thank you, Leigh, for all of your help making these.

Okay, so occasionally I splurge and post a recipe that’s not the healthiest, but it’s the weekend, right? Here is a recipe for Orange Margaritas that’s great. I have to credit this beverage to Kay, who makes the best cocktails. We love going swimming at her fabulous pool, and she even makes non-alcocholic versions for the kids. This is a great summertime drink that’s perfect when you want something really easy but special and delicious.

One of my favorite things to snack on is granola. In town, Big Sky Granola is one of my favorites because it’s chunky like this Chunky Nut and Dried Fruit Granola recipe. I made this for a special treat for my friend who just had surgery, and she took one bite and said, “This granola rocks!” It is as good as it looks and full of wonderful ingredients.

Since summer began, things seem (and are) busier than ever. Trying to work at home with 3 kids is always a challenge. Some days, dinnertime becomes a last minute thought. This recipe for Steak Fajita Salad is one of my “in a pinch” recipes. My kids love these, and they wrap the steak and vegetables in flour tortillas. I serve mine over lettuce (trying to skip the carbs). I dollop mine with nonfat Greek yogurt for some extra protein and a great substitute for sour cream.

Note: for the Fajitas seasoning, I used McCormick.

I’m cooking ribs and coleslaw for the 4th of July at my house today since I’m heading to the lake tomorrow. I wanted to make a really easy, but delicious, light coleslaw. I had a great idea that made my life oh so simple. Recently, I bought some new spices from Penzeys, (when I went to get a present for someone else-you know how that goes). I tried the “Country French Vinaigrette” dry spice mix which works great in this 15 Minute Summer Coleslaw. This recipe was a huge hit with everyone, including the kids.

Note: In Birmingham, Alabama, the Penzeys is located in Homewood.

My friend, Kiel, just recently moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and she sent me some recipes from her “Girls Night Out” dinner. She and 10 of her friends get together every Tuesday night and alternate at their different houses trying new, fun and creative recipes. One night, they made Panini sandwiches and homemade tomato soup. Recently, they had an abundance of healthy, fresh salads. She sent me some of the recipes from her latest dinner. This Tomato-Avocado Appetizer with Boursin is such a breeze and tastes delish! It is so perfect for a crowd, especially during the summertime (such as this weekend for July 4th) celebrations. Thanks Kiel and your wonderful friends for sharing your recipes with me.

I recently saw a pizza grill pan last week in the window at The Cook Store, a wonderful neighborhood cooking store where I live. I thought to myself, “I want that!”. I received one for a present shortly thereafter, and I was very excited (thanks @jon_lewis -twitter handle). I used it the other night when I was in a pinch as I was testing recipes for my upcoming book (Chipotle Pork Wraps with Slaw).  My kids didn’t want that for dinner so I threw this Grilled Pizza with Basil, Mushrooms and Mini Turkey Pepperoni together for them. I ended up eating both (of course) because it turned out so great!