You know what makes this ice cream better than the ice cream from ice cream shops? The sweet vanilla smell that fills your kitchen while you're making it. Trust me, it smells much better than any candle you can buy at the mall. Of course, it tastes pretty amazing too. Shamefully, I have owned an...
Cooking
Peach-Vanilla Jam
After a busy week of baking for various family festivities (Imagine 250+ decorated sugar cookies, and 100+ frosted cupcakes, plus 40 hours of dentistry...I am so tired from all the fun!), it was nice to spend my evening at home making some jam to enjoy this week while we prepare for our next big event:...
Arborio Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla
This was my first experience with rice pudding, and I must admit, I was a bit unsure if I would like it. However, Hubby is a lifelong fan of cream of wheat and oatmeal (me, not so much), so when he discovered what I was making, he was excited to try a dessert version. Let's...
Frozen Chocolate Custard
One of our favorite warm-weather outings is a visit to Jones' Homemade Ice Cream in Baldwin, Mi. They make all their own ice creams, sherbets, custards, etc. Michael's favorite thing from there is a waffle cone with chocolate ice cream. While I have no intention of reducing the frequency of our visits, it is very...
Teriyaki Chicken Burgers
As we enjoy our day off this Memorial Day, we remember our freedoms have come at a cost. Thanks to those who have sacrificed for our great country, making it possible for me to spend the weekend grilling and making popsicles and ice cream with virtually carefree enjoyment. Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Credit: Weber.com Ingredients: 1...
Hot & Sweet Mustard
I'm not the mustard eater in our house... Somehow though we have at least 8 different types of mustard in our fridge. Michael loves mustard, or any type of dipping sauce as long as it has a bit of "bite" to it. He loves anything that would make my eyes water and beads of sweat...
Homemade Chocolate Syrup
What's not to love about chocolate syrup? I have been known to enjoy chocolate milk on occasion, not to mention drizzled on my ice cream. I will definitely be saving a bit of this syrup for my homemade vanilla bean ice cream that I'm planning to make over Memorial Day Weekend. Plus, it's gluten-free and...
Bread and Butter Pickles
These are my absolute favorite pickles. I have always loved bread and butter pickles since I was little, but these are so much better than store-bought. We very much enjoyed them when we were out on a picnic at the lake yesterday.
Homemade Condiment Week
If there's one thing I learned last week while cooking from Homemade with Love by Jennifer Perillo, it's that homemade is better, and totally worth the extra effort. I'm going to spend some time this week trying out some new recipes for some of my favorite condiments, and revisiting some of my tried and true...
Oven-Roasted Barbecue Ribs with Coffee Dry Rub
This is the rib recipe I have been hoping for! It was such a hit with the Hubby, and very easy to make. Not a lot of hands-on prep or "babysitting" needed, so it's great if you've got guests or something else to do. Not too spicy, not too sweet. Great combination of flavors. I...