-
Last Minute Goodies
I must confess, March sure did sneak up on me. One minute it was wet and rainy February, then suddenly it’s March, with daffodils blooming and the sun shining – finally. With the first week of March comes my birthday, which also sneaks up on me faster each year. We are a little stir-crazy in our house, as we are still doing school virtually and my husband has permanently moved his office into the house. So, we are getting away for my birthday and I am very much looking forward to it. So much so, I almost forgot to cook something for the blog this week. Oops. I thought I…
-
Say I Love You With Chocolate
I am a sucker for a truffle – the chocolate kind, not the fungus kind. I love a shiny chocolate shell that promises a creamy, flavorful center. Not just any truffle will do, though. Sorry, but a Whitman’s Sampler does not cut it. I prefer high quality dark chocolate. We have some really nice chocolatiers in our area, like Fera’Wyn’s Chocolate Cafe, and Tsuru Sweets & Coffee. Both of these local shops have some gorgeous options for your valentine, if you want show-stopping chocolate truffles. Fera’Wyn’s has dairy-free and gluten-free options, too. But if you are in the market for something a little more hands-on, you can make some handmade…
-
Zucchini up the Wazoo
Last week I shared a recipe for Sautéed Squash as one way to use some of the zucchini that is so plentiful this time of year. I used up my zucchini and yellow summer squash, and as if by magic, it was replaced from a friend’s garden the very next day. Before I could use up those squash, we were given more zucchini from another friend’s first garden crop. So thoughtful – so much squash. I took it as a sign that folks might want more recipe options, so this will be the second installment in the Zucchini Trilogy. While picking up zucchini from the first friend, we talked about…
-
Best Ever Chocolate Cake
Every family has favorite recipes, food you want to eat over and over again. This chocolate cake is one of our family favorites. This simple, delicious cake has become our go-to for family birthdays and gatherings. In fact, my youngest daughter’s first word was “cake”, and it was THIS cake. I found the original recipe while at the gym. Yes, I see the irony. I was perusing an old copy of Paula Deen’s magazine in the waiting area and found this recipe in the reader’s contribution section. I am not even sure of the original submitter’s name anymore. Nonetheless, I thank them immensely for bringing this cake into our lives.…
-
Sweet Treats for Mom
This weekend is Mother’s Day, and it also is my mom’s birthday. I am lucky that my mom is easy to please on Mother’s Day, but everyone loves a small gesture to help them feel appreciated. If Mother’s Day has snuck up on you and you are stressing out, I am here to tell you sweet treats are the way to many mothers’ hearts. If you think this may be the case for your mother, or yourself, I have the scoop on 3 local chocolate shops to upgrade your gift-giving game. (A note to my mom – if you don’t want any Mother’s Day/Birthday spoilers, stop reading now.) In the…
You May Also Like
A Little Getaway
-
The Perfect Cookie
There is really nothing better than a freshly baked cookie. It’s a a sugary, comforting handful of love. I really haven’t met a cookie I didn’t like, but I think my favorite is the Monster Cookie. Years ago, I worked in downtown Minneapolis and one of my jobs was to order in lunch for everyone who wanted it. My favorite place to order from was Key’s Cafe. They served enormous omelettes, salads and sandwiches. They also served gigantic cookies the size of dinner plates. I think this was my first introduction to Monster Cookies. A Monster Cookie is an oatmeal, peanut butter cookie with chocolate chips and M&Ms. The origin…
-
Chocolate Cherry Granola
We have had an unusual snow event this week in North Carolina with the first major snow fall in early December in many years. That means we found ourselves trapped inside with too much time on our hands. This is always the perfect time to get some baking done and work on some handmade food gifts. Sometimes, over the holiday season, you need a break from the overly-sweet treats and you might want to make an edible gift that is slightly healthier. This granola is just the thing. Don’t worry, it still involves chocolate. A few years ago, I decided to try to make granola at home. It’s easier then…
-
Magic Christmas Chocolate Bark
As a little girl, I remember my Mom spending hours making delicious Christmas cookies and candy. She made chocolate covered peanut butter balls, chocolate nut clusters and fruit and nut clusters. A lot of love went into each piece – and a lot of time. I still love lots of chocolate during Christmas but I also love short cuts. I use my microwave to make my chocolate treats, the popcorn I shared with you last week, easy fudge, and the bark I am sharing today. Last year, our microwave stopped working during the Christmas season and it was a major crisis. I know it’s a first world problem for sure,…
