Spicy Pear Cobbler

pearcrumble3

I have never been a cobbler kinda gal. I like my fruits in crisps, the cakey topping that I usually associate with crumbles can't hold a candle to the crunchy oatmeal topping that crisps are known for. The story that lead me to this recipe is a common one around this house. It started with shopping, which is usually how I get into trouble most days. It ended with me being suckered into buying a … [Read more...]

Candy Corn Haystacks

candycornhaystacks2

Lordy, I love candy corn. What is it about those little morsels of bliss? Is it the colors that draw you in with promises of toothache inducing sweetness? The colors that immediately remind us of Halloween? To be honest, what IS the flavor of candy corn anyway? When I sat down to think about it for a moment, I realized that I really couldn't place exactly what the flavor is. What I do know is … [Read more...]

Chilly Day Cookin’ Ideas

chili_512x384

Nothing inspires me like the first few days of cold, chilly weather that start to arrive near fall. I would like to point out to the weather gods that they completely ripped us off this summer for nice weather once again - though it wasn't as bad as last year!- and I would like a hot September please, none of this rainy, frost in the mornings baloney we are now receiving. Part of me shakes my … [Read more...]

Charlynn’s Green Tomato Chow

greentomatochow

Alrighty, I put some of my green tomatoes to good use. Ever since Charlynn mentioned her green tomato chow, I knew it was something that I had to try. She kindly sent my her recipe and instructions, so I gave it a whirl. 30 green tomatoes 16 onions Slice and mix the tomatoes and onions in a non-reactive container. Add 1/2 cup pickling salt. Let mixture sit overnight. Mixture will stink up … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Spice Scones

pumpkinspicescones1

These have been on the back burner of my mind for a while now, since our favorite muffins ever are my pumpkin chocolate chip ones, I knew that someday I would get around to making a scone to match. They had to have molasses, lots of spices and chocolate chips. I took these into work Saturday afternoon, because my work wife asked me to make something. In case you haven't met her before, here's … [Read more...]

Highbush Cranberry Jelly

highbushcranberryjelly

There is a certain satisfaction to picking the berries yourself, not only because they are free-appealing to the cheapskate within- but also that my kids got to help me pick and then eat their just rewards. Those little turkeys were right in the bushes with me, "helping" to pick these and said little turkeys have been enjoying this jelly in their sandwiches and on toast. It really isn't just … [Read more...]

Fully Loaded Carrot Cake

carrotcake_512x384

If you hate carrot cake with pineapple, raisins and walnuts, run, don't walk away. Sorry. I will try another carrot cake version without those, just for you, so come on back later! However,  if the thought of a cake loaded to the teeth with the above three, full of spices and zing, try this recipe. This cake is more chewy bits to savor than actual cake, so be forewarned. It is a chunky, … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Bran Muffins

pbran2_512x384

These are another muffin I made while questing to find healthier muffins to send with my son to school. We all love pumpkin muffins in this house, our favorites ones being the Ultimate Pumpkin Muffins recipe that we have enjoyed for years now. Since there was no way I was going to screw around with what is a perfect recipe, I decided to take bran muffins in a different direction. And once … [Read more...]

Roasted Parnsips & Carrots

parsnipscarrots_512x384

I had parsnips. Thus, I have been cooking with parsnips. I also love parsnips, they are the carrots often forgotten relative, destined to be hidden in the shadows of  vegetables that are more brightly colored, widely available and popular. If there was a root vegetable popularity contest, parsnips would probably come in dead last, or at least running neck and neck with turnips. Which I … [Read more...]

Cornish Game Hen Soup

cornishsoup_512x384

Sometimes great, fantastic tasting things are born out of  misery. The misery being that the last time I made Cornish Game hens for supper, I was feeling to rotten to eat mine by the time dinner rolled around. I promptly threw Mike's onto a plate, mumbled something intelligible to him (probably that it was all he was getting and to find something to go with it)  and went and lay down to at least … [Read more...]

