Tuesday 20 December 2022

Thyme Cheddar Crackers



I recently hosted a Christmas Open House. I made a lot of appetizers and desserts, had Susie our awesome pizza lady make pizza's in our outdoor pizza oven and I had a local deli make three large platters of nibblies. The Thyme cheddar crackers were a big hit and disappeared within minutes as word spread about how good they are.

Thursday 15 December 2022

Dark Chocolate Bark with Pistachios





My dessert bar is taking shape for my Christmas Open House tonight! I made this delicious bark in a short amount of time. This is super easy! Using the Lindt bars, there is no need to temper the chocolate.

Wednesday 30 November 2022

Chili by JJ




The best tasting easiest Chili I have made. This is going to be my 'go-to' chili recipe from now on. Basic chili — but very good. I prepped in the morning after the "hubster" announced he would like chili for lunch. I used the beans I had in the pantry, so, use what you have! If you want more kick, add a chopped and seeded Serano pepper or some hot sauce. This chili was even better the next day!

Tuesday 29 November 2022

Chocolate Chip Biscotti





I made this as a take away gift at one of my parties. I took the base recipe from "Joy of cooking" and added chocolate chips. I like to dunk it into my tea, but you could dunk into coffee or hot chocolate!

Sunday 13 November 2022

Pumpkin Muffins

 


I like to make these delicious pumpkin muffins when we are out on a motor coach trip for a quick breakfast on the go. They can be made ahead and frozen, and you can reheat them quickly and easily for those mornings when you’re ready to get out there and adventure. Or for a quick breakfast on your way out the door to work or school.

Friday 4 November 2022

Mushroom Brie soup


 

 

Autumn shows us how beautiful is is to let things go.......... Mushroom and Brie Soup is a classic creamy mushroom soup kicked up a notch with a perfect amount of luxurious Brie cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner in front of the fireplace or a special first course for holiday meal.

Monday 10 October 2022

Pumpkin Pecan Squares

pecan_streusel_pumpkin_pie_bar_2019.jpg

 Fall is here! October ....well you just have to have a pumpkin something!! These bars are so delectable, well they are to "Die For"!! They will feed a crowd and are easy to make!

 

 Other Fall Desserts-
Ghost Cookies  Fast and easy

Wednesday 5 October 2022

Spiced Pumpkin Roulade with creamy grand marnier filling




An elegant finale to the meal; the cake has a light texture, and the filling provides a creamy texture with a hint of orange.  This pumpkin roll cake is great to keep in the freezer for a quick dessert for family or unexpected guests, to take to a gathering or to give as a yummy gift. 

My spiced pumpkin roulade is as pretty to look at, as it is delicious to eat! It is a perfect dessert for entertaining at Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Monday 26 September 2022

Enchilada Sauce



This enchilada sauce has a fresh taste and is so easy to make. I think you will love it!

Sunday 18 September 2022

Short Rib Enchiladas



I have been on a short rib terror lately! I have made short rib quesadilla's, short rib cottage pie and short rib ravioli's!! Here's what I do- I cook up about 5-8 pounds of short ribs, then I remove the meat from the bone and freeze portions into freezer bags. The time put into cooking the ribs becomes even more worth it when you can easily make several dinners....not to mention....they are so good!!

Thursday 15 September 2022

Ketchup Homemade



Is your tomato bush over grown with tomato's? Mine is! I planted 4 small bushes and now they are taking over my small garden! Between the zucchini and the tomato's, my pumpkins, cucumbers and peppers don't have breathing room! So, I thought about it and decided to make a healthy ketchup. My grandchildren love ketchup so much, it's almost like they have a french fry with their ketchup! So, knowing they were coming to Grandma's, I made a healthy ketchup....not only a fresh, clean flavor by no preservatives and less sugar.

Wednesday 16 March 2022

Irish Whipped Cream

 
 

Irish Cream- a slightly boozy cream addition for coffee, chocolate mousse, hot cocoa, cake, brownies and many other treats! It is a sweet and creamy topping with just a hint of chocolate!
 
Surprise your loved ones with this topping on St. Patrick's Day! 

Sunday 27 February 2022

Chicken Parmigiana



 
It all started a long time ago with eggplant!

The classic Italian dish of eggplant sautéed in olive oil and layered with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Though the name means "eggplant in the style of Parma," a Northern Italian city, the dish originates in Southern Italy where eggplants, tomatoes, and olive oil are plentiful. In fact, real classic eggplant parm is made solely with mozzarella cheese—it doesn't necessarily have Parmesan at all. 

