We all need a go-to angel food cake that doesn’t come out of a box. Here’s yours. You will need attention to the details, an angel food pan, and a wine bottle (yes, a wine bottle) for this cake. The Details Preheat your oven. Use fresh egg whites not the ones from a carton. Left […]
Everyone needs a delightful, buttery Shortbread Cookies recipe. Shortbread Cookies Makes about 60 cookies. 1 cup + 6 tablespoons high-quality unsalted butter, softened (European butter is best) 2 teaspoons salt 1 1/3 cup of powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 cups flour Place the butter, salt, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixer. Cream together […]
Berry Pancakes With Cream Cheese Filling. I cannot help myself. I have declared this summer the summer of drunken berry everything. It will be a very good summer. Enter stage left… or stage right… or does it even really matter which side of the stage they enter from? The drunken-berry-topped cream-cheese-filled pancakes. Berry Pancakes With […]
Tips for Making Perfect Boiled Eggs Tips for Making Perfect Boiled Eggs Place your eggs in a pot and cover with lukewarm water. Turn the heat onto high and place the pot of eggs on the burner. Eggsamples: 7 minutes, 9 minutes, and 13 minutes Bring the water to a boil and then immediately turn […]
Watermelon Radish Salad is as healthy as it is gorgeous! Watermelon Radish Salad 2 watermelon radishes 2 English cucumbers 1 shallot 1 recipe Asian Vinegerette 8 ounces fresh sugar snap peas A handful of fresh microgreens (preferably ones that are sporting the same colors in this salad) Cut off the ends and then rough peel […]
What’s cuter than cake pops? Bluebird Cake Pops. Bluebird Cake Pops Vanilla Cake Pops 1 batch vanilla cake or chocolate cake 1/2 cup (or 4 ounces stick) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup powdered sugar Approx. 2 pounds white chocolate or candy melts in the color of your choice (see details below for these light bluebirds) […]
Orange Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting & Coconut Orange Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting & Coconut Makes two 9-inch round cakes – about 8 servings. Preheat oven to 350°F. 8 ounces unsalted butter, softened 1 3/4 cup sugar 4 large eggs, room temperature 3 cups flour or cake flour 1 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 […]
Buttery croissants aren’t as difficult to make as you might think. You just need a little patience. Okay, a lot of patience… and love… and high-fat, high quality butter. and a thermometer. You can pack the process into one day by placing your dough in the refrigerator for two hours in between each lamination; but, […]
How to Make Deviled Eggs. It feels wrong to have deviled eggs on Easter; and, yet, it feels wrong to not have deviled eggs on Easter. What’s a girl to do? I suppose a girl just has to make the most heavenly deviled eggs she can. And that is what she did. And everyone said, […]
France and Italy come together to create this dreamy, creamy Almond Tiramisu French Toast. Almond Tiramisu French Toast 1 recipe Almond syrup (make ahead, recipe below) 1/4 cup hot water 2 tablespoons instant coffee 8 eggs 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, divided 2 tablespoons almond extract, divided 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 4-6 tablespoons butter 8 slices […]
Dutch Gevulde Speculaas Bars are a sassy spicy cookie filled with tender almond paste. Perfect for the holidays or, you know, when you want to escape to Holland for the afternoon. Note: The speculaas dough needs to be refrigerated for 12-24 hours. The longer the better (that’s what she said) so be sure to fit the extra […]
Behold Sparkling Grapefruit Ade, the most gorgeous and refreshing drink you will ever serve. Sparkling Grapefruit Ade 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups water 9 large fresh grapefruit 2 ounces fresh ginger, peeled & sliced 6 sprigs fresh basil 2 liters club soda Vodka (optional) The night before: To make simple syrup, pour sugar and […]
