These Loaded Potato Pancakes are made from mashed potatoes. This is the perfect day after Thanksgiving breakfast. It’s simple yet fancy. Plain yet flavorful. Loaded Potato Pancakes 2 cup mashed potatoes 2 eggs 1⁄2 cup flour (plus more for breading) 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced garlic 2 green […]
Some top their homemade pumpkin pie in Cool Whip. Some prefer theirs with real whoop cream. No matter which team you’re on, you can never go wrong with this Thanksgiving classic. Homemade Pumpkin Pie Preheat oven to 375°F. 1/2 recipe of homemade pie crust 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 […]
Chocolate Pizzelle Italian Waffle Cookies are fun to make and the prettiest little things you’ve ever seen. Nevermind the hours of cookie decorating when you can just bake the pretty right into your cookie in less than two minutes. Fill with frosting and lace with edible gold flakes and you have a magical treat everyone […]
Mrs. Deanna did it… with the pastry cutter… in the kitchen. Her crime? Pumpkin Scones With Maple Frosting. 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. […]
Pumpkin bread is a classic favorite and a perfect treat for when the leaves start turning yellow, orange, and red. Are you ready, pumpkin’? Okay then. Let’s get started. Pumpkin Bread Pre-heat oven to 350°F degrees. 1 stick unsalted butter, melted 1 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup pumpkin […]
Skeleton Gingerbread Boys are an adorable Halloween twist on the classic gingerbread boy… or as our family likes to call them, gingies. Don’t worry. They’re boneless. Makes about 12 three-inch gingies. Skeleton Gingerbread Boys Preheat oven to 350°F. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoon salt […]
Roasted Tomatillo Green Salsa Verde. Sure, you could buy it in the bottle at the grocery store, but it’s way more fun and satisfying to make your own. Plus, it is most impressive when your garden includes a tomatillo plant. I’m just gonna say it. Your friends are gonna see you as one bad hombre […]
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 […]
Baja Fresh Burger With Garden Veggie Relish. You’ll love the confetti on this burger. The Garden Veggie Relish is everything. Well, and the two kinds of spicy cheese. And the zesty Southwest Rub. And, well, I digress, you are gonna love this sassy burger. Baja Fresh Burger With Fresh Veggie Relish 16 ounces ground hamburger […]
With my car filled to the brim with mylar balloons, I was on one of my very last errands for a homecoming dinner. Dotter was one step closer to graduating and soon she and her friends would part ways. Together, she and I created a homecoming dinner fav. It was shiny. It was red, black, and […]
Some things are completely unnecessary, you know, like French Toast Cubes With Cream Cheese Filling & Triple Berry Sauce. Yet, they are glorious and scrumptious so we simply must splurge. French Toast Cubes With Cream Cheese Filling & Triple Berry Sauce Triple Berry Sauce 4 cups mixed fresh berries 2 cups sugar Juice from 1/2 fresh […]
A Family Tree Christmas Tree. Over the years, I have decorated many trees for our state fair competition. I started in 1993, the year Dotter was born, and after years of watching momma bring home ribbons, Dotter finally spoke up in 2007 and said, “My turn.” She decided to go with the theme “Family Tree”. […]
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 […]
Homemade Steak Seasoning is handy to have on hand for a romantic steak dinner or those last-minute barbecues. Homemade Steak Seasoning 3 tablespoons sea salt 1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika (high-quality so it’s not too spicy or bitter) 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon […]
This Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is light and flavorful salad dressing is so easy to make and great to keep on hand! Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing 1 cup olive oil 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper 1/2 cup honey (optional) 1 tablespoon mustard or […]
Clown Birthday Party. Dotter has rhythm so she was always dancing to the music from her favorite purple dinosaur; but, we had already been there, done that with Barney birthday parties, so I was looking for some new shindigery for her third birthday. Clown Birthday Party Again, I am a theme-y themester, so this party […]
Garden Themed Birthday Party. When Dotter was a liddle nugget, I decided to throw her a Ladybug Garden Themed Birthday Party. All the liddles were instructed to wear a pretty outfit and bring a garden hat if possible. Of course, we had a few extras in case someone forgot to bring one too. Upon arrival, […]
It had to be an I Love Lucy Chocolate Factory Themed Birthday Party. You see, the church ladies I grew up with knew how to party. Every shindig had a fun theme to go with it. As a result, I too became a themed party thrower. The theme never has to be fancy or difficult, […]
Beautifulistic is the only way to describe this Roasted Acorn Squash Salad. It is a full-on summer rainbow on a plate. Roasted Acorn Squash Salad Makes two dinner salads or four side salads. Preheat oven or grill to 400°F. 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 acorn squash, sliced in 1/2-inch slices (outer skin is edible but […]
This easy-make version of Chipotle Lime Aioli will have you enjoying it with everything. It’s perfect with sweet potato fries, Baja Fish Tacos, and so much more. Chipotle Garlic Lime Aioli 1 cup mayonnaise 2 minced garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice 1-2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon coarse […]
This Sweet Pickle Pasta Salad is one of our family favorites. Sweet Pickle Pasta Salad 1 pound of your favorite-shaped pasta, cooked & cooled 1 1/2 cups Miracle Whip 10-ounce jar sweet gherkins, cut into small pieces 3.8-ounce can sliced black olives, drained 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped 8 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes […]
This pan-roasted chicken wrap is a delightful, light lunch or dinner. Your taste buds will dance for joy and your waistline will simmer down… or, um, er… slimmer down. In the end, everybody is happy. Pan-Roasted Chicken Wrap Balsamic Glaze (recipe below) 4 tablespoons olive oil or grapeseed oil 3 large chicken breasts, butterfly cut Dash […]
