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 […]
Vanilla Ice Cream is the perfect recipe for creating beautiful ice cream sundaes or topping a fruit crisp or homemade pie. Vanilla Ice Cream Makes about 1 gallon. aAfter churching, freeze overnight for hard ice cream. 3 cups sugar 1 teaspoon salt 4 cups heavy whipping cream 5 cups whole milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract […]
Blackberry Ice Cream is a special treat in the summer but this recipe can also be changed up if you’d like to use a different berry. Blackberry Ice Cream Makes about three-fourths of a gallon of ice cream. 1 pound fresh blackberries or defrosted frozen blackberries 3 cups sugar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice […]
Peach Cobbler is a perfect summer treat. Top with high-quality vanilla ice cream for one of the best desserts of your life. Peach Cobbler Serves 10-12. Preheat oven to 350°. Peach Filling 3-4 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced or diced 1/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 […]
Cherry Pie Bars are a lovely summer treat and will last for a long time in the refrigerator or, of course. freezer. Cherry Pie Bars See these links to Oatmeal Streusel crust or Sweet Cream Cheese Filling options. Makes twenty 2.5″ bars if cut 4 X 5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cherry Filling 6 cups sweet pitted […]
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 […]
Peach Ice Cream. Is there anything better than homemade ice cream? I think not. Try this refreshing, beautiful peach ice cream! Peach Ice Cream Makes about a third of a gallon of ice cream. 1 pound fresh pureed or diced peaches (skins & pits removed) 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons […]
Strawberry Shortcake Strawberry Shortcake Makes about 1 dozen. Preheat oven to 400°F. 4 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar (or 1/4 cup for less sweet shortcakes) 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/4 cup butter, diced 1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream 1 egg, well-beaten (for brushing the tops) […]
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 […]
Cherry Lime Spritzer is a perfectly refreshing summer cocktail. It’s not only refreshing but oh-so-beautiful. Cherry Lime Spritzer 2 cups fresh sweet red cherries (stemmed, halved, and pitted) 2/3 cup sugar 750L Sweet white wine (a late harvest riesling is nice) 17 ounces Sparkling Ice water lemon-lime flavor (or similar not overly sweet lemon-lime drink) […]
This sweet & zesty barbecue sauce will knock your socks off! Try it, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again. How to Make Barbecue Sauce Makes about 2 quarts. Preheat oven to 500°F. 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 large sweet onion cut into three pieces 6 medium tomatoes, quartered 8 fresh garlic cloves 12 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Maple Nut Ice Cream. I have fond memories of my parents taking us kids to Baskin Robbins. When I was little. I could never understand why they chose to eat maple nut ice cream when there were 31 perfect flavors such as root beer float and peanut butter & jelly right under our noses. And […]
Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream. I have to be honest, I wasn’t a fan of homemade ice cream the first time I made it. In fact, my ice cream maker sat in the top of a barn for about 8 years after the overwhelmingly creamy, ultra-thick blackberry misadventure of 2006. The recipe had too much […]
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 […]
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) […]
Black Bean Salad. If I were voted president, the world would be less consumed with guarding wetlands and more focused on saving cilantro fields for I have never met a cilantro dish I have not loved. Of course, if I were voted into office, Nutella crepes would be on the food pyramid, every ladies’ restroom […]
Everyone needs a recipe for perfect sugar cookies for decorating. Every once in a while Dotter gets the itch to make decorated sugar cookies. This always fills my heart with warm fuzzies and my tummy with sweet treats. For a moment I lost her so I called out her name and she popped up from […]