Monday 21 February 2022

Lemon Loaf- copy cat Starbucks




I believe I nailed it!! That delicious Lemon Loaf at Starbucks! This is a copy cat of that delicious soft lemony loaf we can't resist when we stop into Starbucks! 
This recipe is easy to follow, takes about 1 hour total to make and it will make you and your family want more!
 

Saturday 12 February 2022

Chocolate Tartufo

 


"Death by Chocolate".....I never quite understood this expression? The phrase always sounded funny to me....almost dangerous really...what could possibly go wrong with chocolate?

Friday 11 February 2022

Cheese Souffle


 
This is KILLER! That is what I wrote on this recipe from my 22 years of culinary education. I love souffle and this is one of my favorites! I have tweeked it here and there to perfection!

Thursday 10 February 2022

Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sproats



 


The Super Bowl may technically be an NFL game, but we all know what we're really looking forward to when Sunday rolls around—the snacks. Some of our personal favorites include classics like Cinnamon Fireball Wings, a fun recipe using Cinnamon Fireball whiskey! Add a few shots to match!  A long time favorite is Spicy Stuffed Mushrooms that my daughter Holly created ....yum! I love making these quick and easy Pepperoni Pin Wheels, a fun presentation and so delicious!  Pepper Poppers filled with delicious Feta and Pepperjack cheeses are always a hit too! But if you want to branch out a little bit, I have also a few healthy-ish recipes also included a few healthy-ish recipes, Buffalo Cauliflower BitesRoasted Thyme Tomato Bruschetta, Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings and this delicious appetizer Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts!—even if your team doesn't win, at least you'll have a winning menu.

Sunday 6 February 2022

Pork Schnitzel Sliders



Superbowl! Let's change it up a bit! This idea hit me when I was frying pork schnitzel for dinner the other night. Wee Bear and I love pork schnitzel and I got to thinking, why not make a slider with it for a party!

Buffalo Cauliflower


 

Superbowl!! I made individual plates with several appetizer's to nosh on while watching the game! with the Buffalo Cauliflower I included

Vegetable sticks
Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts(will write recipe tomorrow)
 

Saturday 5 February 2022

Sausage and cheddar Meatball Appetizer (baked)



I decided on a individual appetizer plate for each guest for a dinner party I had last weekend. We watched the play off game with our appetizer plates, then moved to the dining room for dinner. I prepared Beef Bourguignon for the main with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty sour dough bread and a side salad. My guests raved about the entire meal! 

Friday 28 January 2022

Braised Short Rib Pot Pie

    


 

Who doesn’t love a great pot pie?  Meat and vegetables and gravy under a blanket of pastry, these pies are American Classics.  But they go back in culinary history considerably longer. In the Roman Empire, the pastry was banquet fare.  Sometimes the crust revealed live birds, which must have been quite a shock to unsuspecting guests.   In 16th century England meat pies became all the rage.  The English ate meat pies of all sorts – pork, lamb, game and they were especially fond of using venison. 

Thursday 27 January 2022

Braised Rib Tacos

 


Just in time for Play off games and Super Bowl!

I made braised Short Ribs the other day and had some left over meat! Yay!

Here's what I did!

I wrapped the shredded short rib meat in warmed tortillas and top with diced white onions, sliced radishes, slaw and salsa.That's it!! A second dinner DONE!

Tuesday 25 January 2022

Stuffed pork chop with mustard cream sauce

This recipe is easy enough for a great weeknight meal, but they’re fancy enough to impress guests. And, they’re a great to use up your leftover stuffing from Thanksgiving.

I recommend bone-in pork chops that are about 1 1/2″ thick. The butcher can cut a pocket in them for you so that is one less step you have to do at home. Your local butcher will love serving you. Don’t be afraid of that meat counter!

Saturday 22 January 2022

Blue Cheese Dip

 



It's a rule at our house.....you simply cannot have chicken tenders or buffalo wings without this blue cheese dip! Wee bear loves this blue cheese dip with just about anything! I love it with cut up vegetables like carrots, cucumber, red or yellow bell pepper, mushrooms or celery.

Friday 21 January 2022

Hasselback Potatoes



This name for this yummy side dish comes from the Swedish word Hasselbacken, the Stockholm restaurant where it was first served.

Crispy on the outside and tender soft on the inside, the baked potato slices are similar to thick potato chips, but the slices are still attached to the base.