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

Comforting Food for Troubled Times

  What a difference a week makes. Last week we were concerned about corona virus but not overly so. Now we’re “sheltering in place,” a term you’ve heard many times since then.  I was at the grocery and not surprised to see lean or empty shelves. No doubt we’re all experiencing a scary time. It’s the unknown that’s so unsettling. So what do we do … Continue reading Comforting Food for Troubled Times

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

Easy and Elegant Truffles for Valentine’s Day

Jane’s chocolate truffles Rita’s chocolate truffles The first time I had a chocolate truffle was at a trendy Chicago restaurant during a food convention with my husband and his then employers, Howard and Jan Melvin of The Heritage Restaurant. So long ago!  I was immediately smitten with the silky chocolate confection. Since then I’ve made lots of truffles, but none are better than Jane Cervantes’. … Continue reading Easy and Elegant Truffles for Valentine’s Day

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

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 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

Holiday Pecan Pie

Take a look at the pecan pie with that pretty collar of whipped cream. I usually dollop whipped cream right in the center of the pie, but my crust broke a bit when I cut it, so I used whipped cream as a culinary “bandaid”. No one knew the difference, and I didn’t mention it. And if your pumpkin pie shrinks a little from the … Continue reading Holiday Pecan Pie