Best Recipe Views in 2016

Thursday, December 29, 2016
First and foremost HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my readers. Wishing you health, happiness and good food in 2017.
Thanks for your continued support this year. The number 1 most viewed can be seen by scrolling all the way to the end, it had 1 million views this year. Enjoy


how to make bing cherry quick bread or bing cherry loaf


Bing Cherry Loaf



7

Crescent Roll Breakfast Pizza

Friday, December 23, 2016

When you want an easy delicious brunch or breakfast start off with crescent rolls turned into a delicious pizza.


The greatest way to please everyone all in one casserole dish is with this delicious cheesy baked breakfast pizza.


It has a crust, meats, cheese, vegetables and baked all in one pan for the perfect bite!


Serving this to house guests and sleepovers is always a big hit here. Everyone loves this cheesy topping all in one great breakfast slice.


You will be asked to make this great crescent roll breakfast pizza time and time again!


My personal favorite is using broccoli and cheddar over the top with the egg mixture.


It certainly makes a great dinner to in a quick throw together meal!


Like I said before anything goes great in combinations here, just get that imagination and creativity going and crack some eggs with this delicious crescent roll pizza
!




Crescent Roll Breakfast Pizza are rolls on the bottom baked with delicious meat and vegetable toppings. Sausage, potatoes, peppers, onions, tomatoes, bacon, ham  then with eggs poured over the topped and baked into a golden breakfast pizza with lots of shredded cheeses




7

Cinnamon Butter Cookie Recipe

Monday, December 19, 2016
There is something about Cinnamon Butter drop cookies that I love. Well, not something, everything.


Since I was a child around 11 years old, I had my first cookbook from Better Homes and Gardens.


Red, white checkerboard hard copy fro the 1960s.


The pages are used a lot and worn now and did I ever get my use of it.


I made just about everything in that book.


This is an adapted recipe from there.


They used shortening instead of butter in their recipe, butter makes them more cake-like and lighter.


I find that shortening came out more like shortbread and biscuit tasting.


I really love this recipe and it's so easy. Drop the dough on the cookie sheet and bake, cool then dust with powdered sugar!





these are a butter cookie with powdered sugar on top the can is in the photo to sprinkle the sugar it has holes in it




2

Baked Dark Chocolate Donuts

Sunday, December 18, 2016
If you are a chocolate lover, this is a decadent chocolate lovers dream baked dark chocolate donut. It has ganache dripping all over it with colored sprinkles to delight anyone from a childhood favorite to a young at hearts fantasy. This is a chocolate lovers dark chocolate treat that will be enjoyed time and time again and the best part is, they're baked!



Baked dark deep chocolate donuts in a donut pan with chocolate ganache and colored sprinkles. A delicious chocolate lovers death by chocolate donut baked dripping with chocolate ganache and sprinkles



52

Magic White Chocolate Christmas Bars

Monday, December 12, 2016
A flakey pie crust topped with layers of white chocolate chips, coconut, dried fruits, pistachio nuts, and then finished off with a blanket of sweetened condensed milk a versatile holiday treat that surely will not last long!

The original 7-layer magic cookie bars usually have semi-sweet chocolate chips, maybe a peanut butter or butterscotch chip with coconut nuts, and topped with a can of sweetened condensed milk but these are a Holiday version and so pretty in red and green.

You can use and colorful dried fruit and nuts you prefer but we love cherries or cranberries for this festive holiday cookie bar and it sure is a nice addition to any cookie tray!

Since the recipe is so versatile we will give you many other suggestions you can substitute our ingredients with, however, these are super tasty and everyone raves about how pretty they are.

Just scroll down to our printable recipe card for the recipe!




2

Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies

Sunday, December 11, 2016
One of the prettiest cookies on the Christmas tray are these tinted coconut cherry almond cookies.

These cherry delights are festive colorful and tasty cookies rolled into nuts and with a buttery delicious cookie.

They can be tinted in red, green, or left plain and with the addition of the cherry and coconut, they are a perfect pairing of flavor.

Scroll down to the recipe card hit print and the ads will disappear for a quick look at our easy recipe.


little green tinted cookies rolled in coconut with a cherry in the center


3

Slice and Bake Pecan Sandie Cookies

Thursday, November 24, 2016
These easy Slice and Bake Pecan Sandie Cookies are a sweet, nutty and buttery shortbread cookies packed with finely chopped pecans that melt in your mouth.

