12 Days of Christmas Jar Gifts – Hot Spiced Tea and Cider Mix
Tara on Dec 12th 2012
Here’s one of my hubby’s favorite fall/winter beverages. He asks me to make this mix so he can keep some at work to make whenever he wants. I also had a request for this recipe from an old friend Pam. The recipe is easy to make and can be stored in a pretty canning jar, [...]
The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie
Tara on Oct 5th 2012
Alright folks, this pumpkin pie is to die for and rounds out my fall menu quite nicely. Refrigerated pastry crust teams up with a gingersnap crust for a delicious foundation for the perfect pumpkin pie.
1 refrigerated pie crust
2 cups crushed gingersnaps (about 40 gingersnaps)
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin
1 (14-oz.) can [...]
Blue Ribbon Carrot Cake
Tara on Apr 3rd 2012
While Carrot Cake is a typical Southern Thanksgiving treat, it also deserves a place on the Easter menu as well. This cake was one of my first “from scratch” hits when I baked it nearly 25 years ago in our first newlywed love nest. Time has deepened my love for both my husband and this [...]
How to Brine a Turkey -Best Turkey EVER!
Tara on Nov 21st 2011
How to Brine a Turkey
This is our third year to brine a turkey and we decided to make a video to share with you about the process. Hope you enjoy it.
This is an easy way to prepare your turkey for that Thanksgiving feast. The fruits and herbs which go into the brine give the turkey a savory [...]
Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake
Tara on Nov 21st 2011
Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake
Crust:
In a food processor or blender add:
1 pound package Gingersnap Cookies
Pulse or blend until cookies are crumbled smooth. Then add:
1 stick real butter – melted
½ cup pecan pieces
1/3 cup brown sugar
Dash of salt
Pulse or blend briefly.
Press into a 9” springform pan. Cover the bottom of the pan, and press crumbs up onto sides [...]
Crock Pot Pumpkin Butter
Tara on Oct 24th 2011
I had never given much thought to Pumpkin Butter until recently. To break the rainy month blues one Saturday evening, we loaded up the kids and drove to Cool Springs just to roam around for a while. I had a few moments to myself, and the aroma pouring out of WILLIAMS SONOMA drew me inside [...]
Turkey and Southern Corn Bread Dressing and Gravy
Tara on Nov 24th 2009
The Turkey:
One of our favorite ways to prepare our Thanksgiving bird is to slow roast her in the oven after brining. For best results you need a roasting pan that elevates the bird on a rack, allowing the drippings to drain below and away from the bird as it cooks. I got mine at Walmart [...]
Best Broccoli Casserole Ever
Tara on Nov 18th 2009
Best Broccoli Casserole Ever
Spray a 9×9” baking dish with oil, or grease with butter.
Preheat oven to 325.
Empty 1 16oz package frozen broccoli cuts into 9×9 baking dish.
In large bowl add:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 beaten eggs
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons chopped onion (or use dried flakes)
1 teaspoon salt
1 [...]
Pumpkin Chess Squares
Tara on Nov 12th 2009
These chess squares made with pumpkin are incredible. They are a simple variation of the traditional chess square. These will be on our Thanksgiving menu for sure!
Crust:
1 box butter recipe yellow cake mix
1 egg
1 stick real butter softened
Filling:
1 package cream cheese, softened
1 15 oz can pumpkin
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick butter softened
1 box powdered sugar
2 [...]
Pumpkin Nut Bread
Tara on Oct 22nd 2009
I’ve already made 2 batches of Pumpkin Nut Bread. The first time I deviated from my favorite stand by recipe, which was my mother’s, and made Paula Deen’s. To sum up the difference I will quote Micah, “Mom, can you make your recipe next time? It’s a lot better.” This recipe is simple and pretty [...]
