Air Fried Tacos

These air fryer tacos are a healthier version of a deep-fried taco with all the best flavors.



They are easily made with a flour tortilla, filled, rolled, and air fried.



A low carb easy innovative way to cook in no time.



You can also cut calories by using cooking oils. Air frying still remains, crunchy and tastes great.



Check out this easy recipe for an Air fried taco that similar in taste to a chimichanga made healthily and if you don't have an air fryer no problem, just bake them and the instructions is in the recipe card below!



We love to use this Southwest Bean Filling also in our Air Fried Tacos and make Air Fried Potatoes as a side dish.



Then for dessert try our Air Fried Hand Pies!



A true example of delicious Mexican American food made easy and fast with a few ingredients.



Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe but do take a look at the many suggestions and tips.

17

Holiday Cannoli Mousse

Holiday Cannoli Mousse is elegant to serve and a no-bake fabulous addition to any dessert table all year long!


What's better than a no-bake dessert at Christmas time when you're so busy?


Cannoli Mousse is that wow factor dessert that will give your family, friends that special dessert that you've been looking for.


Look no further, you have the easiest dessert you will ever make and taste like a deconstructed Italian cannoli.


This mousse is so smooth, creamy and just the perfect flavors. I just can't get enough of this dessert.


I made it festive for the holiday table for a festive look and a quick way to have an elegant dessert in no time.
Thank, me later! Your welcome!


Just scroll down to the recipe card and print it off it's that simple if you don't want to read all my wonderful reasons why I love this dessert so much.

21

Grandma's Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies

Grandma's Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies is on every holiday Christmas cookie tray every year without fail.


I think just about everyone in Upstate New York especially in the Utica, New York area, makes these cookies for Christmas and wedding trays.


These chocolate cookies have a sweet chocolate spiced flavor and a perfect fall flavored cookie.


Decorated with a delicious white homemade easy frosting, it adds just the right blanket of snowy feel to bring a feeling of winter comfort to the cookie tray.


Of course being such a popular cookie on an Italian wedding trays and local bakeries, these were referred to as meatball cookies, maybe a little a more familiar name for you.


As most kids back in the 1960s we seem to all have different names for our Italian foods in every household.


You may even have named them something different like frosted chocolate balls, spiced chocolate cookies or maybe just those chocolate chocolate chip cinnamon balls.


These cookies ended up being the most popular for my kids growing up and their favorites.


We also make 24 different kinds every year and still do along with Girl Scout Copycat Cookies and a few other favorite childhood cookies!


It doesn't matter who or what you named these, they are a must make and wonderful memory or my childhood cooking baking days at Christmas time.


This recipe is simple, just scroll down to the recipe card and print it off.

44

Christmas Spinach and Egg Breakfast

It's the most beautiful time of the year. I love making things festive looking and especially the foods we eat. This Christmas spinach and egg breakfast - brunch just shouts with holiday colors and cheer! We love the flavors and you can totally adapt by adding anything else you love with this basic holiday breakfast.

Every year we make something special and usually coordinates the colors to match the Holiday. This year being everyone loves poached eggs, I added the spinach and tomato for color. The cheese just adds an additional awesome flavor to this dish that everyone just goes crazy for.

I really love the buttery taste of the poached eggs on Italian toast with the spinach and tomato. All the flavors go perfect together and easy to makeChristmastas morning is usually so busy with the kids, no one remembers to eat. This usually ends up a brunch. We really celebrate all day long, this is the perfect beginning to start the day.

16

Baked Fish with Roasted Vegetables

Baked Cod with roasted vegetables has always been such a favorite seafood of ours.


The spinach and tomato are a great addition added to flavor the cod.


We prepare it so many ways but this one is the one we make most often and the best part is you can use any kind of fish you really like.


This basic recipe is great with so many kinds of seafood including shellfish.


This seafood meal is topped with a Parmesan crust and a delicious mound of roasted vegetables on top.


Then added toasted bread crumbs on a bed of sauteed spinach makes this simple but so gourmet.


This meal is easy to make and perfect at any time of the year for any seafood lover.


I also give suggestions and substitution ideas if you're not a fish lover or have an allergy to seafood.


It truly is a delightful recipe, scroll down and see why it's tops in our home.

26

Cookie Cutter Pancakes

Cookie Cutter Pancakes are always the perfect treats for all your little Elves and Santa to enjoy!


The young at heart also gets a big kick out of this creative way to serve pancakes and cut out toast for the Holiday Season.


These are great for any occasion like birthday, anniversaries or anything special for breakfast, fun, simple and nothing says I love you more than homemade foods!


The kids love coming up with different shapes from animals to holiday shapes and can even use any squeeze bottle and squeeze the shapes you like.


This is so easy, you don't have to be an artist to make Character shaped pancakes like Micky Mouse or Minnie you just need to decorate the 3 round shapes you make.


Just take a look at the photos.


I used a dollar tree squeeze bottle for ketchup to make the ears and head then just decorated with dried fruits and chocolate chips.


Cutout foods are really personalized, you can find some really cute idea to make the best little treats and keep any day special!


