Blueberry Pie

Blueberry pie is a classic and with blueberry season upon us I simply had to make it!   When partnered with vanilla ice cream (a must-have with a slice of blueberry pie), it melts and mixes with the blueberry goo from the pie. The result is a magical creamy purple substance that requires plate licking when you are done! Blueberry Pie Recipe (10 inch pie, serves 8) Ingredients: 1 layer of pie crust (homemade or store-bought), uncooked 3/4 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 to 5 cups fresh blueberries Directions: Preheat the oven …

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Flaky Amazing Pie Crust

In general, baking is like a road map.  Follow the directions to get to your destination, in this case a baked goodie.  I like that baking is precise… most of the time.  However, sometimes baking requires a judgment call, which is where I tend to get flustered.  I found most homemade pie crust recipes to be vague and subjective and that intimidated me.  I assumed it must be difficult and time consuming so I avoided it.  I was wrong!  I simply lacked the confidence that I could do it, until I met my husband. When I met my husband about …

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Cinnamon-Sugar Crust Cinnamon-Ribbon Bread

Whenever I host a brunch I always love to serve some type of bread or loaf because I think it’s perfect for late morning or early afternoon time and it pairs well with the other typical brunch foods. This bread is not really a bread, like you’d make a sandwich with.  It’s a wonderful spice cake.  The ribbon of cinnamon sugar in the middle of the loaf is similar to a streusel in a coffee cake, but there are no nuts in this loaf. Cinnamon-Sugar Crust Cinnamon-Ribbon Bread Recipe (Makes 1 loaf) Ingredients: 1/3 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 large egg …

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Baking Muffins 101

It’s official.  I will never buy pre-made store-bought muffins again!  They are so simple and quick to make at home. In fact, they often taste better than store-bought muffins.  If you’re familiar with my blog, I like to bake muffins…a lot of muffins.     🙂  Along the way, I’ve learned some easy but important tips to baking awesome muffins and I wanted to pass them on to you. Baking Tips: 1.     Do not over mix the muffin batter.  If you over mix muffin batter then you will likely end up with dense rubbery muffins.  When baking muffins you want to mix the …

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Crispy Baked Eggplant & Ricotta Stacks

Do you ever get tired of eating the same dinners from your rotation?  I do.  I search for new ideas, try them out, and some work, some not so much.  This recipe was a success! The crispy baked eggplant pieces are layered with ricotta cheese to create a tasty and healthy vegetarian meal.  It’s a little bit like a simple lasagna. Crispy Baked Eggplant & Ricotta Stacks Recipe (About 4 Servings) Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant, cut into thick slices 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt and pepper, …

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