It’s Christmas time and I always look forward to baking these almond sesame thumbprint cookies. What I love about it is the buttery dough (like short bread) flavored with almond extract. The coating of sesame seeds add crunch and nuttiness. When filled with raspberry and apricot preserves, it’s just cookie heaven! The other thing that I love about this cookie…
Continue readingHoliday chocolate treats. They are everywhere. Although I love chocolate and cookies, I also make these chocolate dipped apricots and trail mix bark as a healthier option. Because they’re sturdy and keep well, they’re perfect for snacking or as edible gifts. Above all, there is no baking required, no added sugar, and it’s super easy to make. So all it…
Continue readingThis month’s cool weather makes me want to cozy up by the fire and relax. Whether drinking hot tea, coffee or hot cocoa, I make sure I take a break. Life is hectic so we all need a quiet time to pause. Here are my favorite things that I enjoy these days……. Starbucks Holiday Blend Ground Coffee One of the…
Continue readingIf you want a pop of color in the garden this season, plant these stunning plants for fall. Not only do they have attractive flowers, their foliage provide texture and color as well. 1. Kangaroo Paw(Anigozanthos) A native to Australia, this drought tolerant low maintenance plant has elegant tall flowers. Blooms show up in spring, summer and fall. Plant in…
Continue readingIn honor of Thanksgiving season, I’ve created this pumpkin pecan ice cream for dessert. I had so much fun using my ice cream maker last summer that I think I will be making more. And why not pumpkin when it’s the classic flavor of the season? By itself pumpkin is quite bland so it needs spices like cinnamon, ginger and…
Continue readingWho needs the canned cranberry sauce when you can easily make a fresh one? Yes, it’s so easy and much more flavorful. In fact, it’s not only a side dish. Spread it on your toast or muffin with butter for breakfast and it’s wonderful. It’s packed with holiday flavors like cinnamon, cloves and orange zest. All it takes is mixing…
Continue readingFor Halloween I thought I’ll make this mixed nut brittle as a treat for the adults. Some of us don’t really enjoy eating all the candy from the store. I’ll wrap it in clear bags, then tie it with a pretty bow and my guests can take it home. Somehow we all feel less guilty in eating this sweet treat…
Continue readingFall is one of my favorite seasons because of cooler weather, holidays, and fresh produce. I always look forward to these fruits and vegetables below and I love cooking with them. Delicata Squash This elongated cream-colored squash with green stripes has a sweet, creamy flavor. Besides, the delicate skin gets really soft when cooked. So you don’t need to peel…
Continue readingIf you love fall flavors, you will like this easy autumn squash sauté. One of my favorite squash is delicata squash because of its flavor and you can eat the skin. Here is a recipe very similar to ratatouille, only its quicker to make. As soon as I see pumpkin at the store, I look for delicata squash. It’s easier…
Continue readingReusing plant cuttings is a great fun idea in making a spooky Halloween wreath. After pruning and deadheading plants this weekend I gathered a lot of them to use in this project. Growing along the back fence is my beautiful white star jasmine vine that needed a nice trim. The branches are thin and flexible, which is perfect to bend…
Continue reading
