Salted Caramel Sauce. You need this sauce in your life just like you need a pumpkin spice candle, and a maple leaf wreath, and decorative gourds. Yes, you do. And you can have it in just five minutes. Lookie here for Salted Caramel Sauce featuring Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bread Pudding or, you know, Pumpkin […]
It’s time for Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes With Maple Cream Cheese Sauce. Light the pumpkin candles. Cue the Christmas song list (Yes, Christmas. Because, well, one cannot get enough Christmas music.) Download the free “Turkey For Twelve” eBook. But, most importantly, print this recipe for tomorrow is officially fall. Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes With Maple Cream Cheese […]
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, […]
How to Cook Bacon For a Crowd is a great trick to know; but, this method of cooking it in the oven is great or even for a small crowd. While cooking breakfast for six people at a time at my inn plus a family of bacon snatchers, I was forced to figure out a […]
Grilled Nectarines With Cream Cheese Filling. This sexy little vixen was featured on New Day Northwest recently. You must try. Like, today. Grilled Nectarines With Cream Cheese Filling Nectarines Olive oil 3 ripe but firm white nectarines Filling 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice Garnish (all optional) […]
Coconut French Toast with Orange Cream Cheese Syrup. What is extremely popular and a perfect breakfast for Mother’s Day or any day? This. This Coconut French Toast with Orange Cream Cheese Syrup is the talk of the town this month. There is nothing quite like her. She is nutty. She is comforting. She is refreshing. […]
When I was a little girl, the only thing I would eat at restaurants during breakfast time was strawberry and whipped cream-covered pancakes, waffles, or French toast. I was a picky palate and my grandparents spoke my language. I was their oldest grandchild and used it to my advantage when holding a breakfast menu. Oatmeal? […]
Balsamic Fruit Salad. Fresh starts are a good thing. I’m pretty sure we don’t give ourselves enough of them. Fresh starts are a result of proper grieving. Proper grieving happens not only after big, life-changing moments but also needs to be a part of our every-single-freakin’-day processing. We need to grieve when other drivers are […]
Because you can never get enough pancake ideas. Because the weekend is almost here. Because I am on an orange and chocolate kick. I present thee with Orange Chocolate Chip Pancakes With Chocolate Sauce. Fresh and decadent. Healthy and unhealthy – my specialty. You’re welcome. I’m sorry. You’re welcome. Orange Chocolate Chip Pancakes With Chocolate […]
Flour, eggs, fresh berries, milk, heavy whipped cream, coffee, and Nutella. These are the things that have become staples in my kitchen since opening our B&B. And by “staples”, I begin to jitter if any one of these supplies begins to get too low. And by “any one of these supplies”, I mean Nutella. When […]
Blueberry Pancakes. I’ve never been one to get into food “holidays”. I mean, who celebrates Bread Machine Month? Please rise. National Pretzel Day? That’s just twisted. National Melba Toast Day? Anyone? Anyone? National Caffeine Awareness Month? Zzzzz. National Kahlua Day? Well, okay. Maybe that one is worth celebrating. But what kind of innkeeper would I […]
Chocolate Frosted Orange Marmalade Doughnut Holes started as just a little bit of innocent Twitter fun. “I’m makin’ doughnuts. What you got?” I said. “I got marmalade.” My friend Mona from the Skagit Valley replied. The Skagit Valley is the home of prettiful tulip fields, little towns you can still ride a bicycle through (wreaking havoc […]
I made Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Quiche again today. This may or may not have resulted in a Hobbit-like second breakfast. Sweet baby Jesus, this is good. It’s bad for you. it’s good for you. It confuses the mind and comforts the soul. It is BLT quiche. Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Quiche 1 Pillsbury pie […]
Yeast Biscuits and Country Gravy. When I am at my normal post, you will not see biscuits and gravy at the inn… until today. Today, the gravy was made with fresh herbs. Today, the biscuits were light and fluffy and moist. Today was lovely. Yeast Biscuits and Country Gravy Serves about 10 people with leftover […]
Sometimes seemingly simple things aren’t so simple like making perfect scrambled eggs – one of the most common and delicious dishes in all of the breakfast kingdom. Here’s an easy, gourmet twist on this breakfast comfort food just on time for your next breakfast. Perfect Scrambled Eggs With Fresh Herbs 3 tablespoons olive oil 12 […]
Ever since we were featured in Evening Magazine, these homemade danish pastries have been my most requested recipe. It simply whisked across the screen for 30 seconds and people were in love. I don’t blame them. I figure I’ve frosted 58,923 of these in my life so far. They were popular at Scandia Bakery when […]
The beauty of Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts might seem too fancy to accomplish at home but it’s not as hard as it seems. With the right recipe and steps (for example, NEVER underestimate the importance of a preheated deep fryer), you can make these gorgeous flared masterpieces at home. The biggest secret is in allowing the […]
Family is over for the weekend and bless-ed Bavarian Cream Doughnuts are the answer. They are, in fact, the answer to more things than one might even think. So while your family piles up on the sectional sofa to re-watch Star Wars – the good ones, not the new ones – for the gazillionth time, […]
Raspberry Jelly-Filled Doughnuts. Once you buy a deep fryer, there is no stopping the goodness. It starts with French fries then chicken strips then battered fish and, finally, the doughnut. The jelly-filled doughnut to be exact. Approximately 5,348 calories and 392 fat grams each. Or close. Raspberry Jelly-Filled Doughnuts 2 packages of yeast 2 tablespoons […]
Whoever declared autumn to be a slow season for travel must not have realized that warm, fallish flavors are an innkeeper’s dream – especially Praline Pumpkin Crepes With Cream Cheese Filling. Everything cinnamon. Everything pumpkin, and yet, still, whipped cream. Oh, so much whipped cream. The foundation of every dessert known to man. Only, you […]
Glazed Pecan Danish. Happy. Happy. Joy. Joy. That’s how I feel every time I make pecan glazed danish for breakfast. Sweet. Nutty. So many adjectives. Adjectives people have used to describe me to be perfectly honest. Still trying to decide how I feel about that. Glazed Pecan Danish Makes 12 large danish. Danish Pastry 1/2 […]
Chocolaty Sweet Potato Sour Cream Coffee Cake. Fall. A time for all things, well, you know. Fallish. A time for to be thankful. A time for layers. A time for cashmere and raincoats. A time for blankets and boots. It is time to place the teeny tiny outfits on the top shelf and bring down […]
Basic bran muffins… I’m sure we can all agree that there’s nothing quite like a sweet, moving experience. Hence, if all of the movies in the world were made for me, they would all have happy endings. As a matter of fact, I’m sure we could all use more happy endings in our daily life. […]
Ham and Cheese Quiche. Amen. They say Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche, but real men like this ham and cheese quiche. It’s simple, delicious, and surprisingly manly. Ham and Cheese Quiche Serves 6-8. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 Pillsbury pie crust (or 1/2 this homemade recipe) 10 large eggs 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup flour 8 ounces […]
Apple Pecan Bread Pudding. I confess. I cannot stop making bread pudding for it is one of the most fascinating of all the breakfast dessert kingdom. It is economical; yet, when made correctly, glamorously even, it is far more wild than it looks. Apple Pecan Bread Pudding 1 loaf of French bread (about 1 pound) […]
Nutella Crepes Topped With Fresh Berries and Almond Whipped Cream. Because no American can get enough French crepes. Because it’s Sunday. Because they are darling. Just out of the pan crepes filled with Nutella, topped with homemade whipped cream, fresh berries, slivered almonds, and dusted with powdered sugar. Because, well, just because. Nutella Crepes Topped […]
Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Bread Pudding With Warm Caramel Sauce Because you can never get enough pumpkin after Labor Day. Because guests are oooing and ahhhing over this bread pudding once again. Because I meant to blog this two years ago when I created it. And because I finally found my handwritten recipe, I’m sharing […]
I love things that are simple & beautiful at the same time like these lovely Yogurt Parfaits. Perfect for a Saturday morning. Or Sunday. Or Monday. Or Tuesday. Or Wednesday. Or Thursday. Yogurt Parfaits Yoplait Boston Cream Pie Yogurt (or vanilla pudding or your own favorite yogurt ) 2 cups of fresh mixed berries 1 […]
I love wheat bran muffins with every fiber of my being; but, I simply adore Honey-Glazed Bran Muffins. They are easy to make and a good-for-you breakfast treat that tastes like dessert. Honey-Glazed Bran Muffins Makes 12 regular-size muffins or 6 large muffins. Pecan Glaze 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup […]
These Cinnamon Rolls With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are being brought to you after lots of practice. Practice making the dough. Practice making the filling. Practice making the frosting. And, well, you know. The practice of eating them warm out of the oven. I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve always been good at the […]
How to Make Perfect Pancakes… and then one day it dawned on her that she owned a bed & breakfast yet there was not a basic pancake or maple syrup recipe anywhere on her blog. And so she had pancakes to solve the problem. But, you know, she only had one. How to Make Perfect […]
This Balsamic Red Onion and Sausage Tart is guest approved. It is savory with a touch of sweetness. It is the Balsamic Red Onion and Sausage Tart… With Fresh Herbs and Le Gruyère Cheese Perfectly Melted On Top. But, you know, I had to stop the name somewhere. Balsamic Red Onion and Sausage Tart Makes […]
Lemon coconut scones with cream cheese frosting are filled with refreshing lemon juice and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting & toasty coconut. 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 […]
Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins. The blueberry season opens in 72 days, 9 hours, 54 minutes and 28 seconds here in the Northwest. You know, either that or in about 2 1/2 months. I do believe, however, it is imperative to have a perfect blueberry muffin recipe for any day of the year. Blueberry Cream Cheese […]
Cornbread Muffins and Whipped Honey Butter. When I was little, the only thing I was allowed to order off the menu was grilled cheese and a glass of water. This was how my parents were able to take our family out to eat but still keep things within the budget. It might sound like I […]
Lemon Coconut Pancakes with Cream Cheese Syrup. When spring arrives, one must remember all things lemony and coconut-y and holy. And then add cream cheese syrup. And a sprig of mint. Amen. Lemon Coconut Pancakes with Cream Cheese Syrup Syrup 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 4 tablespoons butter, softened 3 cups powdered sugar Juice of […]
Cherry & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding. There are few things as beautiful as a perfect flavor combination. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that is something I was learning when I used to sit on a stool and watch the bakers do their magic on doughnuts, pastries, and bread. While all I could […]
Cream Horns and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. It’s my birthday. It’s not a big deal, really. I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve survived quite a few. One involved being snowed in but that was okay. I just pretend I’m Laura Ingalls Wilder (we share a birthday and we’re soul sisters). I’m pretty much a first-born […]
Chocolate Crepes With Almond Whipped Cream & Red Wine Chocolate Sauce. Since my birthday is close to Valentine’s Day, I always start celebrating the month of February quite early. Come to think of it, I don’t think there is any holiday I don’t start celebrating early. I suppose there is more chocolate involved with the […]
We don’t ask much from our waffles, really. Do we? I mean, we want them to hold their shape when we decorate them. We want them to be flavorful – but not too flavorful should they outshine their toppings. And most of all, we want them to be crispy on the outside and tender on […]
Hollandaise sauce can make the home cook cry. Don’t ask me how I know this. I just do. Here is a sure-fire recipe that will not make you cry and will have your friends & family begging for the recipe. Again, I just know. You’re welcome, friends & family. Hollandaise Sauce 6 large egg yolks […]
A favorite dish at my B&B is my rolled omelet. And because it is Christmas. And because I love you, I am posting the recipe today so you can make it for your loved ones tomorrow. This recipe plays well with Orange Blueberry Scones for the perfect brunch. Rolled Omelet Preheat oven to 350°F. 12 […]
Maple Boy Doughnuts. If you’re looking for a special Christmas morning breakfast, you have come to the right place. These adorable little boys have become a tradition at family gatherings. Everyone loves them and all of their mapley goodness. This recipe makes about a dozen Maple Boys. These are perfect for making on Christmas Eve […]
These pretty, little Raspberry Filled Poppy Seed Muffins are a special breakfast treat. Raspberry Filled Poppy Seed Muffins Makes about 12 muffins. Preheat oven to 325°F. Cream together: 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup butter Add & stir in: 1 egg 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon almond extract 1/2 cup poppy seeds 2 1/2 cups flour […]
When I started making Baked Eggs, I had only seen pictures of them. I’d never tried them but they looked so delicious, that I finally gave them a whirl. They are easy to make once you learn the secret. Today, I’m sharing the secret. Because I love you. Baked Eggs Makes enough for 6 servings. […]
This sexy Chilled Strawberry Soup Recipe is perfect for the strawberry season but can be enjoyed all year with readily available frozen strawberries. Once I served it to my B&B guests, it became a most-requested treat. Swirly goodness and mercy. Chilled Strawberry Soup Makes about six 8-ounce servings. 4 cups fresh strawberries, frozen 1/4 cup […]
How to Make Bacon and Potato Roses. Every once in a while, I stop moving and look into the nothingness with a sparkle in my eye. My family and others who know me well know this means something is about to happen. The only unknown is how crazy the results will be. I like to […]
Overnight Caramel Apple French Toast for fall. Every year, our family decorates for fall the night before school starts. Fall leaves, rustic orange candles, and mini wool pumpkins adorn my mantel. Candy dishes are filled to the rim for guests. Yes, honest, it’s for my guests. That is unless I happen upon my favorites first. Fall is good for […]
Banana Coffeecake with Maple Frosting. When I moved into the B&B house, I found a little recipe card tucked away in one of the drawers. I had been looking for this recipe card, quite honestly, for 15 years and it wasn’t even mine. I had been on the lookout for a great – not good […]