Check out my creative ideas, and remember, they have to be a metal, don't use plastic cookie cutters they will melt!

2

Christmas White Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispies

Here is a favorite Holiday candy-cookie, we make every year.


White chocolate with peanut butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies. Creamy, smooth decadent and a divine confection. Plus the bonus making this, they're a no-bake treat.


Back in the 1970s, we loved a candy called boyer smoothie cups, maybe some of my readers remember them. I was a huge fan of those.


Well, these reminded me of those little candy cups ( just minus the marshmallows) when I first made them back in 2009 they brought me back to that taste of my childhood favorite candy bar.


This year, I decided these clusters needed to be dressed up for the Christmas holiday. These are the perfect addition to our candy or cookie trays.

13

Mom's Frittata

This is a baked frittata with eggs, cheese, and just about anything else you want to throw into the casserole-style breakfast.


Mom's Egg Frittata is one of the best Italian comfort foods. This is a traditional authentic old-world Italian breakfast.



The pepperoni and eggs with potatoes are so delicious anytime and even in a sandwich with toasted Italian bread.



There are so many variations to the recipe, we decided instead of standing in front of the stovetop to make an easier no-fuss version in the oven.



Breakfast, brunch, or just a quick mid-afternoon Sunday dinner, this frittata is an economical way to throw together a fast meal and feed many.



It is so delicious and simple using all in one pan with potatoes, eggs, and meat or baked as a casserole.



The one memory that really stands out for me is holiday time, this was mom's go-to recipe especially on any holiday or weekend we had sleepover company visiting.



If you love breakfast for dinner, try our Buttermilk Pancakes, Breakfast Savory Pork Sausage or Homemade Italian Sausage Patties those are other favorites of ours.



Fritta sometimes had what mom would say everything but the kitchen sink in it and it was a great way to get rid of almost expired meats in the refrigerator, the good old days for sure with memories as a family.



Scroll to the bottom for all my additional suggestions and print off the recipe card.

16

Fried Venison Steaks

Pan-fried Venison steaks taste just like regular beef when prepared right.


My husband is the hunter in the family and it's been a while since he brought deer meat home.


He was lucky enough to have a fellow Utican friend, Kevin, that gave him some venison steaks he had in his freezer to give us.


My husband's dad, (who is also is a hunter and owns land in Rome, New York), also hooked us up with some deer meat.


When I first made venison fried, I just shook them in flour and seasoning, they were good but not over the top great like this recipe.


Then it dawned on me, why aren't I using my coating that I use on regular steaks and chicken.


The only difference for this meat is I dip the steaks into buttermilk, then seasoned flour and in another plate of breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs.


First I marinade the meat and with all the flavors, it was a huge win for these steaks.


What a difference, so juicy and tender, my husband gave them a thumbs-up approval.


This is is almost like making Chicken fried chicken using Venison steak.


If you are looking for the perfect recipe for your deer meat, this is it.


Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the printable recipe.

3

Homemade Fresh Pumpkin Pie

Homemade fresh pumpkin pies are special, very special.


It's not every day I like to spend my entire day preparing for a holiday, but when it's a holiday, it must be done right, at least in our family.


Pumpkin pie is always made from fresh sugar pie pumpkins.


Every year we anticipate the arrival of those fresh little pie pumpkins and can't wait to dive into the best tasting fresh pumpkin made pie along with mom's pie crust.


Sure it's a little work but the end results are fabulous in comparison to store-bought bar none!


It's really not that difficult, getting the pumpkin cooked is the first order of business and I do mine in a slow cooker overnight in water.


I will tell you a little more about that below or just click here.


During the year, I even keep some puree in the freezer so I can make other pumpkins treat like pumpkin zucchini spice bars or oatmeal pumpkin bars that the kids and family just adore!


If you really love other kinds of pie, try my Apple Pie, Cannoli Pie, and delicious Marble Cream Pie.


If you would just like the recipe to this homemade fresh pumpkin pie just scroll down to the recipe card and print it off.

16

Tomato Pie Recipe Upstate New York

All I can remember growing up on Sunday mornings and for events was eating tomato pie at every christening, communion, anniversary, birthday party, and weddings.


We traditionally had a box of tomato pie on Sunday mornings along with fried meatballs and mom's Traditional Pot of Sunday Tomato Sauce was simmering on the stovetop for pasta.


My family and all other Italian families in Upstate Utica New York, always had a box of tomato pie from a local bakery.


Napoli, Devito, Salvatore, the list goes on and on who made Tomato Pie famous in our local home town, and so many delicious bakeries I never even had.


When I moved it became the number 1 priority to remake since it was the single most food I missed besides their awesome haddock fish fry.


What is tomato pie you ask?

There are a few cities in America known for the Best Tomato Pie, many have claims to be the best, and that's totally a matter of opinion because there are so many to choose from in Central N.Y bakeries.


First, you may need to know that tomato pie is not pizza and it's not that southern style quiche-like dish people make in a pie crust, nope nothing like it.


Nowhere is tomato pie celebrated more than in Utica, New York.


