This cherry pie is perfect for holidays...or any occasion honestly! The filling is so simple. There are just a few ingredients mixed together, and then you have a cherry pie. If you want to make this pie extra special, you can do the lattice pastry top. I included the instructions in the tips section. The next time you have a special occasion or holiday, I recommend making this cherry pie for a sweet ending to your event. Bon Appetit! Tips: I use my double crust pie reci

Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches remind me of summer. Summer makes me think of biting into tomatoes that are ripe and juicy (fresh from the garden). With the 4th of July holiday upon us (for those of us in America), this salad seems like a great idea for the occasion. One of the reasons it is so great is that you can make it ahead of time, so that you can enjoy the festivities without the time constraint. I grew up in the middle of America, and this is a classic Midw

Rhubarb is a vegetable that is most often used in baked sweet desserts. To me, it brings to mind a plant that I would find in grandma's garden - somewhat old fashioned, but still delicious. I have a few rhubarb plants in my garden, because my family enjoys eating the baked sweets that I make with their stalks. One of the desserts I make is the rhubarb upside-down cake. This cake is sweet and goes great with the tartness of the rhubarb. This recipe is from my mother-in-law

This is a great summer side dish that compliments any main meal. I personally like to make this delicious green bean dish when I am serving grilled meat. This side is a bright and flavorful combination of good-for-you vegetables. I find that sometimes vegetables can be boring (especially if you do the same things with them) in looks and taste, but not so with this recipe! The garlic and red pepper add great flavor and a spicy kick that your mouth will enjoy immensely. Yo

Along with most of the worlds population, I am addicted to chocolate. Every once in a while (or everyday), I have to feed my craving! These little chocolate cupcakes are perfect for a chocolate fix. I found this recipe in Southern Living magazine, the April 2017 edition. If you crave intense chocolate, you will enjoy the original recipe. I was curious to see what the outcome would be with a few changes to the original recipe. Instead of dark chocolate, I used semi-sweet

Summer is the perfect time to get together with friends and family. Food plays a major part in this ritual. I love to cook for people; it is my way of showing that I care. I enjoy making them an assortment of yummy dishes. Not too long ago, I decided to have an early summer gathering. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate, so we could not host it outdoors. My plans, however, were flexible. I decided to bring summer inside and share the warmth of good food despite

This bean dip makes for a wonderful snack! It is full of flavor, and it looks beautiful too. There are only a few ingredients, so this dip is simple and easy to prepare. You can also use it as an appetizer when entertaining guests. Bon Appetit! Tips: If you are not sure your food processor can mince the garlic well, do it by hand with a sharp knife. Once garlic is minced, add according to directions. After adding salt and pepper, taste test the dip. Add more if needed. P

This is my father's favorite pie. When blueberries are in season (often in June - near father's day), I make him a blueberry pie! The ingredients are simple, but the results are amazing. Serve this beautiful pie with some vanilla ice cream for a real summer treat. Bon Appetit! Tips: Fresh, in-season blueberries work best for this pie. Make sure you place your unbaked pie on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. The juices from the berries may overflow, and this will prot

Every once in a while, I crave a good juicy steak, and this recipe does the job perfectly! I found this simple and delicious recipe in the May 8, 2017 edition of People magazine. This recipe was created by Jessica Seinfeld. She gives perfect instructions for preparing steaks, and the blue cheese butter is scrumptious! Fast and easy to be prepare, you will not be disappointed with this yummy dish. Bon Appetit! Preparation time is 35 minutes. Cook time is 15 minutes. Ingre

This is the recipe I use when I make a double crust pie. I found this gem in a magazine in the late 80's and have been using it ever since. I am the first to admit pie crusts can be a challenge, and my advice to you is to make a lot of pie. Practice makes perfect. Please refer to my earlier blog post on pastry dough tips as most of the tips apply with this recipe too. I have a few additional tips below specifically for the double crust pastry in order to help ensure succ