These are perfect when when you need a huge amount for a party, cookie exchange or even a bake sale event for a special fund raiser.

In our home, you would normally find these on our Christmas Cookie tray every year, but since the cookies are outrageously delicious, we make them all year long.

This easy recipe can be modified easily with flavoring and nuts of choice but always dusted at the end and rolled into a snowy powdered sugar.

The best part is they have just a few ingredients and super easy to make and better than the store-bought brands we often see on the shelves.

This is just one of the fun cookies we love to make around the holiday, try our Best Holiday Cookie Roundup with even more delicious recipes.

The additions and changes are pretty much endless when you get creative so don't miss my optional suggestions below

Scroll down to my printable recipe card for this melt-in-your-mouth simple buttery cookie recipe.


pecan sandie cookies cooling



0

Leftover Turkey and Dumplings

Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Leftover Turkey and Dumplings are some of the best ways to repurpose leftover Turkey.

Everyone raves about this delicious comforting bowl of tasty turkey and dumplings.

On a cold evening, this really hits the spot.

The best part is this dish is easy to make Turkey is leftover from that big holiday meal and taste like you just make it fresh.

What better way to make another wonderful meal and save money too!

Check out this easy recipe below.





0

Simple Apple Crostata Recipe

Sunday, November 20, 2016

There is always one person that asks for apple pie for Thanksgiving. Not a big fan of it myself and the kids like the cream pies and pumpkin. I always make a crostata since it's just a small amount. It's easy to throw together and perfect for that one person who has to have their apple


0

Easy Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash

Saturday, November 19, 2016
Butternut Squash roasted with butter, cinnamon and brown sugar is the perfect fall vegetable.

This is so easy to make and the perfect side dish all winter long bursting butter spice flavors.

This Roasted Butternut Squash transform from plain old squash into a gourmet easy side dish plus worthy for any special occasion or holiday table or weeknight dinner.

Cubes of soft on the outside and a little carmelize on the outside this butternut squash roasted with maple syrup and cinnamon can be elegant to serve and super easy to prepare.

During the fall months, I make this version weekly it's so delicious and my kind of side dish.

The roasted swee buttery with a fall spicy flavor even can be adapted with a little heat using a dash of cayenne pepper is another version we love.

Roasting squash with this sweet glaze is quite addicting and I never make it plain anymore after making this recipe, I always make more than enoughbecause it's even great reheated the next day if you have leftovers.

Scroll down to this super easy way to roast butternut squash and some tips and additions for some different versions with our adaptions!


whole roasted cinnamon sugar butternut squash


2

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Thursday, November 10, 2016
Sweetened condensed milk is one of those ingredients that you usually don't always keep on hand in the pantry and sometimes it's very hard to find in the grocery store

This is an ingredient I use a lot to make flan, cookies, and candy and it's pretty pricey at times.

Not to be confused with evaporated milk, this is a sweet thick kind of milk that is perfect in many dessert recipes.

Super easy to make so don't worry if you can't find sweetened condensed milk we got you covered.

This can also be used in coffee, baking, and all made from scratch.

Check out on how easy this is and much more economical!




0

Brown Sugar Recipe and Tip

Monday, November 7, 2016
With all the holiday baking coming up, I thought you may enjoy this little tip. You many remember the many baking tips from last year  (if not click here for baking tips)
I don't know how many times I've started a recipe and run out of brown sugar.






Keep a bottle of molasses on hand and sugar and you will never have to run to the store again!


Light Brown Sugar 
2 tablespoons of molasses
1 cup sugar
Place in a zip lock bag and shake until evenly mixed store in the same bag!

Dark Brown Sugar
3 tablespoons molasses
1 cup sugar
Place in a zip lock bag and shake until evenly mixed store in the same bag!

 TIP TRICK: 

Now for a tip trick! If the mixture of either one should ever get hard, place 1 or 2 slices of regular bread in the bag overnight. In the morning it will be soft and pourable again! Works like a charm!

For more tips like this one check out this page of tips and tricks for baking!  CLICK HERE 
2

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Tuesday, November 1, 2016
If you're a chocolate and pecan pie lover, this bar cookie will be your new favorite.


The biggest difference in our bars is this buttery delicious crust has a chocolate fudge layer with a homemade gooey center that makes this filling taste like the classic pecan pie but better with the addition of chocolate in the center.


These cookies make a great addition around the Thanksgiving Holiday since they are simple to make and easier to serve.


The best part is these are so simple and much quicker than making a pecan pie.


