• Bacon Green Bean Casserole

    Over the years I have come to the conclusion that you are either a fan of green bean casserole or you are not…it’s really that simple.  I have always landed on the not a fan side of this debate but my brother, James, is a HUGE fan and asks for it every holiday…but this year it was time to take it to the next level. Green Bean Casserole like no other  Most of the time my sis-in-laws mom will make it for him, but this time I decided to take on his request but to make it in a way that I (and the other non-lovers) would love as well.…

  • Smoked Turkey

    Turkey Day (aka Thanksgiving) will be here before we know it (like next week) and it is time we talk smoked turkey!   let’s talk SMOKED TURKEY I know most of us will roast or fry our Thanksgiving turkeys but this Smoked Turkey is the only way my family does it now.  My brother and his Father-in-Law have perfected this recipe and it is just amazing!! To be safe you want to have between 3/4 – 1 pound per person (or more for leftovers).  Also make sure you give it enough time to thaw, We thaw our turkey in an ice water bath in a cooler (still in the plastic wrapping)…

  • Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce

    I love cranberry sauce with my turkey (like this smoked turkey), but I am not a fan of the can.  This Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce is SO MUCH better than the can, and so easy!! Let’s talk about the Spiced Cranberry Sauce Are you a fan of cranberry sauce?  I feel like you either are or your not.  There doesn’t seem to be too many people out there that are in the middle of the cranberry debate.  Well, I was not a fan either until I started making my own cranberry sauce from FRESH cranberries…thats right there are no cans in this recipe. It is all about the FRESH Berries Growing…

  • Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce

    Are cranberries your thing?  I feel like you either are or you are not.  Well this girl… BIG fan.  A few of my favorite recipes are these Cranberry Bran Muffins & Cranberry Bars.  I  have to say though, this Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce is definately in my top 3 now.  Cranberry Love! There is just something about these tart little berries that I cannot get enough of.  I love them in desserts, as a garnish, in drinks and definately as a side.    They are so easy to use and so festive. In this sauce the cranberries are truly the star but withe a little kick.  The jalapeño and spices bring…

  • Gluten Free Thanksgiving Dressing

    Thanksgiving is just around the corner… like literally AROUND the corner and I have the BEST dressing recipe ever (& it is gluten-free)!  Yep I said… THE BEST! It is all about the gluten free bread… In my opinion what makes this dressing the best is the bread! Surprise, surprise it is made with gluten free bread!  I know I was shocked as well.  The gluten free bread is naturally already drier in consistency and once you toast it to a golden brown it truly does become the perfect bread to carry all the dressing seasonings without getting too mushy. So how did this dressing happen you ask?  Well, last…

  • Pumpkin Dream Dessert Delight

    Your Pumpkin Dream is made of this dessert and you need it NOW!  Layers, Layer & Layers of Pumpkin Dream Delights! It all starts with a buttery and delicious graham cracker crust, baked to perfection.  Next bring on a rich and creamy cheesecake layer, with just a bit of tang in each bite.  Third is the pumpkin “mousse/pudding” layer.  This light pumpkin layer brings everything together to make this the perfect fall treat.  To finish it everything is topped with fresh whipped cream, like this All Day Whipped Cream and some toasted pecans or walnuts.   These layers are everything!   It is not just for Fall… I know, I…

  • Pumpkin Butter

    OK… I have a sad story about pumpkin butter.  As I am sure you know by now I am a BIG, BIG pumpkin fan.  One of my most favorite pumpkin treats is pumpkin butter, but when I went to buy some the other day at Trader Joes they were out!  There was none to be found… NONE!! MY Pumpkin Butter Obsession So it all started back 10+ years a go when I was aimlessly wondering through Williams Sonoma one October day.  This very sweet lady came up to me and asked if I would like to try some pumpkin butter.  I mean she had me at the word pumpkin but…

  • Pumpkin Espresso Bundt

    Pumpkin + Espresso makes me a happy girl.  And yes, I know it is only September but in my world it is pumpkin time.  I mean honestly it is pumpkin time all the time to me but I can at least now post it and it seem somewhat “normal”. Pumpkin, please I love pumpkin anything and everything, and I can eat pumpkin anytime, especially this bundt cake.  The pumpkin makes the bundt cake super moist without making it heavy and then with the addition of the pumpkin pie spice gives it just the right amount of warmth in each bite. If you didn’t want to use the pumpkin pie spice you…

  • Easy Shortbread Cookies

    Shortbread Cookies are my mom’s most favorite cookie.  Anytime I ask her what she wants for her birthday or a holiday treat she says shortbread…and these are her MOST FAVORITE recipe. What makes them so special? First thing is the Vanilla Bean Paste.  It adds a true vanilla flavor to these cookies, along with the cute little specks from the vanilla bean making these cookies look a little bit fancier then your typical shortbread.   If you do not have vanilla bean pasta that is ok you can use vanilla extract, but of you can get your hands on vanilla bean extract I would. Secondly, these cookies have less powder…

  • Spiced Molasses Sandwich Cookies

    I have a new favorite cookie… Spiced Molasses Sandwich Cookies!  Trust me… you will LOVE them! The perfect blend The cookie itself is quite sweet, especially with the course sugar, but the pumpkin-butter buttercream is the perfect balance.  It is just a little sweet with a good bit of spice making each bite the perfect balance.   If you are planning on just eating the cookies and not making them into sandwich cookies you could leave off the sugar until right when you bring them out of the oven.  That way the sugar is just on the top and not on all sides. Sugar options When I roll cookies in…