February, is the month of love and all things sweet. While most people think of Valentine's Day as giving chocolates, flowers and such, and all that is fine, baking homemade can mean just as much. I love to bake my loved ones a new sweet treat every year, and I'm always on the hunt for something different that can't be found and bought. This year, I'm really excited to bake my husband a pink pie! I know cakes and cookies tend to be a Valentine's favorite but pies are trending now and this one is so pretty. This strawberry pie with a strawberry crust will soon become a family favorite. I've never seen or eaten a pink pie but thanks to a smart foodie for ditching the food coloring and using freeze-dried strawberries in the crust for the color and taste. I'd be tempted to drizzle the crust with a little chocolate for added appeal and of course for the chocolate. Baked gifts come from the heart too so if you need something special for your someone special this Valentine's Day, join me in baking this pretty in pink pie, it's the gift that no one else has. more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen! Today, we're embarking on an epic culinary journey that will transform your morning routine into an unforgettable feast. Picture this: the sun is just beginning to peek through the curtains, the kitchen is alive with the aroma of spices and warmth, and you, my friend, are about to create the most sensational breakfast burrito ever conceived. We're not just cooking today; we're crafting, experimenting, and indulging in the art of making homemade tortillas that will serve as the foundation for a masterpiece of flavors and textures. From the sizzling chorizo to the softly scrambled eggs, each ingredient has been chosen to thrill your palate and awaken your senses. So tie on your apron, ignite your stove, and let's dive into this adventure with all the excitement and passion of culinary explorers. Today, in my kitchen, we're not just making breakfast; we're making magic. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create the Ultimate Breakfast Burrito that will leave you and your taste buds dancing with joy. Let's get started! more

Until I move to my heavenly home, I have probably made my last move. I am now living at Pleasant Valley Manor Assisted Living, with my best childhood friend Betty Green and her sister, Margie Ryan. What a blessing to have them there! I am happy to be cared for in this way and they are the icing on the cake! What a place! more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, we embark on a quest to conquer the peaks of pastry perfection with the ultimate Raspberries and Cream Cheesecake, cradled by a golden, buttery graham cracker crust. Fasten your apron, for we are about to weave magic in the kitchen, creating not just a dessert, but a masterpiece that sings songs of summer, whispers tales of indulgence, and dances upon the palate with the grace of dawn's first light. more

Ron’s Microgreens and More has just what you need to stay healthy during this cold/flu season. Tumeric/Ginger Shots are a great way to take in a large amount of nutrients at one time. These drinks aid in reducing inflammation and are high in antioxidants which supports your immune system. more

A friend of mine sent me a recipe she knew I'd have to try since it was a bit odd, my favorite kind. After researching this pie, I found it to be an old Southern favorite from the 1800's, but it became widely popular from a scene from the hit series, Psych. One blogger wrote that after watching this episode where the main characters tried a slice of cinnamon pie at a cinnamon festival they couldn't stop eating it. That led the blogger to search for a recipe that she could make for her family who also loved this series. I found the recipe used in the show that took a blue ribbon at the actual Cinnamon Festival featured on that episode of Psych. You have to love the internet!   Cinnamon pie is just that, a cream cheese-based pie with a ton of cinnamon making it creamy like pumpkin pie but with the flavor of a cinnamon roll. I'm sure the settlers who first brought us this unique pie had no idea it would ever become such a big deal to foodies everywhere who caught it on screen and made it a one-hit wonder. I know I will be making it soon and I may have to add Psych to my watch list too.  Happy Baking.  more

Carbohydrates, essential macronutrients alongside fats and proteins, play a vital role in providing energy to the body. They are categorized into simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbs, quickly delivering energy but with low nutritional value, are found in fruits, dairy products, and refined sugars. In contrast, complex carbs like whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables are richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthier choice. more

Every January brings a week of sub-zero temperatures and the need to make some soup, and this last week was it. Nothing warms you quickly like a hot bowl of your favorite soup, ours is potato. I know we all have our best potato soup recipe on hand but I found us a new and easy one.  While most potato soups are creamy and thick, this gem has more broth and a bit of spice for heat, making it on the team chunky list. I prefer my potatoes mashed before making soup, it's more creamy this way but not recommended for this recipe. The best thing about soups in general, they allow you to add things to them like meats and vegetables without much fuss. We like our potato soup with diced ham or bacon, making it more of a meal, and this one is loaded with ground beef.  Like my Dad always said, "will be stick to your bones good". While we did survive this blast, winter isn't over yet so make sure you try this spicy potato soup, and feel free to share your add-ons. Soups on foodies!  more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, we're diving into what has long been my most requested recipe…chili. Every time I serve my chili the requests pour in to share my “secrets.” I always respond the same way, “oh, sure, I’ll send that to you,” but never do. So today, the time has finally come to reveal the “secrets” of a culinary delight perfect for chilly evenings: a luxurious, creamy loaded baked potato soup, accompanied by scrumptiously warm homemade bread. Oh, you thought I was going to share my chili recipe in the newspaper? Sorry, the chili is mine. more

