A get together/party favorite has become the fruit salsa I make from time to time.  Before I forget I will make sure to add a section on how to make your own “chips” to go with it as well.  You can play with a twist by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon if you so desire into the fruit salsa but the “chips” usually have enough cinnamon on them.What you’ll need to get started:2 kiwi’s2 Red Delicious Apples8 ounces red raspberries1lb strawberries2 Tablespoons white sugar1 Tablespoon brown sugar3 Tablespoons fruit preserves (I use the less sugar raspberry preserves myself)Now to put it all together:Peel and dice the kiwis and apples.Put all…

You always hear from people how they “hate” sweet potatoes how they have tried them every different way and didn’t like them.  Now to be sure, there are some pretty nasty tasting ideas on how to make these out there.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  Nor do you have to get it from a can to make them taste so good the nay sayers go back for second!I use real sweet potatoes not from a can and many who do not like them end up loving this recipe.  Give it a try, see what you think.What you’ll need to get started:Start by preheating your over to 325…

Every fall I recall great memories of leaves, crisp morning air, hiking, warm (and cold) spiced apple cider, baking and laughter.  It’s during this time I start with baking various things. This year I was reminded of trips to the apple orchard in Harvard Illinois.  Spiced Apple Doughnuts, usually warm, sometimes brought home for later.  I decided to make some.  Today’s bought of insomnia provided me the opportunity to make this between 3-4 in the morning.  Here’s what I do, a little twist, without apple butter, without apple sauce, or having to reduce 1 cup of regular apple cider to 1/2 cup for use in a recipe.  Spiced Apple Cider,…

Tired of the pancake mix in the box?  Want something a bit more, perhaps with your own touch?Here is a homemade buttermilk pancake mix.  No buttermilk, no worries, we’ll make some … read on.Here’s what you’ll need:1 and 1/2 cups milk1/4 cup vinegar2 cups flour1/4 cup white sugar2 teaspoons of baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon salt2 eggs1/4 cup melted butter2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (experiment with “double” vanilla, it’s good)Now to pull it all together:Combine the milk and vinegar (yup we’ll get that “buttermilk”) and let sit for about 5 minutes to sour.In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.Go back to the soured…

Just another one of those twists I like to throw from time to time.  It’s a tradition for me to find some reason to add SOMETHING else to my “planned” Thanksgiving meal at the last moment.  It will usually involve an ingredient that I have made to much of, or have to much left over.So what happens when I boil TO many potatoes for my Cheddar Mashed Bacon casserole…You end up with Scalloped Potatoes that disappeared before I got more than just a “cook’s taste” of ’em!Let’s get ready, preheat your oven to 350.Here is what you will need:2.5 quart casserole dish greased, I use a butter wrapper for this…

This is a great recipe that goes as a nice side dish to any meat dish be it red meat, poultry, pork, or fish.What you’ll need to get started (for 5-6 people, I like to plan to have some leftovers):3lbs of red potatoes cut into quarters (or smaller)6tbs of butter2tbs of fresh minced garlic (or if you want to cheat, from a jar is good enough *sigh*)4tbs of Italian seasoning1tsp of salt3-4tbs of lemon juice (to taste)2tbs of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or if you must from your shaker of choice)1 – 13×9 cake pan completely lined with tinfoil (trust me you’ll appreciate it later)Now to pull it all together:Put the…

For my kids this has become one of their favorite breakfast requests the past coupld of years.  They finally helped in making it the last two times and were surprised when I poured in the coffee. What you’ll need:2 ounces unsweetened chocolate (more or less)5 Tbls butter1 1/2 c Flour1/2 cup of cocoa powder (I prefer to use Herseys but store brand works well too)1 1/4 c sugara dash of Salt from a shaker (to help sweeten)1 1/2 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp baking soda1 1/4 cup sour cream (pancakes I replace this with milk)3 eggs1 tsp vanilla extract (I use a tad more)1/4 cup coffeeEasiest way to get this all…

Here is another tried and true recipe.  Made this for everyone last night and even the sauce was spooned out over garlic bread so they could finish it all off.   INGREDIENTS (Here is what you will need):4 skinless, boneless, chicken breast halves.  NOTE:  I have found that it is best when you buy these from the butcher counter as they will be thicker breast halves.  However, the bag halves will work just be careful when slicing them in half. 15 ounces ricotta cheese10 ounces frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained1 clove minced garlic (I usually substitute 1tbps of minced garlic from the jar)2 eggs8 ounces shredded mozzarella16 ounces spaghetti sauce…