Archive

Punch bowls are a nostalgic, underrated party element that are few and far between in the 2020s. Perhaps the rows of drink options and flavors in all manner of shapes, sizes, bottles, cans and jugs at grocery stores could be to blame. On the rare occasion that one might unearth a grandmother’s punch bowl for […]

My mom has been making this classic easy recipe since the 1970s, but instead of Cool Whip, I use heavy cream. The instant pistachio pudding dessert takes about five minutes to whip up. Watergate Salad 16 ounces crushed pineapple with liquid juices (don’t drain) 8 ounces heavy cream 1 cup marshmallows 1/2 cup toasted pecans […]

My recent microwave lemon mug cake experiment, wherein I mixed a mini amount of batter from scratch and zapped it for two minutes, that yielded a funky looking oversized cupcake — led me to this wonderful creation. It’s so yummy that I must share it. First you’ll bake the cake in the microwave, then you’ll […]

Nine years ago today we went to court in Hsinchu, Taiwan, and sat before a judge who sternly put our then 8-year-old Hannah through a series of questions to make sure she was in full agreement with our adopting her, moving to the other side of the world and leaving behind her birthplace to possibly […]

The best way to have oatmeal is hot off the stove. The next best way is to grab an oatmeal cup when you’re in a hurry and need a portable meal or snack. Get creative with fruits and nuts to top the oatmeal with. Hot or cold, these handy oatmeal jars are satisfying and filling. […]

There are almost as many ways to make a macaroni salad as there are to make a pizza. The beauty is that you can decide what goes in your salads just as easily as you can pick your favorite pizza toppings. Here’s what I call a winning macaroni salad. Macaroni Salad 16 ounces macaroni, rotini […]

We made Quick Cooker/Instant Pot French Dip sandwiches for dinner this week, full of flavor with tender, juicy beef. Whether or not you have a pressure cooker, you can make this. Without one, the beef would need to cook longer to develop the rich, bold taste that you get in a French Dip sandwich. QUICK […]

My mind was blown when my sister, Julie, introduced me to these Kung Pao Sloppy Joes earlier this week. Made with ground beef, red bell pepper, green onions, fresh garlic and ginger root, topped with a sweet and spicy sauce, this Asian twist on sloppy joes are “next level.” The idea sounded incredible and since […]

Patriotic Jell-O Cups 6 ounces berry blue gelatin mix 2 cups boiling water, 2 cups ice water 1 ounce unflavored gelatin (4 envelopes) 2 cups boiling water 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup heavy cream 6 ounces strawberry gelatin mix 2 cups boiling water, 2 cups ice water My friend Amy makes the CUTEST […]

This is the sixth brownie variation on my website and it’s slightly different from the previous ones and absolutely worth sharing. I’ll just get right to it. I’m adding pecans, but feel free to omit them or add your preferences. Fudgy Brownies 4-1/2 ounces flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup […]