Posted by KarenCooking on November 9, 2012 · 6 Comments
I’ve been remiss in my blogging lately. Not because I’m not cooking and not because I don’t enjoy blogging anymore. No, over the last couple of months I’ve spent much of my spare time getting my older daughter into college. She’s a senior in high school. Between online research, campus visits, communicating with her guidance … Read more
Posted by KarenCooking on May 23, 2012 · 8 Comments
We had the first “official” meal from the new kitchen this weekend. (I did use the crockpot for a few meals last week as the remodel finished up, but I’m not counting those since we were transitioning and didn’t use any of the new appliances.) The first meal was . . . drumroll, please . … Read more
Posted by KarenCooking on April 4, 2012 · 10 Comments
This post is for everyone who’d like to incorporate a new seasonal food into their Easter celebration. I’m recommending pickled eggs to go along with your classic hard-boiled dyed eggs. (Or better yet — dye your Easter eggs, admire them and then peel and throw them into pickling brine!) I didn’t know anything about pickled … Read more
Posted by KarenCooking on March 28, 2012 · 6 Comments
This simple recipe blends Gorgonzola with dried cranberries and toasted pecans (or walnuts, if you prefer) for a standout supper that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. With such easy preparation, it’s a handy recipe to have at-the-ready for holiday meals or other social gatherings when you want to serve a delicious meal without spending … Read more
Category Cooking-related, Food, Holiday, Pasta, Recipes · Tagged with cooking, cranberries, Gorgonzola, holiday meal, pasta, pecans, recipes, simple dish, walnuts
Posted by KarenCooking on March 7, 2012 · 1 Comment
Looking for a customized gift that’s almost sure to be appreciated? Try creating a food gift basket. Food gift baskets are versatile and can match any occasion (showers, weddings, birthdays, etc.). For example, I created a baking-themed basket last year for my daughter’s travel softball fundraiser (each family was required to provide a basket to … Read more
Category Baking, Cooking-related, Food, Holiday, Snacks · Tagged with baking, Basket, beer, cookie cutters, craft brew, Food, fundraiser ideas, gift, gift basket, holidays, party, raffle ideas, salty snacks, snacks
Posted by KarenCooking on February 8, 2012 · 4 Comments
I thought I was on a roll with the Dessert Decorator Plus. After my cupcake frosting triumph last week, I was sure I had mastered this baked good decorating tool. I decided to use it for an experiment with spritz cookies, inspired by the 2011 holiday baking edition of Cook’s Illustrated. The article recommended using … Read more
Category Baking, Cookies, Desserts, Holiday, Recipes · Tagged with baking, Christmas, Cookie, Cookie dough, cookie press, cookies, Dessert Decorator Plus, desserts, holiday, Home
Posted by KarenCooking on December 30, 2011 · 4 Comments
Not just for European children lost in the woods Gingerbread plays a prominent role in a fair number of children’s tales and Christmas lore, so it’s not surprising I had a very vivid image of this treat growing up. Humble peasant children nibbled it while traipsing the Black Forest of Germany. Witches could use it … Read more
Category Cookies, Desserts, Holiday, Recipes · Tagged with baking, Christmas, cooking, Germany, gingerbread, holiday, holiday baking, Royal icing, seasonal, spicy cookies
Posted by KarenCooking on December 23, 2011 · 2 Comments
Over the years, peanut brittle has become my signature holiday offering. Unlike the childhood Christmas cookies I turned into year ‘round treats, I only make brittle during the holidays. I will occasionally do some preliminary batches in the fall, but most of it is made in the few weeks and days leading up to Christmas. … Read more
Category Candy, Cooking-related, Desserts, Food, Holiday, Recipes · Tagged with brittle, candy, Christmas, holiday cooking, holiday tips, peanut brittle, peanuts
Posted by KarenCooking on December 16, 2011 · 1 Comment
A simple panini is a great time-saver during the busy holiday season. This classic version of the Italian sandwich appeals to lots of tastes – including kids’. Prep is minimal, consisting simply of slicing bread and tomatoes, and cutting cheese slices in half. Everything else – dressing, deli meat, peppers – is already prepared. And … Read more
Posted by KarenCooking on December 9, 2011 · 4 Comments
I love these butter cookies because they: Have a great texture (slightly crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside) Taste delicious Are easy to make Can match any theme or occasion They were simply red and green sugar-topped Christmas cookies when I was growing up — my mom got the recipe from Progressive Farmer … Read more
Category Cookies, Cooking-related, Food, Holiday, Recipes · Tagged with baking, butter cookies, Christmas cookies, cookies, cooking, holiday cookies, Progressive Farmer butter cookie recipe, recipes, sugar cookies, sugar sprinkles
