Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Dessert, Fun Stuff, Salads, Side December 3, 2025 Leave a comment

Everyone has tried this summer salad at least once. There are many different recipes for Ambrosia available online, making it difficult to choose which one to make. In this blog, I have included the traditional version of the recipe, as well as a new variation that uses Greek yogurt. Try both versions and decide which one you prefer. 

Traditional Version:

Ingredients

  • 2 cans of pineapple tidbits
  • 2 cans of mandarin oranges
  • 1 8–12-ounce container of Cool Whip (or fresh whipped cream)
  • 1 8-ounce container of sour cream
  • 1 bag of mini marshmallows
  • ½ bag of coconut

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to blend flavors.

New Version:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of fresh pineapple cut into small pieces
  • 2 mandarin oranges or cuties (tiny oranges) sectioned, cut the sections in half
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds
  • Optional add in fruit:
    • Strawberries (sliced)
    • Kiwi (sliced)
    • Blueberries
  • ½ bag coconut
  • 1 bag of mini marshmallows
  • 1 large container of Plain or Vanilla Greek Yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together and serve immediately

Salted Caramel Cinnamon Cookie

Dessert December 1, 2025 Leave a comment

An amazing cookie with a salted caramel finish. Add to your cookie menu for the holidays or just enjoy throughout the year for a special treat.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter
  • 3/4 cup of brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tarter
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cup of flour
  • ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1/2 cup caramel squares, cut into quarters.

Cookie Finish

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • Coarse Sea salt for sprinkling

Directions

  1. In a medium sized bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and set aside.
  2. To brown the butter, heat a medium saucepan to medium high heat. Add the sliced butter. It does not take long for the butter to begin browning on the bottom. When the butter begins to froth, watch carefully and stir. Once the butter turns light brown, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. The butter will burn fast, so don’t walk away.
  3. While the butter is cooling, cut the caramel squares into quarters and set aside
  4. In a stand mixer, combine the brown butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix until blended and smooth.
  5. Beat in egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients until combined.
  6. Form the dough into a ball and cover with plastic. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  7. Once you are ready to bake preheat the oven to 350°F.
  8. Measure about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball, or use a cookie scoop.
  9. Flatten and place a quartered caramel square on top, wrap the cookie dough over the caramel and roll back into a ball.
  10. Mix ¼ cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and roll each cookie in the mixture. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
  11. Flatten slightly with a fork, and sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt
  12. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges turn light brown. The centers will be soft. Allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Old Fashioned Nuns Puffs

Bread, Breakfast, Dessert November 30, 2025 Leave a comment

A light, tender pastry that can be filled like a cream puff or eaten “as is” drizzled with

honey. They are so easy to make and you won’t be disappointed. They are not cake, a muffin, or a doughnut.  They are sunken after baking but oh so moist and delicious I guarantee you won’t eat just one.

INGREDIENTS

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¾ cup flour
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 4 eggs

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°F. degrees

  1. Heavily grease 12 muffin cups, be sure to grease the tops and edges.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan.
  3. When the butter is melted, add the milk and bring to a boil.
  4. Add flour all at once and stir until a ball forms and does not fall apart.
  5. Remove from heat for 5 minutes.
  6. After 5 minutes, add one egg at a time and beat with a wooden spoon for one minute.
  7. Continue with each egg beating with wooden spoon for a minute.
  8. Divide the batter between each muffin cup.
  9. Sprinkle the top with sugar.
  10. Bake for 30 minutes.
  11. Remove from oven and remove buns from muffin tin.
  12. Drizzle with honey and enjoy while warm.

Moist Banana Nut Bread You’ll Love

Bread, Breakfast, Dessert November 28, 2025 Leave a comment
Banana Streusel Bread

There are so many recipes for Banana Nut Bread and truthfully, they are all pretty good. I found this recipe about 10 years ago and discovered it is hands down the best recipe I have ever made for Banana Nut Bread, moist, dense with an intense banana flavor highlighted by toasted walnuts or pecans and a cinnamon streusel topping.

Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup butter, softened
  • 1 8oz package of cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 with dark spots)
  • 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Beat butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy
  2. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating until just blended after each addition
  4. COMBINE flour and next three ingredients
  5. Gradually add butter mixture at low speed until blended
  6. Add bananas, vanilla and nuts
  7. Spoon batter into two greased and floured 8 x 4-inch bread pans
  8. Top with streusel topping
  9. Bake for 1 hour in a 350°F. degree oven or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and sides pull away from pan.
  10. Cool pans on wire rack for 10 minutes and remove from pan
  11. Cool completely before slicing

STREUSEL TOPPING

Stir together ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar; ½ cup chopped toasted nuts; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 tablespoon flour; 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon. Sprinkle over batter before baking. It may be necessary to cover the last 15 minutes with foil to prevent overbrowning.

Glazed Sweet Pearl Onions

Dinner Ideas November 27, 2025 Leave a comment

These glazed onions are versatile and pair well with a variety of savory entrees such as roasted meats, grilled steaks, or hearty vegetable dishes. They can be served as a side dish or used as a topping to enhance the flavor of the main course. The sweetness of the brown sugar glaze complements the savory elements of the entree, creating a balanced and satisfying dish that appeals to a broad range of palates. I started making these for my family 30 years ago, I am asked to bring them to every holiday dinner celebration. Start your own traditions!

Ingredients

  • 2 12-ounce bags of frozen pearl onions
  • 3 tablespoons of butter
  • ¼ teaspoon Koren Red Pepper Powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

Process

  1. Defrost onions for about an hour before cooking, it’s okay if they are still partially frozen before cooking.
  2. In a heavy 12” frying pan or cast-iron pan melt the butter on medium heat, add the pepper flakes and the rosemary and stir into the butter to infuse the flavors.
  3. When the melted butter begins to foam, add the onions.
  4. Spread the onions out in the pan and let cook slowly, releasing the water from the onions.
  5. Cook for about 5 – 7  minutes on medium heat and stir. The water that has been released from the onions will begin to evaporate, leaving the butter. At this point turn the heat up to medium high and let the onions brown. Stir occasionally until they become a nice golden color. Start to finish this should take about 10 to 12 minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium low and add brown sugar, stirring continuously until the sugar has melted and the onions are fully coated.

Note: Onions can be made a day in advance of the meal, just reheat and serve.

Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Vanilla Bourbon Sauce

Dinner Ideas, Dessert, Breakfast, Bread November 27, 2025 Leave a comment

This is the absolute best recipe for bread pudding. it will fill your home with warm, welcoming aromas of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. It also makes a wonderful addition to your holiday brunch. With the holidays around the corner, I feel the need to share some of my favorite recipes for you and your family. This rich, comfort food and so addicting.

Ingredients for Pudding

  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 10 cups chopped day old bread or pastry
  • 3 cups Half-and-Half
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions Bread Pudding

  1. Mx bread, brown sugar, Half & Half, whipping cream, sugar, eggs and cinnamon ingredients in a large bowl and let sit for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Preheat oven to 350F. degrees.
  3. Spray a 9 x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray. Spray a piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray to cover the bread pudding while it is baking.
  4. Pour bread pudding batter into pan. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour or until center of pudding is firm.
    1. NOTE: This can be made about 1 or 2 days in advance, reheat at 250F. degrees for 30 minutes before serving

Ingredients for Vanilla Bourbon Sauce

  • 4 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ to ½ cup bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)

Directions Vanilla Bourbon Sauce

  1. Pour heavy cream into a heavy saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stirring constantly to keep from scalding, continue to boil until cream is reduced by almost half, about 30 minutes.
  2. Add brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and bourbon and allow to boil until sauce thickens slightly (another 15 minutes). For extra thick sauce, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the boiling liquid, stirring constantly.

Serve warm, drizzling sauce over the top of each pudding square after placing on a plate.

Filled Angel Food Cake

Dessert November 26, 2025 Leave a comment
Filled Angel Food Cake

Are you scrambling for a dessert that is different, light and refreshing for the holidays? Here is a 1970’s throwback, I don’t care how old the recipe is, it still gets rave reviews and has a beautiful presentation.  It is simply delicious! 

