• Food

    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…

  • Food

    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…

  • Food

    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…

  • Food

    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…

  • Food

    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…

  • Homeschool

    The Giver by Lois Lowery: Book Review and Comprehension Questions

    As a homeschool parent, I have the freedom to pick and choose programs for various subjects when teaching my children. While a majority of their schooling is online, I have been adamant that they have daily routine reading and comprehension questions for books that expand their reading horizons. I have a child who doesn’t like to read at all, and is rather self conscience about his ability to read. While he is currently at grade level, that hasn’t always been the case. At one time, reading time with him was worse than enduring dentist appointments with all four children at once. Another one of my boys reads anything he can…

  • Food

    Copy Cat Cafe Zupas Chicken Enchilada Soup

    I am a sucker for just about any creamy soup, combine that with Mexican food flavors and I would do just about anything for a taste. Cafe Zupas just has yummy food in general. If I had to absolutely pick between Panera Bread and Cafe Zupas, I wouldn’t even bat an eye saying goodbye to Panera. Their Chicken Enchilada Soup is definitely in my top 3 faves…and even though a new location opened up less than 5 miles away, I just cannot justify eating there every other day…so…of course I had to figure out how to make it at home. Besides, there are plenty of poor souls who either haven’t…

  • Food

    Everything Bagel Dip

    I’m constantly looking for quick recipes that are easy to share at a party, potluck, or any sort of get together with friends and family. Homemade dip is always a crowd pleasing go-to, whether it is sweet and served with wafers and fruit, or it is savory and served with crackers and vegetables. The everything bagel seasoning is very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. I like to especially use it to make my own spread. The everything bagel dip can be used solely for a cracker and vegetable dip, or it can be used as a spread for sandwiches, bagels, or wraps. While the everything…

  • Food

    Baked Ziti

    Throughout the years, I have both provided many meals for families and friends and received many meals from family and friends in times of need. While it is always nice to help another, if you are anything like me you tell someone you are going to bring them dinner and then forget until the day of, you suddenly remember and your kitchen doesn’t have anything that when combined would even be remotely edible. This is where baked ziti comes in. I almost always have the ingredients for baked ziti. Not only is it the perfect dish to provide a family a meal for, but it is one of my kids’…

  • Food

    Thumb Print Cookies

    One holiday baked good I remember my mom making often was the thumb print cookie. She would vary in the jam flavors from year to year, but the dough and technique was always the same. Whenever I make thumb print cookies, I always think of the first time my mom taught me how to make them. I was not an easy child to convince to learn the art of cooking and baking. I just wanted to eat the food, I didn’t want to put forth the work. Little did I know how much I would later enjoy the culinary arts. This year I knew I needed to recreate the thumb…