I may not be a southern girl, but you wouldn’t know it by my desserts. 7up Pound Cake is a clear southern dessert table favorite with its easy prep and low-maintenance decoration. This pound cake can sit on picnic tables with no problem, but it also graces even the poshest buffet lines. Though it’s a…
Fourth of July
Berry Tiramisu (Berry-Flavored Tiramisu)
My friend…we need to talk about this here dessert. There are some things I’m really bad at: math is one of them. One thing I’m not bad at, though, is pastries. Tiramisu is one of my specialities and I’m not trying to be cocky. This berry tiramisu is a riff on my classic recipe. Something…
Macaroni Salad: Hawaiian Inspired
Show of hands of all the people who have cancelled vacations this year? Yep. That’s exactly what I figured. Unfortunately for most of us, 2020 is a wash. Since many of us aren’t going on a tropical vacay this year, let’s bring a taste of the tropics to us. Hawaiian-inspired Macaroni Salad that’s creamy and flavorful…
Homemade Banana Pudding- No Boxed Mixes
Creamy, homemade vanilla pudding is sandwiched between layers of fresh bananas and crispy cookies. My Homemade Banana Pudding has what all banana puddings should have: real ingredients. Don’t be put off by the word “homemade”. Once you know the basic recipe, everything about this dessert comes together quickly and smoothly. Unlike its box-made counterpart, this homemade…
Classic Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
I feel a dessert week coming on, so brace yourself. A Classic Cheesecake is a dessert of beauty so let’s start with that. Beginning with its buttery-crisp graham cracker crust and ending with its luscious, custardy filling; nothing on the planet tops my NY style cheesecake for flavor and versatility. Nothing, that is, except an…
Watermelon Italian Soda- Refreshing for Summer
I could drink a Watermelon Italian Soda every single day. In fact, I often do. I can pronounce all of the ingredients and make it with little effort, so, why not? Plus, I always have what I need to make them. The simple syrup is made from fresh fruit juice and sugar. Afterwards, seltzer water…
Guacamole Dip: Chunky and Ready to Party
Guacamole is the king of Mexican meals. It sits on its throne of dishes most sought after. I’ve never had too much guacamole, but I’ve been annoyed when it’s run out. And it always runs out. The creamy, veggie-studded dip goes well with most proteins or simply scooped up with chips. What is Guacamole? The…
Pico de Gallo Recipe: Easy to Make
Pico de Gallo means “rooster’s beak”, but I have no idea what beaks have to do with this recipe. Maybe it’s because it looks like food a bird would peck at or has pecked over? Who knows? The colors of pico de gallo pay homage to the Mexican flag. So it makes sense that this…
Nutella Cheesecake with Hazelnut Chocolates
Few things remind me more of my husband than Nutella. The chocolate hazelnut spread is his absolute favorite. So much so, that when he deployed, I shipped him containers of the stuff. He told me he’d spend evenings doing schoolwork and eating Nutella with a spoon straight from the jar. While the latter grossed me…
Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Why serve a boring mac and cheese dish this holiday when a five cheese macaroni and cheese is just as easy to make? This version is not only make-ahead friendly, but freezer-friendly to make holiday meal prep a breeze.
