Triple Berry Cherry Pie

With Christmas fast approaching, I am beyond ready to be stuffing my face with Christmas dinner and all the wonderful desserts and treats that go along with it. Tonight, I tried out a delicious pie that incorporated a variety of "left over" fruit I had in the freezer. It seems like although I freeze things in 1 quart containers, I always end up with about 3/4 cup left in the containers. This pie is a great way to use up those little odds and ends hiding out in the freezer. I used 3 types of berries and some tart cherries, but you could use any fruit as long as the total comes out to the 4 cups.

Fried Apples

It's a great fall morning, I am up early than necessary to await on a repairman who will show up between 8 and 5. Since I have to be up, I might as well be productive and making something yummy to eat.

Upon inspection of a mostly empty fridge, I decided on some buttermilk pancakes topped with fried apples. I know you can open a can and just heat them, but homemade fried apples are just so amazing! You must make them!

Tuscan White Bean Soup

There is nothing like a good bowl of hot, steamy soup after a long stressful week. Minimal effort and delicious results. Soup also has a ton of wonderful bonuses. It's cheap, even if you go organic with it. It is easy to make large quantities and it freezes exceptionally well! It's filling if accompanied with a bit of homemade bread. And best of all, it's absolutely delicious and packed with so many vitamins and other nutrients.

Berry Mug Muffin

Today is one of the rare days that I find myself home alone at breakfast time. Even my cats abandoned me this morning.

I am now curled up with a book, this deliciously simple "muffin", and a over-sized cup of coffee. A great start to a relaxing day home alone!

TGIF! Let's Celebrate!

The first Friday of December! I can hardly believe that in 20 days (less than 3 weeks!) it will be Christmas!

I am up early, preparing to head off in search of cooking ingredients. Since I make close to 36 dozen cookies, plus some candies, I have to double check everything to make sure I have everything I need written down. I know that I will be getting strange looks from the lady at the checkout, every year I get questioned about why I am buying such massive quantities of flour, sugar, sprinkles, spices, extracts, pounds of butter, and eggs.

I got my tree up and decorated last night. I feel like I am one of the few who still waits until after Thanksgiving to start on Christmas. Am I really all alone in thinking 1 holiday at a time is ok?

Ginger Rice Pudding with Maple Syrup

Call me old fashioned. But I refuse to buy into all the hype that has become the holiday season. To me, this is the time of year for indulging in great food, great drinks, and great people. I refuse to indulge in the commercialism that has taken over the true meaning of the holidays.

While many are out, battling one another for the best deals, I'll be at home, stationed in my kitchen working on an array of delicious treats.

Today, upon reading this tutorial on The Kitchn, I decided to apply this risotto cooking method to one of my favorite dishes, rice pudding.

All Things Winter and Christmas

Although I am not a huge fan of winter, I absolutely love the holiday season and all the things associated with it. Especially the cookies. And the hot drinks. And the huge meals shared with loved ones. And anything else food related this time of year.