Rich and irresistible, these Cookies & Cream Magic Bars are a simple treat that delivers big on flavor. I first spotted them on Pinterest (where I collect too many recipe ideas), and they were every bit as decadent as I hoped. They bake up easily and release from the pan without fuss—perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or anytime you want a no-fail dessert.
This Copycat Zupas Tomato Basil Soup captures the rich, comforting flavors of the restaurant favorite. Made with fresh basil pesto, whole canned tomatoes, sautéed vegetables, slow-simmered to develop depth, and pureed until silky smooth, this soup is perfect served with al dente orzo and crusty bread. I’m excited to share this recipe—after waiting months to … Read more
This copycat Olive Garden Black Tie Mousse Cake features rich layers of chocolate cake, a no-bake chocolate cheesecake-style mousse, and a light vanilla mousse, all finished with glossy ganache and mini chocolate chips. Make it a full menu: Start with a salad or soup, add breadsticks and a pasta dish to turn this dessert into … Read more
Cranberry Brie Bites are a simple 4-ingredient appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings — and they taste fantastic! This post is sponsored by Pillsbury Crescents® #warmtraditions Life has been a whirlwind lately. We welcomed a baby five months ago, my husband started a new job, and we sold our house and moved into an apartment while … Read more
This easy Chocolate Cream Pie can be made quickly with store-bought ingredients (frozen pie crust, instant pudding, and Cool Whip) or prepared entirely from scratch. Below are clear instructions for a bakery-style pie: a flaky pastry crust filled with creamy chocolate pudding folded with sweetened whipped cream and finished with chocolate shavings. Easy as pie! … Read more
My little boy celebrated his 4th birthday earlier this month. Each year I let him choose the cake decoration, and this time he wanted dragons. I’m not sure where he got the idea—he watches Jane & The Dragon sometimes—but he was sure about it, so dragons it was.
I decided to make cupcakes instead of a large cake because my daughter’s birthday is three days later and I usually make both at the same time. Cupcakes are easier to manage, and they look adorable when decorated. Below is a simple tutorial so you can create dragon cupcakes for a child’s party.
This post explains a simple, practical way to save money by buying cheese in bulk and freezing it for later use. Cheese is delicious but pricey, so when I see a deal—like a 2 lb block for $5 or less—I stock up and freeze it. Freezing works best if you prepare the cheese in the form you’ll use it later, because freezing a whole block changes its texture and makes it crumbly when thawed. Over the years I’ve successfully frozen mozzarella, cheddar, Colby Jack, and Parmesan, so these tips apply to most cheeses.
The fruity flavor of fresh strawberries shines in this low-sugar strawberry freezer jam, made simple in the microwave. Includes practical tips for getting jam to set. I found an unbeatable sale on strawberries recently: $3.99 per flat. For reference, a flat is 8 pounds of strawberries, so I had plenty left over after the party … Read more
This is my easy, throw-it-together crockpot soup that’s perfect for a snowy winter day. It was snowing the morning I made this, and there’s something about cold weather that makes you want to curl up under a blanket with a warm bowl of soup. I chose soup over cocoa because it’s more filling and helps … Read more
Chocolate Zucchini Cake is rich and moist and finished with a decadent chocolate frosting. You’d never guess there’s zucchini folded into this simple, delicious chocolate cake. I grew up with a family garden and a couple of fruit trees. I remember helping weed the beds and picking up fallen fruit. It wasn’t always fun, but … Read more
