The Blog

Fall color is coming late to the southern Appalachian Mountains this year, but that doesn’t mean a delay in enjoying the flavors of the autumn season. Here’s two delicious recipes that celebrate pumpkin and will have your family “falling” in love with this versatile orange squash. Pumpkin Bread is an all-time favorite for many and this moist version is sturdy … Read More

Here locally, the 40th Annual Unicoi Apple Festival is set to get underway this weekend, while Oktoberfest celebrations will be held this month in communities across America. So I decided to combine the two by sharing German apple dessert recipes. Guten Appetit!     Versunkener Apfelkuchen or German Apple Cake Also called a Wednesday cake, because it’s quick and easy to … Read More

Few events in life are as exciting as expecting your first child. Or your first grandchild! That’s the story behind the September 22nd, 2017 segment on Daytime Tri-Cities. My husband and I are grandparents-to-be, thanks to our oldest daughter, Danielle. She and her husband, Bryan, are expecting their first child early next year and we thought this was the perfect … Read More

What could be better than a lazy fall weekend morning and filling the house with the delicious aroma of these cozy breakfast dishes? Gather your family around the table and savor the flavor of this seasonal favorite: pumpkin spice! Pumpkin Spice Buttermilk Pancakes Yields about 9 small pancakes Preheat your griddle or skillet. In a bowl, beat: 1 egg Add … Read More

Who needs a packaged mix when you can make delicious muffins from scratch with this simple master recipe? In just minutes you can whip together any of these tasty varieties or use the base recipe to create your own favorite. This recipe is a classic “wet/dry” quick bread, where you mix the dry ingredients in one bowl,  mix the wet … Read More

On August 21st, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the continental United States, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of us to view this awesome display of nature in person. I remember as a kid in the 1970’s, viewing a partial solar eclipse from our front yard. This time around, my family and I plan to drive to see the … Read More

Leave the oven off and crank up the chill with these super easy scrumptious treats. (And some of them are actually good for you!)   Ice Cream Cake and Pie Use similar ingredients and techniques to create two yummy desserts. Start with a graham cracker or cookie crust. Make your own, or us a prepared pie crust. Soften your favorite … Read More

When I first discovered this delicious, creamy concoction, I had no idea I would find so many ways to use. Basically, French custard is vanilla pastry cream with sweetened whipped cream folded into it. As is, French custard is like an airy pudding and lovely when used to fill cakes, cupcakes, crepes, cream puffs, etc. In its original vanilla form, … Read More

With the 4th of July just around the corner, here’s some tasty and easy ideas to make your celebration a special one!               Don’t have much time? Pour some red, white, and blue candies in a mason jar, tie a ribbon around the top and pop in two flags. Want a quick treat for … Read More

In honor of Father’s Day, I thought the dads out there might need a little help in maintaining their manly physique, so I’m offering these delicious treats to give them a hand. (And you don’t have to be a dad to enjoy them!) Dad Bod Brownies We’ll all heard of the latest catch phrase to describe the transformation that males … Read More