I wanted a simple but fancy looking kind of strudel-ish, sorta Danish-ish coffee cake for a Mother’s Day treat, and I started looking quite a bit ahead for things I might “practice” on before the big day. I am that annoying cook/baker who usually has puff pastry in the freezer, ricotta in the fridge, and Demerara sugar in the cupboard. I will have frozen fruit, if not fresh, waiting for a recipe, as well.
Read MoreJust in time for Valentine’s Day. A delicious fudge brownie! If you like coconut and nuts, add the optional ingredients to make this dessert even more decadent.
Read MoreOh, heavens, it’s after the holidays and we’re probably cookie’d out! I’m trying to be…but I’m not sure if that’s possible. I had two of my childcare guys (they graduated, but we had a special gathering for them) over to celebrate their December and January birthdays. They are cookie monsters for sure, and not as big fans of frosting as their little sisters!
Read MoreIn the morning before Joyopolis Hostess Laurie Copeland and her beloved, John, came to visit, I was out in the yard picking raspberries. We had an abundance, so I went into the kitchen and threw this together. Once Laurie and John were here, I threw together the frosting, and let Laurie and my husband Ray (aka Honey) do the honors of frosting the cake. They laid it on thickly, and it was wonderful.
Read MoreJust in time for Valentine’s Day, here is a fun and tasty pink dessert, which will be a delight for a special dinner! The crust is made from crushed salty pretzels which are a perfect match for the tart lemonade flavor. Whether you use the tequila version or the non-alcoholic version the Yin/ Yang of this tangy/ sweet dessert will surprise and delight you.
Read MoreIt is indelibly etched in my memory, so far back, I can’t remember a beginning — making cookies with my Gramma Meli. She wore her white hair pinned at her nape, with a hairnet over it. Her body, wonderful for climbing onto and snuggling into, smelled of Dove soap and clean sweat. I loved her with all my heart.
Read MoreRecently, I’ve been having some dental work to replace the old amalgam fillings from childhood with some new composite to make my mouth look less like I have molars full of coal. I had some great fun getting those cavities, let me tell you. My sweet tooth should have had a mouth of its own, so it would have wreaked less havoc in the teeth surrounding it.
Read MoreHave you ever prepared food you knew you couldn’t stomach only because you want to pamper the person you adore? You shouldn’t make yourself retch to prove your love, but I have a problem as a compulsive feeder.
Read MoreThinking ahead for the holidays is a way to provide homemade and probably less expensive gifts from the heart. I buy in bulk, and get two dozen 1-Quart canning jars with the lids and bands already on them. Look for those in summer clearance, after canning season ends.
Read MoreWhile shopping at an Amish “Bent and Dent” store, I discovered a bulk box of chocolate cake mix. I grabbed it, thinking I’d make quick cupcakes for the daycare kids. However, I discovered the recipe on the box for cake mix cookies and found it to be even easier. It’s also better for managing serving size, and reducing the need for frosting. The cookies are moist and delicious.
Read MoreMy daughter called on a Saturday, asking if I wanted a visit. She lives 3 hours away, in Chicago. Of course, I was delighted! We had been out all day…a Celebration of Life in the morning, Pottery Class next, and then, out for an early dinner.
We’d just gotten home and were starting Saturday chores at 6 PM. Vacuuming, bathrooms, collecting laundry—check, check, check. The thing she sprung on me next was a complete surprise: she was bringing a gentleman friend!
Read MoreThis recipe was my mom’s favorite of the cookies I baked to send them after they retired to Florida in the 1980’s.
Read MoreEvery year, the heirloom rhubarb pushes up little red crowns through the ground, and I get excited, dreaming of strawberry-rhubarb everything. Of course a pie would be best…but it’s just as rewarding and faster to make rhubarb crisp. Best of all, we have an old “Taste of Home” recipe that is made in a cast iron skillet. We love our skillet.
Read MoreCrepes
Read MoreOver 30 years ago, I had a completely different life. Two of my children were still preschoolers, and I worked in an office. I had an outstanding boss, and I never objected to making coffee. Along with the coffee, I often served him what we called “Frank Filardo Brownies.”
Read MoreEveryone loves chocolate chip cookies. Over the years, I’ve gotten so I just make them, no recipe necessary. We have kids at our house all the time, and they have grown to expect cookies. If none are available, they’ll throw on some aprons and drag a chair up to the counter. The best job of all, in the mind of a toddler, is cracking the eggs!
Read MoreBefore I lived in Michigan, I had no idea there was such a large population of transplanted folks from Mexico. What a boon for foodies like me, to be blessed with so many choices for Mexican restaurants!
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