• Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

    This is officially my favorite cupcake ever.  If you’ve been reading Lemon Sugar for a while, you realize how strong this statement actually is…I’ve made a LOT of cupcakes in recent years.  There are a lot of contenders for the top spot, but I’m pretty sure that these just knocked the Fauxstess Cupcakes down a notch. Clearly, I love a good lemon cake, but something about this one – this combination of flavors – it’s just over the top perfection.   The cake is SO…

  • Kitchen Sink Blondies

    Have you ever witnessed something really, really mean?  Like, something that you can’t even believe that you just witnessed?  I overheard a conversation the other day that just left me flabbergasted.  Obviously I wasn’t meant to overhear the conversation because they were mostly whispering, but I did. It bothered me.  And here I am, way after the fact, and it’s still bothering me.  They were whispering, laughing, plotting and making fun. It was like watching a bunch of bullies in action.  Adult bullies.  It was…

  • Apple Pie

    I’ve mentioned before that I was practically raised on pie.  Every holiday (and sometimes just Sunday Dinner) during my childhood involved at least two pies, but more like five or six, of every variety you could possibly dream of.  My favorite summertime pie is apple…mmm…warm apple pie with cold vanilla ice cream.  Heaven on a plate! My mom makes the best apple pie I’ve ever had, but when I ask her how she makes it she says, “Oh, you know, a little of this, a little of that.” …

  • Is It Summer Yet?

    Sometimes, when it rains, it pours.  Sometimes, when it pours, it doesn’t stop.  Even if you’re hosting a barbecue for your family.  Even when the linens are pressed, groceries are bought, cupcakes are made and the twinkle lights are hung. We have had an unseasonably warm spring in my part of the world.  Our trees bloomed early, tulips and daffodils poked out of the ground weeks ahead of schedule and people are just itching to get their gardens started.  Mother Nature, though – she’s got…

  • Almond Snowball Cookies

    I’m back!  It’s been a long couple of weeks, starting with my daughter’s 7th birthday party, then Thanksgiving, then a week of refreshing the look here at Lemon Sugar.  Throw in a couple of cases of bronchitis and let’s just say I haven’t had much time to spend in the kitchen.

  • Turtle Cupcakes

    So, first things first, what do you think of the new look here at Lemon Sugar?  I’ve been working tirelessly with Cory at Zesty Blog Consulting for months now, trying to make my ideas come to life.  I have to say that Cory has done a great job, and I would highly recommend his work to any of you working on a blog or website.  He’s patient, quick and can make just about anything happen! There are a few changes to the blog as you can…

  • Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes

    Have I ever told you about my brother-in-law?  His name is Jacob.  He’s a few years younger than me, but I’ve known him since he was about nine years old.  He used to field relentless phone calls from me back when I discovered I was hopelessly in love with his big brother, back in my middle-school years. Jacob left our small town in Kansas for college, and has never moved back.  He lived in Minneapolis for awhile, then Seattle, and now lives in New York…

  • One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

    So, I’ve told you guys that I’m married to a cop before, yes? Well, I am.  Actually though, as of last week, he’s now a detective – which is kind of cool in an “I-want-to-be-a-detective-when-I-grow-up” kind of way.

  • Chocolate Toffee Cupcakes

    I’m back!  I know, I haven’t really been gone all that long, but it sure feels like ages since I’ve blogged.  November and December are just super busy months for me.  I know most of it is self-induced – if I could somehow just let things be less than perfectly planned for once, if I could just go with the flow and ignore my messy kitchen or the piling laundry for an evening…if I could just go to bed before midnight – I’m sure I would…

  • 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…

  • Chocolate Dipped Cannoli Cups

    I don’t like to leave my house on New Year’s Eve.  I like to hunker down with my family, watch TV, eat some YUM food and make a cocktail or two with my husband.  The thought of venturing out and dealing with crowds just doesn’t do it for me anymore – although I’m not sure it ever did. I love to pick a bunch of one-bite appetizers and desserts for our evening, and these cannoli cups will definitely be on the list this year.  They…

  • #DoubleDigits: A 10th Birthday Party

    So, Maddie turned 10 earlier this month. I only cried once.  Okay, maybe twice.  But even at that, I feel pretty good about myself.  That feels like an accomplishment. 10 years, you guys.  How do I have a kid that is 1o YEARS OLD??  She’s asking for iPhones and laptops and wants to redecorate her bedroom because it’s too babyish.  HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? Oh, and the theme for her birthday party? Hashtag Double Digits. As in, #doubledigits. As in, my 10 YEAR OLD knows…