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
Food
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
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
Egg Nog Rice Pudding
Holiday sweet treats aren't limited to cookies and pies. This smooth, creamy Egg Nog Rice Pudding comes together easily, with smooth seasonal flavors to rival any traditional dessert! We've also included a low sugar and egg-free option for those navigating the holidays with diet restrictions. The only sugar comes from a lower-sugar, egg-less almond milk-based … Continue reading Egg Nog Rice Pudding
Spiced Molasses Crackle Cookies
Molasses is a classic holiday flavor, but traditional gingerbread can be hard and dry. That's where these chewy molasses cookies come in! They are characterized by a chewy interior, surrounded by a crunchy exterior covered in delicious sparkling sugar. The trick is to let them cool on a sheet of wax paper to keep the … Continue reading Spiced Molasses Crackle Cookies
Coffee Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Today's Christmas cookie recipe originated with a dear friend who has been making them for her friends and family for decades. She has always known these are my very favorite, so she was gracious enough to share her recipe with me. However, in my anticipation, I was too impatient to chill the dough before baking. … Continue reading Coffee Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies
Today's Christmas cookie recipe is Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies, perfect for fans of grasshopper cookies or Thin Mint cookies. These little gems taste like little brownie bites with a delicate hint of mint, and while they look stunning, they taste even better! They're perfect for the holidays, or pretty much any other day, since the … Continue reading Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies
Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Blondies
This week, we're focusing on Christmas cookies and sweet treats, and we're starting off with one of the best! I probably should've labeled this post Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, because that's precisely what they are. However, at their heart, these are just orange-flavored blondies, festively dressed with cranberries and white chocolate chips, smothered in … Continue reading Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Blondies
Sour Cream Pumpkin Pie with Egg Nog Whipped Cream
Happy day before Thanksgiving, a day in which many people are baking up a storm! For my final Thanksgiving prep post, I've saved the best for last: our favorite pumpkin pie recipe. It's a little more complicated than our Classic Pumpkin Pie, but the extra effort is well rewarded! We start with Iron Chef Alex … Continue reading Sour Cream Pumpkin Pie with Egg Nog Whipped Cream
Mainstay Kitchen & Home 