If I had to pick one thing to describe my childhood, it would have to be chocolate chip cookies. We always had chocolate chip cookies around the house because my father absolutely loved them. And they were always made from scratch—in fact, I can't eat store bought cookies. They just don't taste right. When I was a teenager, my mother taught me how to make some of these classic chocolate chip cookies (a recipe from my grandmother) and I've been making them for my family and friends ever since. ... [ Read More ]
Homemade Sourdough Starter Recipe
Sourdough starter is really easy to make as it consists of only two ingredients. It can be used to make a bunch of different things—most importantly, yummy bread. Sourdough starter and sourdough bread is unique for a few different reasons: it doesn't need any commercial yeast, you won't have to knead, and it is uniquely flavored. It will take a little bit of time to get started, but once the process is up and running, it just gets easier. Supplies Rye flour Water Plastic or glass ... [ Read More ]
Best Ever Simple Homemade Pretzels
Whenever I go to a ball game, fair or movie I have to get a pretzel. Something about the soft, salty (or sweet) pretzel-y goodness just can't be beat. Of course, I don't get to go all that much with my budget so unfortunately my life has pretty pretzel free recently. However, yesterday my good friend Becky, pretzel baker extraordinaire, surprised me with a visit and a impromptu lesson on how to make some of the best pretzels I've ever had. And let me tell you, they were so simple I was ... [ Read More ]
Baking Powder Biscuits
Breakfast is the most important and undoubtedly the yummiest meal of the day, in my opinion. And seeing as how I'm from the South, biscuits and gravy is an absolute must-have for those big breakfasts. In fact, it's something of a tradition in my family to have biscuits and gravy whenever we get together for any holiday that requires staying overnight. My father always makes the most delicious gravy and my mother makes the biscuits. These biscuits are my absolute favorite. They are crumbly and ... [ Read More ]
Monkey Bread Recipe
Monkey Bread is one of those delicious treats that I only make every once in a while because it's just so sweet. I've seen dozens of recipes out there and they are all good but I personally find that having a guideline instead of a solid recipe works better for things like this. So, think of this recipe more like a suggestion. And believe me, your family will have absolutely zero complaints! (disclaimer: In the interest of being honest, I forgot to take a picture of my bread so the one ... [ Read More ]
Irish Soda Bread
St. Patty's day is tomorrow, so to celebrate I thought I'd include a yummy recipe for Irish Soda Bread! I found this recipe online, but it's not only pretty easy but one of my favorite simple bread recipes. It is beyond yummy when made with stew or Welsh Rarebit!! ... [ Read More ]
White Chocolate Raspberry Muffins
If you're looking for a special breakfast for your sweetie this Valentine's Day, then look no further than these decadently sweet white chocolate raspberry muffins! They are delicious paired with coffee and, I haven't tried it, but I bet that you could substitute the raspberries with blueberries or even strawberries and it would taste divine! ... [ Read More ]
7 Must Have Bread Baking Secrets For Perfect Bread Every Time
If you thought that yeast bread recipes were forever beyond you, then this post is for you. Like anything else you try in the kitchen making successful bread is a blend of the right knowledge and a little bit of practice. I learned to bake bread in a bakery of a restaurant, it was very intimidating but with the right tricks and someone to guide me, I picked it up right away. There are a number of bread secrets you should use as you bake bread that will give you consistent results time ... [ Read More ]
Super Easy, One Bowl, Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies
These cookies are a breeze to make, you can mix them all in one bowl, the hardest thing about making them is unwrapping the Hershey's kisses! I like to make these every year at Christmas and they are one of the first things to go. This year I am going to make sure there are plenty by making two full double batches. (There are six of us in this house so they will go fast). These are easiest if you have a stand mixer, if you don't then you can still make them but you ... [ Read More ]