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 […]
When life hands you a broken candy cane… or two, don’t be crushed, make candy cane ice cream. Candy Cane Ice Cream Makes about 2 gallons of ice cream. 3 cups sugar 1 teaspoon salt 4 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 4 1/2 cups half & half or milk 1 tablespoon peppermint extract 10-pound bag […]
This fresh & crispy Christmas Broccoli Salad is a great way to enjoy fruits & veggies that aren’t from a can, drenched in heavy sauces, or overcooked this Christmas. What a gorgeous addition to your Christmas dinner table. Christmas Broccoli Salad 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped 4 ounces pomegranate (replace with raspberries or another Keto-friendly option […]
This Teenie Weenie Caramel Apple Martinis recipe will be a big hit! They’re so much fun with a decorative touch at a Halloween party. Caramel Apple Martinis Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce 1 cup unsalted butter 2 cups brown sugar, packed 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Melt butter over […]
Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake With Apple Brandy Whipped Cream is the perfect fall treat. A moist, dark cake with a delightful, light whipped topping. Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tsp ground cloves 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon […]
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 […]
While there are plenty of unhealthy Asian dishes here in America, this fresh & crispy Asian Broccoli Salad Recipe is a great way to enjoy Asian flavors without the high calories. Or, you know, alongside the high-calorie Chinese take-out. Asian Broccoli Salad 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped 4 ounces red cabbage, chopped 2 carrots, grated […]
This Thousand Island Salad Dressing recipe is perfect for salads, Rueben sandwiches, or burgers. Thousand Island Salad Dressing 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon white vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 1 tablespoon grated onion Dash of pepper Place all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Stir until well-combined.
Grilled Brick Chicken …or as we like to call it, “Frickin’ Bricken Chicken”. You’ll never find an easier and juicier chicken in all the land. I promise. How to make Grilled Brick Chicken 1 fresh whole chicken Olive oil Sea salt Course ground pepper Lemon pepper Preheat grill on high heat. Cut chicken in half […]
Zucchini Brownies. It is just a matter of time before you are a part of the zucchini war. Every gardener in America is up to no good right now. Oh, they look sweet; but, their shenanigans include hiding zucchini on doorsteps, in cars, in mailboxes, and so on. Don’t worry. I’ve got your back. These […]
These homemade ice cream sandwiches can be made the day before a gathering and they make the most impressive, yet simple, delightfulistic summer treat. Vanilla Ice Cream 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 2 cups milk 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or, […]
Oh, Betsy, this Red, White, and Blue Salsa is scrumptious! Flag down your neighbors and have them over for this perfect summer evening treat. Red, White, and Blue Salsa 2 bosc pears, fine diced Juice of one small lime 1 cup blueberries 1 1/2 cups strawberries, fine diced 1 or 2 jalapenos, minced 4-5 sprigs cilantro, minced […]
Almond Crescent Cookies Almond Crescent Cookies 4 egg whites 18 ounces almond flour 18 ounces powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips Beat eggs well in a mixing bowl. Add almond flour and powdered sugar. Mix well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When the dough has chilled and you […]
And she made pickled red onions. And they were beautifully pink. And tart. And sweet, And zingy. And the angels sang. Pickled Red Onions 2 medium red onions 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup hot water 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, optional Cut onions in half and then […]
Today we’re going classical with an old favorite, the Chicken Caesar Salad. This recipe boasts homemade Caesar dressing… made by you! Chicken Caesar Salad So beautiful and so delicious! Caesar Dressing 1 – 2 ounce can oil-packed anchovy fillets 3 cloves fresh garlic 3 pasteurized egg yolks 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 3 tablespoons fresh lemon […]
Caramel-Filled Stroopwafels are fun to make and to eat. A perfect small fall-ish treat to go with coffee with friends… especially Dutch friends. Caramel-Filled Stroopwafels Makes 10 stroopwafels. Stroopwafels 1/4 cup lukewarm milk 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temp (or under 105°F) 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups flour 4 […]
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 […]
Snowball Cookies are always a holiday hit. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best crowd-pleasers. Snowball Cookies Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup pecans, chopped fine Additional powdered sugar (for coating) Combine […]
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 […]
I’ll settle for its real name of Corn Succotash if I must… but why this is not named Corn Confetti, I’ll never know. Corn Succotash 6 ears fresh sweet corn, husked and rinsed 1/2 red bell pepper. diced 1/2 orange bell pepper, diced 6 slices bacon 1/2 sweet onion, diced 1/4 cup water 3 cloves […]
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. […]
I’ve never been a big fan of Spanish rice in a restaurant but homemade? Oh, baby. Braised Chicken With Spanish Rice Recipe 3-6 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 yellow onion, diced 6 pieces chicken thighs or legs (or 8 boneless chicken tenders if desired) 4 cups chicken broth 2 cups Jasmine rice 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 […]
The Norwegian Wedding Cake is such a special tradition for anyone Scandinavian. I remember them sitting upon many glorious catered tables of food for all types of celebrations. Norwegian Wedding Cake 4 egg whites 18 ounces almond flour 18 ounces powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Beat eggs well in a mixing bowl. Add almond […]
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 […]