This is my mom's recipe version we make from that area and a Utica Style Tomato Pie.


Utica tomato pie is served at room temperature no mozzarella cheese just Pecorino Romano cheese and loads of it.


Our version requires homemade dough, homemade tomato sauce and a few tricks to the trade to get a great pie.


Living here in Florida now, we tried to perfect it until we can get home for a visit and this tomato pie is spot on delicious.


Scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe card.

47

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

If you love Pecan Pie, these easy replica of that pie baked simply into squares will be your new favorite cookie bar!

These are so simple to make with simple pantry ingredients.

They are buttery rich and taste just like your favorite pecan gooey delicious pie.

I love the ease of this recipe making this classic pie into bars.

We make many bar cookies, they sure bake up quick with all the same great taste and half the fuss it takes.

One of my other favorite our Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Squares you may remember that recipe or my Pumpkin Zucchini Bars?

I also absolutely love how easy these pie bars are to serve guests.

You can make a whole variety of bars and everyone can choose what they like and they even freeze well to just take out when needed.

What could be easier?

Scroll down to this easily printable recipe and let's bake a batch together!

7

How to Deep Fry A Turkey with Herb Flavored Injection Recipe

Deep-Fried Turkey, I have to tell you when I saw them pull this bird out of the fryer, all I can think of was the Griswald Family Christmas Turkey from Christmas Vacation movie!


I was so scared with no backup plan!


This turkey was so juicy and delicious I couldn't believe it and what was even more shocking 5 people devoured the whole 12-pound turkey faster than any bird we have ever made!


It was sure easier than expected.


I was so afraid it was going to be dangerous but my husband really made a great plan and it was easy and perfectly cooked.


If you never tried a fried turkey trust me it's time, a little more costly for the oil but so worth the taste.


It's better than chicken wings if you're a big fan of wings!

14

Cranberry Orange Zucchini Muffins

What better way to celebrate the Holiday season than with a fall-flavored Cranberry Zucchini Muffin?

These colorful muffins have a perfect blend of flavors that have such a wonderful taste and smell while baking.

These muffins are super easy to make and sure to please anyone who loves cranberry with a hint of orange zest and spices that really enhances the taste.

47

Meatball Parmesan Pizza Recipe

If we ever have leftover Meatballs which is usually not always the case in our house, this is a great way to make another fantastic meal with those leftovers into a delicious meatball pizza!


We have made submarine sandwiches, added them on top of plain rice and also rice balls!


Honestly, the kids love this pizza and it's a family favorite.


Covered sandwiches and pizza are always the top two on the list of must repurpose when it comes to meatballs.


Starting with homemade long-simmered meatballs in Traditional Sunday Sauce, then making the fresh pizza dough, cheese and meatball topping this become a whole meal in itself!


San Marzano's fresh sauce recipe is included below since this is just a glimpse of a recipe along with my fresh pizza dough!


We never let leftovers go to waste in our home, there is always another plan to recreate another way to use whatever we have into another meal!


If you would like to print off the instructions to this recipe, scroll to the bottom of the page for my recipe card and hit print.

0

Stove top Lamb Stew

Lamb stew is one of my favorites and we all love the series Game of Thrones in our home so we make this as a traditional meal every week.


What's that have to do with Game of Thrones? The foods they eat in that fantasy series is awesome looking.


Their foods consist of varieties of mutton (sheep) stews, goat, wild boar, many fruits like honey melons, pomegranates, plums.


We watch that series religiously every Sunday on HBO and this week I made this lamb stew to feel a little more like that fantasy made up time period.


The series is addicting and our whole family is huge fans of Game of Thrones.


Of course, the series is coming to an end and has been so much just fun, it's such great family time.


The family also loves lamb and coming up with new ideas for me like this one.


This recipe just may be the one we have just about every week until the end of this final season.

1

Best Cowboy Cookies

These are the most popular cookie on the net called Cowboy cookies, but they also have so many other names.


The cowboy cookie, or often even called the everything cookies, has several delicious ingredients in them.


These cookies are an oatmeal base cookie with 3 different kinds of fat for flavor, crunch, and softness.


I have adapted these cowboy cookies to be soft inside and crunchy outside. You can add so many variations and make them your own style.


These cowboy cookies are the best combination of flavors and one of our families all time favorites.


Scroll down to make this yummy recipe.

25

Stovetop Merlot Roasted Chestnuts and Chestnut Stuffing Recipes

Stovetop Merlot Roasted Chestnuts are a soft nut we make around the Christmas holiday.


Back in the late 1980s, Dad and I made up this recipe kind of by accident because of his love of Chianti, which is the original wine used in his recipe.


I preferred a Merlot, and you can use any kind of wine you like.


The story is quite amusing since these became a favorite stovetop chestnut recipe.


The recipe is easy, I even made a quick video clip with tips for doing this on the stovetop.


Original, mom made an X on the top of the chestnuts, put them on a cookie sheet with a pinch of salt and slow roasted them until tender.


