Fresh Apple Cake

This cake became a favorite of mine to make when I lived in upstate NY 2005-2009. The fall apple harvest gave me so many apple options that I’d mix and match different types of apples which always made this cake different. I’ve had a lot of fun making it over the years.

Crepes

Get creative with these, use a teaspoon of an extract to switch up the flavor, top with different fruits, add a filling. This is just a base recipe, what you do with it is entirely up to you. I used baker’s measures so you’ll need a scale to measure this out. Prep time below includes 2 hour resting period.

Pancakes

Play with these, get creative 🙂 Add chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, change up the extract, instead of vanilla or almond, go for cinnamon, banana, orange, add a little cinnamon to the batter .. have fun with these!!!

Puff Pastry

Puff pastry has so many uses for many baked goods. A few of the many things you can do with this are Beef Wellington, Parmesan Twists, Stuffed Hand Pies, Cinnamon Rolls, Croissants, Pot Pies, and the list goes on. One of the things I do often with it is these Apple Roses, which I also switch up and make Peach Roses It can be a long and tedious process to make but I much prefer to make my own so I know what’s in it, I’m not a fan of preservatives. I used baker’s measures so you’ll need a scale.

Baguettes

Baguettes are wonderful for a side dish like garlic bread, to cut into sandwich rolls, or to cut into small slices for cheese and salami. Enjoy!!  I used baker’s measures so you’ll need a scale.

Green Enchiladas

This is my absolute favorite type of enchilada!!! I have found in my moves around the U.S. that tomatillos (7 states) entero can be difficult to find so I’ve given you the option of how to use fresh tomatillos. Here they are pictured with my Jazzed Up Refried Beans

Jazzed Up Refried Beans

Refried beans out of a can look and smell pretty gross, and while we know they’re going to taste good they can totally taste better 🙂 Here’s a quick way to jazz them up a little bit. The ones here are pictured with my green enchiladas

Pesto

When you want pasta but the tomato-based sauce just doesn’t sound good 🙂 Fresh basil can be hard to find so this gives you the option of spinach, some people will also use kale. The base you use will obviously change the flavor but don’t be afraid to mix and match greens, play with this, see what you wind up with. Pesto is a thing you can truly make your own. Set a little extra aside and mix it with a little bit of mayonnaise for a pesto aioli for a salami sandwich. Also, if you can’t find fresh basil …

Italian Dressing

I don’t like bottled dressings because I see no point in sugar and preservatives in everything we eat. This is a favorite dressing that I make because I can change the oil, change the vinegar, and/or change the spices, and always have something different.

Banana Fritters

These banana filled pillows of goodness are the perfect snack for any time of day! Imagine a funnel cake with a light crispy outside and soft tender inside now add the sweet fruity taste of bananas, that’s what you’ll get with these delicious banana fritters! Enjoy!

Plated Green Bean Salad

Green Bean Salad

Have you ever wondered what a new and innovative way is to have green beans?  Today I am going to share with you a new, fun, and healthier way of having green beans.  There are so many ways that you can take this simple, humble ingredient to the next level in flavor and texture. To make this vegan, switch out the feta cheese for a vegan cheese of your choosing. You can use any style and cut of green beans that you prefer.  I like to experiment with different textures and flavors of food.  A salad can be anything that …

Homemade Flour Tortillas

I think you will enjoy this quick and simple recipe! Homemade tortillas are so tender and chewy, you’ll never want the store bought ones again after making your own! All you’ll need are five ingredients to make these delicious tortillas. You can always double the recipe to make more at one time, trust me you will go through these very quickly! Enjoy!

Coleslaw

LOL this is one of my Nana’s recipes and she didn’t write a single measurement down or nothing. It’s just a list of ingredients so I got to play 🙂 I’m completely NOT a coleslaw fan and there have been less than a handful I have found that I liked over the years, but this one is good and has turned around a few coleslaw haters such as myself.

