Birthday Recipes

Baked Almond Cake Donuts or Muffins (grain-free)

No messy frying step needed for deliciously satisfying, grain-free donuts. No donut pan? No problem. The recipe can be made as muffins instead!    I have a clear vision of the best donut I ever ate. It was from a cafe called Philz during a visit to Los Angeles several years ago. My family and…

Apple Bourbon Smash

Warm notes of bourbon complement the sweetness of apples in this lightly effervescent cocktail that takes a mere minute to make. Prefer a mocktail? Just skip the bourbon! Over the years, I’ve tended towards a simple glass of wine over a mixed drink. But an occasional cocktail can be a fun mealtime addition, and lately…

Overnight Sticky Buns

A clever shortcut and prep-ahead convenience make these tried-and-true sticky buns as easy as they are delicious. The recipe has long been a family and reader favorite on holidays and special occasions. As an added bonus, the aroma wafting from your kitchen will remind you of the corner bakery! The anticipation of waking up to…

Pan Seared Lamb Chops (with optional bonus sauce)

Juicy, mouthwatering, pan-seared lamb chops are restaurant quality but couldn’t be easier to prepare at home. Minimal ingredients and a hot skillet are all that’s required. As an added perk, the recipe can easily be prepared for one or two diners, or for a larger family.    Most holidays, our whole family is together and we…

Everything Crusted Salmon

When used on salmon, the classic bagel coating provides crisp crunch and great flavor for a super speedy meal the whole family will love. As an added bonus, the recipe can be scaled to a single serving or to accommodate a larger group.   When I make a sauce or spice rub, I tend to…

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

There may be no shortage of pumpkin spice lattes in this world, but now you can make them at home, with tea or coffee, iced or hot, and with several other customizable options. You may even find that the homemade version tastes fresher…and at a fraction of the usual price!  I adore coffee and pumpkin, but I…

Homemade Limoncello

Bring the Amalfi Coast to you with this easy-to-make Italian liqueur. The lightly sweet, lemony flavor is perfect as a mixer or an after-dinner drink and makes a festive holiday or hostess gift. 🍋 My mother-in-law introduced me to this light-tasting, lemony Italian liqueur several years ago after she and my father-in-law traveled to the…

Aperol Spritz

Bright orange in color, lightly sweet, and crisply refreshing, an Aperol spritz conjures up the taste of summer all year round. This simple formula guarantees a perfectly balanced cocktail every time. No cocktail shaker required!     A really good Aperol spritz conjures up images of sitting on a piazza in Italy (or maybe your front…

Nutella Brownies

Chewy edges yield to delightfully creamy insides and a “just right” chocolate flavor in these Nutella-infused brownies…and the recipe fills a 9×13 pan!   Most years, I kick off the unofficial start to summer with some sort of ice cream treat. Because I’m making a slight deviation this year, I have two words for those…

Wacky Cake with Easy Chocolate Frosting (Egg- & Dairy-Free with GF option)

This clever cake mixes up in a single bowl without the need for eggs or milk, making it ideal when ingredients are low or working around dietary requirements. The size is perfect for smaller celebrations, although the foolproof recipe can easily be doubled.   Celebrations of all kinds have taken decidedly different twists and turns over…

Healthy Chocolate Overnight Oats

Chocolate for breakfast? This bowl of deliciousness provides all the health benefits of chocolate with none of the sugary downsides because it is 100% sweetened with whole fruit. As a bonus, a simple adjustment will accommodate a range of flavor preferences, from deep dark to sweet milk chocolate.❤️         Chocolate for breakfast…

How to roll sushi

Successful sushi rolling is easy with these step-by-step instructions. Fun for date nights, girls nights, slumber parties & ringing in the new year. Instructions include how to make the best spicy tuna and sriracha mayo along with tips and shortcuts for creating your own favorite rolls. Midway through a busy month, rolling your own sushi may seem…

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