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.

Lemon Pepper Chicken

Super quick 10min recipe……. Not incl marinade time. You can match this with just about any side dish, you can also slice it up thinly after it’s cooked for a salad topper.

Louisiana Chicken

A cousin-in-law is from Louisiana, this is one of her family’s recipes but I edited it years ago to make it my own, there wasn’t enough kick for me and it was way too high in salt and calories 🙂 I’ve also never heard of or seen frozen artichoke hearts

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.

Fennel Pork Chops

If you’ve never had fennel, note that it has a distinctive anise, licorice type flavor.  Here it is paired with garlic and the pair work very well together.

Heavenly Hamburger

In the book, this particular recipe was in my Nana’s handwriting. I have no idea how she came up with it. I can only guess that she grabbed whatever she had on hand and threw it together. It’s actually super tasty and I always enjoy making it. It’s absolute comfort food.

Open Fresh Strawberry Pie

I love farm-to-table cooking and fresh produce is at the heart of that. Strawberries from the fields can’t be beaten.  I do a lot with strawberries in the summer and this ie one of my favorites because it’s quick and easy.

Beef Fiesta

This is a super quick 15 min make. Grab some left over London broil, steak, roast, etc slice it thin and your 15 minutes from a delicious meal.

California Beef Salad

This is a great salad that’s a meal in itself. I enjoy serving it with a loaf of nice French bread or baguette lightly toasted. I often make this in the summer when the last thing I want to do is turn on the stove. I’ll grill up a London broil then slice it super thin for salads such as this one. The prep time on this doesn’t include the marinading time.

New Orleans Rice

This rice is sooo full of flavor and it all comes together in the oven. Can’t get much easier than that. I did try this in the Instant Pot and it just didn’t come out the same so I’m only putting the oven directions here.

Stuffed Pork Roast

I love stuffing chicken breasts, roasts, most anything. Not only does it add a layer of flavor but it looks really pretty on a plate. Here spinach, onion, eggs, ricotta cheese and, Italian sausage come together to make simple pork roasts truly divine.

Rocky Road Squares

These lil guys are sooo addictive LOL !! I put them in the freezer and eat them from there. They aren’t too frozen to bite into at all. I love cold marshmallows. My mother wasn’t a baker at all so not sure who she got this recipe from. I’ve been making it in these last 25 yrs that I’ve had the book (writing this August 2020) and they are an absolute fav. I’ve made them with all sorts of different chips, milk chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch, a mixture of dark and white. I’ve also switched the peanuts up for almonds …

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 …

Bourbon Balls

These were a holiday gift that my cousin Jackie gave to everyone. This is hysterical to me because she was SOOOPER Catholic and never drank. They’re very addictive, I’ve never known anyone who could eat just one and walk away.

Almond Toffee Crunch

If you like the sweet satisfying crunch of an Almond Roca, you will absolutely love this homemade almond crunch recipe! It’s a perfect treat to give away as a gift or keep it for yourself to satisfy that sweet tooth! These are so quick and easy to make, your friends and family will be raving when you whip these treats up in minutes!

Coffee Cake

Last minute invitation to a friends house for coffee? Family Brunch? Or simply want something lite to drink with your coffee each morning? Well look no further than this coffee cake recipe! This easy to make coffee cake is so versatile that you can really make it all your own! With many different ways to make this cake, you can be ready for just about any occasion. All you need is 35 minutes and your imagination!

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.

Chili From Mexico

I haven’t a clue where this monstrosity came from. It’s typed out on what was obviously a typewriter so it’s definitely old. I will admit this is one of the ones in the books that I looked at with my head tilted and was scared to death to make but I am determined to add everything from the book to this website, scary or not so I made it. Thankfully it wasn’t as horrible as I feared it would be but gawd dog is it a hot mess to look at. If you have the gumption to make it, your …

Strawberry Cream Pie

Spring and Summer bring an abundance of sunshine and fresh fruit, especially juicy sweet strawberries which are the superstar of this fabulously simple no-bake Strawberry Cream Pie! This pie is easy to make, fluffy, yet creamy and packed with sweet deliciousness! You will definitely please any crowd with this amazing oldie but goodie! Enjoy!

Quick and Light Pie

Love Pie, but don’t want to wait until the holiday’s are here? Don’t want to spend too much time preparing or baking pies in the summer? This pie is the quick to make and light for those sweltering dog days of summer. This no bake pie is sure to hit the spot in both time management and taste!

Texas Sheet Cake

This is by far the easiest and chocolatiest Texas Sheet Cake! Who wouldn’t love an amazing chocolate cake covered in warm chocolate icing? This recipe is quick and easy and will please any crowd at home or at your next potluck! Enjoy!

Apple Spice Cake

Apple pie or apple cake, if it’s too much pressure to choose between them then why not have both! This fun recipe takes a twist of fresh apple pie, and will leave your guests asking for seconds! It is pretty much guaranteed, that there will be no leftovers.

Pumpkin Sheet Cake

This take on pumpkin “pie” is incredibly tasty and much easier to make! There are actually a few different ways to tweak this recipe and it will still be a hit.

Quick Light Pineapple Pie

Love Pie? Don’t want to wait until the holiday’s are here? Hate spending so much time preparing or baking pies in the summer? This quick to make, and light recipe is great for those sweltering dog days of summer! This no bake pie is sure to hit the spot in both time management and taste

Watermelon Sorbet

This cool and refreshing watermelon sorbet is the perfect summer time treat for the whole family! And the best part is…you don’t even need an ice cream maker! It’s super easy to make and only needs a few simple ingredients! 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!

Peach Sherbet

This is the perfect end of summer treat. Light and fruity; and easy to make. All you need is a food processor or blender, and a freezer!  It’s never been easier to have a healthier version of a frozen treat!

Chocolate Oreo Parfait

This dessert screams PARTY TIME!!! It is so quick and easy to make this fun dessert you can whip this up in minutes for any party, potluck, or picnic! Who doesn’t love layers of deliciousness in a cup??? You and your guests will be so happy with this very simple to make recipe. Take it to go or stay and 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!

Moo Goo Gai Pan (Chicken)

Per Wikipedia – Moo goo gai pan is the Americanized version of a Cantonese dish, usually a simple stir-fried dish consisting of sliced or cubed chicken with white button mushrooms and other vegetables. Popular vegetable additions include bok choy, snow peas, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts and Chinese cabbage. This is my Nana’s version. Being Portuguese, it always struck me as odd that there was such a love of all things oriental from food to furnishings to decor. This is a really tasty dish. Please pardon that there are no mushrooms in the photographed version, the person I was cooking with …

Beef with Piquant Sauce

Typically Piquant sauce is a spicy, tomato base that is found in Cajun cookin, here Joni used chicken stock instead. The word Piquant comes from the French for “to prick or sting” and this zesty sauce just does that.

Rocky Road Cake

This recipe calls for a box of Pillsbury Devil’s Food Cake Mix and then adding in the marshmallows, nuts, chocolate chips and raisins and frosting with Pillsbury Fudge Frosting then should you choose, decorating it with walnuts, chocolate chips, raisins, gummy worms, flies, and dead frogs (Halloween spooky). As I’m a baker I can’t bring myself to use a boxed cake mix and canned frosting because I want to know what’s in what I eat, and to me, fresh is always better, moister, creamier, etc. Below you’ll find my Devil’s Food Cake recipe you can find my Fudge Frosting on …

Chocolate Fudge Frosting

This heavy, rich frosting is thick and wonderful on cakes. It’s cooked on the stove to melt the sugar down like your would for candy. The cake this goes on must be covered tightly to prevent the frosting from drying out and hardening.

Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pie Filling

This is a twist on your typical fruit salad. Here you’ll take the fruits of your choosing and mix them with pie filling. The original recipe from the book called for lemon pie filling, but not the instant. Here vanilla was used. It’s a different twist on an old staple. Enjoy !!!

Chicken Marengo

Chicken Marengo is an updated version of chicken and gravy. It is an amazing dish to try. It’s excellent for leftovers or for lunch for your spouse or yourself as well. It heats up beautifully in the microwave.  I hope that you enjoy making this dish for you and your family.

Tomato Mushroom Barley Salad

This salad, it is simple yet satisfying. It is also a way to understand barley and how simple it shows a multitude of uses. From risotto to a casserole and everything in between. the grain expands when it absorbs any liquid such as water, chicken broth, etc. This was different but it was satisfying.

Pizza Mexicana

Pizza is something that everyone loves to enjoy from time to time.  This recipe is one of the best pizza recipes that I have ever made.  The pizza dough can be intimidating to make, but this recipe makes it simple and it has an amazing taste to it.  We love thin crust pizza so that is what I made.  You can make this as spicy as you want or as mild as you want.  There are endless possibilities when you are adding toppings as well. So get creative and get the kids involved in making this fun dish.

Glumpkies

This is a dish similar to dolmas, but the difference is there is rice added to it. I have made dolmas before but never glumkies. This was an interesting dish to make. This is also a known polish dish. There are a variety of ways of making this dish but the concept is the same.

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.

Kale, Beef and Potato Soup

An interesting combination for a nice hearty soup. Something to enjoy on a cold day or to share with family. A hearty flavored soup. This dish is originally a Portuguese dish, but instead of using Linguica (Portuguese sausage), it became a more American dish using beef tips(beef tenderloin chunks). CandiAnne’s note: My Aunt Carrie grew Kale in her yard so she made this all the time. It was a favorite at her house and across the street at ours. LOL being Portuguese, we obviously used the Linguica

Zucchini Cake

As a child, I remember my family making banana bread.  Until recently I had never really heard of zucchini cake.  I love the vegetable, but I never knew that it could be made sweet as well.  I loved the entire process of making this cake.  I loved the new cream cheese frosting as well.  Everything is really simple to make.  I would encourage you to try this recipe.  It would also be really good as cupcakes.

Squash Casserole

Squash casserole isn’t something that I had growing up as a kid.  So to say I was excited to cook this dish, was an understatement.  The mishaps that I had during the cooking was I accidentally left out the eggs and worcestershire  sauce.  I didn’t realize it until after the casserole was in the oven.  I felt really mad at myself, but it still turned out delicious.

Rum Cake

Rum cake is a holiday staple and super easy to make! People are sure to ask for your yum cake instead of the rum cake!  

Fruit Dumplings

The fruit dumpling is hard to resist for several reasons. One: you no longer have to choose between your favorite fillings and flavors. This pocket-sized treat boasts a sturdy dough that can hold in everything from baked apples to pumpkin puree to toasted pecans with cinnamon sauce (personal favorite..hint,hint). Possibilities are endless! Two: did I mention portable? Ditch the plate and fork. Take a dumpling for each hand and try them all. Then return for more. After all, they’re small… right? Three: all the crust you can handle. Cinnamon and sugar help this dough brown and bake beautifully, making soggy …

Applesauce Spice Bars

The batter smelled amazingly sweet, making me think about when I used to bake with my family. Making the glaze took longer than I thought it would. When it’s all said and done your kitchen will smell like the holidays, with the smell of spices and apples filling the air.

