Mincemeat Tarts

Everyone has their traditional list of sweets to enjoy over the Christmas season.  Mine is loosely based on the Victorian era with some tried and tested recipes that have been handed down to me.  Mince pie originally contained minced meat (usually a combination of chopped meats), suet (beef fat), dried fruits, and spices.  Mom used…

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Roasted Marrow Bones

Entertaining on a budget?  These marrow bones aren’t only good in a base for soup or for the dog to chew on.  And before you say eew! give this recipe a chance.  Many generations have enjoyed roasted marrow and some added it to puddings and pastries.  Have you ever eaten an Italian dish called osso…

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Homemade Limoncello

This recipe is 4 years in the making! When we lived in Bangkok, we heard about a new Italian restaurant that had recently opened down the street from where we lived. Yay! Eager to sample the menu Mr S. and I made our way there. OPUS Wine Bar was open only a few days when…

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3 Easy Appetizers

Entertaining is fun or at least that’s my view but for some, though, it can be a dreaded task.  Why?  The ‘idea’ of having friends over for a bite to eat is simple enough until one starts to ‘think’ about what to serve, the timing, and execution of each dish.  I believe that when you…

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Christmas Bark

If you make your own candies then I applaud you for your dedication and patience.  Years ago, a friend of my mom’s would stop by to drop off her annual Christmas gift of handmade candy.  Mrs. Scarborough would spend hours on her candies and they looked so delicate and professional.  She would tenderly explain to…

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Make Your Own Spice Rub

Chefs and home cooks from the southern part of the United States take pride in their spice rubs.   Some are passed on from one generation to the next so it comes as no surprise these secrets are heavily guarded.  To be honest I have never used a spice rub.  It was while watching shows about…

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Pear and Blue Cheese Pizza

What to do with overly ripe pears? A few things come to mind: fruit leather, smoothie, crumble, juice. But it’s Friday night and I’m looking to make pizza so why not incorporate pear and blue cheese.  I’m into the culinary balancing act of sweet and salty and pear is magical with blue cheese. 

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Melrose Peanut Butter Cookies

This peanut butter cookie recipe is from my maternal grandmother. I’m not sure what the name Melrose has to do with the cookie but I can definitely say it had absolutely nothing to do with Melrose Place! As much as my grandmother enjoyed cooking her first love was being an artist.

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DIY Spice Jars

  I like to think I keep a clean and orderly house until I look at my spice cabinet…eek! I am a hoarder!  There are tiny bags of spices and herbs, different bottles of all sizes, mixed on two levels.  Is it any wonder I think I am out of something only to find it…

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