The Christmas season is upon us and with it comes all those holiday parties. Want to bring something homemade but don’t have the time? Cheese balls are super simple to make, delicious to eat, and have a variety of flavor options to suit any taste. Want something elegant where you don’t have to ‘fix’ anything at all? A cheeseboard, filled … Read More
Warm Up to Autumn with Cozy Mugs and Biscotti
A nip in the air signals that November has come, along with the urge to snuggle under a soft blanket, kick back, and enjoy a good book or a favorite movie. Here are some cozy mug drinks and the perfect cookie to dip into them: biscotti, or more spefically, Cantuccini. This classic Italian almond biscotti is designed to be dipped … Read More
Pump Up the Fall Flavor with Pumpkin Bread & Scones
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
Oktoberfest Apple Treats
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
Oh Baby! Gender Reveal and Shower Ideas
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
Pumpkin Spice Makes Breakfast Time Nice
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
Marvelous Muffins Made Easy with Master Mix
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
Bright Ideas to Celebrate the Solar Eclipse
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
Cool Treats as Easy as 1 2 3
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
My Fav Dessert Hack: French Custard!
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