Domino Butter Cookies

Retro has become quite popular so this recipe from 1977 is a must for anyone who loves to bake.  This particular recipe comes from a power company!  Each month they would send out a newsletter of recipes you could use to help keep your heating/cooling costs down as they were simple and quick to bake.  They are also quick to disappear once you’ve had a taste! Unlike many of the sugar-heavy cookies you can buy today, these are  just sweet enough to satisfy a craving but not so sweet that you’ll experience the crash that often comes with too much …

Stinger Cocktail

The Stinger Cocktail originated in the US in the 1890’s and remained popular until the 1970’s. This simple drink can be enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif as it is very minty. The recipe calls for white crème de menthe, but I thought using green crème de menthe would be a great adult beverage to serve during holiday festivities. Enjoy!

Baked BBQ Pork Chops

This was a very exciting recipe for me to explore.  I really cannot remember the last time I made BBQ Pork Chops or if I’ve even tried it before.  Much of the required ingredients were already on hand.

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.

Shrimp Creole

This is a dish that hits home on so many levels.  I am from Louisiana and love all the different styles of food that our state has to offer.  Shrimp creole is a dish that my mom and aunt used to make quite often when I was a child growing up.  We grew up eating various dishes but this is for sure one of my favorite dishes.  You can make this dish as spicy as you want.  You can use crawfish if you want instead of shrimp or any other kind of seafood that you want to use, just be …

Frittata

This frittata is a wonderful little appetizer or it could be served as a snack.  You can also make this into a wonderful dessert.  This could be even made into a breakfast dish.  The possibilities are endless.  You just need to get in there and see what you come up with.  I found it really delicious.

Cinnamon Peach Blueberry Crisp

So I ran into a snag with the fruit on this. I had to use canned peaches instead of fresh or frozen. our state got shut down and put on a freeze again due to covid-19. So I am trying something new with this. I will be doing Brach’s cinnamon hard candies instead of red hots and I am going to use pink blush wine and a little bit of the syrup from the peaches to melt the candies down. I am also going to add some oats to the crumble topping and a little brown sugar. Told my dad …

Cinnamon Peach Crisp

So I ran into a snag with the fruit on this. I had to use canned peaches instead of fresh or frozen. Our state got shut down and put on a freeze again due to covid-19. So I am trying something new with this. I will be doing Brach’s cinnamon hard candies instead of red hots and I am going to use pink blush wine and a little bit of the syrup from the peaches to melt the candies down. I am also going to add some oats to the crumble topping and a little brown sugar.

Mary’s Cheesecake

Cheesecake is one of those versatile desserts that can be eaten alone or with a variety of toppings to please any palate.  This recipe is simple to make and guaranteed to be the hit of any party!

Spicy Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a wonderful blend of sweet and spice that works perfectly at the end of a meal or accompanied by a cup of hot tea or coffee.  This recipe is easy to make and easier to eat!

Frozen Chocolate Cream

I enjoyed making this recipe. After tasting it, I noticed it wasn’t overly sweet, but it still had a lot of flavor which is what I prefer. It is a fun and delicious recipe to share with family and friends. I think it would make a wonderful treat for the summer months.

Lemon Lavender Custard Cake

A light and fluffy custard cake with lavender buds and lemon best served with a hot cup of tea for a cold afternoon. This cake in the end should surprise you with 3 layers of texture! Fluffy cake, light custard, and creamy bottom.

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 …

Comfort Sour

The name “Comfort Sour”, I believe was given because of the use in this version of a whiskey sour. Nonetheless, you may use any bourbon or rye that you like.   This came from a booklet of drinks circa 1970s is my guess. Here’s the page of the booklet this came from

Italian Bacon Burger

Although the title calls this recipe a burger, I have taken the liberty of giving this my take of an open faced BLT. The oregano and parmesan cheese give this an Italian feel and was a big hit with my family. Of course, you can always add a mixture of chicken, pork, or beef patty for a heartier meal.

Fruit with Garlic

The idea of having garlic served with fruit may seem rather odd at first, but Joseph Carcione, aka ” The “greengrocer”, states that garlic brings out the flavors of the fruit or vegetable that it is cooked with. After roasting the garlic, the sugars come through and the harshness of the garlic dissipates and leaves a mellow flavor. This is a recipe that should not be overlooked.

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 …

Eggplant and Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This recipe is a combination of two of our favorite foods.  Chicken parmesan and eggplant parmesan.  I served it with noodles for lunch and dinner. I wanted to showcase Eggplant Parmesan as a casserole and added the Chicken Parmesan to it. This made an amazingly tasty dish.  I do hope you will give it a try.

Cabbage Bell Pepper Rolls & Deconstructed Version

I grew up eating cabbage rolls.  It was something I always loved when my momma would make them.  I decided to put my own twist where I combined stuffed bell peppers in with the cabbage rolls.  I also took the extra cabbage and with the remaining meat mixture decided to make a deconstructed cabbage roll casserole.  Which is really easy to make and it will finish off the leftover cabbage that you have.

Peanut Butter Banana Egg Nog

Eggnog is something that we hear a lot about during the holidays.  You can make it either with alcohol or without.  I wanted to do something different and make a peanut butter banana eggnog.  I got inspired to do this version of the eggnog because my momma loved Elvis Presley.  My momma told me that he used to love peanut butter banana sandwiches so why not make peanut butter and banana into a drink such as eggnog.

Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake

This is a sweet and tangy lemon pound cake with lots of fresh juicy blueberries. It is fun and easy to make. I let my kids help me with this one. They had a blast juicing and zesting the lemons and they could not wait until it was done in the oven. They sat and waited till it was done and the minute it was cut they dug in. I love when I can do things like this with my boys. I ate my piece at breakfast time instead of for dessert. I think this can be served for just …

Pineapple Bundt Cake

Pineapple Bundt Cake is rich, fruity, and delicious. It is wonderful alone or you can serve with fresh pineapple and chantilly cream. If you prefer a more tropical fare, add pineapple glaze and a sprinkle of toasted coconut too! This is a beautiful bundt cake that is easily adapted to other flavors and should be a staple in your kitchen!

Homemade Hot Cocoa

Hot cocoa is something that is so comforting on cold mornings.  I have always loved hot cocoa or hot chocolate. I was always taught to call it hot chocolate.  I can remember as a young girl my grandmother Olene would make this for all of us on cold mornings before school.  It was such a welcoming treat before heading off to catch the bus for school.  I made this a different way than what my grandmother made it.  I hope you enjoy this recipe.

Cottage Cheese Egg Omelet

I have never heard of having cottage cheese with scrambled eggs before.  This dish was from the 60’s or 70’s time frame.  I decided to make it into something totally different.  I made this into an egg omelet.  It was delicious.

Frothy Pink Dessert

This Dessert was very creamy and sweet. If I were to make it again I would make it with out the ice cream and use whipped cream instead but it was nice to share with my family

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

Open House Punch

A light, refreshing drink that makes your taste buds do the jig. This beverage can be made ahead for your next gathering. Just add the 7-up when serving.   This came from a little booklet, probably dating back to the later 60s or early 70s full of Southern Comfort drinks

Tuna Wild Rice Bake

The idea of having warm tuna wasn’t something I looked forward to, but…MY GOODNESS! I wanted to add some freshness to this recipe with the addition of herbs and some fresh lemon zest . This recipe is one that can help stretch a dollar, but is definitely not lacking in flavor. A must try!

Rump Roast with Roasted Celery, Carrot and Acorn Squash Soup

This dish was fun, but a little challenging when it came to presentation.  I wanted the traditional flavors but needed, in my opinion, to stay away from the traditional plating.  I will admit, it’s been some time since I made a roast, but it sure reminded me of family, friends and was fit for the season.  Enjoy!

Meringue Banana split

So this one was different for me. I have tried it a few different ways. Baked the meringue as a dome and then I piped it on and torched it then I baked the meringue in to a cookie form. I found with my family and my kids their favorite was with the meringue cookies and the yellow chiffon cake. So I loved making this and figuring out what was the best way to work with it and what went over well with my family.

Maple Sugar Frosting

Mention frosting and most people imagine buttercream piled high on top of cupcakes. However, frosting is not just buttercream and can include a wide variety of confectionery toppings. Maple Sugar Frosting is a sweet, fluffy delight that can be used for cakes, cookies, or even bread. It is simple to make and has a marshmallow-like texture that is fun to make and eat.     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 …

Maple Breakfast Cake

Nothing says breakfast like sweet, warm, maple syrup. Instead of pancakes, try it with another delicious treat…cake! Maple Breakfast Cake is a hearty and sweet delight perfect for cold mornings and hot cups of coffee. Try frosting it with Maple Sugar Frosting     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 …

Ginger Cake With Pear Puree

A perfect and easy cake for the holidays or when the air is cold! Uses pears and the spices of fall to create a gentle cake to serve alongside some hot cocoa!     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 out by Eat …

Murder By Chocolate, Caramel, and Almond

Let this cake wow your family and friends for a party! 5 different tastes in one cake keep one’s mouth buds guessing and surprised! Murder with chocolate, caramel, and almond! Milk or coffee will serve perfectly with a slice of delectable chocolate cake!

Kate’s Cosmic Carrot Cake

The Carrot Cake came out very moist. Almost every carrot cake I have every tried have been incredibly dry, so I really enjoyed this dessert. I will definitely make this again.     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 out by Eat Smart …

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 …

St. Louis Cocktail

This drink is for those that like to sip on whiskey or bourbon. The peaches add just a touch of sweetness and a wonderful peachy essence. I added some fresh sweet raspberries to add some color and flavor. This would be perfect to enjoy during the hot summer months. For a fun twist, you could use peach or apricot sorbet!          

