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New York Style Cheesecake
If it were up to me, I probably wouldn’t post this recipe. I’ve made it twice now, and truth be told, I just didn’t like it that much. But I’m pretty sure it was just me. My family loved it. They all looked at me like I was nuts and rolled their eyes (as they always do when they think I’m just been too critical of my treats) when I told them I didn’t love it. My husband, who doesn’t like cheesecake all that much…
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Mini Apple Crumb Sundaes
I’m not sure that ANYTHING screams summertime dessert more than apple pie. But even more, apple pie with ice cream? Not much better than that. And while I love a good pie, they can really be a major undertaking – from the crust to the filling to crossing your fingers that they set up like they’re supposed to – that’s a lot of dessert-stress that sometimes I just don’t want to deal with. I hosted my extended family gathering for the 4th of July this…
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Tiny Chocolate Tortes
Ok, so I have a confession to make. While cleaning up after hosting brunch this morning for Mother’s Day, I may have picked up one of these babies with my bare hands, plopped a big helping of fresh whipped cream on top and shoved almost the whole thing in my mouth. It took less than ten seconds, but it was undoubtedly ten of the best seconds of my life. These are fantastic. You should probably drop everything you’re doing and go make these, right now.…
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Maple Bacon Biscuits
I like to tell people that I don’t really like bacon. If we’re being honest thought, that’s really only half true. I DO like bacon, but I do NOT like chewy, gummy bacon. I like it verrrrrrry crispy. Otherwise, forget it. Know what else I like? Biscuits. So, you know -might was well combine them, right? Because then, you can put a nice fried egg and some cheese in the middle of it, and you’ll die and go to crispy bacon heaven. Every Sunday, we…
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Amazing Brownies
I’m sure that I’ve mentioned my Mom’s cooking habits on this blog before. (Sorry, Mom, but I have to go here. It’s the only way they’ll understand me.) So, let me paint a picture of my Mom for you. First of all, she’s tiny. She’s stubborn. She is not afraid of anyone, she and my Dad raised five (awesome) kids while working full time, and this woman does what she wants. Period. She also ends a lot of her sentences with “period.” She also happens…
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Red Velvet Truffle Brownies
So, it’s almost time to start thinking about Thanksgiving dinner, right? Almost time to start planning our meals, which stretchy pants we’re going to wear, and how to make it from point A to point B in under an hour and eat a full meal at both places without offending either party. Right? Yes. But first, before I can even go THERE, I have an eight year old’s birthday party to plan and execute. A Teen Beach Movie birthday party, at that. Because you know, it’s…
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Jalapeno Popper Fillo Bites
Game Day! Doesn’t it seem like every day this time of year is spent prepping for, planning for, looking forward to or participating in some sort of game day? Whether it’s your kids, your favorite team (Go Royals!) or just an excuse for a social gathering, there is just always something going on. If you happen to be hosting or attending a game-day gathering soon, this recipe MUST be on your radar! I’ve raved before about Athens Mini Fillo Shells. They really are lifesavers! I…
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A Beach Birthday Party
Well, I survived. I survived my first party since I’ve gone back to work in an office environment, and it was a success. Now, I didn’t cook – it was catered, I just did the baking, and I had a little help from the candy aisle at the grocery store, but somehow I pulled off a cute little beach party in the middle of November and lived to talk about it. My Madeline turned eight years old this week, and as much work as it…
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Summer Sauvignon Blanc White Wine Party
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. I am fortunate to have a small, tight-knit circle of girlfriends. Our friendship has grown over the past 15 years, starting as co-workers and continuing even after everyone has gone their separate ways to new jobs. They’re the kind of friends that get your inside jokes, but we can also go a few weeks without talking and pick up just where we left off. Good,…
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Easy Cherry Turnovers
Ok, you caught me. As you know, I’m usually a pretty big advocate for home cooking with organic and non-processed ingredients. But sometimes, I make exceptions. I know, you can buy these in a convenient little box, straight from your grocery store. You can assemble, bake and eat them in under 30 minutes, but my version is just a little bit better.
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Hot Corn Dip
Who doesn’t love a good dip, right? In fact, I’m getting to the stage in my life when a good dip (or lack thereof) can make or break a good party. Now, exactly what that says about me is not the issue right now, but what I know for 100% sure is that this dip is yum. o. I’ve had Trisha Yearwood’s Home Cooking cookbook for a couple of years, and I have to tell you that I had some serious doubts about her back…
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A Pantry Makeover Part 3: Glidden Paint
When we built our house just over five years ago, I was so overwhelmed with decisions that I just took the easy road when it came to our paint colors. With the exception of my daughter’s room, I went all-out subdivision beige. I just couldn’t make another decision. Floors, appliances, windows, furniture, lighting, faucets…I couldn’t do it. So, subdivision beige it was. Over the years, we’ve slowly been updating rooms to fit our taste and decor style. It’s been a slow, arduous process and I…