Jeanie’s Pasta Salad

This came from a cousin of mine. What’s funny is it’s written in my handwriting but I don’t recall doing it so it must’ve been when I was young 🙂 OOPS This is a favorite of mine. I make it often and have it as a meal, it’s filling and super tasty. I play with the ingredients a lot on this one. Make it your own, have fun with it. This is one you can definitely go hog wild with.

Chocolate Haupia Pie

Here in Hawai’i we enjoy a traditional dessert called Haupia, which is basically sweet coconut pudding. Well today I’d like to share a traditional recipe with a modern day twist! The steps are simple and the best part is you don’t need an oven! The buttery-sweet crust is filled with a creamy haupia and chocolatey filling and topped with homemade whipped cream. Your mouth will be happy, happy, happy after you try this Hawaiian speciality! It’s “Broke Da Mouth” that’s our way of saying delicious in Hawai’i!!! Enjoy!

Lemon Sherbet

This light and tangy frozen treat is perfect for those hot summer days! You can serve this sweet and creamy dessert as a refreshing snack any time of day or night! This lemon sherbet is so easy to make and you don’t need an ice cream machine! You can use the “still freeze” method by partially freezing and stirring the mixture as it sets! Enjoy!

Steamed Chocolate Pudding

Here is the perfect winter treat for you chocolate lovers out there! This recipe is family friendly and super simple to make! So get the kids in the kitchen and have fun making this steamed chocolate pudding dessert! Don’t let the name fool you! This is more like a decadent cake that is really moist and fudge-like. Instead of baking this, you steam it, which makes it soft and moist and fabulously delicious! If I had to compare it to something, I would say it’s like a well-done molten lava cake! That is how wonderfully chocolatey this treat is! Enjoy!

Zucchini Squash

In my family I can remember growing summer yellow squash and the zucchini squash.  I was excited to try this version of zucchini.  I think that this is  a very versatile vegetable and can be used in many ways. This is a wonderful side dish to go along with either your lunch or dinner.  It’s great for a potluck and easy to fix.  I hope you give this wonderful side dish a try.  You can make it vegetarian, or vegan.

Spinach Tarts

These are a cute little appetizer, side dish, or be used for a meal or maybe even a snack.  You can make tarts sweet or savory.  This was really a good dish that I have never had before.  I will certainly be making this again.

Cinnamon Maple Butter

An easy spread that not only can be used on anything, but it feels like fall in your mouth. Perfect on bread, bagels, cinnamon rolls, waffles, and pancakes. Gives anything a sweet cinnamon and maple sweetness taste.   CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed at Fort Drum, NY for 4 1/2 years and maple weekend is a huge thing there. You can visit numerous producers, taste their wares, and grab some syrup or other goodies on your way out. In 2007 while visiting the various producers I picked up a bunch of recipe pages on all sorts of categories that were …

Banana’s Foster

Courage is all  this recipe really requires. I will say ample overhead clearance helps a great deal  as well  though. Banana’s Foster is ready in an instant and easily altered to individual liking’s. Not a banana fan? Trade the banana for cherries, apples, or even orange slices. Let your local liquor store fuel your inspiration by visiting the wide variety of miniature bottles they carry. They make for a large selection for guests to choose from AND won’t break the bank when experimenting  with new flavors. Leftover cranberries from Thanksgiving? Flambéing them in this cinnamon and sugar mixture and topping …

Filled Coffee Cake

More of a breakfast cake than a dessert in my eyes, filled coffee cake is my go to “chaser” for mornings when I need more than a second cup of coffee. If you can resist eating the entire pan, this cake freezes well if wrapped tightly to eliminate as much air as possible. It’s easily reheated and is sturdy enough to withstand a dunk or two into your cup for a double punch of coffee flavors. Any number of nuts can be used in this recipe as well (I used leftover pecans here) so clean out the pantry and get …