Maple Custard

Custard is known for its creamy dense texture. This custard is light and creamy as the recipe calls for whipped egg whites.   It is different from your typical custard. Adding your choice of chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch.     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 …

Maple Apple Cake/Pie

This was a fun and different recipe for me and the boys to do. I like the fact that it is very simple but a nice googie cake to make. It was a huge hit with the family. It is a nice mixture of apples and cake together with the perfect amount of maple syrup to make it like a caramel toffee flavor. I used 5 large apples and I had to make the cake for the top and had to almost do the measurements by 4 times so that the tops of them were covered all the way.   …

7-Minute Maple Frosting

If Paul Bunyan had a signature scent, it would be the fragrance of this freshly torched maple frosting. It filled my home with a warm toasted marshmallow scent and satisfied the desire for a pop color on top I was craving as well. Oh and it also takes less than 5 minutes to whip up (pun intended) and add to any cake, cupcake or pastry.       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 …

Chocolate (or Carob) Cake

Depending on the grade of maple syrup used, this cake can have a rich, nutty quality similar to brown butter (it smells almost like nuts toasting in your oven when baking) or a light and sweet quality that serves to only compliment the chocolate. With a surprising number of quality (and affordable) maple syrups on the market, this recipe can surprise you each time you make it if you’re feeling a little adventurous or remain a tried and true recipe to hold onto forever. This cake is shown with 7-Minute Maple Frosting     CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed at …

Maple Shrimp, Chicken, and Vegetables

Although I am familiar with stir fry, I have never been introduced to the addition of maple syrup.  I must admit there was a slight hesitation, but it turned out wonderful.  Definitely, a dish my family enjoyed and I will be sure to keep it in my book of recipes. I decided to serve this over yellow rice and that recipe is included here but you can serve this over white rice, basmati, brown rice, noodles, etc.   CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed at Fort Drum, NY for 4 1/2 years and maple weekend is a huge thing there. You …

Sour Cream Cake

Sour cream cake is a lovely, not too sweet, cake that is perfect for a variety of fillings and toppings. It can easily be adapted to fit any menu or celebration, and it is perfect for those who don’t have stand mixers.

Maple Pralines

Leftover nuts? Last minute gift? Just craving something sweet RIGHT NOW? Maple pralines are the answer. 5 ingredients and less than 20 minutes standing next to your stove will yield slightly crunchy, mouthwatering pralines that will be gone just as fast as your second batch can cook. This recipe can be altered to achieve richer flavors by selecting a higher grade of maple syrup, adding a shot of your favorite bourbon or whiskey, or selecting your favorite nut in substitution for the pecans. Clean out your pantry and reward yourself with a few candies once  your done!       …

Pumpkin Bars

Soft pumpkin cake bars topped with a creamy frosting of cream cheese and cinnamon! Deliciously rich but simple for the family. You can even expand this recipe any way you wish! Good luck keeping this from other hands. Already half the pan disappeared the night I made this!

Lemon Pineapple Poke Cake

A tart lemon pineapple poke cake with a whipped topping. This one was fun to make and oooh soo yummy. It is one the kids will love along with the adults. and super easy an fast as well. Perfect for any time and an AWESOME dessert to serve.

“Comfort” Eggnog

A seasonal favorite that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Traditionally, rum is the liquor used in many eggnog recipes. Feel free to use whichever rum, brandy, or bourbon you prefer.   This recipe came from a little booklet that’s from the late 60s early 70s

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

I’ve never really been a fan of beef stroganoff until I played with this recipe. Making it without the use of the onion soup mix was probably the very reason I fell in love with this recipe. It is now a family favorite. You can make this in the slow cooker or a pressure cooker. Adjust time to the equipment you choose.

Hearty Lamb Stew

This recipe was a bit challenging as I am not a big fan of what the original protein (Veal) in the recipe called for.  I improvised a bit with lamb, but this recipe can also be made with Veal, Chicken, or Beef.  I really enjoy the uniqueness of the lamb throughout this dish as it introduces a different mouth feel in texture and taste from the veal. This dish was served with Mashed Potatoes   The recipe this was based on came from a little pamphlet from Provimi Veal from a year I won’t even take a guess at 🙂

Maple Sugar

Is there anything better than sugar? Yes! MAPLE SUGAR! This sweet delight is the perfect addition to a cup of tea or as a substitute for granulated sugar. It’s simple and easy to do and a great way to tiptoe into the art of sugar work.         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 …

Maple Butter Bits

If you like taffy, this recipe is for you! It is versatile and, depending on the degree that you cook it, can be creamy chewy bits or even a delicious hard-candy treat. Give it a try today for a treat sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!     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 …

Stout Beer Muffins

Use this simple muffin recipe to serve alongside a meal for any occasion. You basically have everything in the pantry! Include anything you wish alongside your choice of beer. A subtle but delectable treat for dinner or for dessert.

Sweet Angel On a Devilish Cloud

In Greek mythology, pomegranates were used to trick the goddess, Persephone, into becoming the queen of the underworld. With this dessert, you can tell the story of a sweet girl turned dark and bitter within the clouds. Though most people see the pomegranate as bad due to this story, it actually has many properties that are good! Pomegranate arils are often used for abundance, fertility, and luck. So why not give a guest, friend, or lover a taste of good intentions?

Blackberry Yogurt mousse bars

I made this to show you that you can make it with just about any flavor of yogurt. I was not able to find good Blackberries for the top but you could use frozen if you wanted to as long as you drain and dry them before adding them to the top of the mousse. Have fun with try a different crumb for the bottom or try a different flavor of yogurt.

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, …

Alexander Cocktail

This cocktail is known as an Alexander and may contain brandy or gin. For this recipe, I have substituted with Southern Comfort, but you may use any brandy or gin that you enjoy. Creamy and rich, this cocktail is the definition of decadence.

Oven Baked Stew

When I think of beef stew, I think of low and slow in a crockpot for many hours. This recipe gives the same tender and savory comfort meal without the long hours. Of course, if you would like to make this in a crockpot, you absolutely can. Just add the meat, flour, stock, or water, and the seasonings to the crockpot for the first several hours. Then add the vegetables in for at least the last hour. The original recipe for this came off the back of a box of Lipton mix. Those packages are so full of salt and …

Mexican Meatballs

I really enjoyed this recipe as it allowed me to explore other ingredients using meatballs.  Traditionally, I have only used them for a typical Italian dish, so this recipe definitely takes me a little out of my comfort zone.  Nevertheless, a wonderful surprise.

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!

Strawberry Banana Muffins

This recipe was blackberry muffins but I instead changed it all up since I don’t like blackberries, and to be honest, I was a bit skeptical about the change I thought I wasn’t gonna be able to make it work since I had to change it but fortunate me I was able to make it work and it turned out great I have had a change-up recipe but I always have been afraid of the outcome of the flavors, you know sometimes when you change something up you have to be able to make sure of the flavors combination you …

Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Turkey Meatloaf with Garlic Herb Mashed Potato Frosting

There is nothing better than a plate of homemade comfort food and meatloaf with potatoes is just that! This is a spin-off of the retro igloo meatloaf from the 70s. Making the change from traditional ground beef to a ground turkey helps lower the saturated fats that beef has but this recipe can be made with any kind of ground meat. The switch of sun-dried tomatoes adds in vitamins and antitoxins plus is healthier and better for you than the classic ketchup found on most meatloaves. Meatloaf can be found in different shapes and how you do yours is up …

Zucchini Fried Cakes

This kind of recipe was challenging have never done something like this with vegetables, and i had fun with it! And it was actually pretty good my son liked it and he is a picky child.

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.

Jackie’s Spiced Tomato Pork Chops

If you like pork chops and tomatoes this recipe is a must-try!  It’s bursting with flavor and like most simmered, tomato-based recipe tastes even better as a leftover.  The pork is falling off the bone tender.  In the photo, it is served with parmesan roasted cauliflower and pearl couscous cooked with wine and smoked pork broth.  Enjoy!!

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.

Chocolate Pudding Pie

Chocolate pudding pie is easy with little or no-bake at all. It can satisfy any sweet tooth with its chocolatey and thick filling. This Graham Cracker Crust is the perfect crust to hold this pie.

Flavorful Israeli Pearl Couscous

Israeli (pearl) Couscous is round pasta that is larger than regular couscous.  It absorbs the liquid that it is cooked in and is a great substitute for rice.  I substituted the water with white wine and a smoked pork broth but any broth will work.  It is pictured here served with Jackie’s Spiced Tomato Pork Chops and Parmesan Baked Cauliflower.

Seared Scallops with Maple Cream Sauce

Who doesn’t love a bacon-wrapped scallop? This dish was created to bring the saltiness of the bacon with the sweetness of the maple syrup to elevate the scallops. It’s a protein that pairs easily with any side dish to make a full meal and it’s rich enough to enjoy by itself. It is a balanced dish of textures and flavors that the whole family will enjoy.     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 …

Maple, Peach Whiskey Glazed Salmon

The glaze for this dish is sweet, smoky, tangy and screams southern!  I used it on a 1.5 lb piece of salmon but there was plenty left over.  It would also be delicious with other seafood, pork or chicken   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 …

Cousin Jack’s Barbecue Sauce

This is pretty basic and can stand alone or be used as a base for more complex BBQ sauces if one chooses a different flavor profile.  Either way, this sauce is a winner!    

Maple Divinity

A simple but delicious sweet treat will put a smile on everyone’s face.     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 out by Eat Smart New York which is part of the Cornell Cooperative Extension. These pages were funded by them and the …

Maple Walnut Cake

This maple cake is the best way to welcome the fall season. It is a fancy but homey cake that you can enjoy every fall or anytime. Here it is pictured with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting         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 …

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

A sweet and creamy frosting with the taste of the fall from the maple syrup.     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 out by Eat Smart New York which is part of the Cornell Cooperative Extension. These pages were funded by them …

Maple Ginger Cake

A cake full of flavors and smells that fill your house       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 out by Eat Smart New York which is part of the Cornell Cooperative Extension. These pages were funded by them and the USDA …

Schnitzel Tacos

This recipe is a twist off of a Milanese veal steak. I switched to a more classic Schnitzel using pork chops but veal steak will also work making them Wiener Schnitzel Tacos.  Did you know Wiener Schnitzel has been dated all the way back to the 19th century and originates from Austria but was made famous in German cuisine. All of the best German flavors are here with the traditional roasted potatoes and lemon cream sauce with the well known red cabbage slaw to top it all off.

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.

Lemon Pineapple Pie

Even though I don’t like pies I made it and to tell you guys it was delish I love the combination of the flavors and the texture even better.

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.    

Ginger Cake with Red Wine Pear Sauce

This recipe reminds me of when I was a child. We would go to my grandpa’s house where there were plenty of fruit trees around. I remember this pear tree, in particular, we would pick pears and fill our faces that entire day. I like the addition of the wine-poached pears because it allows you to embrace those childhood memories as an adult. This dessert is perfect for impressing a small group of friends or family. You’ll love this ginger cake even better once the cake absorbs the red wine pear sauce. This dessert can also be transformed. You can …

Homemade Maple Syrup

If you have 30 minutes to spare, then you too can make delicious homemade maple syrup and the family will be thanking you for it. With its smooth and rich maple flavors, this recipe is easy to follow with only 6 ingredients. You can make a buttermilk version as well. This delicious recipe was posted by Jamielyn Nye, I Heart Naptime, on Pinterest.

