It's almost Purim for our Jewish friends! Purim celebrates one of my favorite Bible stories: Esther. Her bravery resulted in the Hebrew people being liberated from persecution. Perhaps you were born for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14) To commemorate, the Jewish people often make a filled cookie called Hamantaschen, which translates to "ears … Continue reading Hamantaschen
Holiday cooking
Roasted Maple Sage Turkey
No Thanksgiving table is complete without the turkey! I'm a fan of traditional poultry seasoning flavor; bring on the fresh sage! This recipe, however, adds onto that flavor profile with a delicious maple and bay basting sauce. The result is an incredible balance of herbs and gentle sweet maple. This turkey is the perfect recipe … Continue reading Roasted Maple Sage Turkey
Thanksgiving Turkey Pie Design
Looking for a way to make a basic pumpkin pie more festive for Thanksgiving? Put a turkey on it! TIMESAVER TIP: You don't even have to make anything from scratch! This works great with refrigerated/frozen pie crust and a premade pie from the freezer section/bakery of your local grocery store. Just make sure, before you … Continue reading Thanksgiving Turkey Pie Design
No-Bake Cheesecake Hacks
Are you someone who doesn't bake but would love to impress this holiday season? I've got you covered! In this post, learn how to jazz up a store-bought, no-bake cheesecake in FOUR different ways that will leave your guests begging for seconds! First, buy a no-bake cheesecake. During the fall holidays, I love the Pumpkin … Continue reading No-Bake Cheesecake Hacks
Russian Tea Cakes
These little nutty shortbread cookies are found in several different cultures throughout the world. In Russia, they're made with hazelnuts and called Tea Cakes. In Mexico, they're made with almonds and called Wedding Cookies. In the Southern USA, they're made with pecans and called Pecan Sandies. And sometimes, usually at the holidays, they're simply referred … Continue reading Russian Tea Cakes
Spiced Plum Jam for the Freezer
In the Northern Hemisphere, plums ripen in the summer months, typically between July and September. Yet, plum is such a popular flavor for the November and December holiday season, especially when you include warmer spices, like clove and cinnamon. What better way to celebrate Christmas in July than to make homemade Freezer Plum Jam, plain … Continue reading Spiced Plum Jam for the Freezer
Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is easily one of the most popular holiday sweet treats. It can be pricy to buy premade, but not to worry: it's super easy to make at home! This version is special, however. Sprinkles and candies turns this tasty peppermint bark into adorable Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark. Try making this with your kiddos, … Continue reading Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark
Easter Rice Cereal Treats
These aren't your mama's rice cereal treats! The base recipe is my favorite way to enhance the traditional rice cereal treat recipe, using brown butter, vanilla extract, and flaky salt. It makes your typical rice cereal treat KILLER! However, folding in my favorite Easter candy - Cadbury's Mini Eggs - takes these to the next … Continue reading Easter Rice Cereal Treats
Jewish Charoset
Confession: I'm not Jewish, and I've never celebrated a Passover in my life. But I'm fascinated by rich Jewish history and culture, so I'm learning more through their food. I'm so glad I am, too, because this apple and walnut chutney - called Charoset (ha-ROE-set) - is DELICIOUS! From what I have read, this recipe … Continue reading Jewish Charoset
Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns are one of the most popular traditional Easter recipes. Some say they originated in Greece, some say they were an English invention. Whatever their origin, these buns, decorated with crosses, grace many Christian tables as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hot Cross Buns are delicately sweet; less of a dessert … Continue reading Hot Cross Buns
Mainstay Kitchen & Home 