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 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

Mr. Wilson’s Thanksgiving Forecast and Wish

From friend, colleague and garden expert, Ron Wilson. He shares this every year with his radio listeners and readers to his site. Check out his site for more fun musings on Thanksgiving, plus vintage ads that you’ll find amusing! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! THANKSGIVING FORECAST – Turkeys will thaw in the morning, then warm in the oven to an afternoon high near 190 degrees.  The kitchen will … Continue reading Mr. Wilson’s Thanksgiving Forecast and Wish

My own Hummus and Tabouleh

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve made these 2 Middle Eastern specialties. I grew up with tabouleh and hummus has been a standard on my table for decades.  For Penny Thompson, an Anderson Township, Cincinnati, reader, who wanted to make both of these. As I always say, go to taste – nothing was measured back in the day…. Rita’s Family’s Hummus … Continue reading My own Hummus and Tabouleh

It’s the Berries – Cranberries, that is!

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without cranberries. And did you know how to tell if they’re ripe? Drop one on the counter – if it bounces, you’re good to go! Here are some treasured cranberry recipes. The first one, baked cranberries, is for Debbie. The others are for those of you who asked for them. And remember this little saying: CONTENTMENT: Is not the fulfillment of … Continue reading It’s the Berries – Cranberries, that is!

Ma Wilson’s Mole Elimination Method

Oh dang, those darn moles are still so active in my yard! Big humps of soil that one can trip over… Our cat, Rain, did catch a small mole the other day, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Here’s what friend and colleague, Ron Wilson, of Natorp’s and WKRC’s gardening show has to say: Forget the poison peanuts, the gopher … Continue reading Ma Wilson’s Mole Elimination Method