Maple Ginger Glow Cake

When you read the recipe title you may think ..this is gonna be difficult to make and take up a lot of time, but it is a very easy recipe to follow and it really does not take that long to make. I have a silicone castle cake pan that I have been wanting to use, so I used it to bake my cake. I was really pleased with how it turned out. Once it was done I drizzled the icing on top and sprinkled it with the toasted coconut. This cake would make a great addition to any fall/autumn …

Beef Brisket with Buttered Noodles

My son and my neighbor were the first people to taste this meal.  My son told me that it was delicious. I know it was a hearty meal for him because he is a very healthy growing young man.  My neighbor told me that it was ok. He cooks as well so he was a bit critical about the dish.  I do know that I cooked a successful dish.

Buffalo Wings

My family LOVES wings, and these buffalo wings are no exception. Whether you’re enjoying them on gameday or just making them for family dinner, these wings are sure to please the crowd. Dipping them in blue cheese or ranch is wonderful way to cool the heat and add some extra flavor. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I did!

Chicken Kenoni

This was my first time making Chicken Kenoni. When my family goes to Zaxby’s or a wing restaurant we always order “Whimpy”. So I was a little concerned with some of the hot seasonings in this recipe. To my surprise this was amazing and so delicious. My dad even  took some to work to share. I will be making this more often especially for family events.

Pumpkin Custard Dessert

This custard is one of the classics….It is simply delicious. The recipe is very easy to follow and it bakes up bubbly and golden brown. And the aroma that fills your house as it is baking  is another added bonus. Top it with whipped cream and enjoy!!!!

Maple Frosting

You can use this maple frosting on a variety of decadent desserts. It’s especially good with chocolate zucchini cake and it only requires 3 ingredients to make.       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 out by Eat Smart New York which …

BBQ Beef Pot Roast

For this recipe I added a lot of carrots and potatoes because my family eats a lot of them, feel free to add more or less to suit your family’s needs. This roast is an easy one-pot meal that will feed your whole family. Growing up I ate a lot of pot roast as it was something easy for my mother to toss in the crockpot or on the stove to cook while she helped me and my sisters finish any schoolwork we had for the day. I remember the delicious smell wafting through the house as we sat doing …

Ham En Gelee Deconstructed

When making the ham, I fried the ham and used the grease to make the gravy for the Ham En Gelee. I’m from the South and I decided to serve it with ham & rice. The dinner turned out really well. I’m not usually a fan of gravy myself, but I enjoyed it. As did the rest of my family. This recipe began as a jello mold type dish circa 1970s so I was told to make it modern and bring it into the now. This is what the jellied version looks like and the recipe it came from. The …

Zucchini Bread

I remember when my husband was stationed in Hawaii years ago, my neighbor and her husband use to make zucchini bread. I remember how amazing it would smell as it was baking. They would always bring some over, and it was really good. I have said for years that I would bake my own, but I never have until now. I always thought it  would be difficult to make but it wasn’t. It was actually very easy. This recipe is very easy to follow and it makes very good zucchini bread. The recipe makes 2 loaf pans, I love miniature …

Maple Whoppie Pies

This recipe was fun and easy. I have never made these before, but it wasn’t hard to make and they were good and my husband’s coworkers loved them. The pies can be made for any occasion.       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 …

Chilled Cucumber Soup

If you want something light, fresh, and healthy, then this soup is for you! Whether you eat it as is or use it as a base for another soup, this recipe will have you eating healthy and loving it. Though it is a chilled soup you can also eat this warm. If you are adding anything like diced vegetables or chicken, I would recommend heating it. Happy dining!

Maple Nut Biscuit Ring

I really recommend using homemade biscuits. For this recipe, you will need to double the ingredients for the biscuits. The biscuits are soft, fluffy, and they just melt in your mouth. The maple syrup makes a thick, rich glaze that coats every biscuit.     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 …

Maple Pecan Scones

This is my first time making scones, and I was very pleased with the outcome. I thought it would be more difficult to make scones. It wasn’t, the recipe was simple and easy to follow. I can’t wait to try them with some different flavored jellies and preserves!!   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 …

Maple Kisses

I have never made any type of candy before. This was new and exciting for me to prepare. I love doing new recipes. This reminded me of a sweet Werther’s Originals caramel candy     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 out by …

Cranberry Bread

Not only is this bread deliciously satisfying, but it’s also versatile as well. There are so many fun ways you can bake this bread. You can bake it in mini loaf pans and add bows to resemble packages made from fruit leather or you can bake them in cans for candle shape. This would make a great addition to breakfast by baking it in a muffin pan or in mini cupcake pans for cookie tray additions.

Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

This recipe is easy to make and it’s delicious. This was my first try at making cream cheese bars, I’m not a big fan of cheese cake, but it had pumpkin and I love pumpkin, so I thought I would give it a go and it was really good to my surprise. You can make this for any occasion and it takes no time to make it.       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 …

Maple Hard Candy

This maple candy is a delightful treat that you can just pop in your mouth and enjoy as it slowly melts. Similar to rock candy, this maple candy is a hard treat but so easy to eat!     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 …

Roast in Cream Sauce

This roast is amazing for anyone who has a lot of things to get done around the house but still wants to prepare a homecooked meal. Even better than that though, is how it tastes! This tender roast in a deliciously creamy sauce will most certainly have you coming back for seconds.

Rice Krispie Cookies

I love Rice Krispies as a cereal and as the Krispies treats, so the first time I made these I was very excited. Well, this recipe certainly did not let me down. The entire batch was gobbled down by everyone in the house on the same day I made them. The decision was unanimous, they were delicious! I hope you enjoy these as much as we did!

Zucchini Cake

This recipe brought back memories of being in the kitchen with my mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, baking zucchini bread together. Four generations all doing their part and coming together to make something delicious. Zucchini cake is a wonderful recipe that not everyone would think tastes as good as it does. I paired this one with a quick cream cheese icing but it tastes amazing plain as well. I hope you enjoy it. Happy Baking!

Maple Nut Fudge

I have always been fond of maple syrup and loved the maple taffy that my Papa would bring me when I was little. this maple fudge has a very similar flavor as the taffy I ate growing up did, they even both have nuts! Most flavors and smells are tied to memories for me as I grew up in a family that was always cooking or baking something. I hope that you can create memories with this and many more recipes, memories that will come to mind with every future bite. Happy candy-making!     CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed …

Snickerdoodles

My family absolutely loved these cookies, they couldn’t stop eating them. I had to swipe two for myself before they polished them off. With such a simple and easy recipe to follow, I honestly did not think that they would turn out so good. So whip up a batch , pour a glass of milk or make yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy!!!

Vermont Maple Cream

I have never made Vermont Maple Cream before. It turned out great and reminded me of a mountain family vacation we took. I made toast to put the Vermont maple cream on. This would be perfect on pancakes as well.     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 …

Zippy Barbecue Franks

These franks are the perfect thing to serve for game day, dinner, or lunch! Easy to make and perfect to make ahead and keep warm in the sauce until it time to eat. I added cheese to mine but you can add any number of condiments and toppings to suit you and your family’s taste buds. Happy cooking, and happy eating!

Maple Candy Crunch

This maple candy has a wonderfully light crunch from the rice crispies and makes for a wonderful dessert. You can eat this by itself or crumble it up on top of vanilla ice cream to add some flavor to your frozen treat. Any way that you eat this, if you like maple, you’re sure to love this recipe.   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 …

Maple Egg Custard

This recipe took me back to my great-grandmother’s kitchen where she would make all sorts of desserts to keep us sugared up on our visits. One such dessert was her egg custard. She made the best egg custard I have ever had, and even with her recipe, I feel I still cannot do it justice.  I hope that you enjoy eating this as much as I enjoyed making it and that with it and many other recipes, you create memories of your own tied to the dishes you create.   CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed at Fort Drum, NY for …

Fudgy Brownies

I decided to make my rolo brownies. I added 1/4 cup of brown sugar and chopped pecans. This turned out chewy and delicious. I served with ice cream.

Coconut Macaroon Pie

I decided to make a cheese cake with toasted coconut on top. I usually make my cheese cake using chocolate chip cookies or crescent rolls on both top and bottom of cream mixture. I decided to use a pie shell instead.

Seafood casserole

I had a lot of fun with this one. I am from the south and never heard of shrimp in a can. I went and got fresh shrimp. I used imitation  crab meat but you could use fresh if desired. I used the tuna to make a tuna dip. Which turned out great. Add a hand full of cheese to milk mixture.

Green Beans and Celery

In this recipe I decided to make green bean casserole with a twist. I decided to use all the ingredients and add 2 cans of cream of mushroom and topped it of with 1/2 bag of dried onions. I make green bean casserole all the time it was nice to add a twist to it.

Brownies

These brownies were so good , they were moist and very chocolatey. I have made a lot of brownies ,and used several different recipes. I really think this one is one of the best. It is a very easy recipe to follow ,and they bake up beautifully. My son loves these brownies, he said ,” Mom I think these are the best brownies you have ever made”!!  

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.

Snicker Cupcakes

This recipe is a very sweet treat. It is easy to make. It took me about a good minute to complete because I made 48 of them for my husband’s co-workers. They can be made for any occasion.

Maple Gooey Butter Cake

Ok first off never heard of this cake so I was kind of hesitant when making it, but it came out really good and was really gooey. It was easy to make and you can make this cake for any get-together.   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 …

Apricot-Coconut Cookie Bars

If you enjoy gooey delicious fruit bars, this recipe is for you. I’ve added ground oats to the pastry, which gives it a slightly heartier consistency, mixed in apricot preserves with the chopped apricots to spread on top of the baked pastry, and added sliced almonds to the coconut mixture to give the bars a little crunch. To make these bars just a little more special, I’ve topped them with drizzled white chocolate, diced apricots, and chopped sliced almonds. Your family and friends won’t be able to resist!

Cabbage Rolls

Pot roast has always been a favorite dish of mine. I thought of baked cabbage and wanted to put something delicious inside of it. So I decided to put the pot roast inside of the cabbage and made rolls. Thought it would look better and taste better with a sauce to go on top. Which I thought turned out great.

Veal Goulash

I love mushrooms and onions. So when I read this recipe I was excited to try it. I have never had veal before and I think it turned out delicious. I made beef flavored rice to go with my goulash. It can be served be itself with a side of bread or as a meat with side dishes like rice or noddles or mash potatoes. This recipe originated in Hungary but has been influenced in other countries.

Peach and Pear Cheesecake

This recipe was a fun new experiment for me. It was originally suppose to be an apricot cheesecake, but due to the pandemic I could not find any apricots at all! I decided to go completely original and chose peaches and pears. This probably won’t be a recipe that’s for everyone’s liking, but it was a lot of fun to make something new and see how it came out! This cheesecake has a nice graham cracker crust with a smooth and creamy peach and pear flavored filling.

