Note from Kristen: Fudge

I have tried and tried to make fudge. This time I think I tried the easiest recipe out there. The one with marshmallow creme. Fudge is just so temperamental. It really is an art. The first times trying it the fudge was so chalky. Last time it wasn't chalky but grainy. Like I crystallized the sugar. I've seen people make it in the microwave before. That sounds easy enough. I was hoping to have this amazing recipe for you guys but not so much. For now I will just stick to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Potato Salad

I love to have people over for BBQs. Potato salad is a great way to feed a crowd. I have found everyone like their own way. With mustard, without mustard, hot, cold, red potatoes, regular potatoes. There are just so many different ways. This recipe pleases the masses in Texas. Its nothing fancy just some potatoes, mayo, eggs, and mustard and there you go.

Step 1: Heat 1 inch water (salted if desired) to boiling in 3-quart saucepan. Add 6 medium potatoes (peeled & cut in cubes), Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cook 30 to 35 minutes or until tender; drain. Cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix 1½ cup mayonnaise, relish to taste, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper in large glass or plastic bowl. Stir in 3 eggs (hard-boiled and chopped). Add potatoes; toss. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours until chilled.

Hot Wings

Lesson Learned: Make sure you take the wings apart by the joint. We forgot that step. It makes it so much easier to eat and cook.

Step 1: Mix ½ cup flour, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Coat 2½ pounds chicken wings with the flour mixture. Deep Fry: Deep fry wings at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until cooked and crispy, drain

Bake: Bake wings at 425 degrees for 45 minutes or until cooked and crispy, flip once

Grill: Grill wings over medium heat for 30-40 minutes or until cooked and crispy, turn often

Step 2: In large bowl, combine 2/3 cup franks redhot cayenne pepper and ¼ cup melted butter. Toss wings in sauce to coat completely. Serve with ranch.

French Fries

Tip: Matt likes them a little crispy so I usually cut them thin. If I'm feeling lazy and just want to get a few cooked fast I will cut them a little thicker.

Step 1: In a medium bowl, dissolve the 1/3 cup white sugar in 2 cups warm water. Soak 2 large russet potatoes (peeled, and sliced into ¼ inch strips) in water mixture for 15 minutes. Remove from water, and dry thoroughly on paper towels.

Step 2: Heat 6 cups vegetable oil (or enough to cover the fries) in deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Add potatoes, and cook until golden, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Season with salt to taste. Get creative try seasoning with a little sugar or chili powder.

Chicken Piccata

Finally something different again. I got stuck on taco and all things like a taco for a while. Then I was looking through a stack of recipes I printed a while back and found this one. It was very refreshing. Perfect for a hot day with the lemons and light pasta.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 200 degrees

Step 2: Half 1 lemon and reserve a few slices. Juice the remaining lemon; reserve. Start heating the water for 1 pound angel hair pasta.

Step 3: Sprinkle both sides of 4 boneless skinless chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Then coat with flour.

Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium high heat until hot. Saute cutlets until lightly brown on both sides. Place the chicken on an oven safe plate and keep warm in the oven. Add the pasta to the water and cook for about 4 minutes until al dente.

Step 5: In the meantime, don’t wipe the skillet clean you will want the brown stuff for flavoring. Using that skillet saute 1 teaspoon minced garlic for about 10 seconds. Add 1 cup water, 1 bullion cube, and lemon slices from before. Increase heat and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon. Simmer until liquid reduces for about 4 minutes. Add lemon juice from before and 2 tablespoons capers. Simmer for about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and add 3 tablespoons butter and some parsley. The pasta should be about ready so drain and serve with sauce and chicken.