Throughout 2021, I've had to deal with a health condition that keeps me on a restrictive diet on a long-term basis. That doesn't mean, however, that I no longer want my meals to taste great. So I started looking for help in the form of health-minded cookbooks from chefs that understand flavor. After perusing quite … Continue reading Favorite Healthy Cookbooks of 2021
Cooking & Recipes
Favorite Baking Cookbooks of 2021
My baking game has come a long way in 2021, and these baking cookbooks are a big part of the reason why. From James Beard Award winners to internet stars, these baker authors combine foundational basics with delicious flavor combinations, and even some beloved copy cat recipes you'll never believe you can make at home! … Continue reading Favorite Baking Cookbooks of 2021
Overall Favorite Cookbooks of 2021
Before 2021, I didn't have a cookbook problem. I didn't even own very many cookbooks. However, in late January, I was diagnosed with a health condition with a 12-18 month recovery period, including significant diet restriction. That was tough news for someone who loves food as much as I do. Instead of feeling sorry for … Continue reading Overall Favorite Cookbooks of 2021
Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole
Looking for an easy, satisfying breakfast for all your excited loved ones on Christmas morning? This is our favorite go-to recipe for easily feeding a hungry group before you've had your morning coffee! Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is celebrating somewhere else. This egg-based casserole bakes in a single dish … Continue reading Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole
2021 Mainstay Christmas Goodies Platter
We've finally finished our Cookie Platter for the 2021 Christmas season! However, with Cocoa Bombs, blondie bars, and peppermint bark, perhaps we should call it a goodies platter??? This year's platter includes some of our festive favorites! Pecan Coffee ThumbprintsGrinch Heart Sugar CookiesSpiced Molasses CookiesRussian Tea Cakes (not pictured)Chocolate-Dipped Coconut MacaroonsMelted Snowman Peppermint BarkOrange Cranberry … Continue reading 2021 Mainstay Christmas Goodies Platter
Hot Cocoa Tiered Tray
We combined two current popular trends into one fantastic new idea: a hot cocoa bar built on a tiered tray! The options are only limited by the size of your tray and your imagination. To build a hot cocoa bar that will impress all your holiday guests, consider offering some of these tasty options: Your … Continue reading Hot Cocoa Tiered Tray
Grinch Heart Sugar Cookies
I'm a big ole sucker for this scene, in which the Grinch's heart grows three sizes: And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?It came without ribbons. It came without tags.It came without packages, boxes or bags.And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler … Continue reading Grinch Heart Sugar Cookies
Cocoa Bombs
Cocoa bombs are relatively new on the food scene, but their popularity means you can find a variety in stores this season. However, they're not very hard to make at home! A cocoa bomb is a simple concept: a hollow chocolate sphere encapsulating cocoa mix and marshmallows. When you submerge the "bomb" in a mug … Continue reading Cocoa Bombs
Bûche de Noël
A Bûche de Noël, otherwise known as a Yule Log, is a traditional French roulade (or jelly roll cake) filled with fruit and/or cream, covered in chocolate and decorated to look like a log, including meringue mushrooms. They make a stunning addition to any Christmas table, and while they look complicated, they're actually not that … Continue reading Bûche de Noël
Homemade Egg Nog
I've only recently learned that egg nog is a polarizing subject. I didn't realize people hated it, but apparently they do. However, those that like egg nog - like myself - love it. And we really love it! I've long been one of the people who squeals when she sees the first cartons of the … Continue reading Homemade Egg Nog
Mainstay Kitchen & Home 