Maple Orange Pudding

This is a smooth and sweet pudding that has a little zing by combining orange juice with maple then yogurt or sour cream.       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 out by Eat Smart New York which is part of the …

One-Pot Rice and Porkchops

If you’re anything like me, you love one-pot recipes, and why wouldn’t you? They are easy to cook, clean, and enjoy! And this recipe is no exception. Filled with flavor this tender meat and the perfectly cooked rice will be an easy meal to prepare for your family.

Fried Chicken

Whether you live in the South, love game day, or just flat-out love chicken, this recipe is for you. This fried chicken is the definition of GBD, golden-brown and delicious. It’s a classic, flavorful recipe that your family is sure to love, add your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes and coleslaw, and the meal is complete. Happy cooking.

Coconut Candy

When I first looked at this recipe and saw that it had mashed potatoes in it, I was quite curious to say the least! There’s such a small amount in comparison to the other ingredients that they don’t contribute to the taste at all. Merely just a bonding agent. If you love coconut and chocolate these are great for a little snack and to curb your sweet tooth!

Fondant Easter Eggs

I do not consider myself artistic in any sense of the word, but I found decorating these fondant Easter eggs a lot of fun. This would be a tasty treat to make for a gathering or with the family, letting everyone decorate their own egg any way they please. There is no right or wrong way, have fun with it and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Banana Cream Cheese Pie

Looking for a cool, summer dessert? This will go great with a simple family meal or it will be sure to wow your dinner party guests…..and their taste buds! This pie covers several components of any modern, classic dessert. Starting with a sweet, crumbly, and crunchy crust, with a light and airy filling and finally, topped with a melt-in-your-mouth garnishing of caramelized bananas. This will surely be a crowd-pleaser!

Blueberry Bars

These bars are to die for! I have never really been a fan of blueberries, but these things are PACKED with flavor and are very hard to resist! The crumbly crust, paired with the gooey center of the blueberries make an amazing pair! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

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!

Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

Wow, what an appetizer!! I can eat a million of these!! The chewiness of thinly sliced ribeye with the crunchy savoy cabbage leaves is such a total taste bud twist!  The small savoy leaves makes this the perfect bite size, healthy snack.  Make, enjoy, love!

Chocolate Caramels

Chocolate and Carmel don’t belong together, said NO ONE ever. These little Caramels are extremely delicious! The creaminess of the chocolate and caramel gives it a fudge like consistency, and it is divine. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed!

Peanut Butter Cookies

I wanted to add additional peanut butter flavor to these cookies, so I added peanut butter chips to the batter. I scooped the dough using a small scoop, which was fun and helped keep them all the same size. When the cookies were done, I drizzeld melted peanut butter chips on top with a little sprinkeling of chopped peanuts. Delicuous! This recipe made about 2 dozen cookies.

Barley Casserole

Delicious earthy casserole for a warming experience. This casserole makes a great side for different dinner combinations or could even be a nice appetizer before dinner.

Creamy Maple Mousse

This recipe was a lot of fun to make. The thought of making anything with maple syrup as the flavor profile was something that I’ve never thought to make before. I used real maple syrup for the first time and I noticed that it is much sweeter than your typical store-bought syrup such as Aunt Jemima! This is a really nice and creamy mousse. I was afraid the maple syrup may be too overwhelming for my taste, but the final product was pretty tasty!

Blueberry Maple Mousse Parfait

Once I discovered maple mousse I knew I had to try this with other flavor profiles! First thing that came to mind were blueberry pancakes. So why not a blueberry maple mousse parfait? This turned out so much tastier than I imagined! The mousse was nice and creamy, the pancakes were fluffy and the bacon gave the whole thing a nice crunchy texture. In every bite you received that nice blueberry pancake with maple syrup and bacon flavor. The mousse made it seem like a sweet treat but this parfait would be good for a meal or snack.   CandiAnne’s …

Creamy Rice Pudding

This is a great recipe for anyone who loves a creamy rice pudding. I left out the raisins when making it because no one here is a fan of them, but I’m sure for someone who enjoys them they will be a great addition! The pudding is pretty versatile. You may serve warm or cold and this is a great recipe to change up from time to time just by adding a little something different like cinnamon or a fresh berry.

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!

Lamb and Zucchini

This is a little, well, BIG spin on the classic chicken and zucchini. I substituted chicken with lamb chops and added my twist on “Ratatouille” style zucchini. This dish looks complicated but is nothing of the sort.  I love the color, savoriness and ease of the dish.

Fudge Cake Brownies

This recipe is a good one for anyone that loves a chewy fudge brownie. The walnuts are optional, but I love the crunchy texture and flavor they bring to the brownie. Typically when baking brownies you expect to use an oven. In my case, my oven quit working and instead of waiting for it to get fixed I decided to use my instant pot to bake these! I’m including baking times for oven and the instant pot in this recipe in case anyone wants to give it a try in theirs. I personally love using the instant pot for my …

Raspberry Fanfare

This recipe can be a little tricky because you have to let the gelatin set enough to where you can layer it, but make sure that it hasn’t set too much as well. If you’re not quite sure how to go about that you can test a little in a small dish til your happy with it. This one is definitely worth the hassle though! This is nice and creamy with the perfect amount of raspberry and lemon flavors.

Cranberry Fruit Bread

You’ll love this bread for the smell alone! My whole house smells like citrus after baking this. This came out of the oven looking so pretty I couldn’t wait to slice it open and give it a try. I have never been too big on cranberries but this bread was really good! I just know it will be a hit at this year’s family holiday gatherings!

Chocolate Coconut Drops

These little drops of heaven remind me of Almond Joys, except without the almonds. Although, you can surely add them to give a nice crunch. The soft texture of the inside of the drops pairs well with the crunchier exterior, or add your choice of nuts/seeds for an even better combination! It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s delicious!

Sticky Baskets

I found these baskets to be fun but REALLY sticky! I mixed in plain M & M’s and Reese’s Pieces into the noodle marshmallow cream mixture, then used a muffin tin to help form the baskets, but you could just use your fingers. Next time I make these baskets, I think I will use just the noodles and marshmallow cream, keeping the M & M’s and Reese’s Pieces to decorate. To put inside of the baskets I colored fondant and made eggs, you could use peanut M & M’s, jelly beans, or whatever you like.  Whichever way you choose, this …

Maple Rice Pudding

This recipe calls for walnuts but since my son is allergic I substituted almonds; even pecans would be good too. For some, this recipe may be lacking a little in flavor. One could add in additional vanilla, a little bit of cinnamon, or even more maple syrup. Do what you will with it to make it the perfect dessert.

Baked Maple Rice Pudding

This recipe is full of flavor and one you will enjoy making for family and friends. You can opt to put in the raisins or not. I made this without the raisins and it was very good.

No Bake Nectarine Pie

I found this recipe for a peach pie that sounded really tasty. Since fresh peaches were out of season I decided to give nectarines a try! This pie just looks so inviting to eat and smells sweet. The nectarines give the pie a lot of sweetness, but the crust and a little whip cream help to tone that down!

Frozen Maple Mousse

I’ve been trying to come up with different ways to garnish a maple mousse and I think this would be a great one to pair with fresh berries and granola, a little chocolate. I love how creative you can get with this mousse or it’s great as a standalone!

Luscious Lime Pie

This no-bake lime pie was a big hit around the house and it was a lot of fun to make as well. It has that fresh lime aroma and the pretty green color just makes it look so appetizing and I can promise you it tastes as good as it looks!

Rich and Creamy Maple Mousse

I really enjoy a rich and creamy mousse and this recipe delivers. This is a quick and easy recipe that you can throw together the same day or let it chill overnight. It is packed full of flavor and the chocolate gives you a nice crunch and pairs so well with the mousse. It’s a sweet treat for those that don’t like a lot of overpowering sweetness!

Maple and Bacon Semifreddo

Semifreddo is a lot like ice cream, but much easier to make. This is a nice sweet treat that my kids love helping me whip up when we have a sweet tooth and the flavor options are endless! This recipe was inspired by a maple mousse recipe I was given and decided to spruce up a bit. Adding some semi-sweet chocolate bits or even dipping pieces of bacon in chocolate before adding them would be a great way to change this particular one up!

Nutty Maple Bread Pudding

I’ve never made bread pudding over a double boiler before, so I was really interested to try it. It came out pretty good. This recipe calls for only three pieces of bread, when I make it again, I will add 2 additional pieces to firm up the consistency just a bit. This recipe is tasty and a must-try!

Coconut Custard Pie

This creamy dessert is the best after-dinner snack! The toasted coconut adds an amazing flavor to the vanilla custard. Enjoy it with the biggest glob of whip cream you can handle!

Frosted Strawberries

Creating frosted strawberries was a first for me. I found the mixture to be pretty wet and was wondering how I was going to form strawberries out of it.  I took a scoop of the mixture and rolled it into the extra strawberry gelatin, this firmed it up enough to form a strawberry. Using different-sized scoops, helped to make different size strawberries; some were more successful than others. To display the frosted strawberries, I made a lemon layer cake and used the strawberries as decoration.

Strawberry Cream Filled Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is one of my favorites and this recipe doesn’t disappoint! I thought this was a fun spin to the regular way I’ve seen them made in the past, and who doesn’t like strawberries and cream? This is such a nice light and airy dessert that’s not very sweet. This recipe will make a 10-inch angel food cake, but I decided to try making the cake in my instant pot so I have also included the instructions on how to do that.

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies

This is a really yummy recipe for an old-fashioned sugar cookie. These are really easy to whip up and bake, but unlike today’s sugar cookies they are not made to roll out. The dough has a lot of moisture and gets very sticky thanks to the sweetened condensed milk. You want to keep the dough as cold as possible before baking to help with that! I really enjoy this recipe because it’s meant to be all about the cookie. You could decorate them with some buttercream or royal icing if you wanted, but it’s not necessary. These cookies are great …

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

I love cheesecake and there is nothing better than a quick no-bake recipe. The worst part is waiting for the cheesecake and glaze to firm up enough to eat it! This cheesecake has all your favorite parts. The graham cracker crust, the yummy cheesecake filling, and a fresh and flavorful strawberry glaze. This glaze is a big hit with my family and friends that I use on all of my baked and no-bake cheesecakes.

Maple Walnut Cream Pudding

I’ve never thought of having a maple pudding before, but this recipe did not disappoint. The end result is a lightly flavored maple pudding that is very creamy and has a perfectly smooth consistency. The walnuts and whipped cream are just an added bonus that makes it that much better!

