Recipes
Enjoy food and drink recipes that I reference on the ‘Entertaining’ page as well as favorites that have been passed onto me from family and friends or recipes that I’ve created. If you have suggestions on how to improve recipes or want me to share any on this site please let me know!
Scrumptious Pumpkin Bread
This is my mom’s recipe for pumpkin bread and it is sooo delicious. The recipe makes 2 loaves. What you’ll need: 1 stick butter, room temp 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 1/2 cup water 2 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/3 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1/3 tsp clove 1 1/2 tsp ginger 1 1/2 cup canned pumpkin Steps to prepare: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Grease 2 loaf pans and coat with a dusting of flour 3. Mix the butter and sugar together first, then add the rest of the ingredients 4. Bake for 45-55...
read moreHow I Make a Turkey and Gravy
I think making a turkey is one of the easiest things to do. Once it’s in the oven there isn’t much left to prepare (except sides) and clean up is a breeze. There are tons of different ways to prepare a turkey, but this is how I do it and have always had great results. Here are a few pointers on turkey making: Figure 1- 1.5 pounds of bird per person (leftover turkey is never a bad thing to have and you don’t want to run short) Make sure your bird is completely defrosted before cooking. I like to leave it in the...
read moreTop that tater
Here is a super easy way to make homemade potato topping without all the fat: One 16 ounce container of light or fat free sour cream 1/4 cup of freshly chopped chives 1/2 tsp garlic salt 1/2 tsp onion powder Pepper and salt to taste Mix it all together and enjoy! If you don’t want as much of the garlic/onion taste use 1/4 tsp of...
read moreHow to Make Cake Ball Pops!
I didn’t really get what the point of cake pops were at first. I thought ‘eat a piece of cake if you want cake’. After giving them a go I now see the fun in making them…and they are pretty dang good! They’re a cute way to jazz up a table, to pass out as party favors, sell at charities, etc. What you’ll need: A box of cake mix (and the necessary components to bake a cake…eggs, oil, etc) or make a scratch cake A can of frosting Candy coating, chocolate bark, etc Lollipop sticks (if you make this...
read more5 Ways to Make Caprese Salad
I love the simple flavors of a caprese salad….basil, fresh mozzarella, and tomato. Purchasing fresh ingredients is the only way to go. If you have space to grow your own basil and tomato plant, even better. Even if you don’t have a yard you can grow these in pots. I also add a dash of kosher salt and drizzle balsamic glaze (I like the brand Blaze) to really give a punch of flavor. 1. Caprese on a Stick: Spear cherry tomatoes, fresh mini mozzareall balls, and basil leaves on toothpicks to serve as an easy appetizer Serve in...
read moreSweet-N-Tangy Salsa….aka Texas Caviar
This salsa is always a hit whenever I have parties. It’s easy to make ahead of time (much easier now that I have the Vidalia Chopper) and is so colorful! You’ll need: 1 can of pinto beans, drained 1 can of blackeyed peas, drained 1 can of shoepeg corn 1 jalepeno 1 red onion 1 green pepper 1 red pepper 1 yellow pepper 1 orange pepper 1/4 cup oil (original recipe is 1/2 cup, but I don’t think that much is necessary) 1 tsp black pepper 1 cup sugar (I used baking Splenda to save on calories) 3/4 cup cider vinegar 1. Chop...
read moreBaked Brie with Kahlua & Pecans
I don’t think I’ve seen anyone eat this and not fall in love….it is sooo delicious. I first ate this mouth watering appetizer at a friend’s place years ago (thanks Mrs. Taylor!) and have been making it ever since. There are few ingredients, it’s quick & easy to make, and have I mentioned it’s delicious? What you’ll need: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed 1 medium wheel of brie or 1/2 a large wheel 1 cup Kahlua or any coffee liquor 1 cup brown sugar – not packed 1 cup chopped pecans 1. ...
read moreHoly Great Guacamole
This is such an easy and delicious recipe…I’m talking 5 minutes prep time. Guacamole is full of healthy fats and makes a colorful addition to your table. Tis the season for margaritas & chips and guac! What you’ll need: 3 ripe avocados (if they aren’t ripe enough by the time you need to use them, you can microwave them for a little bit to soften them) 2 ripe roma tomatoes, without the juice and seeds, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp kosher salt 1/2 lime, for the juice Mince the garlic Finely...
read moreEasy Low-fat Potato Salad
What goes with a gazzillion spring and summer meals?….wow, good guess! Below is my mom’s recipe for potato salad: easy, classic, delightful. I’ve added the step of making it ‘Stained Glass Potato Salad’, so you can ignore the coloring of the eggs if you want it to look traditional. Enjoy! What you’ll need: one dozen eggs, hardboiled and peeled 9-10 medium sized potatoes 2 cups Miracle Whip (I use Light and it turns out great) 1 tablespoon dijon mustard (or 2 tsp yellow) Food coloring (if you want...
read moreProscuitto, Fig, and Cheese Pinwheel Appetizer
This is one of the favorite recipes that I created. They’re easy to make, there aren’t many ingredients, and everyone who tries these gooey sweet-n-salty delights loves them! 15 minutes prep time, 20 minutes cook time. Makes about 16. What you’ll need: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed 1/2 cup softened cream cheese (I like to use whipped) 1/3 cup fig preserves 1 package (4 ounces) proscuitto 1 1/2 cups parmesan (using a mix of parmesan and mozzarella is good too) Directions: Preheat oven to 420 degrees Roll or spread...
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