Everyone will rave about these and you just might have to make a double batch since they fly off the dish here.


Perfect dessert option when you're not fond of baking or making pies.


If you love making easy bar cookies do try my Fruit Filled Shortbread Bars recipe it's also a family favorite like this chocolate filled cookie bar!


Scroll down to the recipe card for this easy recipe for chocolate pecan pie bars.


a pecan pie bar that is in an rectangular metal pan with a knife to cut them with. There is also a cut square on to see what they look like inside




7

Oreo Graveyard Cheesecake

Monday, October 31, 2016
Probably the spookiest cheesecake you will ever eat. Hot Fudge and Oreo Graveyard Cheesecake a delicious addition to your Haunting Halloween menu.

this is a scary looking Halloween grave yard cheesecake with crushed oreo cookies on top, bones, eyes and pumpkins on top along with grave yard milano cookies with tombstone messages on them a ghoulish treat for Halloween party fun thats delicious the cheesecake is a homemade recipe from scratch from my hometown Utica New York

3

Halloween Italian Meatball Pumpkin

Sunday, October 30, 2016
What a fun shaped delicious meatball shaped into a pumpkin and so much fun to serve dinner on Halloween night for the family meal or even when hosting a party.

This delicious extra large sharped meatball is creatively baked decorated with carrots, olives and peppers.

This addition to a festive dinner for a Halloween will put a smile on anyone who sees this and it's a great centerpiece on your party table.

It's always a big hit at any party and of course, you can decorate the meatball with any vegetables you prefer.

Baking the meatball with vegetables will cook them and become brown, so to keep the Halloween pumpkin face we just garnish the meatball after it's baked and remove the raw vegetables when we serve it.

Everyone always gets a big kick out of this meal,and usually we serve it with mashed potates and lots of marinara or pizza sauce on top and sometimes shredded mozzarella cheese.




0

Orange Creamsicle Dessert

Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Our no-bake Orange Creamsicle Dessert is so versatile that can be made into a frozen parfait or the pie filling that is poured into a cinnamon graham pie crust or layered in a parfait glass.

Its bright light flavors are just bursting with an orange citrus creamsicle taste is so refreshing.

Whether you make a no-bake fluffy pie or a layered parfait this summer or fall treat is an incredibly tasty dessert!

We love the Halloween season and the kids get so excited to have this dessert at all the parties we usually either bring this in a pie decorated (with a holiday theme on top)  or served in plastic throw-away parfait cups.

For summer the tasty filling is just like that childhood ice cream treat on a stick in the frozen ice cream section and hence that's where the name orange creamsicle got in our title.

The ingredients are simple, marshmallow fluff, cream cheese, and whipped topping, so for parties, or something quick with no baking or cooking this is a winner!

The parfaits are layered in either dollar store plastic cups for the kids or when hosting that dinner party we serve them in nice throw-away plastic champagne glasses or parfait style glasses again from a local dollar store.

Of course, you can substitute the graham crackers crumbs for oreo cookies, peanut butter cookies or even crushed vanilla wafers for even another yummy idea.

Scroll down for our no-bake recipe for this scrumptious easy fluffy filling for creamsicle dessert and that taste will bring you back to your childhood favorite ice cream dessert!


frozen orange dessert



0

Pumpkin Spiced Caramel Latte Recipe

Sunday, October 23, 2016
Here is a soothing to say the least cup of wonderful pumpkin spiced caramel latte. So easy to make. Just blend the ingredients and microwave till hot. What more can you ask for?




2

Halloween Ghoulish Meatloaf Italian Style

Friday, October 21, 2016
I love making Halloween foods for the kids and young at heart and this Ghoulish Meatloaf is the perfect setting to get this party started.

Here's what I am serving up on Halloween night!

Getting the kids to eat meat sometimes isn't easy and who would have thought fun scary character food would do the trick!

This is a fun way to prepare meatloaf, especially around Halloween.

Try the recipe in individual cupcake tins also for individual servings at parties!

Fun to make and delicious to eat. Italian style of course!





This is a meatloaf decorated for Halloween to look like a scary pumpkin wiht olives and peppers for teeth for Halloween.




0

Hurricane Tips and Preparation

Sunday, October 9, 2016
Amazing what can be in store when a storm is coming your way and is absolutely terrifying but we do have some tips to help you prepare and a list to go through that in a panic may not think about.

Being prepared is key. If you are in an area that has tropical storms, this post will give you some important tips to follow.

