Holiday Recipes

A lot has changed over the past year.  Well, actually, that’s a bunch of baloney.  The kind of stuff people write in holiday form letters. Aside from remodeling a house, not much has changed. Oh, except that I decided that I was going to be an eater instead of a cooker.  Because even though...
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2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup oil (canola or coconut) 1 egg 2 cups cranberries, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped Preheat oven to 375º   Combine flour through salt and set aside.  In a large bowl, combine OJ through egg. ...
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I am in a blue mood today.  And longing for some home-cooked food. Since I still don’t have a kitchen, you can cook for me. Think of me when you sink your teeth into something sweet. Or swallow something savory. Since blue foods are neither in season nor very appetizing, I am sending you...
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It’s the Fourth of July, ya’ll. Time to celebrate life in the good ol’ US of A. Fireworks are nice (sometimes), but patriotic holidays like this one are really about something more.  Whether we watch fireworks or not, what do we all do on July 4th? EAT. And drink a little, too. Because parades...
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Holiday cooking is full on, and whether you are cooking for a large group or preparing a small family dinner, these yams are a great alternative to the overly sweet, marshmallow-covered yams we so often see in a holiday buffet.  I have served these yams with roasted chicken and Brussels sprouts and paired them...
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There are sugar cookies.  And then there are good sugar cookies.  And then there are butter cookies.  Need I go on?  I made these for Halloween, but they are an anytime cookie- just change the decorations.  Oh, and yes, everyone loves them, adults and kids alike.  This recipe is for you, Alex. 1/2 pound...
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I made these mini muffins for Hayden’s 3rd birthday party, which was at 10 am.  Everybody devoured them, Hayden included (yes, even after he had two pieces of cake).  These sweet, wholesome muffins make a great breakfast or brunch treat, especially during the holidays.  Make a batch and wrap them in gift bags for...
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Roasting a whole chicken can be a daunting task, especially when doing it for the first time, but this chicken is both versatile and economical.  Serve it at a dinner party with friends or a casual, weeknight family supper.  A three pound chicken could serve a family of four for several days- get creative...
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Wintery weather returned to Los Angeles today, bringing cloudy skies and chilly air.  This moist bundt cake was the perfect afternoon treat on a day spent inside.  Hayden and Scott both gobbled it up and asked for more.  The sweet potatoes (or yams, to be correct) really add nutritional value to this cake! 2...
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Mmmm… this is one of those home cooking recipes.  Butternut squash is always good, but add bacon and a hint of pure maple syrup, and you’ve got heaven in a dish. 1-2 butternut squash, peeled, chopped 1/4  cup maple syrup salt 2 strips bacon Preheat oven to 375°  In a large skillet, fry bacon...
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Hayden LOVES brussels sprouts (must have been how many he was getting in the womb!), and this is our favorite way to eat them. Cook this brussels sprouts recipe for your family or friends, and you just might convert them to brussels sprouts lovers! 1 lb brussels sprouts (about 2 doz) 1 clove garlic,...
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After trying many pumpkin bread recipes, I created this one, and it is awesome.  This recipe makes two loaves.  Enjoy one now, and freeze one for a rainy day! 2 1/2 cups unbleached flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4...
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