My friend Kristina, the Domesticated Gypsy, recently told me about this divine ambrosia called Dickinson’s Country Pumpkin Butter! It’s the perfect topping for applesauce pancakes, maple scones, apple pandowdy, buttery shortbread and cinnamon swirl toast with raisins. Enjoy! ~Melissa
Jeff and I take a walk together every morning after seeing Gracie off to school. The school bus drives away, and the next half hour or so is ours. Some mornings, like this morning, are beautiful. Often we bring mugs of tea with us and we talk about our plans for the day, or what…
This is one of my favorite quotes. I’ve said this before, and recently I’ve felt the need to say this again. I will not apologize for being who I am, and neither should you. If some people feel threatened by your success, or if they’re just mad at you for being happy because they’re miserable,…
My sister in law, Robin, makes the very best corn bread on the planet. It’s sweet and moist and could almost be classified as corn cake. The sweetness goes perfectly with a spicy chili or red beans and rice. ~Robin’s Corn Bread ~ 2 cups milk or buttermilk 2 Tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon salt…
Looking for a chili recipe that’s spicy but not TOO spicy? This one is so delicious it will knock your socks off. Use canned chili beans (NOT kidney beans) for this recipe. For the bread bowls, simply hollow out some firm on the outside, soft on the inside Kaiser rolls and you’re in business! ~Dynamite…
This is a recipe I make as an appetizer all year long. A friend of mine requested it, so I decided to post it. Use your favorite veggies! Enjoy! Ingredients 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (1 ounce) package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (dry) 2…
Using bouquet garnis in soups and stews is a genius way to add the wonderful, rich flavor of fresh herbs to the stock. Instead of using kitchen twine or cheesecloth to keep the fresh herb sprigs together, I use a giant tea ball from Williams Sonoma that came with a container of their mulling spices.…
One of our favorite autumn treats. Last night while the mister was grilling fresh salmon, I was making up a batch of latkes… Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, don’t you think? The recipe I use is from Nancy Willard’s book, Cracked Corn & Snow Ice Cream. It’s simple and perfect. Try it and…
A few of you have written, asking what I’m up to… Well, other than having tea al fresco, and writing about other worlds, and cooking new and interesting meals and cleaning, and hanging out with my favorite people… I’ve been shopping at the farmer’s market… and buying the ingredients for Vickie’s Lebanese Zucchini. Doing illustrations…
More beautiful music for your listening pleasure… Cosmic Love Howl Enjoy! ~Melissa