Lemonade Bundt Cake

The season of hot is slowly approaching, you know those long days of heat, that you think will never end. Yet in the early evening when the sun sets and the evening breeze start to whisper, you can sit on the front porch and fill the sun slowly start to release its tight hold on...

French- Style Apple and Rhubarb Cake

When I heard about the baking and canning contest for the Fruita Fall Fest this past weekend, I did some deep thinking about what I wanted to attempt to bake, so I came up with the French-style Apple Rhubarb cake for this challenge You see I wanted to bake a cake that would really stand...

Garden Tomato Herb and Garlic Quick Bread

Savory Garden Tomato Herb and Garlic Quick Bread  with cheese is one of my favorite savory quick breads. As this bread does not have any sugar in it, it is truly a savory treat, the garlic and basil really come alive in the first bite. This bread is full of texture and flavor, with a...

Classic Spritz Cookies

I can still remember sitting on the other side of the kitchen counter, on a tall stool, watching my mom make Spritz Cookies. I was fascinated with the metal cookie press and all the different molds she used to create these delectable, delicious delicacies each holiday season. You see my mom was big on throwing...

Apple Quick Bread

Okay so I am obsessed with baking anything with Apples, especially in the fall, when the annual “Applefest” takes place in my town, and the orchards are full of delicious ripe apples, just hanging from the trees waiting to be picked. Every time I see these full apple trees I get the biggest urge to...

Orange Cake

Orange Cake is a simple and easy cake you can make in less than an hour including baking time. With only a few ingredients, you will have a fluffy moist, and delicious cake. This is a traditional Arab and Middle Eastern recipe, as oranges grow abundantly in many warm climates of the area. These oranges...

Cranberry Orange Zest Nut Bread

Cranberry Orange Zest Nut Bread is absolutely fabulous! There I said it, this bread is so moist, sweet and packed full of flavor, and texture, what more could you want! I luv to make this quick bread during the holidays, as it is part of my tradition to bake two loaves, of the Cranberry Orange...

Apple Oatmeal Crisp

I learned this recipe from my mom, who I am certain learned this from her mom, it has been passed down thru the years and stayed the same. By placing crumb mixture on the bottom of the pan with the apples in the middle, this adds a sweet blast of flavor to each bite.  The...

Cherry Crumble

My sweet tooth got the best of me this weekend as it was a cloudy cold couple of days, and because I had a bad case of cabin fever I decided to bake. When Sunday rolled around and I still had not baked anything, I decided this was the day I was going to fill...

Cake Brownies with Chocolate Frosting.

Last Sunday, after I had cleaned up breakfast and marinated the pork tenderloin to put in the smoker later, I turned on the mid-morning football game. While I sat down at the kitchen table staring out the window on this glorious, beautiful day, I started to daydream of baking, as I often do. You see,...

Cherry Crumble

My sweet tooth got the best of me this weekend as it was a cloudy cold couple of days, and because I had a bad case of cabin fever I decided to bake. When Sunday rolled around and I still had not baked anything, I decided this was the day I was going to fill...

Quick Mix, Baking Mix

With Quick Mix, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating delicious treats. From fluffy pancakes and melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts to savory breadsticks and mouthwatering turnovers, this versatile mix is a must-have in any kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat like sugar cookies or a comforting dessert like hot fudge pudding...

Cherry Turnover Pie

Cherry Turnover Pie is a maindish or delicious dessert. Cherry Turnover Pie is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as both a main course or a delectable dessert. Its fruit fillings offer a wide range of options, allowing you to experiment with flavors. Apart from the traditional cherry, blueberry, and lemon pie fillings, you...

Granola Mix

Granola mix can be served with milk for breakfast or as a great afternoon snack all by itself. The Granola mix is packed full of protein and vitamins, making it a nutritious option for any time of the day. Additionally, the combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits in the granola mix provides a satisfying...

Gruffins

As you can imagine, the gruffin is either a mythical character or a mix of muffins and granola, as they become one, creating a new kind of crunch and refreshing flavor. The origin of the gruffin is still being determined, with some claiming it to be a creation of folklore passed down through generations. Others...

Apples and Cinnamon Cobbler

Why is it when the summer fades and fall creeps in all I want to do is spend my time in the kitchen baking. I think it’s my natural nesting instincts taking over as now I find myself inside the house more and more often. The outside days of endless yard and gardening work are...

