RECIPE COLLECTIONS

COOKOUT SIDE DISHES

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Easy Cookout Side Dishes (Old-Fashioned Favorites for Summer)

Classic Cookout Side Dishes, old fashioned and full of flavor.

When it comes to summer gatherings, nothing brings people together like a table full of delicious cookout side dishes. From creamy classics to fresh and healthy salads, these easy recipes are perfect for picnics, potlucks, family reunions, and backyard barbecues.

Whether you’re planning a large gathering or a simple family cookout, you’ll find plenty of old-fashioned favorites and crowd-pleasing sides to complete your meal. Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining. Continue reading COOKOUT SIDE DISHES →

Desserts

PEACH MASCARPONE FRUIT ROLLS

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Peach Mascarpone Fruit Rolls, a delicious dessert made with fresh peaches and mascarpone cheese, rolled up in a shortbread crust. Baked in a simple syrup then drizzled with a mascarpone glaze.These Peach Mascarpone Fruit Rolls are a delicious summertime dessert made with juicy fresh peaches, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a soft cobbler-style crust, all baked in a sweet syrup and finished with a light glaze.

If you love peach cobbler, this rolled version is a fun and beautiful twist that’s perfect for sharing.

Continue reading PEACH MASCARPONE FRUIT ROLLS →

Side Dishes

FIRECRACKER POTATO CASSEROLE

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Firecracker Potato Casserole 

Firecracker Potato Casserole has Frozen Potatoes O Brien,  Rotel,  spicy sausage, sour cream, butter, jalapenos, and lots of cheese. Perfect for BBQ's.

If you love a classic cheesy hash brown casserole but want something with a little extra kick, this Firecracker Potato Casserole is just the recipe to try. Made with frozen Potatoes O’Brien, spicy sausage, jalapenos, and melty cheese, this bold and flavorful dish is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, and holiday gatherings like the 4th of July or Labor Day.

Our family enjoys a traditional cheesy, hashbrown casserole and we have it at every get together, but this spicy version was a big hit and  disappeared quickly. Continue reading FIRECRACKER POTATO CASSEROLE →

Salads

SUPER CHEF SALAD ON A BOARD

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Super Chef Salad Served on a Board, Loaded with lettuce, veggies, meats and cheese. A complete meal.

This Super Chef Salad served on a board is a fresh, colorful meal you will want to serve often this summer. It is the ultimate salad loaded with crisp vegetables, hearty meats, eggs, cheeses, and a variety of other toppings.

Serving a chef salad on a board makes it feel extra special, whether you’re feeding your family or hosting guests.  It’s also one of the easiest meals to customize using ingredients you already have on hand.  This is a total meal that makes a great lunch or light dinner.  It would also be nice to take to a cook-out or covered dish dinner.

Continue reading SUPER CHEF SALAD ON A BOARD →

Desserts, Salads

STRAWBERRY MASCARPONE PRETZEL SALAD IN A JAR

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Strawberry Mascarpone Pretzel Salad in a Jar is a variation to the reto Strawberry Pretzel Salad that has been popular since the 1960's

Strawberry Mascarpone Pretzel Salad in a Jar is a fun and delicious twist to the retro Strawberry Pretzel Salad that has been popular since the 1960’s.

With its sweet and salty pretzel crust, creamy filling, and strawberry topping, this layered dessert is always a favorite at potlucks, cook-outs, and family gatherings.

Making it in individual jars adds a special touch and makes it easy to serve, transport, and enjoy. It’s a perfect summertime dessert that’s both beautiful and refreshing.

Continue reading STRAWBERRY MASCARPONE PRETZEL SALAD IN A JAR →

FOOD BOARDS, Main Course

CHICKEN and STEAK WRAP BOARD

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Chicken and Steak Wrap Board (Easy Summer Meal Idea)

Chicken and steak wrap board with fresh veggies, fruit, and dips. An easy, customizable summer meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

This Chicken and Steak Wrap Board is one of our favorite easy meals—especially during the warmer months when we want something fresh, filling, and simple to prepare.

With grilled chicken, tender steak, fresh vegetables, and a variety of sides, this board makes a beautiful and delicious meal that everyone can customize to their liking.

It’s perfect for a casual family dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a small gathering. Continue reading CHICKEN and STEAK WRAP BOARD →

Main Dishes

BBQ BABY BACK RIBLETS

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BBQ BABY BACK RIBLETS

I am so happy to be sharing this recipe for BBQ Baby Back Riblets, along with my homemade BBQ rub and sauce. This is one of those recipes that always turns out tender, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Moist, tender, BBQ Baby Back Riblets rubbed with a homemade rub, and simmered in homemade BBQ sauce.

 

I actually almost didn’t get to share this recipe! One night while making these riblets, I paused to take photos, planning to capture the finished dish. But after stepping away to take an important phone call, I came back to find the guys already digging in. No final photos—but plenty of proof that they were too good to wait!

If you love easy, hearty meals with big BBQ flavor, this is one you’ll want to make again and again. Continue reading BBQ BABY BACK RIBLETS →

Desserts

VANILLA MASCARPONE TART

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I am so happy to be sharing this Vanilla Mascarpone Tart with Fresh Fruit today. This is one of those desserts that looks like it came from a bakery, but is actually very simple to make at home.

Vanilla Mascarpone Tart with fresh fruit. (Easy & Elegant Dessert). A refrigerated cookie dough crust, sweetened mascarpone layer, instant pudding and topped with fresh fruit.

The creamy vanilla mascarpone filling paired with a buttery crust and fresh seasonal fruit makes this tart perfect for spring and summer gatherings, holidays, or just a special dessert at home. Continue reading VANILLA MASCARPONE TART →

Cakes/Cupcakes, Desserts

CREATING A BUILD IT YOURSELF CUPCAKE BAR

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Creating a Build It Yourself Cupcake Bar (Fun Party Idea)

How To Create A Build it yourself cupcake bar. A fun idea for any party or get together.

If you are looking for a fun and creative dessert idea for a party, this Creating A Build It Yourself Cupcake Bar is always a big hit.

I recently visited a bakery that gave you options when choosing a cupcake.  You could pick a cupcake bottom, a filling, frosting, and toppings.  My first thought was that my grandchildren would love to do this.  

Creating a Build It Yourself Cupcake Bar. Continue reading CREATING A BUILD IT YOURSELF CUPCAKE BAR →

Kids Cooking

HEALTHY SNACK MAKING WORKSHOP FOR PTA …

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A few years ago, I had the honor of teaching a “Healthy Snack Making” workshop at the West Virginia State PTA Convention.

Healthy Snack Workshop for kids that presented at the WV State PTA Convention.

The convention was held at Lakeview Golf Resort on Cheat Lake in Morgantown, WV. While the adults attended meetings, the youth had their own schedule filled with workshops and activities—and I was invited to be part of that experience.

Since I’m usually known for baking cookies and sweet treats, this was a bit of a new challenge for me—but one I was excited to take on. Today, I’d love to share some of the highlights and ideas from that workshop in hopes that they inspire you to create fun, healthy snacks with the children in your life this summer. Continue reading HEALTHY SNACK MAKING WORKSHOP FOR PTA … →

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