There really wasn't much of a recipe, but check out this easy stovetop method and if you love red wine you're in for a real treat along with how perfect these are adding to any kind of stuffing for your holiday turkey dressing.


Of course, I added that chestnut stuffing recipe below for you as well and you can make that with any leftover chestnuts!


Whether you roasted your chestnuts in the oven, microwave them or stovetop method, these are a unique way to make them thanks to my dear dad may he rest in peace.


I hope you enjoy this style of making this old recipe that brings me great memories.


Scroll down to the recipe card for this easy printable method on making Stovetop Merlot Roasted Chestnuts.

0

Antipasto Roll

Antipasto Stromboli Roll is one delicious salad in a roll and the best way to get the family to eat salad!

It's always a chore around here getting the guys on board with eating vegetables, and if it's not full of carbs, well then, it sits there.

So, here is the best of both worlds, salad, bread and everything all in one giant rolled up a delicious filled sandwich.

I really don't know what took me so long to get creative with this idea, but it was a hit and now it's the most asked for Italian stromboli I make.

Perfect for holidays, gameday, any family gathering or something to bring along when invited out to a friend's dinner party.

Appetizer or meal, this can be your next new favorite style pizza roll!

Mom would make her homemade pizza dough and would always come up with brilliant ideas to make something new with the same dough.

We just loved her focaccia, broccoli rabe roll, fried dough and anything she created was heavenly.

Our favorite meat stromboli all wrapped up in one delicious homemade pizza rolled dough!

This stromboli is filled with the same meats and cheeses you would find in an Antipasto Salad.

Psst, they will think it's a healthy alternative but we do know better right?

Well, it's my contribution to getting something green in their systems and some real Italian Style Cuisine!

Stroll down and take a look and stop laughing, it's really all a big joke to them but they're really getting their vegetables here, just hidden!

11

Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, are flavorful and easy to make for Christmas and fall when cranberry season is upon us,


This cookie just shouts fall flavors and with oatmeal a bonus


There is something about fresh cranberries to kick off the cookie baking season that is so festive with color, fall flavors and just how pretty they are.


The white chocolate offsets the tartness of the cranberries perfectly for that perfect bite!


These are a nice addition to make a festive cookie tray throughout the season and Christmas cookies are always a tradition in our home.


This cranberry white chocolate chip oatmeal cookie is in the top 10 most loved!


We love fresh cranberries especially around Thanksgiving and homemade Amaretto cranberry sauce, cranberry muffins and we also love Cranberry Almond Biscotti.


Believe it or not, we have a delicious appetizer using cranberry sauce in a slow cooker for meatball appetizer that's perfect for holiday entertaining!


Scroll down to get the printable recipe for these festive cranberry oatmeal cookies!

29

Half Moon Cookies

Whether you're a fan of chocolate of white half-moon cookies, I have both recipes right here for you.


If you grew up in Utica New York like I did, you sure know what kind of cookies these are, soft, delicious and frosted rounds.


You also know that Utica is famous for Tomato Pie, Italian Greens, Italian Lemon Ice, Pizza Fritta, Chicken Riggies, Manny's Cheesecake, Oscugnizzo Pizza, and Rosato Chocolate Cookies.

If you are looking for a recipe on how to make a copycat half-moon cookie from Upstate New York, you came to the right blog!


Upstate Utica NY is famous for these and where I grew up.


Half Moons or as some other states and areas, refer to them as (Black and Whites), but not as we call them half-moons period, in Upstate Utica, New York.


The origin of the black-and-white cookie in New York City is commonly traced to Glaser's Bake Shop in Yorkville, founded in 1902 by Bavarian immigrants.


Half-moon cookies, however, can be traced to Hemstrought's Bakery in Utica, New York, around 1925.


There isn't one time in my childhood anyone ever called these black and whites, and we still don't.


Sure there is always a debate about something, but I can tell you after over 30 + years of making this cookie recipe, you are going to smile with a cherished memory if you live anywhere near Utica.


These half-moons are fabulous!

27

Half Moon Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

For all of you that know me and read my blog, I am from Upstate Utica, N.Y. We have some of the best bakeries in the world there, at least to me.


These are a semi-homemade Halfmoon and if you have followed me in the past know, I always make mine from scratch.


If you are in a huge hurry and want a quick fix and not a baker then this is the recipe for you.


You can enjoy these in no time at all without running out of time to make special treats like this one.


This recipe will come in handy for all us working folks and moms who just run out of time with making things for school functions, benefits, large parties, and just because they're so good. Did I mention you use a cake mix?


Oh yes and you can make all kinds of flavored cake mixes and also frost them to whatever theme is going on. Fast to be a quick fix and pretty darn good!


Also, use coordinating tinted frostings for the cake mixes you choose to use.


I have to say these are definitely pretty darn good and the kids loved them!


Cake Mix Recipes are fun, we love creating quick recipes from doctored cake mixes like this Dark Fudge Chocolate Cake or Carrot Cake that taste like it was baked from scratch.


I love the spice cake with an orange-tinted cream cheese frosting and a little sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on top, the perfect fall flavors!


