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 […]
Here’s how to make a swiss roll cake with giraffe spots. I’m gonna stick my neck out and guess that you’ve seen Animal Adventure Park’s live video giraffe cam of April the giraffe awaiting the birth of her mini-me. If you love giraffe’s as much as I do, you cannot wait for baby; so, while we […]
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 […]
Surprise your favorite fan with their very own This Is Us Birthday Banana Muffin with Twinkie Frosting. You must… because, well, all da feelz! I don’t know how it happened. I decided to check it out but was full of doubt. I turned on the TV, watched the first episode, and I’ll be darned if, as a […]
Because I had to try out the dicing attachment on my food processor because the Honeycrisp apples were staring at me in the store, because I buy cinnamon in bulk and own way too many canning jars, maybe it is time to introduce you to apple crumbles. Apple Crumbles 8 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, […]
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 […]
Maybe looking for a fresh, new twist for your Taco Tuesdays? You will rather adore this flavorful Mexican Coleslaw since it’s so refreshing. And because it is so colorful. And since it is so happy. Basically, because it is a party on a plate. There probably won’t be a shred of evidence you even made […]
Baja Fish Tacos are very fresh & sassy to share with guests but are super easy to make. I do believe it is time for another game night with friends. Baja Fish Tacos Preheat oven to 350°F. Soft corn or flour tortillas, medium 1 recipe Baked Cod 1 recipe Mexican Coleslaw 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 2 […]
To ring in the new year, the Dutch make these Oliebollen Dutch New Year’s Day doughnuts… er dumplings and I love the way they don’t care about calories or fat grams right from the get-go. Nothing says, “Happy New Year!” like balls. Amitrite? Everyone knows I like my balls (insert hilarious but innocent link here). Growing […]
Today we’re cookin’ a Louisiana Jambalaya recipe or rice the dirty way. The way they do it in the south, baby. No shame and no beads shall be rewarded. Like many things, this recipe actually goes faster than you’d think and is pretty fun and comforting. Louisiana Jambalaya Just leave out all meat and fish […]
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 […]
Hooray for the red, white, and sweet! This is a bake-a-day-ahead recipe. The cheesecake and cake need to be chilled for the best results. Cheesecake Makes about 8 servings. Preheat oven to 325°F. 1 1/4 pound cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Cream the cream […]
Here’s a list of Five Awesome Party Games for you & your loved ones. Tired of the same old holiday routine? Pull simple supplies together to surprise your family and friends with these Minute to Win It style games and fun challenges. Make sure everyone gets a try. Although the main point is to connect with […]
Dark Cocoa Mix. Because sometimes while you enjoy the childlike wonder of winter, you just want your hot chocolate to be a little more grown-up. Dark Cocoa Mix 3/4 cups dark cocoa powder 3/4 cup nondairy creamer 3/4 cup powdered milk 1 pound powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Place mix ingredients in a medium […]
Although this recipe is for Mint Milano Cookies, you can always trade out the flavor for plain chocolate or orange chocolate. Such lovely possibilities abound. Mint Milano Cookies Makes about 42 sandwich cookies. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon […]
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 […]
Sometimes a girl just has to break out of the traditional and make somethin’ a little funky. A little hippie. A little ballsy. What you will need: Roving wool in colors of your choice. Oh, the colors out there. So loverly! Old (or new) nylons Scissors Washer & dryer Large embroidery needle Gold embroidery thread on […]
How to Cook Prime Rib with Red Wine Mushroom Gravy. This post could easily be entitled “How to Make Guests Happy” for this is what a great prime rib roast dinner does. With the holidays coming up, perhaps eating prime rib would be a lovely way to celebrate. How to Cook Prime Rib with Red […]
This Tomato Soup. Bacon is not necessary, but it is always welcome. Amirite? Why not in tomato soup too? This recipe goes wonderfully with Beautiful World Bread. Tomato Soup Makes about servings. Preheat oven to 500°F. 10 medium tomatoes 6 cloves garlic 1 medium sweet onion 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup tomato paste 1 […]
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 […]
Flat Almond Florentine Cookies. I’ve lost count of how many cookie orders I filled each Christmas while working at Scandia Bakery many years ago but I haven’t forgotten everyone’s favorites. The little bakery in Stanwood, Washington drew crowds from all over Washington state. No matter where customers came from these dainty, lacey cookies were always […]
Frosted Gingersnap Cookies will become your new, tasty fall tradition. Frosted Gingersnap Cookies Gingersnaps Preheat oven to 350°F. 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup molasses 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 tablespoon cinnamon 2 teaspoons […]
