No-Cook Meals
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is easy to make at home with just two ingredients. The following how-to offers helpful details on which beans and liquor to use and how to store for practical use and gifting. Every year, I tell myself that I’m going to do my Christmas shopping earlyโand wrap the gifts too. In September,…
Homemade Bisquick Mix
My husband loves to make pancakes, and he’s a Bisquick kind of a guy. ย We really enjoy the 100% whole wheat and almond flour versions I often make, but I have to agree. ย His Bisquick pancakes hit the spot. Sometimes, there’s good reason to make a do-it-yourself version of a favorite store-bought product. Better price,…
“The Shifter”โฆ plus a showdown and a slice of history
On the heels of Lititz winning the coveted title of Americaโs Coolest Small Town in an online contest conducted by Budget Travel in 2013, Columbia was designated as one of the 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2014 by Smithsonian magazine. I have long considered Lancaster County to be a pretty great place to…
Old-Fashioned Horseradish Pickles
Make crisp, tangy pickles just like your grandmother used to make them with these step-by-step instructions for naturally fermented pickles. It’s a truly simple process and you can taste and adjust as you go. What is the difference between pickling and fermentation? Pickling involves soaking food in an acidic liquid โ usually vinegar-based โ…
Summer Peach Sangria
A summery spin on the classic sangria, you can use all peaches or mix it up with a combination of fruit, like mangos, cherries, nectarines, plums and/or apples. After living for a short time in Spain, I developed a love of paella, tortillas Espaรฑolas, and a certain time-honored, fruit-filled drink. Though my recipe for…
Little Bites
Too often, I make new things but don’t get around to sharing them. I jot down the ingredients I’ve thrown together with every intention of typing them later. The piece of scrap paper I’ve inevitably grabbed to write down the recipe is, occasionally, never to be found again. Or the pile of papers I placed…
Basil-Orange Edamame & Bean Salad
Quick and easy and loaded with fresh flavor, this wholesome dish complements chicken, fish, steak, and pork or can be the basis of a filling plant-based meal. As a bonus, a simple ingredient adjustment will create a new recipe! Even those who claim they don’t care for bean salad have been known to have…
Crab, Avocado & Corn Salad with Cilantro & Lime
Memorial Day weekend officially launches the season of cookouts, picnics, and pool time. A repertoire of simple, make-ahead recipes can ensure more time enjoying the outdoor fun and less time sweating it out in the kitchen. The following crab salad was an early addition to my blog and has developed a loyal fan base. My…
Homemade Almond Milk
I bought cartons of almond milk for years, and I still do on occasion. My sister always made her own almond milk and told me that it was soooo worth the small effort. When I finally tried, I couldn’t believe how creamy and delicious it was. With a few simple tips, almond milk is also…
Make-Ahead Granola Parfaits
This slightly different preparation yields surprisingly delicious results. Consider preparing several at one time, as the parfaits will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Preferring my granola crunchy, I was skeptical the first time I tried this. After resting in the fridge overnight, I was pretty sure the granola…
Foolproof Peanut Butter Frosting
In our family, February is full of birthdays. ย There are three, all spread out exactly one week after the next. ย With Valentine’s Day thrown into the mix, there is ample opportunity for cakes and other sweet treats! As I have previously reported, adoration forย homemade caramel frosting runs deep on my husband’s side of the family.…
Homemade French Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Make your own coffee creamer to rival any store-bought alternative. The taste is more pure, and it’s economical too! When I first tried coffee my senior year in high school, I decided I would only drink it if I liked it black. I “learned” to drink tea when I was younger, and from the…