Well, I know what you're thinking about a cake mix, so here is the original recipe just in case this isn't your idea of homemade at all.


Do try the original recipes when you have time and as always thanks for visiting me today.

1

Mom's Mushroom Stew Upstate New York Style Recipe

Many years ago mom would make this Mushroom Stew many times during cold wintery snow days


We would pour this fabulous sauce over homemade crusty Italian bread, a vintage old recipe from childhood in Upstate New York.


It was actually a specialty in many local Italian Restaurants there in Utica, New York and still is.


Always a Tuesday special somewhere in good ole Utica also referred to as "Little Italy".


Lucky for us our mom Margaret Ann Fanelli Colenzo was such a great cook we never had to visit those local establishments.


Well to date I still make this even though the recipe now if around 90 years old because she learned from her mom.


Amazing the years that go by we still can remember through home-cooked meals the wonderful memories, aroma's and keep them going generation to generation.


Simple, easy and just plain delicious.


The second recipe is from my late Aunt Mary Di Orio.


I have both recipes in the printable recipe card below, just scroll to the end to print it off.

5

Italian Raspberry Jam Filled Cookies

Italian Raspberry Jam Filled Shortbread Cookie is the most asked for cookies I make around the holiday.

The cookie freezes well to make ahead of time, travel great without crumbling and taste fabulous any time of the day.

Another perfect thing about this cookie is the dough.

You can use a cookie cutter into any shape you like.

These were made to look a lot like Linzer cookies because of the little cutout in the middles.

You can shape them into stars, snowflakes or even as a snowman for the holiday season.

The dough is versatile, any jams will go great, we just happen to love raspberry jam and it's perfect in color for the holiday.

I do keep this one special for my Christmas cookie tray.

It's so festive with a little powdery sugar and reminds me of snow, and really adds a warm holiday spirit to my cookie trays.

Mom and I use to make these shortbreads when I was a little girl and being raspberry, we had tried all kinds of other jams but always came back to raspberry.

I hope your family likes them as much as we do, enjoy this recipe.

Please share the joy of the season with others.

Print this out at the end, a great way to give a cookie tray with the recipe attached for gift giving.

31

Chicken and Potatoes Pizza Style Casserole

Chicken and Potatoes Pizza Style Casserole is one of our favorite all in one pan meal!


If you love pizza, then this easy pizza chicken and potato casserole will be a new family favorite.


It combines all the great tastes of a loaded cheese pizza with adding chicken and potatoes to the mix.


Now it's the most asked for a chicken dish.


If your family loves pizza or even chicken parmesan, this is the best of both worlds.


This chicken is cooked in a rich tomato sauce layered with cheeses, spices, and potatoes.


The bonus is added pepperoni to taste like a pepperoni chicken pizza.


The meal is all in one pan and so easy to make.


This is one of the kids and the whole family will love and ask for again and again.


A family favorite for years that is done in no time.


This recipe is featured in Tuscany School of Cooking and mentioned as one of the Top Italian Food Bloggers, I am very proud of my heritage and thank them for acknowledging this recipe


Scroll down to see this easy recipe, and do tell me how you like it after you try this!

17

Fried Bologna and Caponata

Another one of those childhood memories, fried bologna, and caponata.

Mom would start to make the Caponata fresh from scratch and Dad would fry the Bologna.

There are many versions from many different kinds made of Caponata, we always added bologna too ours.

Every part of Italy seems to make this a little different.

This was the Bari style, where mom's family was from.

Dad was from Rome, not sure who started adding the fried bologna, as that came later, but we loved it.

The Caponata could be served so many different ways after it was cooked, over pasta, in the best hot crusty Italian Ciabatta bread or even with rice.

Mom worked at a local supermarket and sometimes would bring home their bread. It was always so funny to see Dad's face.

Dad would always check the inside of the bread and pull out a piece from the middle and if he could roll it in a ball.

Then he would say "this isn't cooked it doughy" and off he'd walk to get us another loaf fresh, from a local bakery.

The filling if amazing but the bread makes even a better sandwich.

13

Apples,Tips Facts and Recipe

17

Fried Cauliflower

This fried cauliflower, and a huge favorite appetizer in our Italian family. The herbs, spices in this batter compliments the cauliflower perfectly.

It has a nice crisp crunch on the outside and soft fried cauliflower inside. These appetizers taste great plain or dipped in your favorite sauces.

Growing up in East Utica, New York, my mom made these often for an appetizer before a big Holiday Italian meal.

Now, I carry on that same tradition with my family.

I think of my mom and dad often in the kitchen and the foods we grew up on and keeps them alive in the kitchen. This is a favorite appetizer of mine now but not so much as a kid.

This little appetizer is just perfect for the Holiday season, I always make them on Thanksgiving and around Christmas time. That's when most of the family gets together for a big meal.

But now, everyone loved them so much, we make them all year round!

These really are addicting!

If you want an appetizer that will fly off the plates, this is it!

Scroll down to see this easy cauliflower recipe, it's perfect with any meal.

19

Apple Cake Cups

These apple cake cups are a great little dessert made in cupcake tins.

