Missvain, Wikimedia Commons Sit down to a hearty meal of a smothered beef burrito. The day before writing this, I had lunch at a tiny...

Brian Boucheron, Wikimedia Commons Feeling cold and hungry? Warm your tummy with a pot of hearty stew. The mountain areas, and some of...

Benoit Prieur, Wikimedia Commons Garnish apple crepes with whipped cream (or ice cream), slivered almonds and caramel sauce for a real...

Famartin, Wikimedia Commons Dip pita chips into a hot dish of spinach artichoke dip for a real treat. A few nights ago, I was able to...

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Rio Acai Bowls owners, from left, Juan and Abigail Gonzalez and Alicia and Bobby Gutierrez are ready...

Courtesy of Neodymium, Wikimedia Commons Pork chops smothered in homemade gravy give your dinner that southern touch. You can also use...

Michele Frazier, Wikimedia Commons Homemade broccoli cheese soup is a good choice for cold winter nights. The only things I dislike about...

First published in The Madera Tribune on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. I’m not sure I’ll be buying any Girl Scout cookies online this year. I...