Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup has become my go-to remedy for fighting colds and flu and is very easy to make. For best relief, take it at first sign of a virus. A spoonful a day also works well as a preventative measure. (As a bonus, this all-natural remedy tastes far better than conventional, store-bought syrups－and is less…
Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream
Quick and easy to make at home and every bit as delicious as the store-bought bottle－less expensive, too. Irish cream is delightful in coffee, on the rocks, or in a variety of baked goods. It’s a novel treat for holiday and hostess gifts and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! A reader from France kindly…
Holiday Sangria
Infused with cranberry, orange, and apple, this make-ahead cocktail is a festive crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving and all of your holiday celebrations. Looking for a signature drink to complement a festive menu or take to a holiday gathering? Enter the following sangria. This jewel-hued beverage will serve you well from Halloween through New…
Matcha Smoothie
A deliciously filling meal replacement that’s loaded with superfoods and quality protein－plus it’s perfectly sweet but the sugars are kept in check. You don’t need to like matcha to love this smoothie! 💚 You may THINK you’re not a matcha fan, or perhaps you’ve never tried it. (But stay with me!) This vibrantly green smoothie…
Meadow Tea
This Lancaster County staple is summer in an ice-cold glass. Crisp, clean, minty and utterly refreshing, it’s also the perfect way to use an abundance of mint. If Lancaster County had an official summer drink, it would surely be Meadow Tea. For years I threatened to rip out the mint that has a way…
Homemade Frappuccino (healthy, creamy & dairy-free)
Frappuccino fans rejoice! This healthy, dairy-free coffee smoothie is creamy and decadent like a Frosty but naturally sweetened with dates－and because not everyone loves them, no bananas! Dessert-worthy but loaded with enough nutrients and staying power to be a meal. If you have yet to dream about coffees smoothies, you surely will after…
Healing Ginger Tea
Simmer a potful of this delicious elixir at the first sign of a sore throat or stomach woes. Healing Ginger Tea is soothing, therapeutic, and caffeine-free and can be easily adjusted for those who enjoy a little extra zing. Once a week, I take a Pilates class with my dear friend Carrie. We’ve been doing this…
Overnight Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake
Classic yet super simple, this longtime family favorite tastes just like a good coffee cake should. The prep-ahead option offers added convenience! Dinner has always been the focal point of our extended family celebrations on major holidays and, fittingly, where much of the time and effort is placed. Breakfast, however, has always been…
Strawberry Granitas
Sweet, melt-in-your-mouth granitas can be made with a variety of seasonal fruits for a refreshingly light dessert or snack all summer long. Start with this simple recipe for Strawberry Granitas and customize to taste with a variety of options. No fancy equipment needed! My husband and I hosted a big cookout over Memorial Day weekend.…
5-Ingredient Very Berry Smoothie (and make-ahead smoothie packs)
Loaded with filling protein, healthy fats, and a hearty dose of fruit (and optional veggie), this 5-ingredient very berry smoothie checks all the metaphorical boxes—and tastes great, too. For grab-and-go convenience, smoothie packs can be quickly assembled and stored in the freezer. For years, my childhood friend Christine and I would occasionally grab a…
Immunity Boosting Smoothie
Looking for some immunity boosting magic? If you’ve skimmed a newspaper or tuned into the morning news (anyone else a Hoda fan?) even once or twice over the past few weeks, you likely know this is the worst flu season in years. As if that’s not enough, there’s a severe upper respiratory infection and a…
Piña Colada Smoothie Bowl
As a boy, my Dad was required to take a spoonful of cod liver oil every morning before breakfast. It was one of those oft-repeated stories we heard if we voiced displeasure with what was on our plate. I still have this mental picture of my maternal grandmother hovering over my dad as a young…
