Posts in Giftable
Molasses Cookies
Molasses Cookies

Sentimental favorites are definitely related to people and foods we loved in childhood! Molasses cookies aren’t something I grew up on. My former mother-in-law was raised in The Depression, and lived with rationing due to World War 2. Having lived on a farm in the early days, she learned thrift from her mom, and shared a particular memory about molasses cookies. Her mom saved chicken fat and rendered it to use in place of “oleo” or butter when baking molasses cookies. Only one egg and one cup of sugar, and less butter make this frugal recipe delicious! Sorghum can also be substituted for molasses, but it’s sweeter, so use less sugar.

Read More
Bakery, Giftable, Homey RecipesCindy KlineComment
Zucchini Banana Bread
Zucchini Banana Bread

It’s summer, so zucchini is everywhere! I’ve shared plenty of recipes and can’t get enough of it. Every year, our garden is the exception to the rule of overabundance of zucchini. I love the kidding around about leaving zucchini on a neighbor’s porch… I sure wish someone would! If the garden disappoints, I run the roads for free and cheap zucchini. Sometimes, I get a monster for 30 cents!

Read More
Bakery, Comfort Food, GiftableCindy KlineComment
Jalapeño Jelly
Jalapeño Jelly

My husband and I are veterans of Farmers Markets and craft shows. We have been vending for over 12 years now. In that time, we’ve seen our share of home-crafted jellies and jams. After my husband fell in love with jalapeño jelly, I had to add it to my repertoire. One of our good friends kept us supplied until she quit vending. So I learned…and then we forgot about it for a while.

Read More
Giftable, Snacks, Seasonings and DressingsCindy KlineComment
Cookie Cake
Cookie Cake

Oh, 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 More
Bakery, Comfort Food, Dessert, GiftableCindy KlineComment
Taco and Montreal Steak Seasonings
Taco and Montreal Steak Seasonings

We all long for the things that bring us joy. We also long for the sense of control and order in our own little ecosystems. I don’t like to use the word “Universe,” because it’s too New-Agey for me. The Universe doesn’t bring me joy, peace, and love—God, who created the universe, does. I’d rather say His name than give credit to a deep, dark, cold void. How about you?

Read More
Seasonings and Dressings, GiftableCindy Kline Comment
Gramma's Cookies
Gramma's Cookies

It 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 More
Bakery, Dessert, GiftableCindy KlineComment
Homemade Kahlua
Homemade Kahlua

I know it’s not Christmas yet, but I’m thinking ahead to homemade gifts. In my family, there are some who don’t keep alcohol in their homes. If you’re the same, you may choose to prepare this as a gift; maybe double the recipe, or just pass it by.

Read More
Giftable, BeverageCindy KlineComment