Maple Sponge Cake

When I first started making this cake I had no idea how sweet it would be. I know that maple syrup, in general, is pretty sweet, but this is a very non-sweet, moist, and spongy cake. The whipped cream and berries are a perfect addition to go alongside the cake. This is something that I could eat as a snack or even breakfast.

Simple Maple Bread Pudding

I love a good bread pudding. As a kid, I remember baking bread pudding with my grandfather and it was always a fun and tasty experience. This maple bread pudding doesn’t disappoint. The aroma from the maple syrup and walnuts just filled my house and we couldn’t wait to try it! This is a very moist and fluffy bread pudding with a perfect amount of maple and walnut flavor that pair so well together. This is a recipe that I will keep handy for future use.

Individual Lemon Meringue Pies

Don’t want the hassle of cutting a piece of pie? Just make individual servings, and enjoy! These portions of pie are travel-friendly, and they taste better just because no one can tell how many pieces you’ve had. No more guilt!

Maple Parfait

When I think of a parfait my mind goes to layered yogurt, fruit, and granola. This recipe is completely different, no yogurt, fruit, or granola at all! Plus, it’s frozen! It’s easy to make and refreshing on a hot day. If you can’t find nut brittle, use a crushed-up toffee bar to sprinkle on top.

Molasses Taffy

This was another fun and easy recipe to make.  The final product is smooth with a rich molasses flavor. Give it a try and see what you think!

Peanut Butter Fruit Squares

If you’re looking for something that’s a little healthier than the average dessert, this is a great recipe for that. These are packed full of peanut butter, cranberries, raisins, and almonds. This is a great recipe to whip up anytime for a quick snack or to make ahead. I wrapped up half the batch and froze it for later.

Molasses Chews

I loved taffy as a kid. The flavors are endless and they were a fun little treat! I’ve never thought about making taffy at home, but when I saw this recipe I had to give it a try. Molasses wouldn’t usually be my first pick for something like this, I’m a sucker for sweets, but these are quite tasty and are a nice change from the typical sweet treats.

Nut Caramels

I use to love caramels as a kid, but these are something I haven’t seen around much as an adult. When I came across this recipe I was excited to give it a try. I’ve never seen a nut caramel before but it sounded delicious. These are soft and chewy and packed full of caramel flavor with a nice crunch and added flavor from the nuts. The drizzled chocolate is just a great bonus that makes them even tastier and more elegant.

Praline Cookies

These cookies are probably one of my favorites. They have the perfect crunch, but also the best chewy center. The pecans make an excellent crunch as well. The praline icing is literally the ‘Icing on top’!

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!

Chicken, Bacon, Mushroom Stew

This rich and satisfying soup hits all the comfort food notes. Hearty chicken and mushrooms help to satisfy hunger and leave your belly feeling warm and full. The addition of bacon and a splash of heavy cream add luxuriousness. This dish is a winner for the whole family.

Easy 5 Minute Chocolate Mint Fudge

Fudge is a traditional American dessert.  It comes in all flavors and textures.  It’s fun to eat but not always fun to make.  Here is a quick and simple way to make fudge without all the hassle of candy thermometers and stand mixers.  Just 5 minutes to cook and you are on your way to fudge utopia.  Have fun and mix it up with your own flavors and textures.  It’s sure to be a favorite that will last generations.

White Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bon Bons

I’m not a huge fan of dark chocolate, easily preferring milk chocolate. But my favorite? White chocolate. The sweetness always explodes on my taste buds. I love the creamy, rich flavor, as well as the fact that white chocolate is easy to color in any way I want. I tried it with a chewy caramel pecan candy recipe that I had. They are rich in flavor, creamy, and as chewy as the name implies. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did!

Chocolate Chip Crackle Cookies

The flavor and aroma of these cookies transports me right back to my Mom’s kitchen as a little girl during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  When my Mom would be pulling out all the stops to make sure everybody had all of their favorite goodies during the holidays.  These cookies have crisp edges and they’re chewy in the middle.  Since these cookies are easy to make they’d make a great afterschool snack to have waiting for the kids when they get home!

Southern Fried Hot Chicken

Everyone loves fried chicken, but sometimes we want something a little different. It seems like everywhere you turn today someone is doing their own version of hot chicken.  I felt it was my turn to take a stab at it!  This recipe has the crispy, delicious fry that you love, but with a big kick!!   Note: If you don’t have a fryer you can use a pan to fry this chicken. Make sure you have enough oil for your specific fryer or to fill the pan just 1/3 full so you avoid splatter and burning yourself.

Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Glaze

Fresh apples are crisp and sweet and hit the spot on a hot day. I love to go apple picking in mid-summer and throughout fall each year.  I usually find that I have brought home too many for my family to eat while ripe.  If that happens to you or you are just in the mood for an easy apple snack or dessert this cake is for you.  It makes a great breakfast too, with coffee!    It is moist and tender and filled with nuggets of apple yumminess.  It is good by itself but the glaze offers a wonderful …

Don’t Peek California Beef Stew

This is a delicious, stick to your ribs stew that would be perfect on a cold winter night!  This recipe was very simple.  I wanted to jazz it up, so I added fresh ingredients.  I also wanted to make sure it wasn’t too rich, so I added carrots for the contrast.   Still a very easy preparation and cook. Hope you enjoy!

Hermie’s Cherry Jello

A simple sweet jello recipe that I am sure will have you wanting more. It’s a combination of cherry jello, cranberries, and sour cream.  The combination of the sweetness of the cranberries and the sourness of the sour cream makes this recipe a hit.   CandiAnne’s Note: Hermie was my cousin’s neighbor when I was a small child. She and her husband Art either never had children or were empty nesters, I was 9 and younger and I don’t recall them ever talking about such things. I use to go over and ride a tricycle they had and play Pacheco …

Pineapple – Glazed Apple Pie

This pie is delicious and fairly easy to make!  The Pineapple – Glazed Apple Pie is a very different spin on the old American classic Apple Pie.  With this pie the only thing you bake is the pie crust.  The apples are juicy and tender and the pineapple – glaze is very sweet, all layered on top of a golden brown, flaky crust.

Pagan-Wiiagiminan (Maple Nuts)

Nuts are healthy and filling.  They are versatile and can be eaten as a snack, appetizer, or mixed into a main or side dish.  Personally, I love nuts, I haven’t tasted one I don’t like.  Here is a simple way to lightly sweeten nuts with maple sugar.  The results are lightly sweetened walnuts and hazelnuts that are hard to stop eating.  The leftover syrup tastes great over pancakes or can be used anywhere else you would use maple syrup.

Helen’s Italian Style Fried Chicken

This wonderful fried chicken cutlet makes for a great lunch when paired with a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette. When served with pasta for dinner, this chicken goes well with a creamy or tomato based sauce as well. You can’t go wrong with these zesty and herby flavors. Everyone in the family will enjoy!   CandiAnne’s Note: My cousin Helen was one of my favorite people. She was the daughter of my Nana’s oldest sibling so she and my Nana were fairly close in age. They spent a lot of time together. I never had a bad meal when …

Pecan Maple Syrup Cake

If you love maple syrup and pecans then you will love this cake!  This cake is loaded with pecans and maple syrup.  This is a very rich and dense cake.  It would be a good dessert for a holiday season like Christmas.

Maple Syrup Frosting

This frosting can be difficult to work with and looks much thicker in the photo than it actually is. It has a great flavor and is fit for many styles of cake. Here it’s used on Pecan Maple Cake  

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 …

Maple Cottage Pudding

WOW!!! This has become my new favorite dessert treat hitting both the sweet and salty taste buds!! I will definitely be making this more often, it looks and smells as good as it tastes.       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 …

Candied Orange and Pineapple Slices

The candied fruit slices are sweet, but not overly sweet and the orange rinds are not bitter.  These candied fruit slices are a welcome addition to any dessert!  Here they are used on an Orange & Pineapple Poppy Seed Cake.

Orange Infused Cream Cheese Glaze

This orange infused cream cheese glaze is sweet with just the right amount of tang!  This glaze is a welcoming addition to many cakes! Here it is used on an Orange and Pineapple Poppyseed Cake

Orange and Pineapple Poppy Seed Cake

This cake is super moist and packed with flavor!  The orange and pineapple flavors marry well together to the point that the citrus and tropical flavors truly become one. Here it is glazed by an Orange Infused Cream Cheese Glaze and topped with Candied Orange and Pineapple Slices

Oat Cookies

A soft crispy cookie, that is full of flavor and texture. The crispiness from the cornflakes and the oats are just delicious. The slight taste of chocolate with raisins also gives this cookie a sweet and salty delightful taste.

Apricot Coconut Balls

No-bake snacks and desserts are great to keep on hand for busy days and hungry kids (or husbands).  This one is great because it is quick and simple, with only 3 ingredients.  The dried apricots are just tart enough to balance out the sweetness of the coconut and condensed milk. Have fun and dress them up with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.  YUM!

Stuffed Zucchini

I think I have had zucchini just about any way possible I will have to say next to zucchini bread this is my next favorite, the flavors of this dish are off the chart umami or every flavor-packed in every bite.

Pumkin Pie Cake

A delicious, sweet, and moist pumpkin cake that tastes so much like sweet potatoes were used. The taste of the spices, cinnamon, pumpkin, and pecans together makes this cake a go-to for Thanksgiving.

Roast Pork Loin

This is a very simple yet very flavorful dish. The tender and savory meat can be served casually with corn and mashed potatoes as a hearty dinner for the family or as the main course in an extravagant dinner. My family enjoyed this meal and didn’t leave any leftovers!   *For best results, marinate over night.

Old-Time Maple Gingerbread

When fall gets close you start hearing of all things pumpkin spice.  One of those warming spices included in pumpkin spice is ginger.  Ginger is versatile and can be used in savory and sweet cuisine, it has many health benefits, including aiding digestion.  Traditionally in the fall and around the holidays, gingerbread cookies are a mainstay.  This maple gingerbread is a wonderful way to get your gingerbread fix.  It’s simple and easy and bakes up in less than an hour.  Drizzle the warmed maple hard sauce over it and you have a great finish to any meal.

