Sometimes, I prepare a recipe many, many times, allowing for one adjustment at a time in efforts to achieve the precise texture and taste I envision. I always learn a lot from these little challenges. Occasionally, I end up with several worthy variations of the same recipe, never publishing the recipe because I have made…
A small amount of maple syrup is the key to a wholesome applesauce that allows the natural sweetness and flavor of the apples to truly shine. My grandmother was always known for her amazing applesauce. She used transparent or “early” apples–the ones that appear in farmers markets here in mid-July. Their appearance never fails…
I am so pleased to introduce a guest post from Audra of Cherished Bliss. You may be familiar with Audra as the author of Once a Mom Always Cook but, as you will read, Audra is joining forces with another gifted cook who she knows quite well. Audra has been a respected friend since I…
Months ago, I received the following salad dressing recipe from Nancy, a faithful reader. It was Nancy’s husband who first announced that I simply must try this dressing! Though I used this dressing frequently in the spring and summer months, my family has been enjoying it anew on a favorite fall salad. Those who have…
Five minutes of prep reward you with a hearty, nourishing, grab-and-go breakfast that’s brimming with pumpkin and warm spices! If I counted how many times I started my day with overnight no-cook oatmeal cups, well….let’s just say it would be a very big number! I love to quickly whip up a jarful (or several)…
By now, my love of baked oatmeal has been well established. Truth be told, I hold back some of my variations because I don’t want to over-oatmeal people. I think the time has come, however, to release another! My sister-in-law, Melissa, is to thank for this delicious creation. She is a nurse who leaves…
When I was a kid and my mom served beets, I was not a happy camper. I can remember, however, going to a restaurant in Virginia as a newlywed and, for some reason, being inspired to order a beet salad. That salad completely reversed my previous stance on beets and was a recipe I felt…
Congratulations to Mary Lou Keller! You are the winner! If you could please email me your complete mailing address and phone number, you will receive your prize soon! NOTE: Chosen Foods has graciously offered to provide a 500 mL bottle of their avocado oil to one lucky reader. For a chance to win, simply comment…
The best DIY recipe adds cozy fall flavor to pumpkin pie, muffins, cakes, and more – with just four spices you likely have on hand! Beyond cooler weather, shorter days, and football games, the arrival of fall means apples, pumpkins, and a host of other delicious fall fruits and vegetables. This is often the time…
A reader-favorite (and reader-created!) recipe, this satisfying pasta salad was inspired by the classic sandwich and is a tried-and-true crowdpleaser. Easy to make too! It is always a joy to receive recipes from those who read my newspaper column or blog. When readers send me their family favorites, I am always happy to cook them…
Two simple ingredients are all you need for a fast, flavor-packed appetizer that is guaranteed to be the hit of the party! When visiting my in-laws recently, we got talking about cheese. Most every night before dinner, we enjoy cheese and crackers when we are with them. Given the flavor journey I have been working…
Christian and I had a date with Grace, my 2-year-old niece, to make homemade play dough (see the blue fingernails in the photo below) and after lots of rolling, cutting, pressing, and being silly, they were hungry! I had promised Christian an apricot peach smoothie the day before, and we never got around to it.…