Homemade Maple Nut Granola Recipe is just what the soul needs on a fallish day. It’s sweet and crunchy and oh so satisfying! Perfect for yogurt parfaits with fresh raspberries, as a trail mix snack, or place in cute little packaging for gifts! Maple Nut Granola Preheat oven to 250°F. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed […]
Banana Cream Pie. Delightful vanilla pudding topped with fresh bananas. It’s a classic and you don’t need a box to make it. Banana Cream Pie Vanilla Pudding Makes about 4 one-cup servings. 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 cups half and half or milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla paste […]
Strata Florentine With Sausage & Gruyere is so fancy. Why settle for flavored mayonnaise when you can have snobby custom-infused aioli? Why have a wine punch when you can refresh with a sassy sangria? And why have a breakfast casserole when you can have sophisticated strata? Strata Florentine With Sausage & Gruyere Makes about 6 […]
Homemade Crunch Doughnuts. These little circles of joy will be the hit at your next family breakfast. The crunch streusel coating is heavenly. Thanks to the glaze under the streusel, they’ll also last when placed in an airtight container and even longer if frozen. Crunch Doughnuts Makes about 12 cake doughnuts and 12 doughnut holes. […]
This Northwest Salad is a crowd-pleaser. Sweet pecans, lovely spring lettuce, and berries galore topped with lemon dressing. It’s dressed to impress! Northwest Salad 5-6 ounces spring lettuce 1 cup fresh blackberries (use 1/2 cup of blackberries, raspberries, & strawberries for Paleo or Keto option) 1 cup fresh blueberries, stemmed (leave off salad for Paleo or […]
There are few things on this planet as satisfying as blueberry smoothies. They’re healthy, refreshing, speedy to make, and yummy! Blueberry Smoothies Makes about four 8-ounce servings. 16 ounces frozen blueberries 1/2 banana, frozen 1 1/4 cups apple juice 1-2 tablespoon honey (optional) Place all of the ingredients in a blender. Secure the lid. Begin […]
My years spent sleeping on bakery shelves before grade school are paying off for you once again. Today, I share with you the Almond Coffeecake. Almond Coffeecake 5 teaspoons yeast 1/2 cup lukewarm water (110°F or lower) 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup instant mashed potatoes stirred together with 3/4 cup lukewarm water 1/4 cup shortening […]
Hot Cross Buns have risen and are here just in time for Easter. Glory! Glory! Hot Cross Buns Makes about 24 buns. 5 teaspoons yeast 1/2 cup lukewarm water (110F or lower) 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup instant mashed potatoes stirred together with 3/4 cup lukewarm water 1/4 cup shortening or unsalted butter 2 eggs […]
I present thee with Brown Sugar & Bourbon Glazed Ham No Easter is complete without a glazed ham. We’re adding a party today with a bit of bourbon whiskey. She is glorious. And sweet. And glorious. Brown Sugar & Bourbon Glazed Ham 10 pound smoked ham (approximate size will vary) 1 tablespoon whole cloves 1 […]
My Name is Deanna. And my mother is a retired cake decorator and this is how you make the prettiest Easter eggs in all the land. I’ve never had an Easter egg that was pastel. I’ve never had an Easter egg from a kit and I’ve never had an Easter egg that was dull. While other […]
It’s time to get spiffy for Easter with silk dyed Easter eggs! Here are some important tips for making our silk dyed Easter eggs: You gotta use 100% silk. Thrift stores are a fantastic place to find old silk ties, scarves, shirts, etc. because, well, cheap. Wrap ’em up tight! Tighter is brighter. If you […]
The artichoke is one of the snobbiest and beautiful veggies in all the vegetable kingdom, especially after this recipe… Artichoke Dip. Isn’t she gorgeous? Artichoke Dip Serves 8 for appetizers or 4 for dinner. 4 large artichokes 1/4 cup fresh lemon, juiced (divided) 4 ounces cubetti pancetta or pre-cooked large bacon bits (leave out for […]
Lemon Thumbprint Cookies boast the comfort of a cookie with a refreshing lemon filling. Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Thumbprint Cookies Makes about 2 dozen cookies. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/4 cup of sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups flour 1/8 cup poppy seeds 1/4 cup shredded […]
