Birthday Recipes

Healthy Banana Nut Pancakes

Start the weekend with a wholesome stack of pancakes–and don’t miss the crunchy, salty-sweet topping suggestion!   I adore pancakes. I also adore maple syrup. So much so that I often have a dull headache after eating this favorite weekend breakfast fare. Likely because the pancakes act like a sponge, and when the syrup disappears,…

Fruit Rainbow

You can literally eat the rainbow with this vibrant fruit platter, which is sure to be a hit at backyard cookouts, birthday parties, and festive meals throughout the year. Roy G. Biv.  I can remember the day my grandmother taught me that name as a way to remember the colors of the rainbow.  Red, Orange,…

Aunt Barb’s Strawberry Chiffon Pie

This retro dessert boasts a flavorful custard base that is lightened with egg whites and is the ideal way to make use of summer’s strawberry bounty.    Aunt Barb was not technically my aunt; she was my neighbor growing up. She was a special lady and I was thrilled to get this recipe from her…

Kale, Leek and Gorgonzola Swirls

These mouth-watering bites look complicated but are easy to makeโ€“and a sure-fire hit!   This recipe was passed along by Beth Rice, an avid cook and reader of The Fountain Avenue Kitchen. It first caught my attention because I love kale. When I saw gorgonzola in the recipe, I was sold! Another reason I wanted…

Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Evolution Power Yoga, the studio where I take my yoga classes–which are fabulous, by the way–offers a “40 Days to Personal Revolution” program about twice a year.  This program incorporates much over that time period, from daily yoga and meditation to a healthier eating regimen.  From week to week certain foods are eliminated and by…

Butterscotch Shortbread Nut Balls

Feel free to use this recipe as a framework, switching the ice cream flavors and/or cookie and nut combination. For added value, this crowd-pleasing dessert offers make-ahead convenience and built-in portion control!   Girl Scout cookie time is a happy time for my husband who looks forward to Thin Mints and Trefoils every year. Trefoils…

Honey Peanut Butter “Ice Cream”

Those who know me are well aware of my huge penchant for ice cream.  I love it.  I could eat in every night.  I buy ice cream cones for home use and I am rather heavy-handed with the scooping.  Once, I gave it up for lent just to prove to myself that I could.  I…

Chocolate Letters

Homemade chocolate letters add a special touch to birthday cakes and any celebratory dessert–and they’re easy to make!   My dear friend and incredible baker, Lisa, gave me this idea recently and I thought it was so very clever! When I served this cake, smiles were on every face and all the kids proclaimed that…

Best Ever Caramel Frosting

Caramel frosting on a chocolate cake has always been my mother-in-law’s preferred birthday dessert. Caramel frosting on a spice cake has long been my dad’s favorite treat. So, over the years, I have had many occasions to try various recipes, and this recipe for caramel frosting always brings rave reviews. It’s the only one I…

Slow-Baked Banana Bread

An unconventional baking temperature creates perfectly tender, foolproof banana bread every time. The recipe makes two large loaves๏ผperfect for freezing or sharing!         I just returned from a wonderful afternoon volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club. We read a lot, shared some good stories, and enjoyed a yummy snack.   I…

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