Sugar Cookies

One of the great influences in my life on my cooking journey was the original Betty Crocker cookbook, you know, the red plaid one—that sat high on a shelf in most kitchens during the 1950’s. This iconic cookbook not only provided delicious recipes but also served as a symbol of tradition. Leafing through its pages,...

Barn Biscuits

If you ever need a quick and versatile, easy light dinner, pot luck item, or fun side dish, the Barn Biscuits are for you! Simply grab a can of quick refrigerator butter biscuits, shredded cheese, and pepperoni.  Cut the biscuits up, add in the cheeses and pepperoni, roll into 6 balls, and pop into a...

Open Face Omelet

Somedays I just want to switch things up for breakfast, so I put down the oatmeal and fruit and crave a hot, hearty, budget friendly breakfast meal. I also wake up hungry as a lion each morning, so clear a path to the kitchen, I’m coming in hungry and ready to cook! Because I am...

Mushroom Wellington

Christmas Day breakfast has always been a tradition in my family. One of the holiday traditions that I hold near and dear to my heart is Christmas morning breakfast. It’s a test of the ultimate self control,  while we open gifts in the morning with our tummy’s grumbling no one is allowed to be hangry...

Homemade Tater Tots

So, I must make a confession, I really enjoy a hearty breakfast, I always have, to me it’s the most important meal of the day. Eating a good hot breakfast always starts my day off on the right foot.  The ritual allows me time to sit down at the breakfast table, gaze out the window...

Vegetable Pancakes

When I am planning my weekly grocery shopping list and corresponding weekly meals, there are times when I just need something new and unique to spice up my daily life a bit. You see I happen to luv vegetables in any shape or cooking method. One of my favorite things is to purchase the pre...

Granola Mix

Granola mix can be served with milk for breakfast or as a great afternoon snack all by itself. The Granola mix is packed full of protein and vitamins, making it a nutritious option for any time of the day. Additionally, the combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits in the granola mix provides a satisfying...

Gruffins

As you can imagine, the gruffin is either a mythical character or a mix of muffins and granola, as they become one, creating a new kind of crunch and refreshing flavor. The origin of the gruffin is still being determined, with some claiming it to be a creation of folklore passed down through generations. Others...

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

I have always made my own pasta sauce, for years and years. This all happened because the store bought sauce was never thick enough, I started adding tomato paste to the store bought sauce, and even added herbs and spices. Eventually I was adding canned tomatoes, and tomato paste. One day I realized, why buy...

Jalapeno Hot Sauce for canning

This recipe for jalapeno hot sauce is super easy to make and well worth the effort. At the end of salsa-making season, I typically have left-over jalapeno peppers, which I really hate letting go to waste. Since I like to add a spicy side to my breakfast eggs and because I gave up on the...

Freezing corn on the cob

When the corn is picked out of the fields and arrives at the produce stands, I normally buy a bushel. This starts the long and tedious process of husking, washing, and slicing the kernels off the cob.  I blanch the kernels and transfer them to seal-a- meal bags, so I can enjoy fresh picked corn all...

Kale Flavor Cubes

As I start to prepare my freezer and pantry for the upcoming winter I realized that lately I am operating on auto-pilot.  The day starts with a good sturdy pair of slippers, a somewhat clean sweatshirt, pajama pants and a good strong cup of coffee.  I grab the coffee pour it into the insulated mug...

Baked Garlic Confi

Garlic confi is a must-have if you are a lover of garlic flavors spread on your slice of bread, mixed into mashed potatoes, added to soups, mixed into butter, added to salad dressings, or really anything that you enjoy eating with garlic. All you need to make garlic confit is a few simple ingredients: whole...

Canned Pears

Each year I highly anticipate the late summer arrival of the fresh pears to the farmers market. Fresh pears are a yearly ritual that signifies the slowing drifting away of summer as fall creeps in. Many times I can go directly to the packing plant and order a case of fresh picked pears right off...

Canning Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

Well, you know what time of year it is when I start to crave canning applesauce. You guessed it—fall is now upon us. We can finally stop sweating so much and enjoy crisp, cool morning air and gentler nights. Recently, I had been seeing apples start to appear in the local farmer’s markets, so I...