From the time we moved here in 1994 until the present time, we have been through several hurricanes and seen many tornadoes, and tropical storms, and experienced in preparing.

Irma pounded us for more than 15 hours on 9/12/2017. Frances for 36 hours in 2004.

We experienced 20 tornado activities in Brevard county. Lots of floods, mobile homes ripped to sheds. Fish thrown from the rivers and alligators walking across the street in downtown Melbourne.

Prepare by adding frozen plastic water bottles and containers, condensing food in our freezer to keep cold cuts, eggs, and cheeses safe during the almost always counted-on outages is a must.

Being prepared is key. If you are in an area that has tropical storms, this post will give you some important tips to follow.

Don't waste space in your freeze with bread, cookies and things like this can be refrozen add containers of ice, big blocks will take longer to thaw and keep things cold in a cooler.

Take anything that can spoil off the freezer door and place on the racks, the door will thaw out first and spoil.

Some outages have lasted more than 12 hours, others for days and weeks.

Prepare getting gas cans filled, make sure you have 1 gallon of water per person for clean water to drink, and most important listen to what weather station says to evacuate when they say to leave in your area.

Place your led candles, batteries with flashlights, important phone numbers all in one area and charge all phone battery packs just in case you have no electricity for a few days and are hunkering down at home.

We have a list of must-haves when the power is out for you and plenty of tips below to prepare for a storm.

He always shows up and chases the biggest badest storms out there, we all admire his dedication and appreciate his knowledge to keep us up to date on these storms.

Anyone reading this I pray to keep us all safe and out of harm's way.



This is the house we live in before a hurricane


3

Blueberry Almond Scones

Sunday, October 2, 2016
Blueberry Almond Scones, are tender, buttery tasting crunchy on the outside soft and pillowy inside with big plump juicy blueberries, sliced almonds and a drizzle of icing sugar.

Easy to make and you don't even need to be a professional baker to make them they're seriously super simple!

I have made all kinds of flavored scones but since we are all big fans of blueberry anything (especially in the morning for breakfast) these are the most asked-for and just perfect for folks with busy lifestyles for a fast grab-and-go.

These were getting so expensive in those favorite coffee shops I use to frequent, now I just make them myself and they are so much fresher and tailored exactly to what we all like in flavor or fruits.
.
Scones are perfect with a cup of tea, cold milk and such a delicious treat any time of the year.

The best part about this recipe is it's so basic you can add any fruits you like to the dough, just get creative and change it to whatever you like with the same measurement.



15

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Balsamic

Saturday, October 1, 2016
I was so excited to serve and taste these brussels sprouts.


Did you ever make something so easy that wowed everyone?


Well, these brussels sprouts with cranberries and balsamic vinegar did just that.


First of all, besides being a totally easy recipe, I was over the moon that they were featured in "Taste of Home Magazine!"


That was a huge compliment, tried and true and was featured in their Holiday issue.


If you love brussels sprouts, just have to try these.


A little sweetness compliments these little cabbages perfectly!


One of my very favorite ways to serve brussels sprouts, a vegetable that really doesn't get enough attention.





these are mini cabbages roasted in a hot oven with spices then tossed with cranberries and balsamic for a pretty holiday colored table side dish


8

Southern Style Strawberry Poundcake Shortcake

Thursday, September 29, 2016
Southern Style Strawberry Poundcake Shortcake is a scratch cake made in various style pans we used a bundt pan and then deconstructed it into individual serving with strawberries and cream.

This old-fashioned southern-style shortcake is delicious with any fruit we will provide other suggestions for those not fond of strawberries.

This is one of our favorite desserts in Florida all summer long during strawberries season.

We just love using fresh strawberries for our Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Cake and Strawberry Cream Pie and of course a favorite Strawberry Cheesecake.

Since this is a heavier cake, it will bake nicely into muffin tins as well for those who would like to freeze the cake for a quick thaw and serve dessert.

The berries are coated in a coordinating flavored strawberry jelly or jam which makes the berries perfectly sweet for topping your cake that glisten.

This basic batter can be lemon-flavored, orange, vanilla, or almond you can decide on the flavored cake you prefer.

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for our wonderful scratch cake and berry top creamy shortcake!


strawberry shortcake poundcake in a bundt pan


1

Savory Fried Dough

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Fried dough savory style. These are a stuffed dough fried in oil then dipped in sauce. Come check out these fantastic appetizers for your special gathering.