The cake batter is all homemade from scratch and the apple topping can be made fresh or using pie filling.

The cake is much like a homemade pound cake and delicious in texture and flavor.

These little gems are the perfect fall treat when you're an apple lover. It was mom's favorite "go-to" recipe, in apple season.

This apple cake cup recipe is over 100 years old and been in our family for a very long time.

We grew up with orchards in Upstate New York and apples were plentiful.

I love this recipe and wanted to share mom's recipe with my readers and hope you enjoy it as much as we have through the years.

They are perfect for one person, parties, a family gets together or when unexpected arrives and you need a quick delicious and decadent apple dessert.

These little apple cups are the perfect quick dessert because they are individual treats that can be frozen and thawed in no time.

With a pretty garnish of whipped cream or ice cream, they turn into pretty ending to your fine meal.

Check out all my tips before you scroll down to the recipe.

19

Best Ever Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Well, of course, you already know these two are a perfect combination of flavors for these Best Ever Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.


These buttery cookies are so addicting.


They have a delicious peanut butter buttery crunch to them and better than any kind of cookie I have ever made.


The texture is just perfect.

When warm, biting into those gooey melted chocolate chips are fabulous.


Come see why these Best Ever Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the best! Try this recipe you will love it!


Everyone knows peanut butter and chocolate are the perfect matches, scroll down for this deliciously easy recipe.

24

Easy Eggnog Cake Using A Cake Mix

Making this semi-homemade Eggnog cake is so easy!

Starting with a mix and fooling everyone it was made from scratch what can be easier?

Really just the title of Eggnog Cake shouts Holiday!

Who has time to bake from scratch? Not me, working 12 hour days or more.

If you're a busy homemaker that works from home with kids, a job or outside the home this recipe is the perfect delicious holiday cake.

Even if you don't decorate it, this cake tastes marvelous!

I love it with powdered sugar or a creamy buttercream rum frosting with eggnog in it!

This eggnog cake taste great plain or frosted and just shouts Holiday!

If you want my Dad's recipe for eggnog click here or grandma's eggnog bread pudding click here.

You're going to get lots of compliments on this one for sure!


Scroll down to the recipe card to print this off and pin it for later when you need a great recipe like this one!

0

Biscuit Mix Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls are the best smell baking in the morning.


I am not one to take all day baking, this is a great alternative for a quick cinnamon roll fix if you're a fan of them.


These are delicate biscuits made using a mix and done in around 20 minutes!


I love biscuit cinnamon rolls with or without cream cheese frosting.


The smells of them cooking just make me think of fall and cooler weather.


These a quick alternative to cinnamon rolls in a biscuit.


You can make them in a short time with a great old fashioned flavor. We love these rolls with coffee or tea.

17

Creamy Potato and Ham Soup

If you love creamy style potato soup, you will love this easy, quick creamy potato and ham soup! Using leftover ham or even a ham bone, is a great flavor enhancer.


I love repurposing leftovers and this ham made the tastiest potato soup I ever had.


The creaminess and rich thick broth are super easy to accomplish without all the added calories.


If you are looking for an economical recipe that will feed a crowd, this is it and so tasty too!


Don't miss trying this packed with flavor soup, it's comforting all year long and freezes well also.


Scroll down to see this fabulous recipe you can eat guilt-free all year long.


A simple soup anyone can make.

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Homemade Ravioli Pasta Dough

A basic pasta dough recipe and traditional homemade Ricotta filled dough, a family favorite.


We used to traditionally have these only for Holidays or special occasions.


A family favorite that has been handed down from generation to generation.


Easy to make, a little time consuming but so very worth the efforts!


Sometimes store-bought ravioli will do.


But the real deal is to make this soft pillow-like filled pasta, homemade.


Tender pasta filled with fabulous flavored cheese inside topped with Traditional Italian Sunday Sauce.

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Keto Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Keto Cauliflower mashed potatoes is definitely a delicious way to make cauliflower healthier and an underused vegetable.

These mashed potato low carb keto style mashed potatoes are made simply with cauliflower and delicious. I love my potatoes a little lumpy so I do leave them chunky.


These are easy to smash into a smooth puree using a ricer or just leave them chunky. I added a few carrots which are optional just for color


The buttery rich taste of this creamy cauliflower dish is astounding in flavors. I just love the little added garlic that makes them over the top perfect with any meal. The best part about here?



They're low carb, keto and diabetic friendly. A side dish winner for sure!

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How To Cut Whole Chicken Wings and Wing Recipes

Cutting your own Whole Chicken Wings is easy and simple tasks.


You can make many more wings much more inexpensive than buying them cut up already.


Buy whole wings, see how easy in the video they are to cut up, then fry and make the best hot wings or just the best Southern fried wings you've ever had!


If you don't like them coated with flour and plain, just cut and deep fry, air fry or pan fry.


You can also grill, smoke or bake them!


Whichever way you cook them, homemade wings are 100 times better than any restaurant can make.


These are so easy to do, you will wonder why you spent all that extra money.


Just watch the video and voila, easy peasy.