Barn Biscuits

If you ever need a quick and versatile, easy light dinner, pot luck item, or fun side dish, the Barn Biscuits are for you! Simply grab a can of quick refrigerator butter biscuits, shredded cheese, and pepperoni.  Cut the biscuits up, add in the cheeses and pepperoni, roll into 6 balls, and pop into a...

Chex Mix

These two words ” Chex Mix” are a spiritual and emotional journey for me every time I make it during the holidays. Chex Mix was the foundation of my childhoods family Christmas celebration. The family has a special glass bowl, that is only used once a year for the Chex mix.  Somehow the bowl was...

Open Face Omelet

Somedays I just want to switch things up for breakfast, so I put down the oatmeal and fruit and crave a hot, hearty, budget friendly breakfast meal. I also wake up hungry as a lion each morning, so clear a path to the kitchen, I’m coming in hungry and ready to cook! Because I am...

Turkey Brine Recipe

Until I was made aware of brining my Thanksgiving day turkey many years ago, I suffered from that dried out , some what inedible piece of Turkey meat. A good 2 day brine is the secret to success for a flavorful, moist turkey from breast to legs. The leftovers are amazing as well, as this...

Dirty Mashed Potatoes

I am not going to be shy about my love for mashed potatoes with garlic and butter anymore! There is nothing more satisfying than a nice heaping serving of garlic buttery mashed potatoes on my plate, even if that means sacrificing plate space for other side dishes; dirty mashed potatoes win every time. I highly...

Spinach Dip Phyllo cups

I must have eaten 8 of the spinach dip phyllo cups, slowly one at a time as I found myself on Christmas morning standing at the appetizer table just staring off into space, The original plan was  to make Mushroom Wellington and not these wonderful Spinach Phyllo cups, the original plan called for sheets of phyllo...

Tortellini and Italian Meatball Soup with Spinach

Remember when I posted the Italian soup base recipe earlier this year? Well the tortellini and meatball soup with fresh spinach is just what you need to make with the Italian Soup Base. I made this dish the same day as eating it with my crock pot, as I wasn’t quite sure what time we were...

Chili Con Carne

To chili or not to chili that’s the question on this cold and snowy winters day. I am one of those people that like to eat chili only in the fall and winter, for some reason I just don’t crave chili in the spring and summer. My chili recipe sustained me and my daughters thru...

Cabbage and Sausage

I most always have a craving for fresh peppers, red onions and cabbage, I like to use them in stir-fry, soups, and now this amazing recipe for the cabbage and sausage dish.   This dish will fill you up with a warm hearty meal, right when you need it the most. The cabbage and sausage dish...

Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Hot Cabbage and Red Pepper Slaw

Recently I had my daughters over for a nice Saturday afternoon lunch so we could put the phones down and sit and chat face to face. I invited them over intending to make Potato Latka and pork tenderloin with applesauce, which sounds delicious, but all I saw was a vision of myself standing in the...

Turkey Brine Recipe

Until I was made aware of brining my Thanksgiving day turkey many years ago, I suffered from that dried out , some what inedible piece of Turkey meat. A good 2 day brine is the secret to success for a flavorful, moist turkey from breast to legs. The leftovers are amazing as well, as this...

Cranberry Orange Zest Nut Bread

Cranberry Orange Zest Nut Bread is absolutely fabulous! There I said it, this bread is so moist, sweet and packed full of flavor, and texture, what more could you want! I luv to make this quick bread during the holidays, as it is part of my tradition to bake two loaves, of the Cranberry Orange...

Dirty Mashed Potatoes

I am not going to be shy about my love for mashed potatoes with garlic and butter anymore! There is nothing more satisfying than a nice heaping serving of garlic buttery mashed potatoes on my plate, even if that means sacrificing plate space for other side dishes; dirty mashed potatoes win every time. I highly...

Whole Cranberry Orange Relish

Did you know I am a chronic list-maker? I make lists for my lists and a master list to keep my other lists organized. I know it kind of makes me crazy just thinking about it. Right now, I am working on a mental list for the approaching holidays, including shopping, cooking, and gift-giving. In...

Traditional Stuffing

This could be the best traditional stuffing recipe you have ever had! Warning: If you like stuffing full of meats, vegetables, cornbread, or really anything you can think of, this is not it.  The traditional stuffing recipe is very simple, easy on the budget, and can be made the night before the big feast. This...