Delicious stuffed pizza dough, fried and dipped in marinara sauce



1

Chickpeas Sausage and Orecchiette Stoup

Friday, September 16, 2016
Growing up I use to love this dish mom made with Chickpeas and Orecchiette homemade pasta we referred to as a stoup which was between a soup and stew..

Mom would alternate chickpeas, peas white, or red beans whatever we had in the house back in the 1960s when money was tight and we were on a strict budget.

I love the sauce this made and how it clings to the pasta plus she would add any leftover meats from Sunday dinner that was in our Traditional Meat Sauce.

Comfort food all the way and so economical to feed a large family mom even soaked the chickpeas overnight or in a slow cooker to soften from dried beans.

If you are looking for an authentic style Italian dish that's super easy to make, this one will be a new favorite in your recipe collection.

I love the sausage combined with the sauce to make this hearty.

Chickpeas and Orecchiette Recipe with sausage


3

Low Carb Zucchini Cupcake Quiche

Tuesday, September 13, 2016
This Low Carb Zucchini Cupcake Quiche is the perfect breakfast for summer or those watching carbs and especially if you're on the go!

These crustless breakfast bites are perfect for work or road trips, ,packing in lunches and just a great little snack.

You can use this basic whites of the egg mixture and mix and match just about any vegetables you prefer, however high liquid vegetables need to be patted dry with paper towels before baking.

Another tip is to try to make sure everything is diced smaller and you just add a little of each when using a medley of veggies.

Scroll down to the recipe to print this easy recipe off.



mini zucchini quiche in a cupcake pan


4

Italian Loose Meat Submarine Sandwiches

Monday, September 12, 2016
These are a favorite Italian Loose Meat Submarine Sandwich on toasted hoagie garlic bread smothered in a tasty pizza sauce and topped with melted cheese.

The filling has Italian sausage and ground beef in a delicious quick Italian sauce and an economical fun meal everyone will enjoy.

The pizza sauce can be canned, jarred, or a homemade pizza sauce you prefer.

These submarines are loaded with meat and cheese and will satisfy a hungry crowd.

If you are a fan of the classic sloppy joe versions, you will love our Italian-style loose meat with all the delicious Italian flavors.

All the melted cheese on top of a thick piece of garlic toast slathered with this wonderful meat sauce is made in less than 30 minutes on the stovetop and you can even make this meal in a slow cooker.

If you love easy recipes, garlic bread, and loose meat, this is going to be your go-to recipe and perfect to add to your collection.

Just scroll down to the recipe card to print off a delicious recipes for our Italian Sty;e loose meat recipe!


italian loose meat sausage and beef in a hoagie toasted garlic rolls


0

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Saturday, September 10, 2016
A really easy way to make those mashed potatoes a huge hit.

Loaded with bacon and cheese sure to be a favorite for the bacon cheese lovers.


These are a great addition to any meal

mashed potatoes with bacon, sour cream and cheese making it a loaded mashed potato recipe


2

Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Bars

Friday, September 9, 2016
All you need is a box of chocolate cake mix and a can of pumpkin some cinnamon spice and you're going to have bars or cake squares that are the moistest and more delicious fall Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Bars!

You can even use mashed fresh pumpkin the batter will be super thick add an egg to the mix with a little cinnamon, pour it into a baking pan, and cook to the package instructions.

This Chocolate Pumpkin Spice cake is great plain, with whipped cream or just dusted with powdered sugar, super easy and a chocolate pumpkin cake delight!

Doctored cake mix recipes are the best and with the addition of pumpkin puree, no one will believe it wasn't made from scratch.

The cake isn't overly sweet so if you would like to make a cream cheese frosting it will be quite yummy.

It’s an easy, one-bowl recipe that takes just minutes to whisk together.

There’s plenty of pumpkin pie spice and using a cake mix with loads of chocolate flavor in every bite.

I used the fresh pumpkin puree that I had from last year in the freezer.

Using canned or fresh puree, these came out the moistest most delicious chocolate brownie style bar ever!

I never dreamed that pumpkin and chocolate would be so heavenly in one bar so scroll down to this super simple recipe at the bottom!




these are a chocolate cake bar made with pumpkin and chocolate chips




1

Easy Casserole Pot Pie

Wednesday, September 7, 2016
If you want to see the family eat leftovers quickly, here is the perfect recipe for them.

This pot pie is so easy the kids can help make it.

You can even buy all the ingredients and assemble before leaving the house and just pop it in the oven when you get home.