Now let's make some great wings together, scroll down for the recipe I use and check out my other Chicken Wings and Dipping Sauce Recipes.

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Coconut Cream Poke Cake

This is a coconut cream poke cake made from scratch.


The cake batter is homemade, a cream-filled moist cake with coconut cream pudding inside.


Then the topping is freshly whipped cream with toasted coconut.


Now isn't that a coconut lovers dream cake?


It really is a simple cake to make with all the fresh ingredients that you have in the pantry.


A decadent and rich creamy smooth tropical tasting filling coconut cake, that will bring you to a fun warm place in the sun while you imagine eating this.


Just scroll down to the recipe card to print this easy dreamy delicious coconut cream poke cake.

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Baked Egg Cupcakes

Baked Egg Cupcakes are the perfect solution when you just don't know what everyone likes for breakfast that is a surprise guest for the weekend! Who doesn't like melted cheese with eggs in a flaky crust baked to perfection?

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Best Potato Side Dishes

This is a collection of the best potato side dishes.


They really are my family's all-time favorite potato recipes.


We love potatoes any way you cook them, but these are the ones that are the most asked for in our family and picnic events.


If you are a spud lover, there is something here for everyone.


Cheesy, plain or roasted potatoes and all bursting with delicious homemade flavors. They are all simple recipes and
that the whole family can enjoy!


Whether you love them mashed, fried, baked or boiled, potatoes are always the best bet when it comes to a side dish!



We love all kinds of potatoes. Casseroles are fun to make and easy to serve. Some of the best potatoes are with cheese don't you agree?



You may find more than one of these you will love. Scroll to the end you will see some links to others you may like in links as well. I hope you enjoy my gallery of potato side dishes!

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Red White and Blue Recipe Roundup

Trying to find some festive Patriotic recipe ideas for Memorial Day or the 4th of July?


Here is a great roundup of Red White and Blue Patriotic ways to wow your guests.


From savory to sweet, you will have a fun-filled Patriotic, flag-themed celebration for all your friends and family.


Every year we plan a large festive party at our home for the 4th of July.


Both my grown sons and their families join in by bringing all the fireworks.


I try and make a few new recipes every year that are festive in color to brighten the holiday tables.


This roundup is my go to article every year when I am looking for colorful creative foods!


My favorite is the flag dip and flag cheese pie for a great Red, White, and Blue Patriotic look.


I also coordinate the tablecloths, dishes and other party items to keep the theme in the spirit of this great Holiday.


I sure hope you all find something fun to make here in this delicious roundup of Red, White, and Blue themed fun and creative foods, Patriotic snacks, and Patriotic desserts.


Red, White and Blue American Patriotic parties are easy to do with some of these great party fun ideas for the 4th of July or Memorial Day.


If you're looking for festive ideas, you hit the jackpot here.


These Red, White and Blue recipes are sure to be a hit at any barbecue or backyard event!


Scroll down and check out all our favorite recipes that will wow everyone no matter how patriotic they are!


Have a safe and wonderful Holiday.

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Mini Pizza Zucchini Appetizers

Mini pizza zucchini appetizers are the perfect little bites when you are craving pizza for the healthiest alternative!

These are a delicious quick easy appetizer with a cheesy tomato sauce on top. They are the perfect starter appetizer to your meal or just a great little snack. They are just like eating a pizza without the crust all in one bite. A great little low-calorie pizza craving zucchini bite perfect for any dieter!

Let's face it, dieting is usually a chore and boring, these will satisfy your craving for pizza, you can add meat, leave it plain, use low calorie fat free substitutions.

Get creative the skys the limit. Just make these little zucchini pizza bites how you would top a pizza crust and enjoy the flavors!

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Avocado Black Bean and Corn Salad

Avocado, Black Bean and Corn Salad is a gluten free vegan recipe that is bursting with fresh and colorful flavors!
This is a delicious side dish that goes great at any picnic. It keeps great prepared even the day before and adding the dressing just before serving.
This is perfect for all in one bowl side dish for your family picnic, events and holiday get together's.

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Baked Barbecued Chicken

Here's what you do when your party gets rained out! Baked barbecued chicken is the way to go.


It will save the day and everyone will swoon over this tender chicken.


You can't predict the weather so keep this recipe handy and print it off.


Don't let your party get ruined at the last minute.


This recipe for barbecue sauce is homemade and easy to make.


I just line a large pan with parchment paper for the chicken for easy cleanup, this recipe is the perfect solution to a ruined picnic.


Let's make your indoor picnic a smash hit for everyone to remember with this baked chicken.


Add some corn on the cob baked in foil, baked potatoes and you will save the day with a great meal!

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Garlic Parmesan Burgers with Creamy Lemon Spinach Sauce

Here is a gourmet Garlic Parmesan Burger with a creamy lemon spinach sauce over the top just bursting with flavors!


If you're a spinach lover and love a good lemony cream sauce, you will love this burger.


My favorite part is the smoky flavored burger, a little heat from the radishes


Then with this creamy buttery delicious sauce that has with wilted fresh spinach on top, makes it over the top gourmet in every way.


