Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

I knew I wanted to make Mac & Cheese for Thanksgiving and I wanted to make it from scratch, since I had never done it before. I came across this recipe on Fresh From Cate's Kitchen and loved that it still only used the stovetop. This was so creamy and delicious. It was quick and easy to throw together as well. Everyone loved it. You could also put it in a dish and top with extra cheese … Read More

Holiday Hints: Homemade Gifts

This month instead of raves, I decided to do weekly holiday hints. This week I wanted to give some ideas on homemade gifts. This year I know a lot of people are trying to make the most of Christmas with a little less moolah, so I thought I would give some gift ideas that I have found in magazines and online over the years. A great gift is a basket of homemade goodies wrapped up in pretty … Read More

Black & White Red Velvet Cookies

Tonight I am having a Christmas Appetizer & Dessert recipe swap at my house with the girls from my Sunday School Class. I racked my brain for what to make for the dessert part, and so many things came to mind. I decided to go to my magazine clippings binder to the holiday baking section to see if anything peaked my interest. I was immediately drawn to these red velvet black & white … Read More

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pecan Pie

I found this recipe in a Cooking Light magazine last year and made it for dinner with friends. It was such a hit, that I decided to make it for Thanksgiving this year. It doesn't originally call for chocolate chips but Adam (as always) suggested adding them in. I wasn't sure at first, but they really add a nice layer of flavor-and who doesn't love chocolate and nuts, right? This really is … Read More

Pioneer Woman’s Fresh Corn & Wild Rice Casserole

I never knew trying to find wild rice would be such a challenge. I finally found what I was looking for in the fourth store that I tried! I had some fresh corn that I had blanched and frozen in the summer, and thought this would be the perfect dish to use it in. I found this recipe on Pioneer Woman Cooks and it was a huge hit at my Thanksgiving dinner. Next time I think I will use the full … Read More

Creamed Spinach Gratin

I have to be honest, I was not 100% sold on making this. I've not been a huge spinach fan in the past, but I love spinach dip, so I thought I would give this a try. I wanted to have an alternative to the traditional broccoli or green beans at Thanksgiving, so when I came across this creamed spinach recipe on Real Simple's website, I was intrigued. I figured with all the cheese, cream, and … Read More

Thanksgiving & Maple Glazed Turkey

My first time hosting Thanksigiving was a huge success!! Everything turned out wonderfully and was done on time. So onto the recipes. Maybe I should call this the Real Simple Pioneer Woman's Thanksgiving. It seems several of my recipes come from both Real Simple and Pioneer Woman. I didn't do that on purpose, it just so happened that the recipes I wanted to make came largely from both of … Read More

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am all set to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! This was always a tradition in my family and this is the first year I've gotten to watch it in like 3 or four years! I am super excited!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots of love, good food, football, and of course cozy naps! … Read More

Cranberry Sauce

I found this super simple recipe for cranberry sauce on Real Simple's website when searching for Thanksgiving recipes. It is so good! Much better than the sauce in a can. I can't believe I've never tried to make my own before now! I'm sure I will continue to make this year after year. Cranberry Sauce Source: Real Simple Ingredients: 4 cups fresh cranberries 2 cups apple … Read More

Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Butter

I saw this recipe for pumpkin butter about a month ago on Pioneer Woman Cooks. If you haven't been to her website you have got to check it out. She has amazing recipes and gives step by step picture instructions on how to do everything! Once I saw these, I knew I wanted to make this for Thanksgiving and serve them with buttermilk biscuits. In prepping for my Thanksgiving dinner that I am … Read More