I love fall. Have I made that clear yet? What I may not have mentioned yet is that I also LOVE girls’ nights! (more…)
Archive for the ‘Holiday’ Category
Treat Your Ghosts and Goblins to this Spooktacular Cookie!
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
If you’re looking for the ultimate Halloween party dessert, look no further! This treat looks incredible but tastes even better. (more…)
Smiling Scarecrow Cupcakes…They’re a Craft and a Snack!
Thursday, October 15th, 2009
Fall is definitely in the air! Cooler weather, changing leaves, hot cider, fresh apples, and plenty of comfort food…I love every bit of it! Now that school is in full swing, I have been busier than ever. Many of the fall activities at our school are underway, so my responsibilities as Vice-President of the PTO and Head Parent for Sydney’s 3rd grade class have kept me beyond busy. Between redesigning the PTO website, planning fundraisers, and getting parties planned for Sydney’s classroom (in addition to everything I do as a stay-at-home mom), I don’t have much free time. But who’s complaining? I really do love it! (more…)
Maple: It’s not just for breakfast anymore!
Monday, October 12th, 2009
My experience with maple flavoring is pretty much limited to the maple syrup I douse my pancakes and waffles in. I love it - which explains my husband’s quips like, “Would you like a little pancake with your syrup?”. But I have always categorized maple as a “breakfast” flavor (or occasionally “brinner” - as we affectionately call breakfast-for-dinner at our house). (more…)
Fresh Fall Leaves (Sugar Cookies, That Is)
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
This fall, my sister is studying abroad in Europe. While this is a fabulous opportunity for her, we were very sad that she would be missing much of autumn at home, which includes Thanksgiving - her favorite meal of the entire year. (more…)
Strata Strategy
Thursday, July 16th, 2009
When my son moved back home from college for the summer he brought along one of his football teammates to live with us for a few months. After just a couple of weeks I realized I needed a new strategy for feeding these two hearty eaters. I would prepare a meal with “leftovers” in mind assuming I had made enough to feed them not just one meal but, with leftovers, two or possibly three meals. That strategy quickly flew out the door as the boys consumed every bite of the original meal, night after night. I was simply running out of ideas on what to fix for dinner that would satisfy their ravenous appetites. What’s a mom to do? Develop a new strategy – a Strata Strategy! (more…)
A Red, White and Blue Celebration!
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 
Each 4th of July finds my family celebrating at a friend’s home at a nearby lake. This celebration gathers together many families and multiple generations from toddlers to grandparents, and even great-grandparents. Swimming, boating, lawn games and just plain old good conversation fill the day. And of course, there is great food! Everyone brings something to grill and something to share. The resulting smorgasbord is an outstanding display of homemade delights. Baked beans, fresh salads, garden vegetables and tasty snacks cover a minimum of three large tables. But, the dessert table is the crowning glory! (more…)
Red, White, and Blue…berry Goodness!
Monday, June 29th, 2009
“Wow,” was the first word out of my mouth after I had my first bite of a Star Spangled Shortcake. What an awesome treat! It’s the perfect combination of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy. If you’ve never eaten shortcakes, you are really missing out.
All Fired Up for a New Summer Dessert!
Monday, June 22nd, 2009
Now that school is out for the summer, I’m already planning my entertaining. We have a deck on our roof, and the Taste of Minnesota food festival sets off fireworks four nights in a row. It’s pretty spectacular, and a great time for us to have friends over for dessert before the fireworks. The parties usually involve kids, so I like to make a dessert that is kid-friendly but also fabulous for adults.
I choose Puff Pastry Stars with Custard Sauce, and I know it will be a hit. The flavors are simple and yet fantastic – creamy custard sauce with a hint of white chocolate, plus puff pastry cut-outs dusted with powdered sugar, and a sprinkling of berries. It’s easy to get everything ready in the morning or the day before, and just assemble before serving. The kids could even add their own berries and stars just for fun! (more…)