Food Gift Recipes

Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Butter

The heavenly aroma of sweet apples and warm spices fills your kitchen with this versatile fall favorite that can be sweetened to taste. The generous batch freezes well, and you can even bake with it!  Maybe you’ve shied away from apple butter because it seems limited to toast and plain yogurt. If those items aren’t…

Crunchy Top Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal (Muffins Optional)

Pumpkin and warm spices join a short list of kitchen staples in this hearty breakfast that may be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. From sweet pies, muffins, cookies, and cakes to savory soups, vinaigrettes, and even butter, there are so many ways to enjoy pumpkin. For a quick pumpkin fix, I’ve long…

Homemade Limoncello

Bring the Amalfi Coast to you with this easy-to-make Italian liqueur. The lightly sweet, lemony flavor is perfect as a mixer or an after-dinner drink and makes a festive holiday or hostess gift. 🍋           My mother-in-law introduced me to this light-tasting, lemony Italian liqueur several years ago after she and…

Leafy Greens Pesto

Quite possibly the most versatile pesto ever, this simple recipe will make delicious use out of a variety of healthy greens and can be enjoyed in so many ways! I adore this pesto for so many reasons. Sure there’s the fact that homemade pesto really, really does taste so much better than store-bought. As always, I…

Nutella Brownies

Chewy edges yield to delightfully creamy insides and a “just right” chocolate flavor in these Nutella-infused brownies…and the recipe fills a 9×13 pan!   Most years, I kick off the unofficial start to summer with some sort of ice cream treat. Because I’m making a slight deviation this year, I have two words for those…

Wacky Cake with Easy Chocolate Frosting (Egg- & Dairy-Free with GF option)

This clever cake mixes up in a single bowl without the need for eggs or milk, making it ideal when ingredients are low or working around dietary requirements. The size is perfect for smaller celebrations, although the foolproof recipe can easily be doubled.   Celebrations of all kinds have taken decidedly different twists and turns over…

Protein Packed Peanut Butter Balls

A wholesome list of pantry staples comes together easily for a good-for-you treat with a protein punch!         Over the years, my grandmother’s chocolate peanut butter egg recipe recipe has acquired a vast and devoted fanbase. The eggs (which can be rolled into balls if preferred) are pretty close to confectionary perfection, if…

Doctored Up Spaghetti Sauce

Comfort food at its best, this meaty sauce starts with a jar of your favorite marinara and can be customized in a variety of ways. Easy to make a big batch and freezes well!         First and foremost, how is everyone doing? If you’re feeling sad, scared or lonely and just want…

Kale Pesto

This versatile sauce adds flavor to a wide variety of basic ingredients, elevating simple meals with ease while adding vibrant color and healthy appeal.           What is the key is to pulling off healthy and delicious meals with ease? (Emphasis on the last two words!) It’s a question I frequently hear.…

Green Smoothie Muffins (and more breakfast-on-the-run recipes)

Start your day on the right track with a grab-and-go, kid-friendly breakfast that packs a hearty helping of healthy greens. The colorful muffins are incredibly tender and naturally sweet with convenient vegan and gluten-free options. And don’t miss the collection of other speedy meals that might just make your morning routine a little easier!  …

Paleo Granola

My favorite grain-free granola is lightly spiced and naturally sweet without being sticky like many Paleo granolas. The recipe also offers savings over expensive store-bought alternatives and convenient choices based on what you may have on hand.          This recipe was inspired by my Aunt Peggy, who first brought me a jar of her favorite Paleo…

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…

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