I have to warn you though, make two it's that good!




this is a pot pie in a casserole dish with peas , carrots, with gravy in a pastry crust baked in a square white corningware dish



8

Kitchen Hacks, Food Tips and More

Thursday, September 1, 2016
Here are more than 30 Food tips to save money on DIY tricks cleaning, preserving fruits and vegetables for a longer period, and cooking tricks.


We even have some cleaning tips since that isn't fun so some of these hacks will help you with making things sparkle easily.


The kitchen is the room of a house that everyone loves to gather in and really another living space that gets a lot of work in.


You spend time with family and friends and enjoy fun times together here.


We will show you how to keep apples fresh for up to 1 year, and how to keep strawberries and other summer berries fresh for up to two weeks!


Whether you’re learning to cook a new dish or suddenly notice a smell in the microwave, it’s nice to have a few hacks up your sleeve.


Try these kitchen tips and hacks that need to be printed and referred to as a reference when needed to make life so much easier!




4

Utica Style Breakfast

Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Amazing what you can do with leftovers. Buttered potatoes, spinach or escarole, ham, peppers and eggs make this the most delicious combinations of flavors and really can be a great breakfast, lunch or dinner. Check out this meat packed meal that everyone in the house will love. Oh and you can add whatever you like I have some other suggestions below.

So don't throw out those leftovers let's get creative!


old fashioned breakfast from my hometown Utica New York with eggs, spinach or escarole, ham, potatoes



2

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Thursday, August 25, 2016


If you are a Jalapeno Popper lover, this is one easy way out.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

2

Banana Spice Cake Mix Recipe

Sunday, August 21, 2016
I always thought bananas need to be utilized more often with this banana spice cake mix cake it's over the top yummy!



If you need to get rid of those ripe bananas you just found the best tasting cake around.



Doesn't need a thing other than a dusting of powdered sugar or better yet cinnamon sugar.



This is the best cake for tea, coffee, or just because you need a sweet pick me up.



I have made delicious Sour Cream Coffee Cupcakes using a cake mix, cookies, and even a Scrumptious Banana Cake Mix Cake that all taste like they were from scratch!



It's so easy I feel guilty calling this a recipe!


Scroll down to the printable recipe card for this delicious recipe.




a swirled bundt cake made with a cake mix and bananas




6

Eggs in a Hole

Monday, August 15, 2016
This Egg in the hole has become the favorite in our homes.


These eggs are cooked in the middle of cutout bread which has a grilled taste and really tasty!


My first time I really thought this tasted like grilled cheese but there's an egg in the middle!


These are the perfect solution to any all in one breakfast and the whole family loves them.


We love fun recipes for the kids like this one and even our Cutout Pancakes, and our Holiday Tea Sandwiches, they just love these recipes.


Scroll down to get these easy printable instructions, tips, and recipes!







This is a famous egg breakfast usually called eggs in a basket,  toad in a hole, egg in a hole, birds in a nest. It is a slice of bread with the middle cut out and a poached egg in the center





2

Spiral Pasta Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Sunday, August 14, 2016
A very cheesy Alfredo recipe! Ricotta, Sour cream, Parmesan and Mozzarella! Not for anyone on a diet that's for sure but indulge in this wonderful comfort food once in a while won't hurt. It really is delicious!

You can make your own alfredo sauce, recipe included below

or use store-bought sauce in a hurry






Pasta Alfredo Casserole Recipe

1 pound of spiral macaroni cooked to package instructions drained
2 - 10-ounce jars store-bought of Alfredo sauce or use recipe below
8 ounces of sour cream
1- 8-ounce container of whole milk Ricotta
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup blended parmesan and romano cheeses
1 1/2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella
1 teaspoon granulated garlic, parsley, oregano 
salt, pepper to taste

In a greased 13x9 pan, add half the pasta and toss with alfredo, sour cream. Stir in the eggs, parmesan romano cheese, half the mozzarella, spices and Ricotta. Stir all together. Add the rest of the mozzarella on top. Bake at 350 until browned and bubbly.

Alfredo Sauce Homemade

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup butter 
1 cup parmesan cheese
salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, granulated garlic, Italian seasoning to taste
4 oz cream cheese

Place this all in a medium size saucepan bring to a boil. Use for this recipe or on your favorite pasta.


1

Bing Cherry Loaf

Saturday, August 13, 2016
One of my favorite fruits of summer is Bing Cherries and this loaf is one of the best cake-style quick bread I ever had.


