Can you prep Mac & cheese a day ahead?

  This question from reader Dave R. Yes, you can prep the mac & cheese the day before. But here’s a couple tips I’ve learned along the way: Undercook your macaroni just a bit, drain, and then rinse off, drain with cold water. (I know this is counter intuitive but it not only stops the cooking but rinses away some of the starch so that … Continue reading Can you prep Mac & cheese a day ahead?

Heirloom Coffee Cake

There it was, buried in the bottom of our large bin where holiday decorations are stored. A Good Housekeeping magazine from November 1984. Now here’s the query: why was it there? It took me a few minutes to remember.  As a young mom, I was fascinated with holiday baking, and the cover photo, though faded, shows a beautifully decorated gingerbread house. “Make our cozy gingerbread … Continue reading Heirloom Coffee Cake

Symbolism of Magi Gifts and Mulled Cider

  This morning talking to Matt Swaim on the Sonrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio, was a fun and informative segment. We chatted about the gifts of the 3 Magi and to honor the shepherds, who couldn’t afford gifts for Baby Jesus, I’m sharing a recipe for mulled cider. Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh:  Matthew 2:11.  Gold, frankincense and myrrh were among the gifts to Jesus … Continue reading Symbolism of Magi Gifts and Mulled Cider

Holiday Beef Tenderloin with Latin Rub and the Secret to Extra Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Rare beef tenderloin Just the mention of beef tenderloin in my recent column brought about requests for roasting. I can understand that, since choice tenderloin is expensive but so appropriate for the holidays and easy to roast. Plus it can be made ahead. If you’re serving this as part of a buffet, roasted asparagus sprinkled with Parmesan right when it comes out of the oven … Continue reading Holiday Beef Tenderloin with Latin Rub and the Secret to Extra Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Rosie, Linda and Me Fox 19 Morning Show

I recorded a holiday gifts segment with my friends at Fox 19. Here’s my oldest & bestests friends from when I started on Fox a loooong while back. Rosie and Linda were there at the beginning, too! Lovely and talented ladies – they are the brains behind the scenes…. Continue reading Rosie, Linda and Me Fox 19 Morning Show

Victorian Manger Herbs and Candy Cane Peppermint Fudge

This morning when I chatted with Matt Swaim on the Sonrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio, we talked about Victorian manger herbs, along with our pledge drive to keep this radio station up & going. (Yes, if you feel in your heart you can donate, it would be much appreciated).  Anyway, this is a fun and thoughtful topic and adding certain herbs to the manger/creche … Continue reading Victorian Manger Herbs and Candy Cane Peppermint Fudge

Victorian Jewel Fruitcakes, Traditional Fruitcake, Golden Light Fruitcake, Spice Fruitcake – a Fruitcake Bonanza!

I’ve been getting requests for fruitcakes. Traditional, mini, fruitcakes that start with a spice cake mix, even “golden” (lighter texture and taste) fruitcakes. I have to admit this makes me smile. Now I’m not crazy about fruitcake, but do like a small piece. My husband, Frank, loves fruitcake. The kids are somewhere in between. Apparently readers like Maureen Grady, a Park Hills, Ky. reader whose … Continue reading Victorian Jewel Fruitcakes, Traditional Fruitcake, Golden Light Fruitcake, Spice Fruitcake – a Fruitcake Bonanza!

Snickerdoodles and Orzo w Spinach and Balsamic are Holiday Faves

Snickerdoodles and a “nice, decadent side dish to serve with beef tenderloin”. These 2 recipe requests popped up this week.  Snickerdoodles are a family favorite from daughter-in-law, Jessie. Such a popular holiday cookie, and homemade is much better than store bought. That’s what Terry, a “loyal” reader said when she asked for a from scratch recipe. The reader who wanted the side dish for beef … Continue reading Snickerdoodles and Orzo w Spinach and Balsamic are Holiday Faves