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Halle's Kitchen

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Naples, FL
Halle's Kitchen

Join me daily for baking and cooking inspiration, tips, and recipe shares ~ 💕

08/22/2026

Thanks to the my wonderful hubby (AKA Sous Chef Extraordinaire), we have a huge pot of kilbasa potato leek soup ~ A favorite here in Halle's Kitchen 👩‍🍳 👨‍🍳 💕 🍲 🥣

My energy level is seriously lacking these days. I'm now 7 weeks out from my spinal fusion and today is my very first day back in our kitchen (It took me 5 days to build up to today and it may take another week or so to come back! 😜) My physical therapist advised that a great way to start building back my endurance is to to try to make something simple, allowing my hubby to do the "heavy" work (gathering ingredients and cookware and helping with meal prep.) So, of course I chose one of our favorite homemade soups.

It must be noted, my perspective has definitely changed: What I remember as being a fairly simple process...was most definitely not. I'm exhausted. It's definitely a reminder that home cooked meals take effort, energy, strength, endurance, and time... something not to be taken for granted.

It's also a reminder that when I bake my cakes and desserts, and get the "Wow! That's expensive" feedback from prospective new clientele...yes: Good cake isn't cheap and cheap cake isn't good. I'll take a retail dessert when my sweet tooth kicks in.... but, nothing beats a scratch-made dessert using the best of ingredients backed with solid technical skill, ensuring a bite of heaven in each handcrafted treat 💕
Skill + time + quality ingredients = $$$

Naturally gluten-free, and loaded with comfort, here's the recipe link to this delicious soup:
https://www.simplyscratch.com/kielbasa-potato-leek-soup/?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=organic
NOTES:
• This soup is best eaten on day 2, once the flavors have had an opportunity to marry. Trust me on this.
• I double or triple the recipe and freeze in 32. oz containers. It reheats wonderfully!
• I use chicken bone broth to "beef up" the protein percentage/nutritional value

Next up, I think I'll make my Oh So Divine chocolate poundcake... with the help of my hubby of course. Grateful I have a willing helpmate ~ I'm definitely not taking my sweetheart for granted ❤️

Happy cooking from Halle's Kitchen! 👩‍🍳 💕

08/20/2026

Awe... This memory popped up of my humble beginnings as a cake decorator ❤️ 🎂 👩‍🍳
My friend Anthony was so patient with me. He even lent me his decorating tips so I could practice at home. Since then, I've come so far!! Here's your cue to take a chance, and reach for the stars 🌟 💕

08/18/2026

If ever I needed a nap, TODAY is the day!
Goodness, this healing stuff ZAPS the energy straight outta me. Grateful for my comfy bed and fluffy lightweight down goose comforter
Daisy was all too happy to take her spot and snuggle up. Appreciating taking things slow and allowing my body the rest it so desperately needs in order to heal.

08/14/2026

Our Daisy Girl is feeling MUCH BETTER!! Thank you all for your prayers ❤️ 🙏 🐾 😊

Her follow-up visit with her favorite vet, Dr. Haller, went well. She is on movement restrictions for another month; however, she is back to her happy tail-wagging, barking, joy-filled, cuddly self ❤️ 🐾

08/13/2026

I may not be ready to bake desserts just yet; but thanks to Amazon.com, I'm stimulating the economy from my recliner ~

These gorgeous silk orange gypsophila flowers really highlight the beauty of my blue and lavender striped glass-blown vase ~ I'm itching to decorate for Autumn!! 🍂 🍁 🎃
Link: https://a.co/d/0cLhZvPo

08/04/2026

I had a ROUGH morning... well, weekend... not feeling well at all. Pain and exhaustion can wreck havoc on a person 😔

THEN, my dear sweet friend called me and encouraged me. After a good cry, I got up, cleaned up, and put on a little makeup. I got dressed in a full set of clothes (bra and all!)...I mean, I've been living in pajamas for a month 😬...

Next, my hubby and I watched yesturday's church service on YouTube. Whew....I NEEDED THAT.

This afternoon, a knock on our door from a sweet friend checking in on me, bearing love and a care-package with crackers and brownies. What a great visit 😊

Afterwards, my hubby cleaned our home and did a really great job! (A disordered home really messes with my psyche)
** Mental note to more often verbally express to my husband how much I really appreciate the things he does for me

This evening, a thoughtful neighbor and her hubby delivered a nutrient-dense meal... just what my body needs to heal during my surgery recovery

My perspective tonight is so much brighter ❤️

If you're struggling, I pray a friend checks in on you.
I pray you're given the motivation to get up, shower, get dressed, and give yourself some needed self-care.
If you're unable to do those things for yourself, I pray someone steps in and helps you do these things.
I pray someone provides you with a nutritious meal.
I pray there's a knock at your door from a friend.
I pray you're encouraged and your day finishes with peace, contentment, and hope ❤️

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13

07/30/2026

It was a beautiful breezy afternoon ~ Perfect for a walk to get me moving. A HUGE thank you to my gal pal Rhonda for lending me her rollator 😊 It's awesome and gives me the confidence to go farther, having the ability to sit and rest when I need to ❤️

07/29/2026

It's been super quiet here in Halle's Kitchen as I heal from my back surgery ~ I've been getting lots of much needed rest 😌

I'm so grateful to be surrounded by the best support team:
💕 My hubby has patiently and compassionately tended to my needs. I'm so grateful to have a spouse who pours himself into taking care of me
💕 Friends, neighbors, and our church community have provided meals, prayer, flowers, offers to help clean and run errands, and "get-well" cards - These acts of kindness are so appreciated!!
💕 Trilogy HHC has been a blessing. My physical therapist, Mike, is: knowledgeable, kind, professional, patient, and encouraging
💕 Our doxi, Daisy, has been my constant companion. Animals are great at "reading the room." Her normal excitable, barking, "Crazy Daisy" self has been calm and snuggly 🐾 ❤️
💕 The Naples FL NASA surgical/clinical team have been amazing. Surgery is scary. The healing process is tough. Knowing I have a knowledgeable, competent, and compassionate team helps me to feel secure and confident.
💕 YOU!! I'm so grateful for the well wishes, prayers, and notes of encouragement!! It's a wonderful distraction ~ Thank you 🙏 ❤️

I'm looking forward to the day I'll be back in my kitchen baking, cooking, and sharing tips/tricks/and recipes 👩‍🍳 ~ Until then, I've been living vicariously through all of you ~ I'm inspired by the beautiful cakes and treats that come through my feed! There's so much talent amongst you! Keep posting! Post pictures of your desserts, meals, your fur babies, your family, your favorite Scriptures, your garden, and all the things that make you smile 😊

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9105 Strada Place
Naples, FL
34108

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