Hello, fellow food lovers and baking aficionados and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, we're embarking on a delightful journey into the heart of autumn flavors with a recipe that's close to my heart - the Spiced Apple Cake. This isn't just a recipe; it's an exploration of flavors, techniques, and little secrets that make this cake a true masterpiece. So, tie your apron, preheat your oven, and let's dive into the world of baking! more

I read cookbooks like novels, and have a good collection but there is always room for one more. West Plains is fortunate to have an old-fashioned bookstore downtown, for the holiday season, all used cookbooks are half off. That led me there yesterday where, to my surprise, they had a cookbook that I've been wanting for a long time, and due to the sale, it was only $3. The Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines is everything I thought it would be plus more. I also enjoy her cooking show too. So, I thought it would be fun to make one of her recipes from the book that would be perfect for your holiday menu. Since we will be doing a taco bar for one of our Christmas gatherings, this party queso will pair well. It's simple to make and would make a nice meatless meal too served with chips or tortillas. I can't wait to try it. So, head over to the Book Nook and be sure to check out all the wonderful titles of cookbooks and remember they are half off, there's  always room for one more. Tis the season. more

Petty Crow has a Perfume Bar with 50 plus essential oils to choose from and make your own perfume blend, Christmas hand-made decorations, Abby will have her wonderful and popular plushies and other hand-made items, Robert will have his crocheted stuffed animals and so much more! more

’Tis the season for all the goodies of sweet and savory. This week we are going back to the good ole days when the simple flavors of the season were honored in a way. Gingerbread isn't just for making cute Christmas houses, there are thousands of other delicious recipes to explore. I like to make gingerbread pancakes or muffins during the holidays but pie is always a favorite. This no-bake gingerbread pie is easy, and quick and you can make it days ahead of time and freeze. I especially love the gingerbread crust which I've used in other pies. Gingerbread takes me back to a time when you didn't have all the fancy desserts, just plain and simple. We all can use some simple ways to get us through the holidays. Tis the season.  more

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts, welcome back to my kitchen. Once again this week, I'm diving into a culinary classic that has comforted many of us through thick and thin: mac 'n' cheese. But this isn't your regular boxed mac 'n' cheese; we're elevating it to gourmet status with a medley of high-end cheeses, a punch of unique spices, and a crunchy topping that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. more

November is almost over but the Christmas season has only begun, and with that notion comes the first holiday recipe. I've shared my Christmas pie before but wanted to balance the scales and share a cake recipe using cranberries, the berry of the season. I love all things cranberries, pie, jam, sauce, and muffins just to name a few. Too tart for some but cooked in sugar cuts the tartness leaving just enough for flavor. So, while these berries usually go on sale after Thanksgiving, they freeze well allowing you to stock up and try more recipes. Start with this easy upside-down cake, not just for pineapple anymore. I like to grate some orange peel on top for added holiday deliciousness. Tis the season.  more

Hey there, fellow comfort food connoisseurs! Today, I’m going to walk you through an epic, gourmet twist on the classic duo that’s comfort food royalty: the grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. Trust me, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill rainy day fare. We’re talking a culinary upgrade that'll have your taste buds singing and your Instagram popping! more

Editor’s note: Readers may enjoy this look back to deer season 2019 and the tasty selection of venison recipes passed along by You’vah. more

Hello fellow food lovers and welcome back to my kitchen. Thanksgiving is a time of tradition, family, and, of course, sumptuous food. But who says we can't spin the classics into something new and exciting? Enter the Thanksgiving Pizza: a playful and delicious way to enjoy all your favorite holiday flavors in one incredible dish. This recipe combines the comforting tastes of turkey, cranberries, green beans, sweet potatoes, and onions, all atop a homemade crust that's both crispy and chewy. Let's embark on this culinary adventure! more

We have a special Wednesday Farmers Market this week for your Thanksgiving shopping and holiday gift giving. There will be several vendors set up between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with gluten free baked goods, fried pies, hot dogs, molasses, apples, fresh pressed apple cider, eggs, honey, jams, syrups, elderberry syrup, a perfume bar, jewelry and more! more

It's Thanksgiving week! I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful feast with family and friends. I thought I'd give you another pumpkin dessert recipe since you can't have too much pumpkin on Thanksgiving. This fudge is an annual treat in our home. We love fudge in general, the best I've ever had was made with goat's milk. When we had goats I was always looking for ways to use up the generous supply of milk and fudge was always a hit.  more

This week, I am answering reader requests for international recipes. Some of these even sound edible. more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. This time of year we’re all looking for comfort. As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there's nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, hearty soup. Today, I'm thrilled to share with you my recipe for a Rustic Chicken and Vegetable Harvest Soup, a perfect symphony of flavors that embodies the essence of fall. more

The countdown is on, menus are being planned and supplies bought, all for the annual feast of Thanksgiving.  For me, it's all about the traditional dishes and the labor of love to feed my family. So many memories from the past, food keeps that connection with room for more to be made. My main menu remains the same each year but I like to play with the desserts and try something new most years while keeping at least one pumpkin pie present.  Since we eat mid-day, I like to have something to snack on while the dinner is being put together. This year, a warm crisp sounded good, full of fall flavors and seasonal spices. This pumpkin Pie Crisp is perfect for brunch or dessert, and better the next day if there is any left.  Served hot or cold, with or without ice cream the flavors blend well making it a perfect fall treat. Crisps aren't as popular as pie but I'm sure this recipe will change some minds. Happy baking! more

We have a new vendor, Melissa Magnotte, owner of Petty Crow Perfume Blending Bar, who has a collection of 50+ high quality pure essential oils used to create your own custom perfume blend. She also has a rack of Gluten Free baked goods including Honey Oat Sandwich Bread, Fruit Hand Pies, Peanut Butter Cookies, No Bake cookies and more, all made in her Gluten Free Kitchen! more

Before I begin with some unusual holiday recipes, let me direct a heartfelt thank-you to a great editor, Abby Hess! Even if I leave her with nothing, she makes my effort look great! Thanks, Abby. You are the greatest! more

Editor’s note: This is the conclusion of a two-part column. Part one was published in the Nov. 1 issue of the Quill. more