Some say the best part of waking up is coffee, but how about a muffin to fill the stomachs of those those on the run?

If you are looking for a quick, easy breakfast pick-me-up, or a simple snack for the afternoon munchies, this Merry Muffin recipe is for you.  It only takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook and can make 12 regular sized muffins or 24 mini muffins.

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Now that the holidays are over and life has resumed its daily hustle and bustle, why not give your family a treat that is quick and tasty.  For those of you out there who love seasoning and spicy food, this is a great recipe for you.

If you have a milder palate, just lower certain spices and the dish will still come out scrumptious.

This Spicy Pepper Steak and Rice dish will take you only 20 minutes to prepare and cook.  More great news is that it will definitely stay in your budget, and still have your family and friends praising your culinary skills. continue reading »

In the mood for sushi but not in the mood to head to Center City?  Makiman Sushi restaurant right on Oxford Avenue near Rising Sun Avenue is the perfect dining destination to satisfy your sushi cravings.  Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, this casual, cozy little Japanese eatery offers takeout in addition to sit-down meals.

The restaurant itself is very small, but it does have a warm and inviting atmosphere. Even if you’re not in the mood for sushi, Makiman offers a variety of cooked Japanes-style dishes. But I would highly recommend getting the sushi dishes.

The seafood at Makiman is fresh and delicious, prepared well and doesn’t leave a bad after taste in your mouth. The service was wonderful, timely and friendly.  Unlike other sushi bar, where there is often a long wait for food, at Makiman, my food was prepared and served in a very acceptable fashion. continue reading »

Food For Thought will take a break this week for the holidays. If you’re in need of a last-minute dessert recipe for the holiday, try this one for Lemon Meringue Pie.

Have a safe and tasty holiday!

Food For Thought is a NEast restaurant review column written by Donna Ward that runs every other Thursday on NEastPhilly.com. See all of Donna’s reviews here. Read other NEastPhilly columns here.

In the mood for a quick bite or some fantastic pizza?  Montesini’s on Frankford Avenue in the Mayfair Shopping Center has delicious food at very affordable prices.  Whether you are in the mood for pizza shop fast food, or a sit-down, relaxed, casual dining experience, Montesini’s can accommodate.  Parking shouldn’t be too much trouble with the abundance of the shopping center spaces, but beware: with the holidays rapidly approaching, the malls are becoming more crowded.

Very small and common, Montesini’s may not impress you much by its look or décor, but taking the advice of an old adage “never judge a book by its cover,” you will be pleasantly surprised by the taste of the food.  The staff manages to keep the restaurant relatively tidy and the silverware and flatware is clean, which is always a good sign.  The service is very friendly and fast.  I ordered my food, and in less than 10 minutes it was at my table prepared steaming hot. continue reading »

Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, squash and yams– it must be Thanksgiving.  What better day to stay in and have a wonderful home-cooked meal with family and friends.  Of course, no Thanksgiving meal would be complete without the traditional pumpkin pie, but here’s a great recipe for those looking to add a different flavor that still works with the color scheme of yellows, reds, oranges and browns.

Lemon meringue pie is a tasty treat that accompanies pumpkin pie, or can be served on its own.  This year, surprise your family and friends with a new end to Thanksgiving that they are sure to enjoy.  This wonderful pie could feed anywhere from eight to 12 people depending on your serving slice. continue reading »

Quick, easy and tasty! The three words a chef loves to hear. Try this week’s recipe to stay in for the next time you need a cake, a treat or a celebration. This has been a family favorite in my house for years and honoring veterans everywhere, you can garnish the top of this cake with strawberries and blueberries in the shape of a flag. The entire recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. continue reading »

Trick or treat!  If you picked treat, good choice, because this week we have a scrumptious and easy recipe that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This year, Halloween is taking over and a variety of treats are readily available for all who seek a ghoulish night of fun and sugar.  If you’re like many who a tasty treat for less money, try this recipe for Halloween Dirt, and watch your family and neighbors scream with delight.  Preparation time is about 20 minutes and this dessert can serve about 20 people. continue reading »

With the increasing financial hardship and economic strain, more NEasters are choosing to dine in and save some money, rather then eat out.  Given the fact that more and more people are taking on this custom, I am including a recipe that I came upon a few weeks ago for all our money-saving friends, and those who want to try a little something different.  Try this fast, easy and delicious Shepherd’s Pie recipe from Ladies Home Journal with a low calorie count of just 246 per serving. continue reading »

With the increasing financial hardship and economic strain, more NEasters are choosing to dine in and save some money, rather then eat out.  Given the fact that more and more people are taking on this custom, I am including a recipe that I came upon a few weeks ago for all our money-saving friends, and those who want to try a little something different.  A Beef teriyaki with cucumber salad recipe I discovered in an Asian-style cookbook (Homestyle Asian) intrigued my creative side, as well as my taste buds.

The preparation time is around 20 to 30 minutes, takes 20 minutes to cook and serves 4 people.

What you will need for the beef teriyaki:

• 4 filet steaks
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon of sake (optional, but recommended)
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ginger
• 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds
• 1/3 cup of soy sauce

What you will need for the cucumber salad:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar (rice wine vinegar preferred)
• ½ red pepper, diced
• ¼ a cup of water

Continue reading for cooking instructions continue reading »