Food Gift Recipes
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…
Protein Packed Peanut Butter Balls
A wholesome list of pantry staples comes together easily for a good-for-you treat with a protein punch! Over the years, my grandmother’s chocolate peanut butter egg recipe recipe has acquired a vast and devoted fanbase. The eggs (which can be rolled into balls if preferred) are pretty close to confectionary perfection, if…
Doctored Up Spaghetti Sauce
Comfort food at its best, this meaty sauce starts with a jar of your favorite marinara and can be customized in a variety of ways. Easy to make a big batch and freezes well! First and foremost, how is everyone doing? If you’re feeling sad, scared or lonely and just want…
Kale Pesto
This versatile sauce adds flavor to a wide variety of basic ingredients, elevating simple meals with ease while adding vibrant color and healthy appeal. What is the key is to pulling off healthy and delicious meals with ease? (Emphasis on the last two words!) It’s a question I frequently hear.…
Green Smoothie Muffins (and more breakfast-on-the-run recipes)
Start your day on the right track with a grab-and-go, kid-friendly breakfast that packs a hearty helping of healthy greens. The colorful muffins are incredibly tender and naturally sweet with convenient vegan and gluten-free options. And don’t miss the collection of other speedy meals that might just make your morning routine a little easier! …
Paleo Granola
My favorite grain-free granola is lightly spiced and naturally sweet without being sticky like many Paleo granolas. The recipe also offers savings over expensive store-bought alternatives and convenient choices based on what you may have on hand. This recipe was inspired by my Aunt Peggy, who first brought me a jar of her favorite Paleo…
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup has become my go-to remedy for fighting colds and flu and is very easy to make. For best relief, take it at first sign of a virus. A spoonful a day also works well as a preventative measure. (As a bonus, this all-natural remedy tastes far better than conventional, store-bought syrups－and is less…
Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream
Quick and easy to make at home and every bit as delicious as the store-bought bottle－less expensive, too. Irish cream is delightful in coffee, on the rocks, or in a variety of baked goods. It’s a novel treat for holiday and hostess gifts and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! A reader from France kindly…
Roasted Pumpkin Butter
Naturally sweetened and perfectly spiced, this foolproof, no-scorch recipe adds something special to toast, oatmeal, yogurt, baked goods and more. Plus it freezes well and makes a lovely gift. If you’ve never made pumpkin butter before, this foolproof recipe is reason to start! The flavor of homemade pumpkin butter is truly in a…
Apple Crumb Cake
From holiday meals and casual entertaining to easy weeknight desserts, one-bowl Apple Crumb Cake is a go-to dessert for fall and winter–and it even passes as coffee cake! My grandmother’s apple cake has long been a family favorite. For years, we focused on the sheer deliciousness of it, as well as the fact that we could whip it…
Congo Bars
Congo Bars = the ultimate blondie! Perfectly chewy and so much easier to make than a batch of cookies, this foolproof recipe is a childhood favorite that has stood the test of time. Readers occasionally ask me if I ever really mess up a recipe – and the answer is a definite “Yes!” Earlier this…