Ingredients

  • 1 Angel Food Cake (boxed cake mix is fine)
  • 2 pints of fresh 2 pints of fresh strawberries or 2 cans of Mandarin oranges sliced lengthwise, mix it up with blackberries or raspberries
  • 1 Large container of Cool Whip
  • 1 regular size box of instant vanilla pudding
  • 1 stick of butter (soft)
  • 1 pound of Confectioners’ sugar

Cake
Prepare cake according to box directions, cool completely
Slice into 2 layers

Filling

  1. Add 1 cup of milk to 1 regular size box of instant vanilla pudding – beat 2 minutes
  2. Add ½ size Cool Whip container, fold cool whip into pudding mix with a spoon until completely blended.
  3. Spread ½ of the pudding mix on the first layer
  4. Spread sliced fruit on top of the filling.
  5. Cover with first layer of cake, repeat steps above and put top of cake on second layer

Frosting

  1. Beat the butter until smooth and creamy
  2. Add confectioners’ sugar, beating until incorporated and creamy. 
  3. Fold in the other half of the container of cool whip, if frosting is too stiff, add milk a tablespoon at a time. 
  4. Frost sides of cake and then the top. Decorate with sliced fruit. 

Pineapple Gravy for Ham

dinner, Dinner Ideas November 24, 2025 Leave a comment

If you’re preparing a ham for the holidays, consider adding a special dish to your table. I recommend trying a pineapple gravy. This flavorful gravy can enhance your holiday meal, making it more delicious and memorable. Pineapple gravy is easy to prepare and adds a sweet and tangy touch that complements the savory ham perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small family dinner, this recipe is a great addition to your holiday menu, providing a unique and tasty accompaniment to your main dish.

Ingredients

  • 8.5 ounce can of crushed pineapple
  • ½ cup orange juice (or pineapple juice)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Process

  1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and stir until well combined.
  2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat. Boil for 1 minute or until thickened.

Baked Ziti

Dinner Ideas November 23, 2025 Leave a comment

It’s all about Sunday dinner on a cold winter day. How about Baked Ziti, an old time favorite, a wonderful comfort food. Served with a green salad and toasted garlic bread.  Today you can buy the old-fashioned white pasta or replace it with whole wheat, protein or high fiber pasta. I use jarred spaghetti sauce in this recipe, but you can use your own homemade sauce, I have been known to cook Italian sausage or meatballs (my recipe – search meat balls) and add to the mixture. Use fresh parsley, easy to cut if you bunch it and just slice it with a knife at the top of the bunch into thin ribbons.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 18-ounce box of Ziti, cook and drain as directed on the box. Do not rinse
  • 3-1/2 cups (32-ounce jar of sauce) spaghetti sauce
  • 2 cups Ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped, fresh parsley
  • 1 egg, slightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

  1. Cook pasta according to directions, drain but do not rinse (rinsing pasta prevents sauce from sticking to it)
  2. In a large bowl combine all ingredients and only ½ cup spaghetti sauce
  3. In a 3 quart casserole pour another ½ cup of spaghetti sauce on bottom of dish and spread out
  4. Pour contents of ziti mixture into casserole and spread out
  5. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce on top of ziti mixture, sprinkle with parmesan cheese
  6. Bake covered with aluminum foil in a 375 F. degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly

Tirokafteri Dip (Spicy Feta Dip)

appetizer, Dips November 23, 2025 Leave a comment

Ingredients

  • 1 (8 ounce) package feta cheese, crumbled well
  • 2 jalapeno peppers or chili peppers, stem, seeds & membranes removed
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sweet red pepper paste (Optional)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, mashed (Optional)
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Process

  1. Place feta cheese in a large bowl.
  2. Place green peppers in a food processor and blend into a paste, transfer to the bowl of feta.
  3. Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, red pepper paste, vinegar, garlic, and cayenne pepper to the dip. Stir until well blended, and smooth.
  4. Garnish with chopped red bell pepper, chopped chilies, or sliced olives.

Serve with chips or raw vegetables such as cucumber slices, green or red pepper chunks, any crusty bread.