Deep Dish Tater Tot Casserole

There is nothing as comforting as a good old-fashioned tater tot casserole. I have found that as the days shorten and the cold comes around again for another cycle, I start to crave hearty comfort foods. Tater Tot Casserole is super easy and budget-friendly; it can literally become the best leftovers ever, and by the...

Smoked Chicken Enchilada Casserole

The marinated and smoked chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor to the casserole, complementing the Mexican spices perfectly. The tender and moist chicken becomes the star ingredient of this flavorful dish, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any meal. 

Chicken stuffers with spinach and feta

I made chicken stuffers with spinach and feta the other night, and they were absolutely delicious! The phyllo pastry crust was light and flaky, and the chicken inside, stuffed with feta, spinach, cream cheese, and mushrooms, turned out perfect. The combination of flavors from the feta, spinach, cream cheese, and mushrooms added a delightful richness...

Homemade Dumplings and Creamy Turkey Soup

This recipe comes with an extreme comfort food warning! So get your favorite bowl and cozy blanket, and get ready because after you have made this you will head straight for the coziest place in your home, spoon and bowl in hand. Fun fact because this dish is packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients,...

Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Hot Cabbage and Red Pepper Slaw

Recently I had my daughters over for a nice Saturday afternoon lunch so we could put the phones down and sit and chat face to face. I invited them over intending to make Potato Latka and pork tenderloin with applesauce, which sounds delicious, but all I saw was a vision of myself standing in the...

Broccoli Cheddar Bites

What a great invention these Broccoli Cheddar Bites really are! Broccoli Cheddar Bites are so easy to make, low carb, taste great, pack a healthy punch of broccoli goodness, and are a break from the everyday boring vegetable routine. I stumbled upon this recipe when I realized I had bought way too much fresh broccoli...

Southwest Summertime Creamy Corn Dip

The Southwest Summertime Creamy Corn Dip, is spicy, crunchy and packed with that Mexican flavor you crave. Easy and budget friendly ingredients make this dip fun to make. This makes the best dip with Frito Lay Scoop chips, for either a party of one, or a large gathering! Southwest Summertime Creamy Corn Dip keeps in...

Chili Con Carne

To chili or not to chili that’s the question on this cold and snowy winters day. I am one of those people that like to eat chili only in the fall and winter, for some reason I just don’t crave chili in the spring and summer. My chili recipe sustained me and my daughters thru...

Adobo Corn Tortillas

I just want to give a shout out to all those hard working kitchen workers that supply us with delicious food every time we have a meal at their establishment.  Whether its a small café tucked into small town America, or a restaurant chain that serves absolutely everything, to a fine dining restaurant we all...

BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

The endless cycle of “What’s for dinner” takes up a lot of my brain power some days. I like to play this game with myself and not allow dinner-time meals to become super plain and boring. I will go through the list in my head, first I start with which type of cuisine: Mexican, Italian,...

Lemonade Bundt Cake

The season of hot is slowly approaching, you know those long days of heat, that you think will never end. Yet in the early evening when the sun sets and the evening breeze start to whisper, you can sit on the front porch and fill the sun slowly start to release its tight hold on...

French- Style Apple and Rhubarb Cake

When I heard about the baking and canning contest for the Fruita Fall Fest this past weekend, I did some deep thinking about what I wanted to attempt to bake, so I came up with the French-style Apple Rhubarb cake for this challenge You see I wanted to bake a cake that would really stand...

Garden Tomato Herb and Garlic Quick Bread

Savory Garden Tomato Herb and Garlic Quick Bread  with cheese is one of my favorite savory quick breads. As this bread does not have any sugar in it, it is truly a savory treat, the garlic and basil really come alive in the first bite. This bread is full of texture and flavor, with a...

Chocolate Almond Bark

This is a very easy no bake recipe, always make two sheets , one for yourself and one to gift, you wont be sorry! I like to chop up my almond bark in the food processor and sprinkle it on ice cream, or use it as a topping for cakes, and cookies You can also...

Classic Spritz Cookies

I can still remember sitting on the other side of the kitchen counter, on a tall stool, watching my mom make Spritz Cookies. I was fascinated with the metal cookie press and all the different molds she used to create these delectable, delicious delicacies each holiday season. You see my mom was big on throwing...