Apricot-Coconut Cookie Bars

These Apricot-Coconut Cookie Bars are a scrumptious, ooey-gooey, delicious treat. They have a shortbread-type crust, and the delicious chewy apricot and coconut just explode flavor in your mouth.  This recipe would be great for potlucks, holidays, picnics, or just a guilty pleasure snack. They don’t take long to whip up a batch, but taste like you have worked hours in the kitchen. There are many different flavors you could use if apricot and coconut are not for you. Try cranberry and orange, or cranberry with dark or white chocolate, also try using figs or raisins and any type of nuts. …

Choppe Norma

I have found this recipe to be easy to make and a new family favorite.  I add orange bell peppers to mine to give it some color and it added a little sweetness and texture to it. Rice is a perfect accompaniment to it and gave it an Asian feel. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family and I did.     CandiAnne’s Note – Growing up my mother and cousin Jackie had friends from L.A. named Dave and Norma Abelar who would come up every so often to visit. I guess Norma was originally from our …

Triple Treat Fondant

Working with fondant is one of the easiest yet rewarding items I have made in my kitchen. Before this, I had never worked with fondant and assumed it would be hard to make and even harder to work, so imagine my surprise to find that not only is it super easy to make (and very cheap) it is so fun to work with! remember kindergarten making food with play dough? Yep pretty much the same idea( except this dough is edible)  I think the best part for me besides bribing my twins to help me was adding the flavoring (we …

Spaghetti Pie

This was an interesting and fun dish!!  It’s a cross between a deconstructed spaghetti and lasagna.  The original recipe was from 1974 so there were some modern tweaks I’ve made.  It called for cottage cheese, but I decided that ricotta would be a great substitute.  So you can make the call on which you prefer.  Either way it’s delicious!!

Walnut Applesauce Cupcakes

Who loves applesauce? I love applesauce! This simple yet hearty recipe will appeal to the applesauce-loving kid in all of us! I normally don’t change recipes but for this one I added brown sugar instead of white to give it small but healthier touch. Be careful not to overmix and dry the batter out.  If you are like me you may be tempted to fill the liners to make more full cupcakes but trust me you won’t need to. The rise on these is perfect.  I enjoyed the smell of these as they baked! Smells like the holidays in your …

Strawberry Angel Food Dessert

This recipe brings back so many nostalgic memories of growing up for me. This dessert was a staple at every family get-together I had growing up. It was there at weddings, at reunions, and bbq’s all summer long. It has that light, airy, fluffy feeling in your mouth and so many different ways to mix it up. Over the years I have used different flavors of Jello and fruits to change it up. You can dress it up and use a bundt pan or angel food pan to prepare it, or as a casserole in a 9×12 pan. No matter …

Crab Cakes

If you are a seafood lover, you must try these crab cakes! They are delightful, with a tender center and a crisp outer layer. The flavors are mild and the texture is somewhat soft and chewy. These amazing cakes serve hungry customers and family members as an appetizer or even as an entre. Perhaps along side a steak for a nice surf and turf dinner. Crab cakes are very popular and there are great reasons for that. Enjoy!

Deviled Crab

Deviled crabs are the perfect appetizer or a pleasant addition to any seafood feast with other fresh items from your local market. Deviled crabs have a great punch of flavor while maintaining a remarkable balance. Surprisingly, this dish is not spicy as the ingredients might elude. Similar to the crab cake the center is very tender and the outer layer forms a slight crispy layer. Give this a try and experience the pleasure.

Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry

This is a great dish to make in the summer to use fresh zucchini from your garden or a farmers market. The light taste of the sauce mixed with the chicken and vegetables makes this an instant family favorite. I served mine over plain fried rice but I think this will also be good served with any type of flat bread.

Lamb Chops

Ever tried lamb before? Me neither! However, I will be making this a staple in my house! Be prepared to take cooking to a different level! Tender beyond anything you can think and minus a little marinade time super quick! The family will enjoy and more so you will be the new superhero in the house. I paired this with locally grown fresh cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad, as well as a basic Greek Tazaki sauce. You can pair this recipe with so many different options. In the winter, how about some roasted potatoes, onions, and mushrooms. In the …

Hamburger Cabbage Bake

Bisquick; the classic and easy baking mix with tons of versatile lunch, dinner, and baking recipes. I got this recipe from an old General Mills recipe and took it up a notch. I had such fun and nostalgic childhood memories that took me back to when I would create all these wacky baked goods for my sisters and me in our toaster oven. Forgive me, mom, for almost burning the whole building down that one time. Oops! Since the ONLY one at home that eats cabbage, especially coleslaw, I took the hamburger cabbage recipe to a whole other level by …

Clam Poulette

A poulette is a velouté sauce with added egg yolk. This particular poulette incorporates clams and their liquid. It is a lovely sauce to pour over vegetables or a buttered pasta.

Mary’s Creamy Rice

This is a tangy spin on rice and there’s the addition of the crab so this could be a meal in itself Along with this, there is Mary’s Risotto Mary’s Cabbage & Rice Mary’s Rice 2 Here are all 4 together

Mary’s Cabbage and Rice

A completely different spin on rice, add cabbage to it for a whole new kind of side dish. The textures play on the tongue.   Along with this, there is Mary’s Risotto Mary’s Rice 2 Mary’s Creamy Rice Here are all 4 together

Mary’s Rice 2

I found this rice dish relatively easy to make, delicious, and can go with almost any meal. You can also make all four of Mary’s rice dishes for a family get-together, so everyone can try something new and exciting. Along with this, there is Mary’s Risotto Mary’s Cabbage & Rice Mary’s Creamy Rice Here are all 4 together

Pumpkin Crunch with Maple Cinnamon Glaze

It is that time of year again and I love all things Autumn…the colors, the cool evenings, and the smells.  Also it brings out the desire for pumpkin flavored everything. This recipe does not disappoint. It has all the flavors of Autumn and the feeling of comfort food at its best. This delicious dessert is like eating a flavorful pumpkin pie, a moist fluffy cake, and a delicious maple nut roll, all in one bite.  It is very easy to just throw together and it will taste like you spent hours in the kitchen making this masterpiece.

Chicken & Chickpeas

I must say that chickpeas and I are as well-suited as two peas in a pod. The idea of chickpeas in marinara sauce with chicken and mushrooms didn’t sound too appetizing. But oh gosh, was I proven wrong? It was one of the MOST comforting and fulfilling meals I have had in a while. It is one of those recipes packed with nutrients and protein and has a rich layer of flavor. It all starts with the sharp, acidic white onion, sautéed in creamy butter, along with the nutty flavor of the chickpeas, which pairs perfectively with the earthiness of …

Cubano Snack Spread (Next Level Ham and Cheese Spread)

For this recipe, I was making Cubano sandwiches. I always smoke my ham just because you can do so much with it. Once smoked, I cut a portion off and grated it up for this recipe. I also did the same with a roasted Mojo Pork shoulder. Ham and cheese elevated to an entirely different level! This is for the most committed appetizer lover. If you bring this to the party, no one will know the dedication that it took to make tastebuds jump like this however everyone will want to know what party you’re cooking for next. The nice …

Maple Walnut Cheesecake With Winter Raspberry Fruit Glaze

This dessert definitely screams happy holidays! It’s not time constricting and it’s easy to make. A few things to know about this recipe;  cornstarch is the best substitute for arrowroot! the biggest difference between the two is arrowroot freezes and thaws without change so if you can’t find arrowroot you do have hope! Another thing to weigh out is maple syrup vs maple extract, the extract gives the maple its flavor and is much stronger than the syrup. I wondered about using fresh fruit since it was going to have to defrost the fruit anyway, however, I found that frozen …

Maple Sponge Cake

Perfect for tea time, a snack, or dessert. This cake really is very versatile and is absolutely delicious. I have made many sponge cakes in my 30+ years of baking. This maple sponge cake has by far been the easiest one I have ever made. The steps are easy to follow and the results give you a delicious airy sponge that you are proud of. You can put a simple glaze over it, dust with confectioner’s sugar, you can slice in half and fill with fresh whip cream and berries, or use a fruit filling or top with some vanilla …

Baked Carmel Apple Corn

This recipe reminds me a lot of harvest parties and having fun with family and friends. I recommend having this at your next get together, whether it is game night, movie night, or an office party I am sure it will be a big hit.

Maple-Pecan Butter

This recipe is the perfect building block for anything from pancakes to any flavor of bread. I chose to show this on a pumpkin bread as we are coming into the fall and well who doesn’t love pumpkin bread. Silky, smooth with a little crunch a great addition to almost anything.

Maple Pepper Butter And Glaze

This recipe is one of those recipes that can open your mind to the many different ways that you can take something simple and make anything and everything amazing. I added this butter recipe to some spaghetti squash and it was a perfect blend of a hint of sweetness to enhance the buttery goodness of the squash. Please use this recipe to open the gates of what you can put it on. It is a perfect balance of sweet and a little lemon. You’ll eat the butter straight and that’s ok, mainly because I did it and that’s what I …

Maple Nutmeg Butter

This creamy delight will certainly bring a high level of satisfaction to anything you care to explore. The beauty of the flavor balance between nutmeg and maple is remarkable. It takes me to my childhood, and to holidays filled with joy. For those long cold winter nights, try this nice and warm adult beverage. Add very hot apple cider, dark spiced rum, and maple nutmeg butter. Top off with a whipped cream and garnish with nutmeg. Have fun creating new and exciting recipes with this butter.

Cinnamon Maple Butter

It is impossible to not relish in the superior flavors of butter, maple syrup and cinnamon.  Whipped to perfection, they marry right before your eyes. This butter is so versatile, it can be added to a sweet potato, or used to make a streusel that will top ice cream or your favorite cake. Bake on top of your best piece of salmon or simply add it to your breakfast bagel. Enjoy the pure wonder of this butter.

Easy Maple Cranberry Butter and Cookies.

Cranberries are both sweet and tart in its’ flavor profile. Maple syrup is a complex flavor known for its’ hints of caramel and vanilla. Pairing these two ingredients creates a dynamic layer of flavors on the tastebuds. Now imagine making quick and simple butter with minimal ingredients creating a burst of possibilities to your palette? The ability to easily execute both a maple syrup butter and Cranberry Maple Butter, which is sweet condensed jelly. That’s precisely the experience I want to bring you as a Culinary artist. And in such, I made a few tweaks, like adding Mexican vanilla beans …

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake is a staple in the dessert world. I mean who doesn’t love chocolate cake right? When I was preparing for this dessert I was watching my favorite show and drew some inspiration for this cake. I decided to make one using Ghiradelli chocolate chips and I followed it with a dark chocolate cocoa powder for the second cake.  So this inspiration I was telling you about actually came with the frosting! The smaller cake is where I used the chocolate chips which gave the cake a richer taste, I paired it with the maple walnut frosting…  It seemed …

Fried Chicken in Wine Sauce

Enjoy the beautiful infusion of fried chicken in a very delicate and flavorful sauce. The combination of herbs and spices in this dish will keep you coming back for more. You will be tickled with the subtle sweetness in the sauce while it still embodies the grounded earthy flavors of garlic, mushroom, rosemary, tarragon and sage. Enjoy the crunch of your fried chicken resting in a simply delightful sauce as if it were meant to partner together on your plate.

