This delectable Apple Cake has a slightly crunchy crust and a soft moist center that is loaded with chunks of sweet apple and pecans. It is perfectly spiced with cinnamon, ground cloves and nutmeg. It is lightly drizzled with an easy four ingredient caramel sauce. I make this cake several times each fall for bake sales, potlucks and family and friend get-togethers.

This easy ratatouille recipe is a classic summer French stew filled with vibrant, colourful and nutritious vegetables: tomatoes, zucchini and eggplant. It is a low-carb, gluten-free and vegan dish that can be made in one pan and served atop greens or grains, as a side to a main entrée, or all on its own.

May 6 2015

Mother’s Day!

Posted by Betsy (TK) in Kitchen Talk

I don’t know about you all, but May snuck up on me this year! 2015 was brand spanking new about five minutes ago, and now it’s almost half over. How can it be! Of course, the nicer May weather is not bad at all, and there’s lots of fun energy buzzing about summer plans. So I guess May can stay.

May also brings Mother’s Day, and it’s coming this weekend! Mother’s Day gives us a chance celebrate our moms and all the mamas in our lives. And what better way is there to show a mom she’s special than to pamper her with a nice meal or maybe her favorite homemade treat? I think I speak for all moms when I say, “Cook for us! We’ll love you forever!” Of course, moms don’t require anything elaborate. We’re just thrilled by the gesture. Sweet notes from kids don’t hurt either.

We’d love to hear your Mother’s Day plans, especially as they relate to cooking or baking for your mom. So tell us:

What meal or treat are you making for your mom this Mother’s Day?

I get to see my mom this weekend, and I’m thinking a fresh, warm batch of scones and a few hugs and kisses from her grandchildren Sunday morning will pretty much make her month. It’s the simple things!

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 4 2015

Cinco de Mayo Drinks!

Posted by Betsy (TK) in The Theme Is...

We shared a big Mexican food roundup here last week, and we hope you’re getting ready to cook up some goodness for Cinco de Mayo. But the feast won’t be complete without a tasty beverage or two! Of course, a classic margarita would do the trick, and we’ve got a few of those for you. But what about a cool, refreshing sangria? Or a beer-garita? Or even a sangrita (seen above)? There are so many choices out there, so tell us what you’re craving to go with you chips, salsas and all the rest.

What’s your favorite Cinco de Mayo beverage?

Of course, we have plenty of margarita recipes for you. You can’t go wrong with a simple, classic margarita. If you feel like changing it up, though, we have some delicious flavors to add. We’re getting thirsty already!

If wine and fruit are your thing, mix up a big pitcher of sangria. There’s a recipe here for every wine lover, whether your preference is red, white or rosé. If you want an alcohol-free version, we’ve got you covered. Lots of fresh fruit and juice to enjoy along with all that spicy food!

Sometimes, beer is just the best accompaniment for Mexican food. A nice beer with a squeeze of lime can be perfect! This year, though, we’re dying to try a beer-garita. We’re loving the idea of extra lime and of course a salted rim. Or any of the other beer cocktails above. They all look so refreshing!

Whatever you mix up, enjoy your meals and drinks, and let us know how it all tasted! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

May 1 2015

Cinco de Mayo Roundup!

Posted by Betsy (TK) in Holidays

I think, by now, we’ve established the fact that we love Mexican food around here. Who doesn’t? It’s just so right. So obviously, we cannot let Cinco de Mayo pass without rounding up some of our members’ latest and greatest Mexican recipes. The only problem now, is waiting until next Tuesday to dive into all this glorious grub. And let’s face it, we probably won’t wait. Uno de Mayo is totally a thing, didn’t you hear? Whatever day you celebrate, we’ve got a recipe or two, or a hundred for you. Here we go!

No Cinco de Mayo feast can commence without appetizers. Guacamole and salsa are no-brainers but we’re not stopping there. Queso, anyone?

Now for the centerpiece of the meal and some of our favorite Mexican dishes: tacos, enchiladas and burritos. If you can pile it on or wrap it in a tortilla, throw some cheese in and a little sauce, we’ll sign up every time!

Deciding what meat or other filling you want can be tough! So let’s not decide. We can slow-cook and grill and pan fry all at once if it means we get more filling options! Suddenly, a taco bar sounds just right. But even one of these recipes would make the whole meal!

There are, of course, so many store-bought products that make for easy prep, but to step up our game, we love making some of the components from scratch. These homemade ingredients will give your Cinco de Mayo spread that special something!