Blood Orange Tart

Originating in the Mediterranean area, blood oranges are thought to be a natural hybrid that resulted in an increase in anthocyanin pigments which are red and blue pigments and are considered to be potent anti-oxidents. Blood oranges have become a lot easier to find in recent years than they used to be. They are generally available December-April and can be … Read More

Kolache

A few weeks ago I went to my niece’s graduation from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. We’re originally from Nebraska and a favorite part of going back to visit family is always indulging in the Czechoslovakian pastry known as a kolach. Saline County, Nebraska is home to a large Czech population that immigrated in the late 1800’s. Kolache (plural … Read More

Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts for Hannukah)

Fried foods are a cornerstone of Hannukah celebrations as they represent the oil that miraculously kept the Menorah lit in the temple for 8 days instead of only one. I invited Sharon Sand, a cooking class guest and regular store customer, to join me during Hannukah for Facebook Live to share her recipe for Sufganiyot (Israeli Jelly Donuts) that she … Read More

Red, White and Blueberry Blondies

Fresh Picked Raspberries

Tomorrow is Independence Day and let’s face it…we’ve all had enough of the cakes covered with whipped cream and lined up with berries to mimic the American flag.  Nothing wrong with it, just that it’s nice to do something different. Dying the cake batter…yup, Red Velvet is popular (don’t get me started…not a fan of it) but really, who wants … Read More

The Love of Baking

Devilishly Sinful Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

Chocolate, roses, Champagne, expensive dinners in fancy restaurants…I could keep going on about what people will be doing to celebrate Valentine’s Day today.  Each of these of course makes us feel special and appreciated on any day, not just Valentine’s day.  However I’m willing to bet that deep down in the recesses of our memory, baking somehow plays a part … Read More

Green Tomato Pie

Traditionally this time of year the gardens are either winding down from summer crops or bearing their bounty with fall vegetables like pumpkins, winter squash and other fall produce.  Soon northern areas will be getting their first frosts and tomatoes that haven’t had time to ripen will be lost…or not. Thanks to the popular movie by the same name, most … Read More

Danish Puff Pastry

Danish Puff Pastry

Mom had a cupboard full of cookbooks and those that were regularly used were always up front and stuffed full of little slips of paper.  To me those shelves of cookbooks were full of wonder…reading all kinds of recipes and just imagining what each item might look and taste like was like living in a fantasy world of food.  I … Read More

Concord Grape Pie

I’m starting off with a disclaimer:  If you have been following me for very long, or have taken the time to review the recipes here on the site, you’ll notice that I tend to have a distinct slant toward baking.  I know it might seem like that’s all I do but really…stick with me, I do enjoy other aspects of … Read More

Here’s What’s Shakin’…

We’re Bakin’ Bacon!  You betcha…no fakin’! Ah, bacon…. delicious, glorious, beautiful, crispy, crunchy pork flesh!  Just thinking of it make my mouth begin to water.  The smell of it could drive a dog to get it himself…if only he had thumbs!   The mess it can make when cooking is another story…not so pleasant. If you’re still cooking bacon in a pan on … Read More