Make-Ahead Recipes
Eggnog Quick Bread
Capture the flavor of the holidays with this irresistible quick bread, which makes a lovely gift and is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The quick glaze adds a hint of decadence and a snow-capped look but is purely optional. Several times over the years, I’ve seen the claim that a perfect…
Spiced Pecan Chex Mix
This sweet and savory spin on the classic snack mix is easy to make and hard to resist. Perfect for gift giving too! Why is it nearly impossible to replace a favorite pair of shoes? You know, the shoes that are really comfortable and go with everything, but their near perfection wasn’t apparent until…
7-Minute Holiday Caramel Sauce
7-Minute Holiday Caramel Sauce is a holiday twist on my classic recipe, and adjustments for classic and salted variations are included in the recipe header. Easy and foolproof! As I was purchasing my favorite vanilla bean ice cream a few months ago, a friendly cashier asked me if I had tried a flavor called…
3-Ingredient Cinnamon Ornaments
Three simple ingredients come together with ease for a project that’s fun for adults and kids alike. Once dried, you can decorate as desired or opt for a rustic look. Great as a gift and the aroma will last for years! Choosing the right gifts for the many special people in our lives can…
Jeweled Cranberry Orange Relish… and a Thanksgiving bonus recipe
A cup of jewel-like pomegranate seeds and an orange-enhancing splash of triple sec take classic cranberry relish to new heights! When I was growing up, my family spent every Thanksgiving at my maternal grandparents’ house. My grandmother graciously opened her home to family, and any friends with no family. She put all the extra…
Bircher Muesli Jars with Chia
When tasked with developing a recipe for a new-to-me product, my first step is often pretty logical. I simply swap it with similar ingredients in tried-and-true recipes. Over time, I learn what works, what doesn’t, and hopefully come up with a few new ideas. Usually, one or two recipes rise to the top, and I…
Lancaster Cheesesteaks
I was 13 years old when the blockbuster movie Witness was filmed in Lancaster. Without a doubt, it was a very big deal to have Hollywood heartthrob Harrison Ford come to our town. A good bit of the production took place in the vicinity of my childhood home. My friends and I tried to catch…
Candy Bag Brownies
Candy bag brownies are a deliciously decadent way to use leftover Halloween candy. No candy? No worries. The base brownie recipe is delightful as is, chewy edges and all. When I think about what George might do someday, I can envision this talented boy singing his heart out on a Broadway stage or double-backflipping…
How to Make Kimchi
Make kimchi worthy of a Korean kitchen in your kitchen with these easy instructions. The flavor-packed, probiotic-rich condiment will keep for months and can be added to tacos, burgers, eggs, rice, pasta, and grain bowls or enjoyed as a simple side dish. My intro to traditional kimchi-making came in an unexpected way several years…
1-Minute Peanut Butter Cup Greek Yogurt
Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to combine a little naughty with your nice. And when the naughty (i.e., the candy) happens to have less sugar and nothing artificial, all the better! Midway through the afternoon, I frequently get a sensation of hunger that no carrot or celery stick will satisfy. I like vegetables a lot, but…
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
Sugar and spice and everything nice, these crispy seeds offer a snack-worthy way to make the most of your annual pumpkin carving ritual. Taking the time to dry out the seeds, as described in the recipe notes, will create the crispiest, most flavorful seeds. As we were picking pumpkins last weekend, my older son…
Glazed Pork Chops
Saucy and bursting with crowd-pleasing Asian flavors, this recipe requires a short list of ingredients and cooks quickly! Mother always knows best. Just because I’m in my forties with children of my own doesn’t mean my mom doesn’t occasionally offer some helpful advice. Like most kids, I didn’t exactly relish constructive criticism when I…
