Author: Tina

Flaky Amazing Pie Crust

Tina8 Comments

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 …

Continue Reading

Cinnamon-Sugar Crust Cinnamon-Ribbon Bread

Tina6 Comments

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 …

Continue Reading

Baking Muffins 101

Tina4 Comments

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 …

Continue Reading

Crispy Baked Eggplant & Ricotta Stacks

Tina8 Comments

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, …

Continue Reading

Mashed Cauliflower

Tina8 Comments

I indulge with sweets so the rest of my diet needs to be healthy.  Everything in moderation, right?  It’s hard to find healthy dishes that honestly taste delicious so when I find one that I adore I simply must share.     🙂 This may look like mashed potatoes, but it’s really mashed cauliflower.  It’s lovely smooth consistency mirrors mashed potatoes, but it stands on its own in the taste department. Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (4 Servings) Ingredients: 1 bag (20 ounce bag) frozen cauliflower 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon …

Continue Reading