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. […]
These buttery Cream Cheese Mints are perfect for weddings, baby showers, parties, teas, and luncheons. They are beyond easy to make and require no cooking or baking. Cream Cheese Mints Place all of the ingredients into the mixer. 2pounds powdered sugar 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 4 ounces butter, softened (about 1/2 hour on the counter […]
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 […]
What would the holidays be without a perfect gingerbread boy cookies recipe? Sugar, spice, and everything nice… we could all use a little more of these things in our lives. Start celebrating today with these Gingerbread Boy Cookies which win in the category of “Most Likely to Make Someone Smile.” Gingerbread Boy Cookies Preheat oven […]
When one is feeling fall-ish, one often thinks of pumpkin – Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes to be exact. These little pumpkin cakes are comforting little creations that are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes Pumpkin Cakes Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 stick unsalted butter, melted 1 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown […]
Today we’re making Creamy Mashed Potatoes – the traditional holiday potato. Creamy Mashed Potatoes 5 pounds russet potatoes 16 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 2 teaspoons sea salt 2 teaspoons pepper or white pepper 4 cloves fresh garlic cloves, minced or smashed (optional) 1/4 cup butter, sliced (for the top) Do […]
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. So many potatoes, who can choose a favorite? This is my grandmother’s recipe that has been updated to be creamier and cheesier than the original. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Preheat oven to 350°F. 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes Cold water with 2 teaspoons sea salt in it (to prevent potatoes from browning) 1 […]
I learned how to make dinner rolls from Mrs. Jensen in 7th grade. I learned to never add hot liquids ingredients to yeast since hot liquids will kill the yeast’s ability to rise. I wish I could say that I caught on quickly, but I can remember at least two more times after Mrs. Jensen’s […]
Meet the dinner that knocked Joey Fatone off his feet… saucy balls. Once upon a time, a food writer ordered a burger at a restaurant. She fell in love. She had to go home and recreate the burger. But then she was too busy. And then the restaurant closed. And she was sad. So sad […]
One of my favorite fallish treats while working at Scandia Bakery & Lefse Factory as a teenager was the sailor jack spice cups. It represented everything lovely and spicy about the holidays in one cute little cup. You, too, will love these sweet things! Sailor Jack Spice Cups Makes about 10 large muffins or 20 […]
When I was little and we went to Mexican restaurants, I always thought that the people who ordered chicken fajitas were crying out for attention. The waiter or waitress would bring their platter of sizzling fajita goodies to the table and everyone would stop talking to watch the presentation of the noisy dish. Maybe deep […]
Cheesy Asparagus Dip. What is a Labor Day BBQ without a dip? What is a three-day weekend party without an appetizer? Here’s a great way to use the woody ends of asparagus that you might normally throw away and make sure you have that yummy dip for friends & family while they wait for the […]
If there was ever a dessert meant for strawberry season, it would be the Strawberry Pudding Tart With Fresh Strawberry Glaze. Strawberry Pudding Tart With Fresh Strawberry Glaze This recipe will make one 9-inch tart or about four 4-inch personal-size tarts. Preheat oven to 350°F. Shortbread Crust 11 tablespoons high-quality unsalted butter, softened 1 teaspoon […]
Ranch Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad. One of my favorite memories is from the Fourth of July. My parents would take us to the local parade and we’d grab the best seats on the street – in front of the doughnut shop. We’d stand in honor of the American flag as the troops opened […]
Easy Fried Chicken and a Graduation. This week was Dotter’s graduation. I am excited to see the professional’s shot of this one. Finding the kids we know in my copy is like playing Where’s Waldo. Besides the graduates tossing their caps in the air to celebrate, there were grad parties throughout the town. Parents went […]
Fresh and Zesty Guacamole. If eating a rainbow of colors is a healthy way to fill your plate, Fresh and Zesty Guacamole and homemade pico de gallo salsa are two foods we should eat every day. I could do that. If I must. Let’s make some guacamole that will knock your socks off, flop you […]
If you love freshly grilled Mexican food, you’ve surely enjoyed pico de gallo salsa on your favorite dish. While many peeps focus on trying to get a grilled chicken or beef recipe down to a science, it is actually the pico de gallo that brings the fresh & sassy flavor to the fiesta. One of […]
