NorCal Happenings

My friend Nicole makes these around Christmas time and seriously, they are probably the very best cookie I have EVER had.  They totally ...

I finally took the cake decorating class that I'd always wanted to and I learned how to make real buttercream icing!  This is the goo...

Here's another one my sister Kat turned me on to.  I don't usually have the ingredients for this on hand (at least not all of t...

My sister Kat made this with me and she was right, it was delicious, quick and healthy.  It makes four little single serving size loave...

One of my new neighbor's made this for us for Christmas and no lie, it was the very best Christopher and I have ever had, EVER.  Sh...

I made these with my sister Kat a couple of months ago and they are SO good!  They are supposed to be a pre or post run snack, sort of a...

Here's a great idea for your leftover mashed potatoes.  Super easy and good with scrambled eggs or omelets!  Mmmmm, I am hungry all ...

I made these a while ago, just had the ingredients and the motivation at the same time.  They were good and definitely worth making again...

I made this today for Thanksgiving, and after trying several sweet potato casserole recipes, I think this is the winner.  It is very muc...

Homemade Refried Beans Firehouse recipe from Jason, WAY better than canned and not too hard to do.  Clean and sort dried refried beans,...

I have had this recipe saved for months, but today seemed like a nice, cloudy day and I knew we'd be home, so I gave it a go.  All f...

Made this with my sister Kat and I think it is another one you could bulk up on, make a double batch and eat for the week.  Super easy a...

So my girlfriend Nicole makes this amazing Sangria.  I am embarrassed to admit that I may have forgotten my manners at least once by drin...

My sister Kat made this last weekend for me.  It took about 30 minutes start to finish and was so good that after having two servings...

I do love pumpkin, especially in the fall.  And so naturally, I love pumpkin baked goods- muffins, breads, cookies, etc.  Here's wha...

A friend had a Bunco night get together a couple of weeks ago, and all the ladies brought a snack to share.  Imagine my amazement when ...

Had this at Grandma Squires today and it was really, really good!  It's a "no-bake" cheesecake which makes it a perfect summer...

Sometimes, you just need crepes.  Here's a basic recipe that worked well for me.  It is all staples that we all have on hand and they ...

   My sister Kat turned me on to the idea of sneaking spinach into my kids smoothies.  I used to always do it in blueberry-banana s...

This is so easy, I just follow the directions on the box.  But Jason asked me to blog it and I like to have all of my wonderful ideas in...

So my good friend Nicole had a birthday a few weeks ago and we all went to her favorite spot, AZ88 in Scottsdale.  She's been raving...

Wendy makes great, healthy manicotti that is super easy and even better if you cook it first on Day 1, save it, and then heat it up agai...

I like these because you can prep them in advance and then eat them all week long.  You can add whatever veggies or meats you like to cu...

Jason made these a couple of months ago and no lie, I think it is the best thing he has EVER made.  Here are his instructions.  If/when ...

Made this yesterday and it was a huge hit!  So easy. Ranch Chicken Tacos 3 lbs of chicken (give or take, I probably only used half th...

Made these the other night with my Mom and they were easy and delicious.  I found this recipe on Pinterest and the lady who posted it or...

These are AMAZING.  Very, very rich, and while they were yummy fresh out of the oven, they were significantly better the next day.  (The...

Amish Sugar Cookies Made these with Christopher and his comment was that "they really do melt in your mouth!" 1 cup  uns...

Chicken Tortilla Soup 3 raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce  1 me...

We didn't have hot chocolate mix one night, but the family needed it and Google came to the rescue.  Christopher thought I was a geni...

Flourless Chocolate Cake 4 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened) 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter 3/4 cup ...