Food
-
Perfect Peach Pie
I love pie, it is one of my most favorite desserts. Pies can be sweet or savory, filled with fruit or cream, sometimes they are sweet and savory. They are very versatile and can be altered to the baker’s tastes. Apple pie is easily in my top 3 favorite pies, but this year peach pie has been edging its way to number 1. While I prefer peach pie made with freshly harvested peaches, this recipe is perfect for fresh or frozen peaches. This recipe also has my perfected pie crust. I have been working on this for a LONG time. Pie crust is supposed to be light and flaky. I…
-
Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is easily one of my most favorite ways to prepare meat. It is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, and if you have the time for it to cook, it is a super easy hands off way to cook a roast or tenderloin. It takes very little prep time. Sometimes I make a big batch of pulled pork and then use it in a variety of ways. Pulled pork tacos are especially a favorite of my kiddos. However, this recipe topped them all in their books. I made sliders out of the pulled pork, but it is just as tasty by itself with some…
-
Homemade Pumpkin Puree
I am a lover of all things decorating with pumpkins this time of year. My favorite ones are the ugly ones, the warty, misshapen, weird pumpkins. I just love the perfect imperfectness of them. Each year, I end up purchasing these outcast pumpkins and squash every time I go to the grocery store. In my area, Sprouts has by far the best ugly pumpkin selection. But when Autumn winds down, what do you do with these extra pumpkins and squash? I hate just throwing them away or composting them. I finally decided to try my hand at making pumpkin puree. And guess what? I should’ve done it years ago. It…
-
Pumpkin Molasses Cookies
Molasses cookies are a family favorite. When I announced I was going to make a pumpkin version of them I received quite a few whines and a couple of “why mess with a good thing?” But I was not deterred. I was on a cookie making mission and could not be swayed one way or the other. And boy was I glad I didn’t listen to anyone’s negative comments, because this recipe ended up being another family favorite. They are a little more fluffy than my original molasses cookies, but still just as good. This recipe only uses about half of a pumpkin puree can, so if you need ideas…
-
Roasted Acorn Squash Soup
Right now I am spending time in Western Idaho with my parents. Autumn is in full force here, the leaves are changing from greens to beautiful yellows, oranges, and reds. The temperature has fallen and we have the heater on. It has been a decade since I spent quality time in an area where Autumn is a real season. Las Vegas Autumn pretty much just means that you have to begin wearing a sweater in the mornings and swim season is over. I have been enjoying this cooler weather and took full advantage of it with this recipe. My parents’ garden was super productive this year and dad ended up…
-
Dutch Baby Pancakes
Dutch Baby, or commonly known as German Pancakes, have been a staple in my life since I was a tot. It is one several breakfasts my dad would make on the weekends. We’ve always called it Dutch Baby, mostly due to this cookbook… Both of my parents are from Oregon and this cookbook has been a primary go-to all of my life. An aunt gifted me my own copy when I married and started my own family. While this cookbook does have a Dutch Baby recipe, I have formed my own over the years. The Dutch Baby was born in Bismarck, ND and has been called a variety of names…
-
Pumpkin Alfredo-One Pot Pasta
I know, I know…it is not the time of year for all things pumpkin. I was cleaning out my pantry and noticed I had a can of pumpkin puree that would expire next month. That’s when this pasta recipe began to percolate deep in my brain. Channeling my inner autumn season, I decided I wanted to do more than many a sweet treat or dessert with this particular can of pumpkin puree. I thought…well, pumpkins are a squash food…and nearly everything tastes better with cheese…so Pumpkin Alfredo was born. Then I wanted to attempt to make it in one single pot. There isn’t anything much more satisfying when dinner is…
-
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
After perfecting my Better Than Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls, I of course, had to revamp it. As I was brainstorming the various recipes I could attempt for Valentine’s Day this month, I decided to try my hand a red velvet cinnamon rolls. As I was writing out how I might go about this feat, I kept mumbling “this is either going to be epic, or a major disaster”. Either way, I knew that if I could figure out red velvet cinnamon rolls, it could possibly be even better than my original cinnamon roll recipe. While I did accomplish a successful red velvet cinnamon roll recipe, I will let you be the…
-
Philly Cheesesteak Crunch Wraps
If you have ever eaten at a Taco Bell since 2005 then you most definitely know about the crunch wraps. The crunch wrap is like a tostada incased in a flour tortilla which makes the tostada portable and easy to consume with your hands. The crunch wrap is a food we have on regular rotation because it is just as easy to make as tacos or burritos, but gives a twist on Mexican food. Make-your-own crunch wrap bars are a great go-to food for parties and potlucks. However the traditional Mexican food flavors can be challenged for other equally tasty flavors in the crunch wrap. This last week I decided…
-
Caribbean Jerk Risotto
Risotto has been a food I’ve wanted to master for years, ever since watching Giada religiously before my third child was born. Even though Giada made risotto look super easy, I have been intimated for a while now. Finally, I just decided to go for it last year. Turns out it is just as easy as Giada made it look. Risotto is typically made with white rice, but can also be made with short length pasta such as orzo or couscous pasta. My family likes risotto made with orzo pasta more than with rice. Also, when I make risotto with pasta instead of rice, the creaminess of the consistency tends…