I often forget about peanut butter cookies… so plain, so ordinary. But, then I have a hot-out-of-the-oven peanut butter cookie again; and, oh, the joy that fills my soul. Peanut Butter Cookies Makes about 18 cookies. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1/2 cup sugar (plus more for stamping cookies) 1/2 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup peanut […]
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 […]
Canned soup is a nice way to welcome your family home from a long day but homemade turkey noodle soup is outta this world delicious. I still reminisce about my first memory of grandma’s turkey noodle soup and how much better it was than even chicken soup. Turkey Noodle Soup Makes about sixteen 14-ounce servings. […]
One of the most admired cookies in all the cookie kingdom is the Chocolate Crackle Cookie. Shiny and crackly on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside. Chocolate Crackle Cookies Makes 24 cookies. Preheat oven to 350°F. 10 ounces high-quality semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 2 large […]
Hot Fudge Sauce. One of the most popular searches that brings readers to this yard is “butterscotch milkshake“. It doesn’t matter that it’s November and the leaves are falling, people want their milkshakes. Here’s to you, butterscotch milkshake googler. I present thee with hot fudge sauce the day before Thanksgiving. Hot Fudge Sauce This makes […]
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 […]
Sweet potatoes have grown up in the Great Northwest. Fondant Sweet Potatoes With Balsamic Reduction 3 large sweet potatoes 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 4 cloves garlic, minced Sea salt Fresh ground pepper 3/4 cup chicken broth 2 cups balsamic vinegar Preheat oven to 425°F. Place balsamic vinegar in a saute pan. Bring […]
Pumpkin Pie Cookies. With Thanksgiving right around the corner and through the woods to Grandmother’s house, these little pretties are the perfect treat for your work, friends & family, and school parties. Placed in a cute clear bag with a bow, it’s like, well, a personal turkey day Valentine. The pumpkin spice frosting makes them […]
Hot Cheesy Crab Dip is everything. Need a snack? Feeling crabby? Sorry. Cheesy puns, I know. Moving on. Here’s a party favorite… for your next shindig, game day, or, if you’re feeling especially worthy, just because. Cheesy Crab Dip Makes about 6 servings. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 pound crab (or imitation crab meat for […]
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies With Cream Cheese Filling. There is nothing as happy in this world as makin’ whoopie… or red velvet anything. Putting them together throws us over the top into just plain glee. Thus, I present thee with the Red Velvet Whoopie Pie. With mini flags. You’re welcome. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies 1/2 […]
You’re about to score with these Game Day Whoop Ass Pies. Here a new play on a classic dessert… the Whoop Ass Pie for game day. Go Seahawks! Not a Seahawks fan? Here’s the recipe so you can adjust to your team colors… if you must. Game Day Whoop Ass Pies Preheat oven to 350°F […]
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Hey, Punkin’! Here’s a little fallish treat for you and your loves. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies With Hazelnut Mousse Filling Pumpkin Whoopie Pies 1/2 cup butter (or 1 stick), softened 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup pumpkin 1 1/4 cup buttermilk 1 egg 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking […]
Have you signed up for your free “Turkey for Twelve” eBook yet? It’s the perfect Thanksgiving guide for the new holiday host. –> In it, you will learn: How long it takes to defrost & cook your turkey How to make stuffing & gravy without harming packaged mixes How to make sure your mashed potatoes […]
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 […]
Are you ready for Thanksgiving? Well, you will want it to arrive even sooner after you see these adorable, edible place settings. get a leg up on your turkey day prep now… To make these darlings, you will need to order these little plastic bones in advance: Rubie’s Costume Bag’O Bones Costume Package (10 Piece) These are fantastic […]
Questions Every Mother of the Groom Receives. I am getting ready to attend my baby’s wedding. The first question one receives as the mother of the groom is, “Do you like his fiancé?” When the first question is asked, I light up like a Christmas bubble light from the seventies. You cannot get me to […]
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 […]
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 […]
Brown Sugar, Walnut & Plum Pound Cake. Walnuts. Plums. Brown sugar. Basically, we are going back into time. The month is August. We’re reaping the blessing of summer but ready to enjoy the dark, moist desserts of fall. We are in heaven… or, you know, at a family reunion where Great Aunt Wilma is still […]
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 […]