Spinach Soup

This recipe was inspired by an article from a newsletter from a local power company in the 1970’s. I aimed to lighten and brighten the recipe as it seemed very heavy and over shadowed the spinach. I love using fresh produce when possible and this vibrant green soup was well received by the pickiest of family members. There are several ways to make substitutions to any lifestyle whether vegetarian or vegan. This savory soup may be served warm or chilled. Here’s the original from that newsletter

Maple Mustard Salmon

This simple and very easy salmon recipe is very flavorful and a must have for summer lunches or a light dinner. The mustard adds a little tanginess that is complimented with the slightly sweet maple syrup. For a healthy option this salmon can be served hot along side your favorite steamed vegetable or on top of a salad.   CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed at Fort Drum, NY for 4 1/2 years and maple weekend is huge thing there, You can visit numerous producers, taste their wares, and grab some syrup or other goodies on your way out. In 2007 …

Blackberry Pie

My  hands are delightfully stained in purple hues this week after multiple batches of blackberry pies and I am not upset about it. If  you too are looking to improve upon your pie dough designs, do yourself a favor and take 5 minutes (yes, it takes 5 minutes to make this delicious filling) to use the most beautiful of fruits available for pies, the blackberry. The size of the berry makes it easier to fold in flavors without crushing it into a syrup. They also make for a level medium when you are decorating the top. Beware the purple tinting, …

Sweet and Spicy Caribbean Slaw

Add some flair to this American classic with a hint of spice and some tropical fruit. This is a very simple recipe with amazing flavors!  Pairs well with any grilled protein or served on top of a burger or hot dog.  Give it a try.  It will change the way you think about coleslaw!

Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups

This recipe is great because you can adjust it to any dietary need. You can replace the chicken with tofu or a good hearty mushroom. You can use liquid aminos instead of soy sauce to cut back on your sodium and it doesn’t contain gluten. The lettuce cups make for a fun hands on eating experience and aesthetically look great on a plate. If lettuce cups aren’t your thing, try chopping the lettuce up and make it into a salad. This recipe is a good balance of salt and savory with a touch of sweet and crunch.

Easy Yogurt Herb Biscuits

Making Biscuits can be fun and easy it doesn’t have to be hard. These are a delicious side Dish for a Dinner meal maybe with a Roast, or Grilled Fish fillets. Trying this easy recipe will be fun.

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

This recipe is a wonderful comfort food with a fun twist on classic sausage and peppers. Any ground meat or tofu can be used in place of the sausage meat which allows you to fit the recipe into your dietary needs. Traditional stuffed peppers use rice but for this I wanted to tie in the idea of a classic fair sausage and peppers on a roll by using the stuffing. This recipe can be adjusted to using mini peppers sliced vertically and filled to be used as an appetizer option or stick to full sized peppers for an entree.

Mediterranean Green Bean Salad

A super flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with just about any sandwich or grilled protein. This dish is also chock-full of nutrients and probiotics. This recipe can easily be altered by adding in items such as artichoke hearts, olives or a cured meat to make it a one dish meal.

Southern Chow Chow

Chow chow is a relish made from green tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and bell peppers. It was started as a way to utilize those unripened tomatoes after frost started. Chow chow is sometimes confused with piccalilli which is another style of relish but with more of a variety of vegetables. It is suggested chow-chow originates from the French word Chou for cabbage. This relish is great on anything savory such as burgers, hot dogs, mixed into fried rice for a southern twist, or topped onto a southern corn salad.    

Cajun Pecan Pie

What sets this pie apart from your average pecan pie is the pecan graham cracker crust and of course…the bourbon. This delicious pie can also easily be made vegan by substituting the heavy cream for dairy-free heavy whipping cream alternative and using vegan butter. Note: If you would like to save time, you can also use a graham cracker-ready pie crust.