Once you have a great basic pie crust recipe, instead of a nightmare, pie becomes something one dreams about. Well, wait no longer. I got you. It’s easy and once you read through the tips, you’ll have a lovely, flaky crust every time. Here are some pies you can make using this crust recipe. Tips […]
Learn here how to make scones. How to Make Scones Scone dough, just like pie crust dough, doesn’t like to be played with after the wet ingredients are added. Just mix the wet & dry ingredients until they can be formed into scones. If you over-mix, you’ll get rubbery scones. Always use cold butter and […]
The pavlova is as fun to say as it is to make. You see, making a pavlova is an event. It is not difficult if you follow instructions well; but, like all good things in life, it does take some time. No drama, baby, just patience. Preheat oven to 250°F. Pavlova 6 egg whites 1 teaspoon […]
Roasted Rainbow Carrots… Some foods are so colorful, so glorious, so flavorful they can be tossed into the oven with just a smidge of prep and come out looking like a glorious dish from a top-rated restaurant. Enter rainbow carrots… Roasted Rainbow Carrots Ingredients 6-8 rainbow carrots 3 tablespoons garlic oil (or olive oil and minced […]
New York Cheesecake… Ivory? Indeed. Plain? Never. Classy? Always. Sexy? You bet! Pearls and a classic cheesecake have much in common. New York Cheesecake Makes one 10-inch cheesecake (or six 4-inch pans). Preheat oven to 325°F. Graham Cracker Crust 18 whole graham crackers 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (or 4 ounces) unsalted […]
How to Make Wool Lambs. Please forgive my fascination with wooly balls. No, don’t. They’re so much fun and the cuteness. I mean, can you even? I know. I can’t either. I shall name him Shnookiewookiewoolsiewoosie. What you will need: 1 pound ivory roving wool 1/2 pound black roving wool Old (or new) nylons Washer […]
When one goes to a fancy schmancy place, one feels fancy schmancy… that is, unless one doesn’t realize the appropriate attire for the Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet is semi-formal and one arrives in jeans. Then one does not feel so fancy shmancy. But, that is a story for another day. Or, you know, […]
Mocha-Filled Almond Florentine Cookies… oh, the joy that fills my soul. Only one thing could make a Florentine any fancier, any better, or any tastier. That thing would be mocha filling. I blame the Scandinavian peeps. Mocha-Filled Almond Florentine Cookies Makes about 3 dozen cookies. Florentine Cookies Preheat oven to 350°F. 2/3 cup unsalted butter […]
Perhaps instead of “Roasted Brussel Sprouts” I should’ve called this “How to Fall in Love With Brussel Sprouts.” Bacon. Onions. Garlic. Cheese. The end. Preheat oven to 400°F. Roasted Brussel Sprouts 1 pound Brussel sprouts (or about 1/2 stalk) 1/2 pound extra thick-cut, hickory-smoked bacon (can buy at local grocery store butcher) 1/2 sweet onion, cut […]
Kale Salad. Kale doesn’t try to fit in with everyone. The flavor is a bit stronger than your average lettuce so some snub kale; but, the health benefits make her worth getting along with. A light, lovely dressing is the answer. Coat salad with this healthy dressing as you would a Caesar, and you will be pleasantly […]
You will never disappoint with these Sweet Pepper & Tomato Balsamic Bruschetta Appetizers. It will make everyone happy. Sweet Pepper & Tomato Balsamic Bruschetta Appetizers 1 large sweet yellow onion, fine-diced 1 each of red, yellow & orange peppers, fine-diced 1 medium tomato, fine-diced 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 tablespoons of olive oil 8 ounces […]
A Fuzzy Navel With Fresh Ginger is a beautiful thing. It’s also a beautiful thing when girls get together to celebrate the happy happenings of one of their own. Fuzzy Navel With Fresh Ginger 1 cup vodka 1 cup peach schnapps (the fuzzy) 4 cups fresh orange juice (the navel) About 1 tablespoon minced ginger […]