Apple Quick Bread

Okay so I am obsessed with baking anything with Apples, especially in the fall, when the annual “Applefest” takes place in my town, and the orchards are full of delicious ripe apples, just hanging from the trees waiting to be picked. Every time I see these full apple trees I get the biggest urge to...

Orange Cake

Orange Cake is a simple and easy cake you can make in less than an hour including baking time. With only a few ingredients, you will have a fluffy moist, and delicious cake. This is a traditional Arab and Middle Eastern recipe, as oranges grow abundantly in many warm climates of the area. These oranges...

Apple Oatmeal Crisp

I learned this recipe from my mom, who I am certain learned this from her mom, it has been passed down thru the years and stayed the same. By placing crumb mixture on the bottom of the pan with the apples in the middle, this adds a sweet blast of flavor to each bite.  The...

Cherry Crumble

My sweet tooth got the best of me this weekend as it was a cloudy cold couple of days, and because I had a bad case of cabin fever I decided to bake. When Sunday rolled around and I still had not baked anything, I decided this was the day I was going to fill...

Cake Brownies with Chocolate Frosting.

Last Sunday, after I had cleaned up breakfast and marinated the pork tenderloin to put in the smoker later, I turned on the mid-morning football game. While I sat down at the kitchen table staring out the window on this glorious, beautiful day, I started to daydream of baking, as I often do. You see,...
<p>Salsa</p>
<p>Salsa</p>

Award Winning Savory Baked Apples with Sausage Stuffing

In the town I live in each July we hold a big three day festival called”Deltarado Days’.  . There is a rodeo, street dance, live music, craft vendors and kids activities for the town to enjoy, its a wonderful way the small town celebrates summer. The annual baking contest is always held during the festival,...

Chocolate Almond Bark

This is a very easy no bake recipe, always make two sheets , one for yourself and one to gift, you wont be sorry! I like to chop up my almond bark in the food processor and sprinkle it on ice cream, or use it as a topping for cakes, and cookies You can also...

Chex Mix

These two words ” Chex Mix” are a spiritual and emotional journey for me every time I make it during the holidays. Chex Mix was the foundation of my childhoods family Christmas celebration. The family has a special glass bowl, that is only used once a year for the Chex mix.  Somehow the bowl was...

Orange Cake

Orange Cake is a simple and easy cake you can make in less than an hour including baking time. With only a few ingredients, you will have a fluffy moist, and delicious cake. This is a traditional Arab and Middle Eastern recipe, as oranges grow abundantly in many warm climates of the area. These oranges...

Turkey Brine Recipe

Until I was made aware of brining my Thanksgiving day turkey many years ago, I suffered from that dried out , some what inedible piece of Turkey meat. A good 2 day brine is the secret to success for a flavorful, moist turkey from breast to legs. The leftovers are amazing as well, as this...

Cranberry Orange Zest Nut Bread

Cranberry Orange Zest Nut Bread is absolutely fabulous! There I said it, this bread is so moist, sweet and packed full of flavor, and texture, what more could you want! I luv to make this quick bread during the holidays, as it is part of my tradition to bake two loaves, of the Cranberry Orange...

Dirty Mashed Potatoes

I am not going to be shy about my love for mashed potatoes with garlic and butter anymore! There is nothing more satisfying than a nice heaping serving of garlic buttery mashed potatoes on my plate, even if that means sacrificing plate space for other side dishes; dirty mashed potatoes win every time. I highly...

Spinach Dip Phyllo cups

I must have eaten 8 of the spinach dip phyllo cups, slowly one at a time as I found myself on Christmas morning standing at the appetizer table just staring off into space, The original plan was  to make Mushroom Wellington and not these wonderful Spinach Phyllo cups, the original plan called for sheets of phyllo...

Cake Brownies with Chocolate Frosting.

Last Sunday, after I had cleaned up breakfast and marinated the pork tenderloin to put in the smoker later, I turned on the mid-morning football game. While I sat down at the kitchen table staring out the window on this glorious, beautiful day, I started to daydream of baking, as I often do. You see,...

Whole Cranberry Orange Relish

Did you know I am a chronic list-maker? I make lists for my lists and a master list to keep my other lists organized. I know it kind of makes me crazy just thinking about it. Right now, I am working on a mental list for the approaching holidays, including shopping, cooking, and gift-giving. In...