23 Monday Dec 2013
Posted in gluten free, love to cook, side dishes, vegetarian
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are a favorite Thanksgiving and Christmas side dish. Creamy mashed potatoes get a little flavor love with the addition of sour cream and cream cheese. Then they are baked casserole style with a topping of shredded cheddar cheese. One word. Yummy.
Continue reading »21 Saturday Dec 2013
Posted in adventures in chocolate, desserts, love to cook
≈ Comments Off on Christmas Cookie Memories {and 25+ Recipes}
Christmas Cookies. As I type these words….images of the plates and plates of cookies we delivered come to mind. When I say ‘we’ that would be my mom, sister and I….some 40 years ago. All homemade with love.
Sarah and I are coming to appreciate the energy and time Mom gave to ‘traditions.’ We made ‘plates and plates of cookies’ and delivered them to EVERYONE. As 8 & 11 year-olds (plus or minus), who were the delivery messengers of our baking efforts, it at least seemed like we knocked on the doors of everyone we knew. Continue reading »
20 Friday Dec 2013
Posted in adventures in chocolate, desserts, love to cook, Share the Love
After admitting how much I loooved Peppermint Bark it was high thyme I gave it a go. Making it from scratch that is. There has never been a better group of taste-testers than my work family so today I Shared the Love. In the form of Peppermint Bark.
For those of you who avoid recipes with long lists of ingredients or complicated instructions….this one’s for you. Three ingredients and three easy steps.
Continue reading »17 Tuesday Dec 2013
Posted in appetizers, gluten free, love to cook
Loaded Butternut Squash Chips.
Think loaded potato skins, but better. At least that’s how we felt about them. The hint of sweetness from the butternut squash was soooo good with the savory toppings. These made a fantastic and fun appetizer.
Continue reading »16 Monday Dec 2013
Posted in dressings & marinades, love to cook, sauces
Homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce.
We just completed our ‘Secret Santa Week’ at work and wrapped it up with a fabulous party on Saturday night. I say this often, but not often enough. I work with the most amazing group of passionate people. Plan a Tacky Sweater Party and watch a room of adults transform and embrace the theme. WOW!!
Continue reading »15 Sunday Dec 2013
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It’s been a challenging couple of weeks for my kid Shelby. My tender-hearted 22 year old had her heart strings plucked like a banjo. No phone conversation could soothe her, it was time for a little Mom love. I told her to jump in the shower, get ready, I was heading her way.
Continue reading »10 Tuesday Dec 2013
Posted in breakfast & brunch, gluten free, healthy choices, love to cook, side dishes, vegetarian
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Baked Breakfast Potato {with Scrambled Eggs, Avocado, Tomato & Queso Fresco.
Take all your favorite fresh Mexican flavors and layer them onto a Perfectly Baked Potato. Scoop out the roasted potato flesh and season it with a little butter, a dash of cumin, chili powder and salt and return it to the jacket. Now top with a scrambled egg, diced fresh tomato, sliced avocado, queso fresco crumbling cheese and fresh cilantro leaves. Continue reading »
09 Monday Dec 2013
Posted in adventures in chocolate, desserts, love to cook
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I love, love, love English Toffee. I printed this recipe from Ghirardelli years ago and just now got up the courage to try my hand at ‘confection’ making. According to the red line on my new candy thermometer, I’ll be in the confection stage. I can do this!
Continue reading »08 Sunday Dec 2013
Posted in adventures in chocolate, desserts, love to cook
Nutella Truffles. I didn’t have to think twice when I read this for the first time. Point me towards the Nutella isle.
Nutella. A phenomenon of sorts with mass appeal. Moms love it because it makes breakfast more fun for their kidlets. Dads love it straight from a spoon. Bloggers love to celebrate National World Nutella Day and throw no caution to the wind as they exploit this ingredient. Have you seen 3-ingredient Nutella brownies, mug cakes, pancakes? It’s crazy! In a good way. Here are 8 Things You May Not Know About Nutella. I’m all in. Throw Nutella my way and I think we can all get happy!!
08 Sunday Dec 2013
Posted in cocktails & coffees, love to cook
≈ Comments Off on Lingonberry Martinis
~ Lingonberry Martini ~
1 ounce Lingonberry concentrate (available at Ikea)
3 ounces vodka
1 squeeze lemon juice
lemon twist for garnish
ice in shaker Continue reading »