Food Gift Recipes
Rhubarb Pineapple Jam
Over the last couple weeks, I’ve noticed rhubarb reappearing at our local farmers markets. I have held out buying any as the two rhubarb plants in our backyard garden have been growing quickly. I marvel at how briskly rhubarb grows ever spring, from those first early leaves that poke out of the ground when it…
Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Six years ago, my friend Carrie Johnson asked me to meet her for coffee to discuss a program she had been researching. Carrie was seeking input and, as a runner who volunteered in the community, she figured I might have an opinion or two. A few weeks prior to our meeting, Carrie and her husband…
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…
Dark Chocolate Blondies (grain-free, no refined sugar)
Typically, I don’t mention the specific brand I use in a recipe unless it is integral to the recipe’s success or I just really love the product for one reason or another. I first became familiar with Bob’s Red Mill many years ago when my dad discovered he had to eliminate gluten. He never complained about all the…
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
This meaty sauce is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The yield is a generous 3+ quarts, so there’s plenty to freeze or to share! Note: I updated this post with links to two complimentary recipes directly above the recipe card. Additionally, I have had several requests recently for recipes that are…
Quickie Cookie Baked Oatmeal
When I have the pleasure of some one-on-one time with my 3-year-old niece, I like to think of a project or activity she will really enjoy. Whether it’s making homemade play dough (has to be blue!) or a simple walk to the playground, I have at least as much fun as she does. After making…
Brown Soda Bread with Steel Cut Oats
Hearty, wholesome bread has never been so easy, thanks to this yeast-free, no-knead recipe. The finished loaf slices beautifully and tastes great! When I experiment with recipes, I am never 100% sure how they will turn out. Sometimes, a new recipe takes repeated tries, especially in the baking department. I aim to limit white flour…
Chunky Homemade Granola Snack Mix
Mixing Chunky Homemade Granola with dried cranberries, cashews, and white chocolate chips makes a snack mix so incredibly delicious with the added benefits of being mostly healthy and portable. It’s a welcome lunchbox addition and a convenient on-the-go snack. My husband, a frequent flyer, thinks this mix is the perfect snack to take while traveling…no need to…
Chunky Homemade Granola
This big batch recipe makes two full baking sheets of classic, crunchy, lightly sweet granola that is delicious with yogurt, milk, fruit – or by the handful. You may cut the recipe in half, but it will keep for weeks and freezes well, too. Perfectly crunchy, not overly sweet, and loaded with chunks, this granola…
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and other Valentine Treats
Can it be that Valentine’s Day is this week? Wasn’t it just New Years…Thanksgiving for that matter?? Where does the time go? In addition to Valentine’s Day, February is a month of many birthdays in our house–today happens to be my younger son’s 12th birthday!–so there is much opportunity for special treats. I thought it…
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola with Quinoa
This has been the winter that just keeps on giving! Snow, bitter cold, freezing rain…repeat! The kids have been off school so many days that even they don’t want any more snow days. They know they will have to make them up in June. Although I am ready for a little warm weather, I selfishly…
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…