A Spring Decoration: Robin Easter Eggs. These eggs make for the oh so prettiest display. They are simply boiled eggs made extra beautiful but could be made to last longer if you hollowed out the egg instead of boiling it. To hollow, poke uncooked egg with a pin at the top and the bottom of […]
I’m about to share my top-secret Dark Chocolate Cupcakes With Peanut Butter Frosting recipe. This is just between you and me, right? Dark Chocolate Cupcakes With Peanut Butter Frosting Makes about 12 large cupcakes or 24 regular-size cupcakes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Chocolate Cake 2 cups sugar 2 cups flour 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder […]
How to Make Panoramic Sugar Easter Eggs. When I was still old enough to believe in the Easter Bunny, my mom was just getting into cake decorating as a hobby. One of the first things I remember her making was panoramic Easter eggs. She would make them and people would save them for years. I […]
How to Make Homemade Easter Grass If you are a scrapbooker like me who doesn’t like to waste your paper, you probably have scraps like this around. Although pretty, these papers eventually go out of style if you let them sit around too long. Don’t ask how I know this. I just do. I have […]
Their love was mean to be… Oatmeal Cookies With Raspberry Filling. They met in a kitchen. Raspberry and oatmeal. People often mistook them for a famous couple found on grocery store shelves. Oatmeal Cookies With Raspberry Filling Makes about 40 cookies. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (or 3 sticks), softened 1 […]
Bird’s Nest No-Bake Cookies. I have decided that, perhaps subconsciously, the reason that I have decided to go wild with Easter posts simply to push my blonde hair post deeper into blog history oblivion with such things as Bird’s Nest No-Bake Cookies. Could be. It also could be due to the undeniable truth that I […]
This Beautiful World Bread will become one of your very favorite recipes. It goes with everything. Beautiful World Bread 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 2 teaspoon of Beau Monde Seasoning (beautiful world) 2 teaspoon mustard 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons of grated onion (use a cheese […]
Pumpkin Cheesecake. This New York treat turned fall will wow your guests. And with the butterscotch topping? Well, fo’get aboud it! Pumpkin Cheesecake With Butterscotch Topping Preheat oven to 350°F. Graham Cracker Crust 12 long (4 sections on each) graham crackers 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 stick unsalted butter, melted Crush graham crackers in […]
Snow on the Mountain Dinner Party. When I was about 10 years old, our pastor’s wife changed our Christmas dinners forever by introducing us to the Snow on the Mountain Dinner Party. I’ve heard this is a popular dinner in the Midwest; but, our home has had the blessing of introducing Snow on the Mountain to […]
Have gone to a very fancy party, restaurant, or event and noticed it’s the little things done with love that make all the difference. Creativity without love = showing off & guests who leave with a void in their hearts Creativity with love = inspiration & guests who wish they could return again tomorrow If […]
Merry Cherry Cocktail. I love, love, love this commercial. So much so that I may or may not have had to go purchase these little glasses. Okay. I did. I may or may not have also chanted “Party Party! Party!” to the clerk when I bought them. Merry Cherry Cocktail To make this pretty […]
Rocky Road Chocolate Tart. It only took us over a year to finally get together after meeting through our community emails. When we finally did, I was thrilled that she had an English accent but I was the one who ordered tea. Meeting people for the first time always comes with lovely surprises and in […]
This Chocolate Covered Cordial Cherries recipe couldn’t be more cordial. cor-dial: warm and sincere; friendly: a cordial greeting; cordial relations. Chocolate Covered Cordial Cherries Makes about 50 cordial cherries. 50 maraschino cherries without stems 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 pounds powdered sugar 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice 1/8 cup cherry liqueur (cherry juice if […]
Check out these Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Foodies. Tea Forte Ribbon Box Sampler – If they love tea, they will love Tea Forte… the prettiest tea I have ever seen. Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong – one of the world’s funniest books. Pastry Scraper – Works like a dream to scrape countertops […]
I present thee with glorious Bacon Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes. The queen bee of hors d’ oeuvres. The most delicious and easiest of recipes that ever hit a smörgåsbord table. I am almost ashamed that I have teased about this being a secret recipe for 30 years. Bacon Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Preheat oven to 350°F. Makes […]
This Paper Bag Scrapbook is made out of lunch sacks. Perfect for teachers, girlfriends, daughter’s stocking, and more. It’s simple to make and so much fun. Just fold 3-4 sacks together, punch three holes (or more) down the edges and tie ribbon or yarn through each set of holes. It’s fun to change the direction […]