It really is out of this world delicious!

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Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Herbs and Peppers

This Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Herbs and Peppers is a favorite baked chicken recipe that's bursting with flavor.


I love that it's crisp and baked in the oven.


The breadcrumbs are a tasty coating.


This chicken stays moist and is so tender baked and certainly healthier than fried with all the same great taste.


We love using chicken thighs in many recipes but this is one of the family favorites.

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Pizza Dough Recipes

Pizza is one of my favorite foods, and Italian pizza dough is the only thing we use to make ours.



There are so many versions to make and ways to prepare it but using my Authentic Pizza Sauce is a must!



Pizza has styles, different tomato sauces, some are made with a rich garlic sauce called white pizza.



Margherita Pizza style pizza has just slices of tomatoes fresh basil and cheese.



The list goes on and there are so many topping variations to choose from.



Pizza is pure Italian comfort food at it's finest.



Create your own pizza on the flavors you like the best.



Remember recipes are basic to each Region in Italy, many are totally different.



Enjoy this delicious pizza dough recipe, there is nothing like fresh pizza dough and also try some of my hometown Utica, New York Style Recipes below!



Tomato Pie,Italian Greens Italian Lemon Ice,Pizza Fritta,Chicken Riggies,Manny's Cheesecake,Oscugnizzo Pizza,Pustiesand Rosato Chocolate Cookies.



Stroll down to the end to see two recipes that we love the most.

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Easy Baked Banana Apple Pancake

These easy baked banana apple pancakes are the solution to not stand over a stovetop all morning for any reason!


I love them with a little sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.


But there are so many ways to create your families favorite!


Just get creative and pick up a few ingredients and you can make everyone in your home happy with their favorite style pancake breakfast!


The pancakes that are baked in an oven and can be personalized to each individual person.


You can even set up a breakfast station with fruits, purees, whipped cream, jams, chocolate chips, nuts and even ice cream toppings for garnishing.


The kids love these and so do adults that want to make their favorite flavored pancakes they like.


It's perfect for entertaining guests staying for the weekend of sleepovers with the kid's friends, they all love this idea and my biscuit cinnamon rolls are another one to try.


I love baked breakfast recipes, you may remember my baked egg cupcakes?


Summers are supposed to be fun and adventurous and cooking can be a chore and time-consuming.


If you want an easy recipe, this is it and meat lovers you can add cooked meats on top!


Maybe you would like to try my Breakfast Homemade Pork Sausage Recipe?


These easy baked pancakes will be your new favorite summer recipe and will free up your time for more fun in the sun.


Scroll down for the recipe and check out the many tip suggestions below

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Lady Finger Lemon Dessert

I made this special Lady Finger Lemon Dessert for a family gathering on Memorial Day Weekend.


I wanted something special. This Lady Finger Lemon Dessert was worth a little extra time to make a special treat for the family.


We all live a distance between us, this was the perfect way to celebrate together with a special yummy dessert.


These Patriotic colors are great not only for Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veterans Day and Labor Day, but you can also switch up the colors of fruits on top to make it festive for any holiday event.


At Christmas time I love to make this green and red cherries on top and those go great with lemon also!


This dessert is a real show stopper and impressive, you're not going to believe how easy it is to make!


Take a look at the simple instructions on how to create this beautiful treat for your special family holiday and any occasion.

15

3 Ingredient Keto Peanut Butter Cookies

These 3 ingredient keto peanut butter cookies are fabulous! Easy to make and perfect if you are watching carbs, they are simple and delicious to make! Everyone loves this healthier version peanut butter cookie. Sugar free never tasted so good!

23

Pizookie Macadamia Cookie Ice Cream Sundae Dessert

If you want a dreamy dessert that's famous in a National Chain restaurant you have found pizooki.

The idea of the giant cookie pizza that originated in BJ's, this BJ's Pizookie Copycat recipe uses my favorite cookie dough to make a pizza with made into a super delicious sundae.


This is the best ever when it comes to cookies and cream desserts!


One of my favorite warm cookies out of the oven and is the macadamia nut cookie, you can also make a batch of chocolate chips or cowboy cookies and even chocolate chip peanut butter cookies for this recipe dessert.


Then they're topped with ice cream and hot fudge, over the top. The most decadent dessert I have ever eaten. It's fabulous!


Pizooki is the hybrid term for pizza - cookie found in popular restaurants.

16

Oven Smoked Pulled Pork

This Oven Smoked Pulled Pork is the perfect solution when you want a smoked flavored pulled pork without a smoker.


This pork shreds perfectly after oven slow-roasted and pulls apart easily.


The smoked flavor is just subtle enough and not overpowering.


I also give instructions on other cooking methods for slow cooking and using a real smoker.


I was extremely pleased how easy this was with using an outside smoker and got such delicious results!


I had never used liquid smoke before and when I tried this recipe, I fooled everyone.


The pork tasted like it was roasted in a smoker for hours.


Great for sandwiches, just shredded with barbecue and garlic bread and even the leftovers were delicious.


Scroll down for this easy recipe.

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