My Lasagna

In the book, there were 2 different lasagnas that were nearly identical from someone my mom worked with and a cousin-in-law. I took their ideas and doinked around to make one all my own with more flavor and a little kick.

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.

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.

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!

Chocolate Haupia Pie

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

Caramelized Custard 2

Want a dessert that looks expensive? Don’t want to pay for an expensive dessert, this caramelized custard is where it’s at! Smooth and Creamy with just a hint of sweet.  Great to make for any occasion! You will not be disappointed.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.   …

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!       …

Blitz Torte

This recipe was a little difficult to complete but I am glad to have made it. It was an awesome opportunity and I thought it came out beautifully.

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.

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 …

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?

Pistachio Cake

I have fun with this recipe and instead of using a whole cake I made a small bundt with the filling and sprinkled some pistachio nuts on top, I don’t like it myself but the texture on the cake is amazing. Notes: This recipe also makes about 24 cupcakes, bake them for 17 to 20 minutes or until golden brown

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.

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 …

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!!!!

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 …

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

At first, this was supposed to be an apple cake, but I decided to do cupcakes instead, because when I bake I take my treats to my husband’s work, so it’s much easier to make cupcakes than a cake. They give me feedback on what was wrong or what is good about them. They are my best test subjects. The apple cupcakes were a hit.

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 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 …

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 …

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”!!  

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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 …

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.

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. …

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 …

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, …

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.

Sicilian Orange Cake

I have a HUGE weakness for anything orange and every year on my birthday I make myself an orange cake. This is one of many that I do 🙂 If you use a bundt pan be sure to thoroughly grease and flour it so that the cake won’t stick. You can use a bundt, an 8″ springform or round cake pan for this.

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.    

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.