An Iconic Coffee Cake

One ritual, so to speak, that I really enjoyed when we visited relatives in Germany, was their afternoon kaffeeklatsch. What’s a kaffeeklatsch? Basically, a mid-day gathering for comaraderie over cups of coffee and sweet bakery items.  Now you don’t have to remind me how busy we all are during the holidays, but it seems to me carving a little time out in the afternoon for … Continue reading An Iconic Coffee Cake

I’m on a Roll with Pumpkin Roll

We’re segueing nicely into the holiday season, and that means lots of food, family and friends gathering around the table.  How about a seasonal, yummy, easy to serve dessert that’s do ahead, keeps refrigerated  more than a few days or freezes up to several months? I’m talking about pumpkin roll, that vintage dessert that can stand alone or included in your dessert buffet. My first … Continue reading I’m on a Roll with Pumpkin Roll

Totable Cakes for Celebrating

We’re heading into Labor Day, the last hurrah. Celebrate an outdoor gathering with what I call “totable picnic cakes.”  Start with a box cake mix and a little imagination.  The creamsicle cake has been shared so many times it’s in my recipe hall of fame.  The cupcakes look fancy but are simple to make with a boxed mix and your own special touches. Creamsicle picnic … Continue reading Totable Cakes for Celebrating

Cherry Crisp for Presidents’ Day

Here’s a really easy, and yummy, cherry crisp. It actually tastes better the next day! CHERRY CRISPIngredients 1 can cherry pie filling (buy the can that has “more cherries”) Squeeze or 2 of lemon (opt) 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup oats 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (opt) 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/3 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup chopped toasted or … Continue reading Cherry Crisp for Presidents’ Day

Citrus Cake with Secret Glaze and 7 Up Cake Memorial Day Desserts

Many of you know each week I chat with Matt Swaim on the Sonrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio. Today we talked about the miracles with food that were performed during Bible days. For example, water turned into wine at Cana. Another example: 1 Kings 17, the prophet Elijah visits the home of a poor widow and her son. He says to her, “Make me … Continue reading Citrus Cake with Secret Glaze and 7 Up Cake Memorial Day Desserts

Blueberry Boy Bait and Caramel Chocolate Fondue for Valentine’s Day

Yesterday I went to the grocery with a list. All resolve left me when I spied a display of fresh, huge, beautiful blueberries in the produce section. Not on my list, but on sale!  Impulse buying? Yes, and no regrets. Especially on a snowy day with thoughts of a warm fire, a piece of fresh baked blueberry coffee cake accompanied by a mug of steaming … Continue reading Blueberry Boy Bait and Caramel Chocolate Fondue for Valentine’s Day

Rosh Hashanah Honey Cake

Today when. Annie Mitchell Egan and I chatted on the Sonrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio, the subject was Rosh Hashanah which will be celebrated tomorrow through Sunday. It’s traditional to eat the head of a fish during the Rosh Hashana holiday meal. The wish there is that  they hope everyone at the table will be at the head and not at the tail of whatever … Continue reading Rosh Hashanah Honey Cake

Hot Cross Buns and Quick Cherry Coffee Cake

This week on the Sonrise Morning Show I chatted with Matt Swaim about eggs and their significance in the Bible, especially during Easter. The 2 recipes, one for hot cross buns and the other for a quick cherry coffee cake are family favorites, and good baking projects while we’re all sheltering in place. I hope each of you celebrate these holy days and remember, it’s … Continue reading Hot Cross Buns and Quick Cherry Coffee Cake

Streusel Coffee Cake, Deviled Eggs for Easter

As I write this column, we are still sheltering in place. And thinking about Easter. Maybe you are, too. Instead of our annual Easter brunch and egg hunt, we’ll be celebrating on a smaller scale.  Yet there’s still much to feel blessed about. Just take a walk outside. Check out the beautiful wild violets and blooming forsythia. (They both make lovely jellies.) Trees are bursting … Continue reading Streusel Coffee Cake, Deviled Eggs for Easter

St. Valentine and 3 Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Cake

Today Matt Swaim, Sonrise Morning Show/Sacred Heart Radio, talked about St. Valentine and why we celebrate Valentine’s Day today. Did you know there was more than 1 St. Valentine? Read on. And I know you’ll have fun and like the vintage chocolate cake recipe – 3 ingredients and you’re done! By the way, don’t forget about someone who may be alone or needing a friendly … Continue reading St. Valentine and 3 Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Cake