Cheeseless Cheesecake

Want cheesecake but can’t have the cheese? Here’s an alternative that is sure to please! This soft and light dessert can be flavored in hundreds of combinations. I just so happened to choose a spiced cookie crumb, with hints of lemon and nutmeg. This would taste great in the Fall or Winter. It would be a tasty treat for your guests or family members who have (or want) an alternative! Enjoy!

Strawberry-Peach with Pineapple

A blast of the Tropics will envelop your mouth and wake up your taste buds, with this sweet, refreshing summer treat! The familiar flavors of strawberry and peach, coupled with the tang of one of my favorite tropical fruits, the pineapple! This will look beautiful, served in glass dishes, with a pineapple reduction sauce, drizzled over the top, and with a strawberry and peach slice, to garnish! You could also easily infuse one of the two elements of this cool dessert, with white rum, as a treat for adult gatherings!

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie is a classic addition to any southern Thanksgiving Day supper! Or, any meal, for that matter! The flaky, golden pie crust, with the silky, fall-flavored, sweet potato filling will keep the tradition alive. This delicious dessert will be loved by all!

Musaka

This eggplant dish is hearty and comforting. It can easily be made as a vegan or vegetarian option. There are many variations of this dish, such as using potatoes in place of the eggplant.

Maple Granola Snack

This very easy-to-make sweet treat adds a delightfully chewy and crunchy bite to your breakfast yogurt, parfaits, or as a snack by itself.   *This granola can be stored in an air-tight container in the freezer.   CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed at Fort Drum, NY for 4 1/2 years and maple weekend is a huge thing there. You can visit numerous producers, taste their wares, and grab some syrup or other goodies on your way out. In 2007 while visiting the various producers I picked up a bunch of recipe pages on all sorts of categories that were put …

Pierogi

I’ve never had the pleasure to have pierogi before. They are soft and tender dumpling-like envelopes filled with your choice of savory or sweet, pan-fried in butter to perfection. Here I’ve given you a few different fillings to think about, get creative and have fun making these. *This recipe is for a small batch*

Chinese Vegetables

Do you want a recipe where you can expose your family to new things? This is your ticket! Super fresh tasting, a little crunchy, a little sauce, and a whole lot of flavor. If you want you can add this to any protein and you have everything. A little rice noodles (bean threads) a ton of veggies packed with even more flavor. Make it spicy for you that love the heat or calm it down for a great side or main dish. You have the power to take this and use it in any way you wish! The one thing …

Mary’s Risotto

A very easy and tasty risotto dish for something a little bit different instead of plain white rice. Using the broth of your choice can easily make this a vegetarian dish and using vegan options for butter and cheese it can be vegan. Risotto really is a dish for everyone. Along with this, there is Mary’s Rice 2 Mary’s Cabbage & Rice Mary’s Creamy Rice Here are all 4 together

Bombastic Bean Dip

Yes, it’s that good. I’m also sharing a version of my guacamole recipe, for those that understand the addiction. (NOT sorry, just so you know.) This is a dip, yes…but no one is looking right now… Easiest thing in the world to make, and it takes no time at all. Blah-blah-blah, let’s do this!!!

Strawberry-Banana Bread

Living in FL we have an amazing growing season because the sun is usually shining. Beginning of March while much of the rest of the nation is still freezing, we’re rolling out the Strawberry Festival in Plant City which is attended by people from around the world. You can find more information on that here With an abundance of strawberries at my fingertips, I am always finding fun ways to play with them. Here I decided to take an old favorite, banana bread and sweeten it up. Strawberry Banana is all the rage so why not mix them in a …

Fruit Tart

Making these is a process, it’s why they are often special ordered at bakeries or only offered a couple of days a week. The process, to me, is a pleasure and I love putting them together with love. Then again though, cooking and baking are always love in my kitchen. I hope you’ll take the time and go through the process of making this amazing tart. Filling it with in-season fruits of your choosing is always the best because it can be different every single time. Have fun with it ~ make it themed like Berry Good Day, Tropical Delight, …