Make-Ahead Recipes
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
The only gingerbread recipe you will ever need, these perfectly-spiced cookies have stood the test of time and are as fun to make as they are to eat! As a kid, gingerbread cookies were all about the creative endeavor. After bringing the cut-out boys and girls to life with eyes, nose, striped skirts, polka…
Cut Out Sugar Cookies
A holiday staple, these tried-and-true sugar cookies are soft, a little chewy, and hold their shape beautifully. Use your favorite cookie cutters and have fun decorating! As a child, there were few kitchen projects more enticing to me than making cut out cookies–except maybe decorating the cookies. As an adult, I still feel the same…
Crispy Potato Peels
Instead of tossing the peels when preparing potatoes for mashing, save them. They make a fun snack that’s crisp and flavorful–and nothing goes to waste! The first time I roasted what were essentially the mashed potato scraps, I did it as an experiment and had low expectations. Little did I know the crispy…
Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies
Sweet, crisp, and light as a cloud, these classic meringue cookies are easy to make and look beautiful on a holiday cookie platter. In its simplest form, a meringue is a dessert that is made by baking a mixture of stiffly beaten egg whites and sugar until crisp but not brown. The result is…
Italian Ricotta Cookies
These tender, cake-like cookies are topped with an irresistible glaze and look beautiful on a cookie platter. Perfect for special occasions from Christmas and Easter to baby showers. Simply change the color of the sprinkles! Credit for this absolutely delightful cookie recipe goes to my friend, Kalyn, who bakes these gems every holiday season with…
The Rachel Sandwich (Grilled or Baked)
Sandwiches for dinner are truly a treat thanks to this crunchy, saucy twist on the classic Reuben. Use Thanksgiving leftovers or your favorite deli turkey for an easy meal any time of year. Two methods of preparation mean you can easily serve one person or a crowd. For those who grew up watching the…
Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Tender, chewy, and perfectly spiced, these easy-to-make cookies are just like the ones Grandma used to make and the aroma while baking is heavenly. A delicious way to get your oats! If you’re looking for the ultimate oatmeal raisin cookie, this is the recipe for you! These cookies are perfectly spiced with cinnamon, studded…
Magic Six Layer Bars (only 6 ingredients!)
This crowd-pleaser comes together in a snap and is perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales, and holiday cookie platters. Six simple ingredients never tasted so good. See recipe notes for excellent gluten-free adjustment. One of my all-time favorite cookies is my grandmother’s recipe for six layer bars–six simple ingredients, layered in a pan, and…
Spider Cider
The name may be catchy but the flavor really delivers in this crowd-pleasing Halloween cocktail that you’ll want to enjoy throughout the fall and winter. Easy to mix one cocktail or a pitcher! It seems the older I get, the more I enjoy playing with my food! Holidays, of course, provide an abundance of…
Freezer English Muffin Pizzas
Simple ingredients are assembled into meaty pizzas that can be baked straight from the freezer for easy, satisfying meals whenever needed. Loved by kids and adults alike, these are not your ordinary English muffin pizzas! Do English muffin pizzas bring back memories for you? With three easy ingredients and perfectly portioned for one person,…
Pumpkin Spice Roasted Delicata Squash (air fryer or oven method)
Warm spices add seasonal appeal to this easy side dish that quickly cooks to golden perfection in the oven or air fryer. Feel free to mix things up with a different variety of winter squash (or sweet potatoes) and a short list of optional toppings if inclined. If you’ve never tried delicata squash, you may…
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
A few helpful tips and an easy technique yield the crispiest, most irresistible pumpkin seeds with the simplest of ingredients. The snack-worthy recipe is reason to carve a pumpkin, even if you don’t have kids! Iโd venture to say that the annual ritual of pumpkin carving is almost as much fun for a parent as…
