Hey, Reader! Years ago I made these chocolate raspberry cookies for a holiday cookie swap using freeze-dried raspberries. Well, dried fruits are easier to get now, but they sure haven't gotten less expensive, so I decided to remake the recipe with fresh raspberries. The result? An even better cookie! I recommend using a chocolate bar and chopping it yourself rather than dark chocolate chips, if you're able. You'll get wonderful melty puddles of chocolate that make the cookies even better,...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey, Reader! Even though we're weeks out from garden tomatoes here, I am craving that classic summer combo of tomatoes and basil. This pasta recipe is the perfect fit: use canned tomatoes when you don't have fresh, and fresh tomatoes when they're perfectly ripe. Farfalle (aka bowtie pasta) is a great shape for saucy dishes because you get a good amount of sauce tucked into those little folds. Don't have it on hand? Just use your favorite shape. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water for...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey, Reader! I recently took a look at my blueberry coffee cake recipe and decided it just wasn't good enough, so I jumped back into the kitchen. This improved recipe is soft and tender with twice the amount of blueberries as the original! It makes nine big slices for brunch, or you can cut it into smaller servings if it's part of a big spread. The cake stays tender at room temperature for a few days, but if it lasts longer than that make sure to store it in the fridge because of all that...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, By now you know that I adore making jams, pickles, and other preserves. There's just something extra satisfying about filling the jars and having them ready to go for breakfast or snacking. I don't always want to be monitoring a hot water canner or figuring out how to store endless jars, though, so I have been making small batches for years now. These recipes make just a few jars instead of the standard 8 (or more!), so you can simply tuck them into the fridge and enjoy over the...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey, Reader! I don't know about where you are, but here in Illinois it has been hot, making weeding my garden a less than pleasant experience. Of course, that just means I look forward to this refreshing strawberry mocktail even more when I'm done! This is great for when you want to sip something just a little more special, but want to avoid alcohol. With strawberries, mint, and a bit of lime, it might just be your new favorite. make strawberry mocktails Donate to Minnesota Mutual Aid hi, i'm...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey, Reader! I know I'm not the only one craving berries right now, based on how many times I've been asked, "Where did you get those strawberries?" at the farmers market the past few weeks. While I'm impatiently waiting for my raspberries to ripen, I've got plenty of berry recipes on tap to enjoy! Blueberry Bars Get the recipe Strawberry Coulis Get the recipe Raspberry Sorbet Get the recipe Blueberry Pancakes Get the recipe Baked Strawberry Donuts Get the recipe Blackberry Crisp with Basil...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey, Reader! Once the calendar flips over to June, I am fully ready for preserving season. Of course, that doesn't always mean I want to haul out my big pot. Sometimes I just want pickles! Refrigerator dill pickles are as easy as can be. You don't even need to turn on the stove to simmer the brine, just whisk it up and pour over the sliced cucumbers, spices, and fresh dill. Enjoy these as a refreshing snack, chop for salad, or pile onto a brisket sandwich! make pickles Donate to Minnesota...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey, Reader! I've always loved the combination of strawberries and whipped cream. When I was a kid we'd sometimes get those little dessert cups and pile them high, but these days I turn to a biscuit strawberry shortcake. We're already biscuit fiends over here thanks to our time in Texas, so any excuse is a good one for more biscuits, and strawberry shortcake is a good one. Don't skip macerating the berries; it makes them extra juicy and sweet! make strawberry shortcake Donate to Minnesota...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey, Reader! The slow cooker saves my butt more times than I can count. Whether we're using it for parties, Thanksgiving, or just dinner, it really saves the day, and this pulled pork is one we love to make in it. This recipe is completely refreshed from the 2010 version and is so full of flavor. Don't be put off by the longer ingredient list—we're relying on stuff you should have in your pantry! Add some crisp coleslaw and tangy pickled onions, and you've got one of my favorite easy meals....
2 months ago • 1 min read