A Royal Afternoon Tea Party

With over a billion people worldwide tuning into a royal romance and wedding this past Saturday, I could not pass up the opportunity to enjoy the moment as well.  When love is in the air, I do become quite the romantic at heart. I put together this afternoon tea over a period of a few…

Easy Vodka sauce

Cooking with Jessica Seinfeld from her most recent book “Food Swings”, I tried her vodka sauce recipe with rigatoni.  This is one of those “don’t look back” meals that will become a favorite with your friends.  Serve this when you need a quick meal that will impress, keeping your friends guessing ‘where do you find…

Cinco de Mayo nachos

Are you looking for a bit of a twist for your Cinco de Mayo party? Here is an interesting recipe that I tried and would be perfect for the celebration.  This one uses frozen waffle fries instead of nacho chips.  It is a hearty recipe and one that the men in your life would really…

Derby Day fondue

Derby Day is Saturday and menu planning should be front and center.  Everyone loves a fondue.  Here is an easy recipe for a great tasting cheesy fondue which is neither grainy nor thick.  The beer gives this dish a great taste and with all of the beer products on the market, the choices are endless. …

Toast Tuesday

So many ideas are out there for Toast Tuesday, but here is one that I have tried recently and absolutely love the taste and ease of preparation. I start this recipe by first preparing the asparagus and roasting at 350 degrees for 15 minutes in the oven on a half-sheet pan with a spray of…

Slow cooker apple dessert

Any time of year is the perfect time for an apple dessert.  Baked apples are some of my favorite desserts to serve as they are delicious with ice cream or whipped cream.  They can be made in advance and taste wonderful warm.  Apples are a perfect dessert by an indoor fire in the fall and…

Oatmeal butterscotch cookies

The best recipes are those that can be manipulated into personal tastes and preferences. This is one of those recipes.  There are so many alternatives to these cookies that every time they are baked, they can be a bit different.  I found the base recipe from a Better Homes and Gardens special interest publication titled…

Slow cooker party mix

With both the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo happening in the next week or so, here is a great recipe to have ready to serve to party guests.  We love this mix and it is super easy to put together and adjustable to personal tastes.   I have adapted a recipe over the years and…

Gluten free green pepper pizzas

Are you looking for a great tasting pizza option that happens to be gluten free?  I found so many varieties of this recipe online, but put together this combination as my favorite to serve for a quick vegetarian option for a pizza dinner.  Served with a side salad, this has become one of our favorites…

Cranberry Fluff salad

Anytime of year is a great time for cranberry salad.  One of my favorite salads for the holidays is also perfect with cranberries saved from the freezer during the spring and summer seasons.  To make this salad, I use one bag/12 ounces of cranberries, 3/4 cup sugar, 8 ounces crushed pineapple-drained, 1 cup sliced red…

Salted Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Are you looking for a delicious dessert that can be easily baked in the oven in a cast iron pan?  If so, this is the recipe that will soon become a family favorite.  It can be served with ice cream, whipped cream, or just warm out of the pan. The ingredients will sound familiar as…

Spring Asparagus Tart

Spring asparagus has come to the market and I was feeling like the spring season should be underway in April.  However, it has continued to feel more like winter in Michigan. I made this tart to encourage the weather to change and to bring out those hopeful feelings of the warmer season ahead.  This is…