Lemon Garlic Pasta With Fresh Salmon & Asparagus. Never buy farm-fed salmon again. Always look for wild salmon. Farm-fed salmon are mushy and have less flavor. Wild salmon are much happier and it shows. Stick with wild and your dinners will go swimmingly. Here’s a quick & simple dinner for those routine school nights when […]
Coconut macaroons. It is estimated that between 20,000 and 30,000 laborers were needed to build the Great Pyramid at Giza (pronounced “gee-zuh”) in less than 23 years. By comparison, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris took almost 200 years to complete. But I have wonderful news. You can make these coconut macaroon pyramids in less than one […]
The most refreshing drink in all the cocktail kingdom is the Mint Mojito cocktail. She is light, beautiful, and more daring than she appears. If your mint has taken over your garden space as mine has, it is time to entertain your neighbors with mojitos. And fast. Mint Mojitos 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup fresh […]
Bloody Mary Cocktail. Of all the outlandish, hilarious, and awesome names of cocktails, the one that bothers me the most is my very favorite drink… the Bloody Mary. You know what. We’ll just call her Mary. After trying Marys out in various locations, I have found one common ingredient which makes or breaks my Mary. […]
Pineapple Upside Down Cake. I collect old church cookbooks. I figure if you can’t trust the old recipes of good, Christian women trying to show off to their congregation, who can you trust? One day I went hunting for a pineapple upside-down cake that would not harm any boxed cake mixes. I, of course, started […]
One of my favorite Scandinavian treats is the Raspberry Almond Mazarin Tart. It is rich and regal yet one of the easiest things one could make for friends… the perfect dessert. Raspberry Almond Mazarin Tart Makes six 4-inch tarts. Preheat oven to 350F. Crust 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 egg yolk 1 […]
Homemade Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting. I admit, my memories of carrot cake are a bit abnormal. When a bakery shelf becomes your natural before-school nap habitat, you catch glimpses of bakers taking full sheet cakes out of a room-size, Ferris-wheel oven. You watch your mom carefully remove parchment papers the size of a […]
Eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce. I’m on a kick lately. Back to basics… the traditional, if you will. The basics are good for the soul. Here are some others I’ve been in touch with lately: Take road trips. Be happy. Be kind. Be silly. Keep learning. There’s something about going back to the basics […]
Penuche Coffee Cake. Life is about breaking the rules. Like, who says penuche is only for German Chocolate Cake? For new readers, I worked in one of the Seattle area’s most popular bakeries back in the eighties & nineties. It is where my love of all things small business, all things sugar, all things Scandinavian, […]
This super dooper easy salad option flew off my radar for years. In fact, this very post has been a draft in my reserves waiting for me to publish since 2012. And then I saw how gorgeous it was again and here we are. If you dislike Miracle Whip, please avert your precious eyes. If you […]
Old-Fashioned Date Bars. The date. Strong and subtle. Pair him with sugary, oats-y goodness and you have the perfect escort for your next potluck. Old-Fashioned Date Bars Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 pound dates, pitted & diced (pre-chopped in the package is fine) 2 cups water 2 cups sugar 3 cups oatmeal 1/2 cup flour […]
White Limoncello Chocolate Cocktail. My friends on the east coast are shoveling snow while I’m over here in the Northwest with my door open to let the sunshine pour inside. This calls for a drink that brings us all together. Ahhhhh. I know, right? Winter and summer come together to create this dreamy springy cup […]
Spinach Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing and Fried Onion Crisps Glory. glory. I didn’t think I could love it any more than I do. And then I added homemade crispy, sweet fried onion strips. And. my life was complete. And, the point of having a salad in the first place became obsolete. Here’s a recipe […]
