Archives: Holidays

Spiced Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

November 26, 2014 | By andrea | Comments Off on Spiced Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce | Filed in: Autumn, Christmas, Condiment, Holidays, Life in Oregon, Local Goodness, Quick Cooking, Recipes, Side Dish, Winter.

I love trying new ways to make cranberry sauce. You can easily have several different types of cranberry sauces, relishes or chutneys at a holiday feast because they’re so easy to make. This recipe for Spiced Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce is flavored with a hint of cinnamon, cloves and a double hit of orange (Grand Marnier and freshly-grated • Read More »

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Glaze

March 14, 2013 | By andrea | 2 Comments | Filed in: Baking, Cakes, Chocolate, Christmas, Dessert, Holidays, Recipes.

If you’re looking for a chocolate dessert that that will make you swoon then look no further. This wonderful cake is smooth and rich, and perfect for entertaining (Christmas, Valentines, bridal showers, dinner parties, etc.)! While easy to make, the cake does require time in the fridge (about 7 hours) so plan accordingly. Before serving the cake, drizzle each plate • Read More »

Caramel Oatmeal Chewies

December 17, 2012 | By andrea | Comments Off on Caramel Oatmeal Chewies | Filed in: Baking, Chocolate, Christmas, Cookies & Bars, Dessert, Holidays, Recipes.

  I’m a big fan of just about any kind of caramel and chocolate treat. These gooey bar cookies are definitely a winner: chocolate chips, crunchy pecans and a rich caramel drizzle layered between an oatmeal cookie base and crumble topping. They are rich, delicious and easy to make. I always use Mrs. Richardson’s brand Butterscotch • Read More »

Wild Rice with Butternut Squash, Leeks and Corn

December 1, 2012 | By andrea | Comments Off on Wild Rice with Butternut Squash, Leeks and Corn | Filed in: Autumn, Christmas, Holidays, Recipes, Rice, Side Dish, Thanksgiving, Vegetarian.

Since the holidays are are upon us, here’s a great side dish that will compliment a potpourri of menus. I love the combination of chewy wild rice, roasted butternut squash and sweet corn…delish! This dish goes well with just about any meat, and much of the recipe can be made ahead of time — making • Read More »

Heartland Turkey and Vegetable Chowder

November 29, 2012 | By andrea | Comments Off on Heartland Turkey and Vegetable Chowder | Filed in: Comfort Food, Holidays, Main Dish, Recipes, Soup/Stew, Thanksgiving, Turkey, Vegetable.

I’m always on the search for new ways to use up leftover turkey, which is what led me to this delicious soup. It’s loaded with fresh veggies and herbs, and you can substitute different veggies depending on what you have on hand. For instance, I used green beans instead of zucchini. Serve with crusty bread • Read More »

Leftovers aren’t forever!

November 21, 2012 | By andrea | Comments Off on Leftovers aren’t forever! | Filed in: Christmas, Entertaining Tip, Fun Food Facts, Handy Hints, Holidays, Morsels & Musings, Thanksgiving, Turkey.

Here’s some great advice on how to safely store your holiday leftovers (or any meal for that matter): Leftovers Aren’t Forever -from Thanksgiving 101 by Rick Rodgers On Thanksgiving, store your leftovers safely. Get any leftover turkey and stuffing into the refrigerator within two hours of serving. Never leave leftovers out overnight. Slice all of the • Read More »

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

November 20, 2012 | By andrea | Comments Off on Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting | Filed in: Autumn, Baking, Cakes, Christmas, Comfort Food, Cookies & Bars, Dessert, Holidays, Recipes, Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin admirers will love this moist pumpkin cake. It’s easy to make, not too sweet, and tastes pumpkin pie-ish (only better)! The cake took longer to bake than the recipe states. I had to turn my oven down a bit so it wouldn’t brown too much. Check the cake at 30 minutes and if it’s • Read More »

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Chile

November 19, 2012 | By andrea | Comments Off on Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Chile | Filed in: Christmas, Holidays, Potatoes, Recipes, Side Dish, Southwestern, Thanksgiving, Vegetable, Vegetarian.

I love sweet potatoes (yams) but I’m not a fan of the cloyingly sweet dishes that call for sugar and marshmallows. Instead, I prefer savory sweet potato recipes like this one that includes smoky chipotle chiles. The heat of the chiles is really delicious with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. This recipe is perfect • Read More »

Rice Stuffing with Water Chestnuts, Apples and Hazelnuts

November 17, 2012 | By andrea | Comments Off on Rice Stuffing with Water Chestnuts, Apples and Hazelnuts | Filed in: Autumn, Christmas, Holidays, Recipes, Rice, Side Dish, Thanksgiving, Winter.

If you’re looking for a creative stuffing/dressing recipe for this holiday season, you’ll want to give this one a try. I had never tried rice stuffing before and was intrigued by the list of ingredients in this recipe from best-selling author Debbie Macomber: crunchy water chestnuts, toasted hazelnuts, tart apples, and sweet raisins. Hazelnuts (filberts) are grown • Read More »