It's actually hard for me to make this cake when I just about devour every cherry in the bag from the farmers market when in season.


Of course, if you're not a fan of this fruit, you can choose another, peaches diced, apples, berries, or another you like work fine in this versatile batter.


This recipe is a basic butter-style cake-like quick bread that is super moist and addicting, you just can't stop eating it.


You can adapt it any way you like but this is our number 1 favorite summer muffins along with Best Mango Muffins.


Just remember to read the tips and suggestions before getting started to make your perfect summer loaf!


We also love Summer Style Berry Muffins plus my delicious roundup post on The Best Quick Bread and Muffin recipes for you to check out.


The sweetness of the cherries and the tender texture smells fabulous while baking!


Scroll down to the printable recipe card to get this in your ovens today.



this is a delicious tender moist quick bread made with bing cherries and baked in a loaf shaped pan. It is cut open to show all the dark bing cherries inside. This is a sweet cake like quick bread



17

Italian Style Pasta Helper

Friday, August 12, 2016
Italian-style pasta helper is just a basic sauce with sausage and your favorite pasta.

Sometimes we would have a little of this and that kind of pasta leftover dry in a box and mom would make it all at once.

It was actually fun to have so many different shapes in all one dish.

This is a simple pasta dish that I usually make the sauce, freeze it then all I have to do is make the pasta and top with cheese when I get home from work. Easy and looks like I cooked all-day

You can use any kind you like just boil it to package instructions for this one-pan meal.





2

Watermelon Bombe Recipe

Wednesday, August 3, 2016
1

Coconut Caramel Flan

Tuesday, August 2, 2016
An easy Coconut Caramel Flan Recipe and perfect dessert treat that everyone loves.

Flan is so easy and it almost seems magical has it bakes with its own rich caramel with a soft custard.


It's so easy to throw together and actually amazes me when you flip this onto a pie plate how elegant it is and looks a lot harder than what transpires all by itself in the oven!


We love a caramel based custard and my other flans like banana flan, and blueberry flan is a must-try too if you get a chance to make them if you enjoy flan.


This is the easiest flan you'll ever make and delicious, scroll down to the recipe card to print if off.






this is a coconut cream flan custard baked in white ramekin pan





1

Slow Cooker Easy Beef Brisket

Monday, August 1, 2016
Slow Cooker Easy Beef Brisket for me is the easiest cooking method if time is not on your side for those not home all day this recipe is for you and comes out just like your favorite smokehouse.

Brisket is the meat very tough meat if not cooked slow, and of course, the most popular way is to smoke the beef brisket, however, this beef is the perfect solution for a busy cook who loves this Texas-loving barbecued style of beef.

When slowly cooked correctly it will be easy to shred for sandwiches and barbecues and has the best beefy flavor compared to other slow-cooking beef like chuck.

The setting should be on your slow cooker high for 6 to 8 hours to tenderize for the best results in this recipe for the perfect brisket.

We've included in our recipe card homemade simple barbecue sauce, a coffee rub (which is our favorite), and other cooking methods available.

The meat is very tough if you don't cook it slowly, just read all the tips before starting and you will have the best barbecue ever!

This meat tastes great with my coffee rub below or you can make your own rub of whatever you prefer there are plenty of store-bought rubs on the market for smoking beef briskets and other meats.

Other barbecue recipes we love that go great with this meal are
corn on the cob, 15 Beans Cowboy Style, and my Southwest style potato salad

To get started just scroll to the recipe card and print this off, don't forget and read the tips.


this is a slow cooked brisket sliced on a cutting board just out of the slow cooker with juice


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Italian Chocolate Cream Cake

Sunday, July 31, 2016
This is an Italian Cream Cake but this is a chocolate version and not the traditional vanilla cake.

We also love toasted almonds instead of the classic pecans, but you have those options of adapting this how you prefer your flavors!

This is a delicious cake made from scratch with a cream cheese frosting covered in toasted almonds.

We've adapted the vanilla-style version into a chocolaty piece of heaven on a plate!

Scroll through this recipe and read the instructions and gather ingredients.


Italian chocolate cream cake in a 13 x 9 glass baking dish


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Beef Pot Pie Recipe

Saturday, July 30, 2016
This Beef Pot Pie Recipe is pure comfort food.


The recipe is very old and mom made this with leftover pot roast for another meal.


You can use any kind of fresh leftover meat using this basic pot pie recipe..


