Archive

Hello, fall! It’s my favorite and I have a slew of food-centered traditions that I whip up when the decorations turn to orange and earthy tones, including this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mini Muffin recipe. When we lived in Taiwan from 2010 to 2011, I adapted this to appeal more to the locals by cutting back […]

Ever since my interview with Jason Smith, winner of Food Network Star, season 13, I have been craving Derby Pie, at which time I discovered the name for it was registered as a trademark in 1950.  To keep the name from turning into a generic term, like zipper, those who staked their claim to Derby […]

Formerly a floral shop owner, caterer and elementary school cafeteria manager, chef Jason Smith was at home on a “snow day” in Kentucky, binge watching episodes of “Holiday Baking” and decided he had what it takes to compete.  After applying online, he was chosen as a contestant and crowned the winner of Food Network’s season […]

These pop-in-your-mouth banana chocolate chip mini-sized muffins are just right, not too sweet and the banana-pecan-chocolate goodness puffs up in height with two different temperature settings as it bakes. This is my favorite banana muffin recipe — I actually use another one specifically for loaves of banana bread. Give my recipe a shot the next […]

Slow cooker meals are a lifesaver when it comes to hectic schedules with not much time to cook.  This recipe is convenient for a busy week day or on Sunday if you’ll be away at church or other activities for several hours. Chicken soup for your soul and belly will almost be ready to eat, […]

Crumbled Amish blue cheese, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, toasted sweet and spicy pecans with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing atop a bed of field greens make a balanced and satisfying meal by itself. It is also a huge hit when served at a party with a room full of hungry women, which is where I […]

by Kelly J. Larson KATY, Texas–Cleanup efforts provided by thousands of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have helped save numerous homes within a critical timeframe before dangerous black molds make it nearly impossible to salvage properties.  Mormon Helping Hands volunteers have been dispatched into well-organized teams in the last two […]

He’s the Bitter Socialite, providing “fresh ideas in a swanky southern way.” On the last episode before his elimination, Food Network Star’s (season 13) Trace Barnett, referred to himself as the Bitter Socialite, and immediately I searched and found him on Instagram. I tried one of his recipes, a tomato bisque which was flavor packed […]

When I lived in The Netherlands and Belgium for a year and a half, one of my favorite traditional local meals included mashed potatoes with miscellaneous cooked vegetables blended together, with a side of meat.  The Dutch call this dish stamppot and it’s about as down-home delicious as ever! Some of my favorites had sauerkraut […]

I am considering renaming these Strawberry Shortbread Bars from Heaven since they look and smell divine, but I haven’t even tasted them yet.  I’m dying to take a bite! I just took the 9 x 13 pan out of the oven, plus it’s after midnight and I have no business eating anything right now.  I’m just […]