holiday
How to Make a Sandcastle Cake {Tutorial}
Oh, the cake! I knew as soon as we decided on a mermaid theme for Trouble’s 4th birthday that a sand castle cake would be perfect. I had seen a few really photos on Pinterest, I just couldn’t find any detailed instructions. Since paying hundreds of dollars for a professionally decorated cake was out of the question, I decided to go with plan B: wing it! I kinda prefer plan B anyways. Let me just start by saying that I am not a professional baker, or even anything close to it, but what I lack in technical skill I make up for with sheer determination. I’m not going to lie, ... read more
Irish Pub Pasties {Recipe}
We have a great little Irish pub in my town called The Celtic Ray, and as St. Patrick’s Day approaches I thought it might be fun to come up with my own interpretation of one of my favorite items on their menu–the Pub Pasty (pronounced PAH-STEE). For those of you not familiar with this yummy little treat, a pasty is a hand-held pie filled with savory meat or vegetables & spices. The traditional pub version is usually dipped in batter, then deep fried. My home version uses ready-made rolled pie crusts which makes them super easy (and a lot less messy!) They were an across-the-board hit with the whole family, ... read more
Overnight French Toast {with Warm Maple Butter Syrup}
I’ve made a version of this amazingly decadent french toast recipe for so many gatherings–and shared it with so many of my friends over the years–that I honestly can’t believe I haven’t posted it here until now. It is absolutely delicious yet super simple to make and practically fool-proof. Best of all, it can be prepared the night before so that all you have to do is crumble on the streusel topping, pop it in the oven, and heat the syrup. It is my number one go-to recipe for any big breakfast or brunch, and we will for sure be adding this one to our Easter Brunch menu this year! ... read more
Cream of Cabbage Soup {Recipe}
It is Worden Farm time for us again which means lots & lots of yummy fresh veggies all season long. This year I opted for on-farm pickup rather than box delivery. I love able to choose, and the girls absolutely adore going out to the farm. It is quite a drive which means we don’t usually make it out there every single week. However, that just means we get double the number of vegetables the following week! If you are not currently part of a local farm co-op, I highly recommend it. (Here in SW Florida, check out the Worden Farm membership options; otherwise check out LocalHarvest.org to find a farm ... read more
Pumpkin Coconut Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Muffins {Recipe}
Sometime last winter I found canned pumpkin on clearance at Walgreeens. It made the perfect “filler” item to complete my multiple transactions, so I stocked up and bought all the cans they had left. I’m so happy fall is finally here so I can start to use it! (I am incapable of eating pumpkin anything at any other time of the year. Is that just me?) These muffins were a breeze to whip up and soooo yummy! If you’re not into coconut or chocolate, you could easily omit one or both and have them taste just as good. Pumpkin Coconut Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Muffins Muffins 1 c. sugar 1 ... read more
Diet Soda Flag Cupcakes {Recipe}
It has been almost two weeks since I started this Weight Watchers® thing, and I can honestly tell you that this is the first diet I have ever tried that hasn’t made me crazy. I don’t feel deprived in the least, it is flexible, easy to stick to, and, best of all, I’ve lost weight. Woo hoo! Every Fourth of July Princess and I make a Flag Cake. I couldn’t bear the thought of giving up our tradition just for the sake of a little diet, but at the same time, even with a diet that has proven easy to stick to, I knew I’d be powerless to resist chocolate cake ... read more
Thanksgiving Recipes, Part 2
After reading through last week’s Thanksgiving recipes you probably either a.) think I’m a crazy person for insisting on making every dish from scratch and have decided to just stick to Stove Top this year, or b.) can’t wait for more! I’ll just assume it is is option “b,” and forge right ahead. (But for those of you who fall in the “a” category, take heart, these recipes are all much less complicated than the last batch!) To see this year’s full Thanksgiving menu, click here, and if you missed the first 3 recipes, click here. To-Die-For Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes I hate to toot my own horn ... read more
Thanksgiving Recipes, Part 1
I had no idea there would be so much interest in my Thanksgiving menu. Over the next week or two I will try to post all of the recipes, but today I am starting with my top 3 favorites: Caramelized Onion Pull-Apart rolls, Twice-Baked sweet potatoes, and Roasted Parmesan Brussels Sprouts. I’m just going to start out by pointing out that none of these recipes could in any way be considered “healthy.” If you are looking for low-fat, low-carb, heart-smart cooking, keep looking. You won’t find that here. But please, I beg of you, don’t scrimp or substitute or try to “lighten” them up. They won’t be as good. They ... read more
Thanksgiving Inspiration
Halloween is only days away, which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I love Thanksgiving! I love to cook and I love to bake, but most of the time I just don’t have time to do it right. Thanksgiving is my excuse to go hog-wild and make everything from scratch, the way I would if I had unlimited hours in the day. I literally spend three days straight in my kitchen cooking up a storm. For most people, Thanksgiving is all about the Turkey. As a vegetarian, for me Thanksgiving is all about the side dishes. My husband takes care of the turkey and homemade gravy (both of which, ... read more
Watermelon Feta Salad {Recipe}
I subscribe to at least 10 magazines. So many that I don’t have time to read them all. I know I should let some of the subscriptions go, but I can’t. I love them. The pretty colors, the pictures, the craft ideas, the home decorating advice. And the recipes. Oh, the recipes! Lately it seems I have had even less time to pore through them, (though I somehow managed to add 3 more subscriptions to my pile), often managing barely a quick page through before they hit the magazine shelf, only to be covered up in a few weeks’ time by another issue I don’t have time to read. Over ... read more