Chilies and Cheese Rice

Mix some California green chilies, fluffy rice, gooey Monterey, and what do you get? An easy cheesy peasy rice dinner. I tweaked the recipe and turned this chili and cheese rice dish into rice cakes with an ingenious hack, baking it in a jumbo-sized cupcake pan.  A comforting dish made simple for any mealtime, whether on a relaxing rainy Sunday afternoon or getting in the door late from a progressive day of work or school.  This recipe is an explosion of flavors that pops with a well-elevated amount of heat on the palette, between the gooey grated Monterey cheese and …

Cilantro Creole Chicken and Rice

Love the deep soul flavor of your grandma’s Creole chicken? Love fresh? Here’s grandma’s Creole Chicken with a twist of freshness? Soul with fresh, or as I state it “fresh soul” it’s the new trend for those willing to try (yes my kids roll their eyes when I told them that joke as well.) However, once you try this you can send me a thank you card!

Tuna Burger with Spicy Mayo

Here is a new twist to an old classic. My family loves tuna salad sandwiches and this gave a new and exciting change. It is perfect for lent or if you just want to avoid red meat and change things up just a bit, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family did.

Maple Nut Fudge

I get a very nostalgic feeling when I think of fudge. I watched my grandmother make all kinds of fudge over the years with such ease, and every time it came out so delicious, smooth, and creamy. I have tried, and had many failed attempts over the years at making fudge, so I decided to give it a try again when given this recipe. I am completely amazed at how easy it was to make. It is absolutely every bit as delicious as the fudge my grandmother used to make. It is smooth and silky, and the toasted pecans gave …

Radish Stir-Fry

Three supermarkets and a few produce stores later, I found all ingredients for this light, bright with a bite stir-fry. The recipe didn’t call for oyster sauce,  lemongrass, or ginger, but these ingredients add peppery spice and acidic assertive flavors, converting it into an unforgettable dish. Gosh, I remember the first time I tried doing a stir-fry. It was a delightful mash of vegetables because I didn’t have my heat at the right temperature and used way too much oil. However, this radish recipe with green onions turned out perfect. It was fulfilling, crisp in bite, with umami, and a …

Magic Cookie Bars

Yummy yummy yummy you’ll love these magic bars in your tummy! In these magic cookie bars, you have found the ultimate comfort dessert and a treat for the ages! The coconut and nut pieces add some crunch to the sweetness of the chocolate and condensed milk. One of the best things about this is it’s an easy fix and yields enough for parties and friends. This recipe is one you can really have fun with.  As for myself, I used oatmeal flakes and even added some m&ms and heath bars to give it the sweetness it deserves. Take your time …

Flank Steak Bordelaise

Imagine taking a bite of a perfectly seasoned steak with so much flavor that you never want to stop chewing. Well, now take a sauce that is so good you will mistake it for your new favorite drink. Combine both the sauce and the steak and you have a perfect dinner. Throw in some veggies and starch of choice and you can once again thank me later for this moving up the list of being one of the best dishes. It’s so good that you can impress anyone and everyone, go ahead it’s a lock-in dinner for impressing that first …

Pineapple Fluff Dessert

This sweet summertime dessert is cool and creamy, and wonderful on its own or all dressed up. I have made it in a souffle dish as well as in ramekins along with a variety of toppings for my guests to make each their own. It has the most amazing fresh pineapple flavor. It has that soft, fluffy, smooth taste and I have made it for many potlucks, church luncheons, baby showers, and parties for years. You will love this recipe and so will your loved ones. Some topping choices are maraschino cherries, toasted pecans, coconut, banana, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, …

Oven-Baked Beef Ragout

This dish was very simple in it’s design, but it needed just a dash of sprucing! Some advise for parents flying solo: make this when the chaos is at its minimum, for the sauce gods demand your undivided attention. I say that because our home runs on Loki energy, so there was much fire manipulation to avoid disasters. Sauces are something that I absolutely adore, and the original recipe had an extremely user-friendly sauce that could become a stroganoff of sorts with the addition of sour cream. That sounded like an amazing idea, but on purpose sounded better, and a …

Brown Rice Pilaf

Most think wild rice. mixed grain, a bit saucy, when rice pilaf is mentioned. This pilaf is not that, but it’s definitely amazing!!! Rice is comfort food for me, and I’d never used tomato juice in it before, so this recipe thrilled me to recreate. Brown rice is a particular favorite because it’s much meatier than plain white rice. Brown rice also takes a bit longer to cook, which is why I was grateful for it being toasted. Well that, and it makes the house smell incredible!!! The original recipe used salt and pepper, but I think a bit of …

Pesto, Chicken and Rice

The pesto!!!! Listen kats and kittens, if you don’t like pesto, then this isn’t for you. (We can still be friends, though!) I made this dish a few ways to see what worked best, and the neighbors literally just asked for more rice and pesto. You’ve been warned. Pesto is traditionally made with nuts, but after Thing 2, I developed a tree nut allergy. Pumpkin seeds work really well, though a bit more dense in consistency than what pesto tends to be. Lemon juice is a thinning option, and gives the pesto a totally different attitude, should you need that …

Maple Bread Pudding

I’m a sucker for a good bread pudding, let’s start there. It’s the European in me, and some things are worth it. This had to be revamped bit, so it’s an actual bread pudding, and it came out…well, you be the judge!!! I doubled the recipe, and let the bread get a bit stale before I started, which made a huge difference. Ok, let’s do this!

Maple Kisses

These maple kisses have an almost crunch texture to the candy but a smoothness thanks to the butter and are an awesome holiday gift jarred up or put into a holiday can.

Maple Popcorn

This was SO much fun to make!!! *full disclosure: I’ve made candy once before this* Ok, maple popcorn. If you like caramel corn, you’re going to be super pleased with this. The original recipe calls for a quart of popcorn crumbs, but this is really up to you. First batch was by the book, and it was beautiful; perfect for shaping into a sheet for cutting, but I’m fancy! More crumbs means less viscosity, and you have maple crumble corn!!! Less popcorn means more tack, which is equally yum, so pick your poison and let’s do this!

Maple Peanut Fluff

Yes, fluff. Honestly, I haven’t a clue as to what this is supposed to look like, but I essentially made a marshmallow maple fluff.  It’s hyper-sweet, thick, and would be amazing with a dark chocolate addition. The original recipe is super simple, so I left it as is. If you are familiar with this nifty concoction, please tell me what it’s supposed to look like!!! Otherwise, have fun.

Pumpkin Maple Custard

Custard. Man, I wish I liked it, but you know that saying about kids either loving or hating what they had in utero? Yeahhhh…BUT, I can make a mean one!!! This one honestly was super fun to make, really easy, and smelled epic once done. Custard lovers will not be disappointed by this rather divine creation, and all it takes is a bit of patience. You ready??? Let’s do this!!!

Maple Parfait

An amazing treat, this dish. Totally transparent when I say that this took me a few tries to get it. I love making sauces, and have no issue doing so. The base for this was tricky for me, but I won in the end!!! Parfait is somewhat misleading, as this is more of an ice cream of sorts. The key to making this is to NOT mix the yolk and gelatin over active heat. Pull the pot from the heat, and return it as needed, or you’ll scramble them every single time. Be patient, and I promise it’s worth it! …

Spinach Quiche

I…must admit defeat. This recipe came to me hand-written, and lovingly notated throughout. The crust recipe portion is now the new bane of my existence, and I am sad. Rarely has a crust triumphed over my stubbornness, but the lovely CandiAnne had to pull my tail out of the fire with this one. Her crust recipe is pretty epic, and I’m happy to share it. Ok, aside from the colossal crust crisis, this is a super yum, and easy, recipe to make. The seasonings are lightly, so please play with what your palette craves. I’m hooked on smoked paprika, so …

Nut Brittle

Nut Brittle is one of those fun candies that you can completely customize to your flavor tastes and nut preference. I make this every holiday season. In this photo, I used pistachios.

Pumpkin Spice Blondies

This is another way to enjoy this fun fall flavor, but you can make it year-round LOL. You can choose whatever type of chocolate chips you like, I often use a mixture of white and sweet. In this photo, I chose milk and dark.

English Toffee

(giggle) To my friends that are hankering for my family’s toffee recipe, this isn’t it but it’s close enough and should give you some comfort when you can’t have mine >evil grin< Sorry, family recipe stays private LOL.    

Fake’n’Shake’n’Bake

Have you ever read the nutrition label on a box of Shake’n’Bake and seen the amount of sodium in there?? No thanks, I’d like to help my ticker keep  tickin. Here’s a much lower sodium, and in my opinion, healthier, tastier version. Like all things on this website, make it your own. Want more kick, add more Cayenne or maybe a little Slap Ya Mama. Going for a more  Italian feel up the Basil and Oregano, add some Rosemary. Play with this and make it yours. This makes about 4 packets worth so store it in a ziplock with all …

Chocolate Cake – Instant Pot

Feelin kinda lazy so decided to make a chocolate cake in the Instant Pot instead of in the oven. I’ve also found the baked goods in the Instant Pot seem to have an amazing amount of moisture that makes them even more decadent.

No Cream Ganache

Ganache is a simple mixture of equal parts chocolate and heavy cream. What if you don’t have cream though? Easy, cream is just milk with more butter fats so add butter. Equal milk and butter to equal the chocolate.

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 …

Berry Chocolate Cookies

These Berry Chocolate Cookies are amazing because they vary so much depending on what you use, they can be tart from the berry and sweet from chocolate or sweet from the berry while being savory from the chocolate. Here I used Strawberry and White Chocolate but, I have also made these with raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries so have fun with these and make them your own 🙂 Just remember to chop down larger berries. You can also switch up the chocolate you want to use, not everyone likes white.

Berry Hand Pies

Berry hand pies are a great quick grab-and-go breakfast, a nice easy snack or an awesome dessert, especially warmed up with some ice cream. These are fairly simple to make and can be totally yours with your choice of berry and maybe adding a little spice like cinnamon, nutmeg, apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, etc.

Pecan Bars

These gooey, chewy, crunchy, soft Pecan Bars hit every note in texture and leave the mouth wanting more. These are truly a pecan lovers dream.

Toffee Crunch Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are SUPER rich and normally a 1/2 a cookie is all I need to be more than satiated. Their chewy goodness is out of this world. Let them cool so they harden up some, they’ll be super soft and easily breakable out of the oven. Coconut haters, I promise you absolutely cannot taste the coconut in these, it’s only there for the chewy texture, LOL I swear it’ll be ok cause guess what …. I don’t like coconut either.

Lemony Battered Fish

If you love the flavor of lemon, these this is definitely the recipe for you. The fish has a wonderfully crispy exterior and soft, flakey interior. I enjoy serving this with lemon butter tricolor rotini and broccoli with lemon wedges.

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, …