Carrot Bran Muffins

9_512x384

These are what is called a breakfast muffin, I suppose, they aren't really sweet and loaded with sugar, but a solid tasty muffin that can be a good start to your day. The raisins and molasses are what give it most of the sweetness, and the spices save it from being too bland. You can try to substitute the oil with applesauce as well, I made them with oil since it's only half a cup … [Read more...]

Skillet Potatoes

7_512x384

Easy. Delicious. Has bacon. Do I have you convinced yet? These were a craving one night when we whipped up steak, the same night I realized it must be a uniquely Canadian trait to take out your flashlight with you to check your steak. We barbecue year round, so it's hard to see the donenes of your steak in the dark. Since it's dark at 5 nowadays. And I refuse to go without a good juicy … [Read more...]

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

greenbeans1_533x400

These are blooming fantastic. These are the ultimate, surprise appetizer for a party, people will be amazed at these little creative bundles of sweet, smoky bacon, green bean goodness. Guests will rave about them and ask for your recipe. And you will blush and acknowledge the praise and hand over the recipe with a little "oh really, it's nothing." And truly, it is nothing, they are so simple to … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Bread

pumpkinloaf_512x384

Now it's time to get on to a Pumpkin Loaf, or bread, because what kind of Pumpkin Week would it be if I didn't have a great pumpkin loaf as well? This recipe makes two loaves, which was perfect for my picky-pants husband, one was plain and the other was loaded with raisins and nuts for us normal people who like it that way. Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups of pumpkin 4 eggs 1/2 cup of oil 1/2 cup of … [Read more...]

Curried Pumpkin Soup

psoup_362x384

Ok. Here's the deal. Either you love pumpkin soup, or you hate it, there is no in between. I had this last year at a Christmas party, and my dad and I were the only ones at the table who raved over it,2 out of 6 people. It's a unique taste for sure, but I would think if you love curry, and you love pumpkin, you will probably love this. This is one of my favorite soups ever. And a good thing too, … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Dip

pdip_512x384

Pumpkin dip has to be the most amazing, delectable and evil thing I have ever encountered. I first tried it about 2 years ago at my friend Amanda's Halloween party, and it's been true love ever since.  It tastes like pumpkin pie filling, and you can eat it on gingersnaps, or graham wafers.  I can eat this with a spoon. I would eat it in my room. I will eat it here or there, Sam, I will eat it … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Scones

pumpkinscone_512x384

I wanted to try and re-create the Starbucks type of pumpkin scone, even with the spiced glaze on top. I took the Best Scones Ever recipe and added some pumpkin and spices and they turned great, so this recipe will be a keeper. One thing to note is that you can make them as spicy as you want, up the spices until they are tuned into your taste buds. I went fairly easy on the spices for my trial run, … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Drop Cakes

pumpkindrop

Welcome to Pumpkin Week!! I love cooking with pumpkin, I adore the smell of fall baking with spices and squashes and root vegetables. If I had to pick my favorite time of year to bake,  it would be from October to December. The next three months are going to be so much fun and so tasty in my house. Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 1 … [Read more...]

The Absolute Best Ever Twice Baked Stuffed Potatoes

stuffedpotatoes

I was craving stuffed potatoes with my marinated steak the other day, when it was plus 30 Celcius, have I mentioned our hottest day of the summer yet? ( yes Karlynn, you have...over...and over...and over again) It happened in September in these parts. Hello Global Warming. Anyways, as usual, I decided to make my own variation. These were born from the simple fact that I am on a cream cheese kick … [Read more...]

Apple Scones

applescone

You will find many recipes for scones on my site, they are a breakfast favorite. My husband eats them with peanut butter, my son with butter and my daughter with jam. They are a nice substitution for toast when you have a moment to whip something homemade up for breakfast or lunch. My pictures aren't the best because they were in the early morning sun (yeesh up at 7 and baking that morning!) but … [Read more...]