This Breakfast Sub Sandwich is a super fun breakfast idea for when you have overnight guests. Breakfast Sub Sandwich Makes about 12 servings. 1 four-foot loaf of French bread (or two two-feet loves with one end trimmed off so they can be pushed together) 1 stick of unsalted butter 1/2 pound high-quality cheddar cheese, thinly […]
I present thee with her majesty, The Northwest Christmas Tree. She has no need to pretend to be something she is not for she is naturally so very Northwest. She is red and green and Northwest-y. I love her. Starbucks ornaments. Walking in our winter underwear… Northwest Christmas Tree Christmas magic and tiny, vintage books. […]
Dotter was close to victory in the contest of 2007, she decided to go for the gold again in 2008 with her Americana Christmas Tree. We decided since it was an election year, she had to choose the theme of Americana. We mixed up the pip berries on this tree with reds, whites, and blues […]
In this post, I’m showing you how to make turkey gravy. Making lump-free gravy easier than one might think. How to Make Turkey Gravy 1 ⅛ cup turkey fat, butter, or olive oil 1 cup flour 2 quarts turkey broth or juices 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Turkey or Chicken Base or bouillon (optional) Sea […]
Feel-Good Snow Day Movies What movies would you add to this list of feel-good snow day movies? New in Town While You Were Sleeping Home Alone National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Jack Frost
One of the wonderful things about How to Make Cranberry Sauce is that you can make it ahead of time and save it in the fridge for your turkey dinner. Your friends and family might miss the can-shaped cranberry sauce but you will win them over with this easy recipe made from scratch. How to […]
How to Cook a Turkey and Stuffing. There are too many videos of turkeys gone wrong to count. If you’re nervous about roasting a turkey for the first time, I think you might appreciate how easy it really is to do. See the charts below for defrosting and roasting times. How to Cook a Turkey […]
A Christmas Tea Tree. A sweet scent. A decorative explosion of silverware. I decorated this tree for the Washington State Fair. In 2009, the theme I entered was “A Christmas Tea”. I was seeping with ideas! I adorned the branches with everything sweet and cozy. Have not ever using silver – real or plated – […]
Mini Pecan Pies. One of the most beloved pies of all time… the Pecan Pie. Pecan Pie Makes 12 mini pecan pies or 1 large pie. Preheat oven to 400°F. 1 recipe Basic Pie Crust 3 eggs 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla […]
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find very many pictures of this Vineyard Christmas Tree so I will share with you what I could find. For the topper, I just took various elements of the tree and made them into a top that captured the splendor of a full harvest. Yeah, I know. Those dark blue walls only […]
I found this French Country Christmas Tree while digging through my photo archives to find the trees of Christmases past to share with you. I chose some softer, unique colors for my French country tree. Notice how the pillows add so much? Yet they were so, so easy to make. The details are in the […]
A Gingerbread Christmas Tree is a quick favorite for adults and kids alike. This post is dedicated to my cuzzie, Vanessa, with whom I baked mini gingies last week. We both heart a very early Christmas. In 2004, I went a little spicy with my gingerbread boys. My colors were light greens, soft pinks, and […]
Move over, traditional pumpkin seeds… here come sugared pumpkin seeds and they’re sweeter than you could ever be. For a unique spin on pumpkin seeds, try these yummy treats. This recipe also works awesome for sugared pecans, walnuts, almonds. Sugared Pumpkin Seeds Preheat oven to 250°F. Pumpkin seeds from two sugar pumpkins (or pie pumpkins) 2 egg […]
How to Make Pumpkin Puree. As convenient as it is to go pick up a can of pumpkin at the store, there is great satisfaction in making your own. And if you’re not into having the largest pumpkins in the neighborhood, you can just buy cute little sugar pumpkins a week before Halloween, carve them, […]
A few years ago I learned a craft project and How to Make Wool Pumpkins quickly became one of my favorites. There are a few things I am clever at but sewing and working with wool are not some of them. I think that is why this project made me so happy. It made me […]
Looking for a beautiful and unique fall treat to make on a rainy day? Why not try caramel pears? They are super yummy and very pretty. Just follow the steps for caramel apples on the package of Kraft Caramel Bits only, you know, use pears that are perfectly ripe. I found these caramel bits at […]
Radish Salad with Raspberry Poppy Seed Vinaigrette turned out to become a quick family favorite dish and one of the prettiest salads I have ever seen. This would be a lovely salad to bring to a dinner party or potluck. It is even lovely enough to qualify as a stunning (and healthy) holiday side dish. […]