The pot pie can have any kinds of vegetables you like in it and has layers of pastry crust with a delicious creamy gravy that are the characteristics.


The kids absolutely love this meal when I make it and it can also feed a large family inexpensively.


What's a better way to use up leftover roast beef other than making a beef pot pie for dinner its, the perfect way for repurposing leftovers.


If you love comfort foods, do try our Salisbury Steak Marsala and our Chicken and Dumplings recipes.


Scroll Down to the printable recipe card for this recipe.





this is a homemade beef pot pie with a top and bottom crust







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Plain Stir Fried Easy Rice

Thursday, July 28, 2016
Here is an easy delicious side dish, plain stir fried rice. Asian style. The taste is amazing and it's an easy recipe to make.



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Italian Fried Meatballs

Tuesday, July 26, 2016
One of any Italian home's pride and joy recipes is Italian Meatballs.


This was a tradition in our home every Sunday morning, you would wake up to the smell.


Mom would make meatballs that made your heart sing and thank God every day you were born in an Italian household.


Just like Italian Sunday Traditional Sauce, no two were ever alike in taste.


Mom showed tons of folks how to make them, hers were always the best ever etched in anyone's mind.


Even today after making them over 30 plus years, I still come close but as they say no cigar.


Some have thought they tasted like mom's, but there was something more than ingredients you can't replace her love.


As addicting as this tradition is every Sunday, meatballs are a must make and it's not Sunday morning without them.


Mom's recipe is the best in our eyes, but what makes them the best is her making them, her memory, and the fabulous years we spent with her in the kitchen.


Nothing replaces that, never will plus with modern technology we included air fried, and baked mom in 1940s only fried them that was tradition and we still do.


Here is her recipe below, enjoy what is written down tried and true, but no two again are alike.



Italian fried meatballs golden brown in a glass plate with flora and mutti tomatoes in the background


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Grilled Steak and Chicken Bites

Grilled Steak and Chicken Bites are boneless marinated chicken cubes made on the grill or in the oven baked, perfect for hosting parties or feeding a large family.

By cutting the meat into cubes, the chicken or steak can be served so many ways, on rice, in fajita wraps, topping salads, or used as a shish kabob.

Because chicken and steak have different cooking times, when cooking them all in one pan  an instant-read thermometer will be a good tool to have to ensure the meat is cooked to your preference.

Our recipe is a marinade to ensure the meat is perfectly tender and makes this super easy placing all the ingredients into ziplock bags.

Come rain or shine you will have that delicious backyard grilled or indoor picnic with a delicious meal.

Perfect for gameday appetizers, at-home weddings, showers, baby reveal parties and so much more.

We added some suggestions in our recipe card for skewers and sides for all planning purposes.

Scroll down to the bottom and hit print on the recipe card



chicken kabobs


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Peach Bellini Popsicle Recipe

Monday, July 25, 2016

One of those refreshing drinks that bursts with summer flavors. Peaches are in abundance right now. Make these with or without alcohol for the perfect way to cool off in the warmer weather. If you love Peach Bellini drinks you are in for a treat.



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Creamy Shrimp Tomato Risotto

Friday, July 22, 2016
This Creamy Shrimp Tomato Risotto is packed with creamy herb and garlic tomato flavors.

Topped with some fresh basil and grated cheese is makes the perfect light summer weeknight meal that's all in one pan.

This tomato-based creamy risotto has herbs, spices, and a few vegetables chopped to give this its unique flavors.

During the summer we love this light meal, and of course, if you're not a seafood lover feel free to use any other meat you prefer, steak, lamb, chicken, or even another seafood that will work.

This cream sauce is very basic using cream cheese, tomato puree, tomato paste, and chicken broth, so it's very versatile.

Scroll down to the bottom and there is a printable recipe card with the exact measurements needed.


shrimp topped tomato arborio rice


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Peach Sorbet Recipe

Friday, July 15, 2016
This is a refreshing peach sorbet made with peach puree and simple syrup and super easy and delicious.

If you love slushy ice this one is perfect for using an ice cream machine.

Hand stirred it will be a little icier however if you add a little peach schnapps the liquor will make it freeze softer.



peach sorbet


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Wagon Wheels Chicken Pasta Fazool Recipe

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Wagon wheels are a great childhood memory of a fun pasta to eat. This pasta fagioli is just another version of a great Italian comfort meal. Adding meat makes it a great meal all in one!


Wagon Wheels Chicken Pasta Fazool Recipe


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