It seems like lunch has evolved quite a bit since I was in elementary school. I almost never packed a lunch, and I wasn’t overly concerned about what the cafeteria was serving. Anything was ok with me, and I never complained! Sure the food wasn’t my always my favorite, but I ate it regardless.

Usually, I’m all about the sheet cake. But for birthdays or special occasions, layer cakes aren’t that much more work and the ‘wow’ factor is certainly higher! We had friends visiting and their daughter was turning seven. It was a predicted to be a hot day, so I wanted a cake that was light. I had made the Orange Cream Layer Cake once before and was dying to make it again.

With school back in full swing, there’s not a ton of time to cook breakfast in our home. With Jeremy gone by 4am and three girls to manage on my own every morning, I just don’t have enough time for an elaborate breakfast. Sadly, it’s usually cold cereal, toast, or toaster pastries for the girls. For me, it’s oatmeal with whole grain toast and a cup of Joe!

Once in awhile we come up with a recipe that is an all around winner. It’s made from simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and everyone loves it. Butter Toffee Cookies is one of those recipes. As a matter of fact, it has become one of our most requested recipes.

Tortes are no kid's cupcakes - they're classy. They're a big deal dessert! What if I botch it? But here's what I discovered: tortes aren't that hard to make. They're luscious and rich and delicious, but you can make them yourself at home! Who knew I could be that kind of decadent chef? Well, you can too.

I’m often asked, “What’s it like to work in the Test Kitchen?” or I hear comments like “It must be a dream job!’. To tell you the truth being a Test Kitchen Home Economist is special and is the way I exercise my passion of sharing my love of food and recipes with consumers everywhere. Providing excellent recipes and baking and cooking information is what it’s all about. Some days it’s a piece of cake…. And some days, like any job, it isn’t.

My son Kyle’s senior year of college football is in full swing. Because he is living off-campus this year I knew I would be getting more than one last minute phone call asking if some of his teammates and he could come over for dinner. I wanted to be prepared so I decided I needed to stock my freezer with some easy-to-get-on-the-table entrees. Pasta is always a hit so I went to work preparing Stuffed Pasta Shells to have on hand for the “can we come over for dinner” request.