Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions? It’s my mom’s birthday, so we always go out to breakfast for Christmas Eve morning. And then it has stared to become a tradition to all get together for cake that night, followed by going to see the city light display where my parents live. And this year, I just may have to add in having this Hot Buttered Spiced Cider ready for when we get home from the lights. Indulgent? Yes, but it is the holiday season! If you think the butter part is strange, you can definitely leave it out for a delicious spiced cider, but the butter does add a richness that you don’t get otherwise. But either way, it is a great way to warm up – especially if you drink it with family!

Continue reading “recipe: hot buttered spiced cider” »

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You know that winter is truly setting in when you are watching the weather and the high is in the 30s.  (Brrrrr!!)  There’s really nothing to do but to bunker down inside, cuddle up in a warm blanket, and enjoy a dinner of warm soup and, of course, a warm sandwich to go along side that soup!

Continue reading “recipe: deluxe grilled cheese with bacon” »

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One of my favorite holiday flavors is peppermint.  Unfortunately, my husband is not a peppermint fan, so I don’t usually make a lot of peppermint flavored treats.  But I guess one good thing about having a husband that is working away from home is that you get to make all of your favorites that you wouldn’t normally make!!

I’m a year-round ice cream girl, no matter what the temperature is outside!  So I thought I’d combine some of my favorite flavors and put them over ice cream.  This would be a perfect dessert for a family get together or a festive party.  This is a great way to celebrate the season!

Continue reading “recipe: marshmallow peppermint sauce” »

Posted in Deborah, Holidays, Recipes | 37 Comments »

I am so late to the party on this one.

Years ago, back when I first started blogging, a recipe spread like wildfire over just about every food blog. This recipe was for No-Knead Bread. Everyone was talking about it. Everyone was making it. But somehow, it has taken me this long to actually get my act together and make this recipe.

I don’t know why I waited so long. This is seriously so easy. Even if you are afraid of yeast, this is one that just about anyone can handle. And it takes very little hands on time, which is what we all need right now, with the craziness of the holidays all around us.

So if you are looking for a fresh loaf of bread to grace your dinner table on one of these crazy nights, give this No-Knead Bread a try. Trust me – you don’t want to wait years to try it out like I did!!

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The big day is tomorrow.  Are you ready?  What are you most excited for?  The turkey?  The side dishes?  The desserts?

Or how about the leftovers!?!

Continue reading “recipe: sweet & spicy turkey quesadillas” »

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As much as I love all of the summer produce, I get excited when it’s time to break out the recipes for winter squash as well.  Winter squash are the squash that start to show at markets and grocery stores at the end of the summer, and then through the fall and winter.  They have thicker, tougher skins than summer squash such as zucchini and crookneck squash.  Winter squash is almost always cooked, whether it is by roasting, steaming or even microwaving.   I almost always have a squash or two sitting on my counter during the fall and winter months, and I love that they are so versitile.  From appetizers to main dishes to even dessert, these squashes can be used in almost anything! Continue reading “fyi: winter squash” »

Posted in Deborah, FYI, Seasonal | 2 Comments »

Photo Credit – The Girl Who Ate Everything

Can you believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner? If you are like me, you are desperately trying to decide what you are going to make, and what you want to try new this year.

Continue reading “celebrate: Thanksgiving (with rolls!)” »

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Did you know that today is National Deviled Egg Day? I was watching an episode of Rachael Ray’s talk show yesterday, and she mentioned the holiday. I couldn’t let the day pass without some sort of celebration, because I absolutely love deviled eggs!!

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Have you ever had a recipe ask for chipotle peppers in adobo, so you buy a can and open it up and not know what to do with it?  I know I was pretty lost when I first started using these peppers.  But if you like a little bit of smoky heat, this is an ingredient that you want to be familiar with!

Continue reading “fyi: chipotle in adobo” »

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I read a lot of different blog posts every day.  I’m constantly amazed by the genius ideas that some people come up with.  I often wish I was as creative as many of them!!  And every once in awhile, I come across an idea that makes me run right into the kitchen, searching to see if I have the ingredients to make it.  This is one such recipe.

Continue reading “recipe: breakfast meatballs” »

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