Holiday Recipes
Fennel Salad
Mix up your salad routine with this fresh, crisp combination of fennel, apples, celery, arugula, nuts, and cheese that’s always a surprise hit! As the first recipe with fennel on this site, I debated the details of this salad long and hard. Of course, some may be wondering: why did it take 14 years to…
Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts
Inspired by the iconic New York City restaurant, these rosemary-infused nuts are lightly spiced, perfectly salted, and completely irresistible. Snack on them anytime, or enjoy as a pre-dinner nibble with your drink of choice. The first time I ate at the famed Union Square Café years ago, we started our meal with the bar nuts.…
Rosemary Simple Syrup
A fragrant, easy-to-make syrup that adds an herbal twist to cocktails and mocktails — even baked goods, coffee, and tea. If you’ve made my Rosemary Paloma (which tastes great in non-alcoholic and classic form!), you already know how this simple syrup can transform the drink. A quick simmer of sugar, water, fresh rosemary, and a…
Rosemary Paloma (NA or Classic)
Grapefruit, lime, and rosemary are the stars of this fizzy, bright drink that’s delicious with or without the alcohol. If you’re looking for a signature drink that works for everyone at the table, this Rosemary Paloma may be your new go-to. When I was creating the recipe, I wanted something refreshing, seasonal, and a little…
The 2025 Holiday Gift List
Thinking of the perfect holiday gift for the special people in our lives tends to be harder than the actual shopping. In that spirit, the following list is full of delights that are bound to please even the hard-to-gift people in your life! Coming up with gift ideas that are thoughtful, clever, and won’t end…
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Wholesome and hearty stuffed acorn squash is an all-in-one meal that’s bursting with savory flavor. It even comes with an edible bowl! Acorn squash always makes me think of my grandmother. The dark green vegetable, with its signature splotch of orange, was not something we ate at home. My grandmother, however, cooked with it often.…
Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Worthy of your favorite steakhouse, this speedy sauce enhances beef tenderloin, prime rib, grilled sausages, roast beef sandwiches, and so much more. Before I address the merits of this versatile sauce, I thought it would be fun to briefly discuss the heat aspect of horseradish…which is, by the way, a root vegetable in the mustard…
Chicken & Rice Dog Treats
Easy to digest and nutrient dense, your four-legged friends will fall in love with these homemade dog treats. No waffle iron? Make pancakes (pupcakes?) instead! When we adopted our rescue puppy, Daisy, I received several requests for dog treat recipes. Until now, there was just one recipe for our four-legged friends on the site, the…
Pink Pony Cocktail
The Pink Pony is a spin on a Greyhound with Paloma vibes and options to use vodka, gin, or tequila. It’s the ultimate customizable drink and a party favorite! My favorite cocktail is a little number we call the Pink Pony. Inspired by the classic Greyhound cocktail with a Paloma vibe, it’s a citrus-forward drink…
Derby Pie
This irresistible dessert is everything you love about a chocolate chip cookie but in pie form, plus a hint of Southern charm. Easy to make and always a hit! Derby Pie is essentially a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie with pecans (or walnuts if you prefer) nestled in a flaky pie crust. More pie details…
Toll House Pie
Everything you love about a chocolate chip cookie but in pie form, this irresistible dessert is a breeze to make and always a hit! This pie dates back to when my boys, now in their twenties, were toddlers and we’d often get together with friends and their kids for casual weekend dinners. The kids would…
Pepper Jack Tomato Soup
Bright tomato flavor is balanced by a hint of creaminess and mild kick in this takeoff of a restaurant favorite. Easy to make and especially tasty with the optional toppings. Those who live in the South Central, Pennsylvania area may be familiar with the pepper jack tomato soup at Isaac’s, a small chain of restaurants…
