Forget instant pudding mixes, homemade vanilla pudding is way better, and it’s super easy to make. Prepare yourself for oohs and aahs when you serve it. Also, you’ll have a few leftover egg whites which you can use to make yummy Vanilla Bean Meringues another day. It’s a win-win! Items used to make this recipe: (affiliate links) 4-ounce ramekins https://amzn.to/3G3aFEz pure vanilla extract https://amzn.to/3udhEYO pure vanilla bean paste https://amzn.to/3G4WCyu flat whisk https://amzn.to/49I5qYs sieve https://amzn.to/46kqSjB Homemade Vanilla Pudding makes six 1/2-cup servings ..read more

Affogato is an Italian word that means “drowned”. It’s also and incredibly easy to prepare dessert. Just drown your favorite vanilla gelato or ice cream with some freshly brewed espresso. Not only are the flavors a match made in heaven, the hot and cold contrast do a happy dance in your mouth. If you want to jazz things up a bit, crumble a few amaretti cookies on top, add a splash of liqueur (Amaretto, Kahlua, etc), or try using a different flavor gelato. You really can’t go wrong. Enjoy ..read more

Want to enjoy fresh summer peaches long after peach season is over? Stock your freezer with some Freezer-Friendly Peach Crisps so you can indulge whenever you’re feeling kinda peachy. Items used to make this recipe: 9x9 foil pans https://amzn.to/3DzA6MX tapioca flour https://amzn.to/3QlkkwC pure almond extract https://amzn.to/45cyswt heavy duty foil https://amzn.to/3rQTItg vacuum sealer https://amzn.to/3DD7ORK Freezer-Friendly Peach Crisp makes one 9x9 pan Printable Recipe Ingredients For the Filling: 4 cups thinly sliced peaches 3 tablespoons tapioca flour 1 1/2 table ..read more

I’ve been making lasagna the same way my mother did for years, without a recipe, which is why I haven’t shared lasagna with you in the 14+ years I’ve been writing this blog. But I recently sampled lasagna at a relative’s home that was very tasty. When I asked about it, I learned it was made following a recipe found on the back of the box. It reminded me not to overlook those back-of-the-box recipe. They’re usually pretty good. Items used to make this recipe: (affiliate links) meat chopper tool https://amzn.to/3OaRCf5 lasagna noodles https://amzn.to/44KRIRJ 9x13 deep lasagna pan ht ..read more

When fresh corn is in season, we enjoy it all kinds of ways… cold in Fiesta Corn Salad, charred in Cast Iron Skillet Corn, and of course, added to a big pot of Low Country Boil. Oh, and did I mention I use the cobs to make Corn Stock? Yep, nothing goes to waste in this kitchen… I remove the corn kernels from the cobs, use the cobs to make a flavorful stock, then use the stock to make this amazing Loaded Corn Chowder. *The corn stock has to be made a head of time. Follow the directions below so you can have it ready before making this recipe. Items used to make this recipe: (affiliate links ..read more

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I absolutely love when tart (aka sour) cherries are in season. Not only do they make the most delicious cherry pies, check out that vibrant ruby red color! Wow. When I visited my local farm stand, I purchased a pound of tart cherries. I didn’t have enough to make a full-blown cherry pie today, so I thought I’d make some hand pies instead. They’re so much fun to make. Let’s do it… Start with enough pie dough for a single crust. I always use my all-butter pie crust recipe. It’s infinitely better than premade crust, and it’s so easy to make. Check out my step-by-step photos here to make w ..read more

Collard Greens, a southern staple, are a hearty leafy green vegetable high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Traditionally, collards are cooked with smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey legs; ingredients which might be difficult for those outside of the southern region to find. This modern recipe calls for bacon, which is available to everyone. The way I cook collards is similar to the way I cook kale or swiss chard, only collard greens have a much tougher texture that benefits from a longer, slower cooking time. Also, the stems don’t really soften during the ..read more

Ice cream is a fun treat anytime of year, but it’s particularly enjoyable on a hot summer’s day. Add a crisp, chocolatey shell and prepare to enjoy a party in your mouth! Items used to make this recipe: premium bittersweet chocolate https://amzn.to/3Nc70Yd premium semisweet chocolate https://amzn.to/3qBPu83 coconut oil https://amzn.to/3CxPuc8 DIY Magic Shell makes about 1/2 cup Printable Recipe Ingredients 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (use the good stuff) 4 tablespoons coconut oil (see notes below) pinch of table salt Directions Place all ingredients in ..read more

Cherry season is just beginning here in Virginia. Last year, I shared a recipe for Cherry Pit Syrup. Cherry pits are so incredibly flavorful so making cherry pit syrup is a perfect way to use them. I like to use it to flavor whipped cream, drizzle it over ice cream, pour it over pancakes and waffles, etc. Today I’m using it to make a refreshing Cherry Pit Soda. Cherry Pit Soda makes 1 serving Printable Recipe Ingredients 3-4 tablespoons Cherry Pit Syrup (or more to taste) 6 ounces club soda, seltzer, sparkling water, or lemon-lime soda crushed or cubed ice Directions Combine c ..read more