In 2008 I was chosen as a finalist for the 43rd Pillsbury Bake-off Contest. I cannot even express how exciting this was and what an unforgettable experience. My recipe was Mascarpone Filled Cranberry Walnut Rolls.
I was chosen as the winner of my category (Breakfast/Brunch) and one of the 5 finalists to win the $1,000,000 dollars! I did not win that, but did receive $5000, a new stove, and so many gift cards. Continue reading MASCARPONE FILLED CRANBERRY WALNUT ROLLS
Christmas Sugar Cookies
If you like decorated sugar cookies, you MUST try my Christmas Sugar Cookies.
Cranberry Orange Pecan Snickerdoodles
If you love a classic snickerdoodle, you are going to love this festive twist. These Cranberry Orange Pecan Snickerdoodles have everything I love about a traditional snickerdoodle—soft centers, lightly crisp edges and that familiar cinnamon-sugar coating—with the addition of tart fresh cranberries, bright orange zest and crunchy pecans.
After baking, the bottoms of the cookies are dipped in melted white chocolate, adding just the right amount of sweetness and making these cookies especially pretty on a holiday cookie tray.
The combination of cranberry, orange, pecan and cinnamon makes these cookies perfect for fall and holiday baking. They are just as delicious alongside a cup of coffee or tea as they are packed into a Christmas cookie tin for sharing. Continue reading Cranberry Orange Pecan Snickerdoodles
Christmas Crescent Appetizer Wreath. The holiday season is here and that means we need to have several quick and easy appetizer recipes available. Continue reading CHRISTMAS CRESCENT APPETIZER WREATH
Homemade Eggnog French Toast is one of our family’s favorite breakfast dishes. It is so simple to make during the holidays, when eggnog is available, but I have created a recipe that will allow you to make it any time of the year.
Thick slices of brioche bread, soaked in a custard made of eggs, eggnog, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and salt, then fried in butter. It is delicious served warm, with butter, syrup, confectioner sugar, and fresh fruit. Continue reading HOMEMADE EGGNOG FRENCH TOAST
I am sharing a recipe for this savory TURKEY CRANBERRY FONTINA CROSTATA that I created for the Cape Cod Select Holiday Blogger Recipe Challenge several years ago. It was the perfect time to use some leftover Thanksgiving turkey and the beautiful cranberries.
A crostata is baked on a baking sheet with the edges of the dough folded up over the filling.
I used a refrigerated pie crust that made it so easy. A filling made with butter, leftover turkey, frozen cranberries, apples, onion, fontina cheese, and some warm spices was perfect. Continue reading TURKEY CRANBERRY FONTINA CROSTATA
Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes is a rich, creamy side dish that has been a family favorite for generations. Made from scratch with simple ingredients and plenty of cheese, this comforting recipe is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any special gathering.
I have been making this recipe for over 50 years, just the way my mother made it—with creamy cheese sauce and plenty of flavor. While it’s not a low-calorie dish, it’s one that everyone looks forward to on special occasions.
It’s also very versatile. You can easily add ingredients like ham, bacon, or garlic to change it up, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or taking to a covered dish dinner. Continue reading OLD FASHIONED SCALLOPED POTATOES
Baked Sweet Potatoes in Brown Sugar Syrup is a classic holiday side dish made with tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery brown sugar and cinnamon syrup. It’s simple, sweet, and always a favorite at the table.
This is one of those recipes my mother made every holiday when I was growing up. While we enjoy sweet potatoes year-round with just a little butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, this version is reserved for special occasions.
The first time my son-in-law tried this dish at Christmas, he realized he actually did like sweet potatoes—and now it’s one he looks forward to every year. Continue reading BAKED SWEET POTATOES IN BROWN SUGAR SYRUP
Greenbrier Garlic Potatoes are a rich and creamy side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes simmered in heavy cream, fresh garlic, and simple seasonings. Eggs and Parmesan cheese are added before baking, creating a silky, custard-like texture that sets this dish apart from traditional scalloped potatoes.
I’ve always made scalloped potatoes for our holiday meals, but after trying these Greenbrier Garlic Potatoes, my family quickly fell in love. They’re just a little more elegant, yet still simple and comforting. Continue reading GREENBRIER GARLIC POTATOES
I’m so happy to be sharing this Hummingbird Cake for 2 with you today. This old-fashioned cake is incredibly moist and filled with pineapple, bananas, pecans, and warm spices, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Continue reading HUMMINGBIRD CAKE FOR 2