Editor’s note: This column originally appeared in the Jan. 23, 2018, issue of the Quill. more

The significance of a nutritious diet as a fundamental component of a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated, particularly for seniors. The right dietary choices play a crucial role in treating a multitude of health issues prevalent in the elderly. Adjusting one's diet, especially when experiencing symptoms like sluggishness, can be a transformative approach for seniors. A balanced diet, as recommended by experts such as WebMD, not only addresses the basic nutritional needs but also serves as a natural enhancer of energy levels. more

This Saturday looks to be cool but sunny and we’ll be back at the market for you. To warm you up Jeff Two-Hawks will have Carnitas, Cajun Dirty Rice, Sausage/Chicken Gumbo and 9” Cajun Meat Pies, always a crowd pleaser! To keep you healthy and well we will also have Elderberry Tonic, ginger shots, honey, kombucha, fermented foods, canned foods, sauces including hot sauces, pickles, Dim Sum, pot stickers, meats, jams, syrups, baked goods, microgreens, apples, potatoes, bread, Artisan Crafters and more. more

What is it about being cooped in the house due to the weather being unbearable that makes me want to bake, and I'm craving bread?  While still watching my carbs, even harder after the holidays, the body needs fuel in these frigid temperatures, especially if you have chickens to keep alive. I've found a tasty, low-carb recipe for all bread lovers without the guilt.  Similar to garlic bread, this recipe is so easy to make and it's quick plus you can double the recipe for the family. Regardless if you're watching your carbs or not, try this garlic bread, or what I'm calling flat bread.  I might even use it as a pizza crust!  Now the snow is starting to fall and that only means another trip to the coop to make sure their water isn't frozen, then I'll bake! Think spring foodies! more

Hey there, food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. Are you ready to take a traditional comfort food and spin it into something extraordinary? Today, we're tackling a classic - meatloaf and mashed potatoes - and giving it a gourmet makeover that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Let's dive into a recipe that's fun, a bit adventurous, and oh-so-delicious! more

Editor’s note: This column first appeared in the Quill on Jan. 9, 2018. more

With our New Year also comes winter weather. We are cancelling the farmers market for this Saturday due to the incoming winter storm and frigid temperatures, with wind chill in the single digits for Saturday. We apologize for any inconvenience to you (last week only two vendors could get out due to icy county roads), we must look out for the safety and welfare of our customers and vendors. more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. Today, we embark on a gastronomic journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Our star is the humble Tilapia, a mild, white fish known for its versatility. But, fear not, for there’s nothing ordinary about our preparation. We're elevating this dish to new heights with a zesty citrus infusion and pairing it with an avocado-lime sauce that’s simply divine. To round off this feast, we'll introduce some exotic sides that complement our main course perfectly. more

Welcome back foodies, we have a brand new year to play with. I'm hoping to try new foods and make more meals that we haven't had before. But first, let's go back and review the recipes of 2023. There were winter soups, spring salads, and summer harvest recipes. The holidays weren't forgotten with some traditional and some new, even to me. But, my favorite recipe from 2023 would have to be in September when I shared this summer soup straight from the garden. Roasted Tomato soup takes top honors for the rich flavor of fresh tomatoes, garden grown herbs, and the sweet dairy included.  This soup will be on many menus this winter and since the garden is sleeping, we have plenty of fresh, organic produce available in our home town. So, let's raise our soup bowls to the new year and let us eat to live better. Soup season has begun! Happy New Year foodies. more

Editor’s note: This column first appeared in the Jan. 5, 2021 issue of the Quill. more

Hello fellow food lovers, and welcome back to my kitchen. Get ready to ignite your taste buds and impress your dinner guests with this tantalizing culinary creation! We're talking about succulent chicken breasts, stuffed to perfection with caramelized onions, fiery jalapeños, and drenched in a luscious homemade barbecue sauce. To complement this main course, we'll prepare crispy Parmesan thyme sweet potato stacks that are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the palate. Let's dive into this culinary journey! more