Beyond the Pumpkin Pie: Sweet Treats for Your Thanksgiving Dessert Table

Anyone who has hosted a few dozen guests on Thanksgiving knows that three or four traditional pumpkin pies is not going to cut it when it comes time for dessert. People have different tastes and not everyone enjoys pumpkin pie, regardless of its history with the holiday. If you are hosting a large group for Thanksgiving dinner it’s appropriate to offer a variety of different dessert options. This is especially critical if you are hosting a number of children. Most kids (my daughter not included) would much rather dine on a decadent chocolate treat than dig into a slice of … Continue reading

Macadamia Nut Madness

You can’t go to a holiday get together in Hawaii without finding at least a dozen dishes that feature local macadamia nuts. Now that I live on the mainland attending a holiday party and finding a dish made with the hearty salty nuts is rare (unless it’s a dish I bring to pass). And macadamia nuts are readily available in all 50 states so there really is no excuse for not experimenting with them in the kitchen. My aunt makes a macadamia nut pie to die for, but it’s a bit labor intensive, not to mention, incredibly rich. One slice … Continue reading

No Bars and Dances (Thank You Very Much)

Dating at forty is an interesting endeavor, as is trying to date or be social as a single parent. The other morning, I was listening to a morning talk show on the radio and the topic was whether or not people still went out to bars and tried to meet people. THEN, a mid-forty-year-old friend of mine was saying that my not wanting to go out to bars and dances was keeping me from being open to meeting someone new. I’m sorry, I don’t really want to end up all rigid and judgmental, but that is definitely NOT the scene … Continue reading

Butterscotch Brickle Bars

I love chocolate – don’t get me wrong. But sometimes I enjoy a dessert that’s not chocolate. I can’t believe I said that, but it’s true. This recipe for butterscotch brickle bars will satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a tasty alternative to a chocolate treat. Ingredients: ½ c. granulated sugar ½ c. brown sugar ½ c. butter, softened 2 t. vanilla 2 eggs 1 ½ c. all purpose flour 2 t. baking powder ¼ t. salt ¾ c. toffee bits ½ c. butterscotch chips Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Use cooking spray or butter to grease a 9×13 … Continue reading

Raspberry Lemonade Biscotti

If you have ever had a piece of biscotti, you know how wonderful it is. But, there is no need for you to pay outrageous prices at your local coffee store for biscotti when you can make your very own at home! You can even store these in an airtight container for up to a month. For this recipe, you will need fresh raspberries, white sugar, butter, eggs, all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and grated lemon zest. In a small saucepan, pour 3/4 cup of fresh raspberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Turn the heat on medium and bring … Continue reading