Saturday, December 13, 2025

Ribs - Informative Info and Recipes



Click here for an excellent article on cuts of pork ribs.  Also cooking tips from Pork.net.

Click here for an article on country ribs and more recipes from Spend With Pennies.

from Food Network, Giada De Laurentiis

Pork Ribs 
a collection from Woolworths.com, Australia

Oven Pork Ribs with Barbeque Sauce
from recipetineats.com


I will be adding more info and recipes for ribs.



Collection of Ham Posts from Baking to Leftover Ham Recipes

Photo Source:  The Seasoned Mom


Baked Ham has always been on the holiday menu in my home.  Now that I am cooking for one, I still make a baked ham for myself.  The solution is either having lots of ham for delicious ham meals or buy a smaller ham.  I buy a smaller ham and still have ham leftovers.






The following is a list of videos and links to ham related content: 


How much Honey Baked Ham is needed per person?

Pineapple Glazed Ham - The Seasoned Mom



America's Test Kitchen




Mr. Make It Happen


Leftover Ham Recipes from The Kitchen Community.org

Leftover Ham Recipes from Taste of Home

Leftover Ham Recipes from The Pioneer Woman

Rita's Sweet Holiday Baked Ham

Double-Duty Heavenly Citrus Ham


Slow Cooker Ham from All Recipes




MORE TO COME!

Homemade Corn Tortillas

 


Photo source:  All Recipes

"These corn tortillas are the real thing! A simple mixture of masa harina and water results in the most wonderful corn tortillas you've ever tasted. The secret is to use a cast iron pan." comment about corn tortillas recipe from All Recipes.

The Captain and I made homemade corn tortillas all the time.  They were excellent even using a stainless steel frying pan.  The difference between homemade and store bought is like night and day.  We made tortilla chips using the same dough.

Click here to go to the recipe page from All Recipes and be amazed at the difference.



Friday, December 12, 2025

Baked Stuffed Shrimp

 


Photo source: Food Folks and Fun

"I have recreated this recipe to bring a little bit of my Grandma’s New England home cooking into my kitchen and yours. I like to serve this stuffed shrimp with my rice pilaf recipe." Comment from Jillian of Food Folks and Fun.

My favorite food ever is shrimp and I love stuffed shrimp.  This one sounds like a winner.

Click here to go to Jillian's recipe page.





Cheesy Crab Poppers


Photo source:  Host The Toast


"I made these Cheesy Crab Poppers on a whim a few days ago because they are really quite easy. That being said, after I took one bite of a crabby, cheesy, cornbread-y ball, I knew I had to get into the spirit of Christmas and give the gift of tastiness to all of my friends immediately." - comment about the poppers from Morgan of Host The Toast.

There are a few things I would change in this recipe aside from adding some hot peppers or hot sauce.  I would sauté the vegetables first since I hate biting into crunchy raw vegetables in this type of appetizer.

Click here to go to Morgan's recipe page.

This one is a winner!



Ground Beef Taco Dip

 


Photo source: Taste of Home


"Ground beef taco dip is packed with flavor yet super simple to make, thanks to a few handy ingredients. Packets of store-bought taco seasoning add spice. A mix of sour cream and cream cheese (low-fat if you like) builds a super-smooth base. And a top layer of fresh vegetables creates a dash of crunch." - description of recipe from
Taste of Home.

This taco dip is like one I used to make a long time ago that was always one of the first things to go.  Everyone loved it.  I have the recipe around here somewhere and I will post when I find it.

Click here to go to the recipe page.




Cherry Fudge Truffle Coconut Cheesecake

 


Photo source:  Taste of Home

WOW!  What a presentation!  The recipe creator says this cheesecake is a showstopper and just from the photo, I agree that it is.  If it tastes as good as it looks, this is a winner.  But how can you go wrong with a cheesecake that contains coconut, cherries and fudgy chocolate.  Outstanding!

This cheesecake comes from Taste of Home.  Click here to go to the recipe page.




Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

 


Photo source: Taste of Home

"When it comes to planning dinner, it’s often tricky to find a filling, nourishing meal that will appeal to kids and feature a few veggies. Kind of a cross between chicken pot pie and Midwestern hot dish recipes, this chicken Tater Tot casserole ticks every box. It’s pure comfort food that even the pickiest eaters will love" - description of recipe by Taste of Home

Gotta love it if it contains tater tots, chicken and cream of chicken soup!   Love that it is easy and can be frozen for another even easier meal.  And look at that presentation!

Click here to go to recipe page with lots of information including everything you want to know about freezing and storing the casserole.



Hot and Spicy Hush Puppies from the Neelys


Recipe and photo courtesy The Neelys . . . The Food Network

Show: Down Home with the Neelys


Hush puppies are the perfect compliment to a seafood meal, at least they are in my opinion. 

I really miss The Neelys on The Food Network.  However, those episodes are on the website as well as this episode which is available on video as well as the recipe you can print out.  Just click on the link above.



 

White Chocolate-Cherry Shortbread Cookie

 


Photo source: Better Homes and Gardens

"When the cookie tray needs some sparkle, turn to this festive recipe. A Christmas classic goes from traditional to fabulous when dipped in melted white chocolate and rolled in nonpareils and edible glitter. The slightly fruity treat is one of our most popular cookie recipes of all time." - description of cookie from Better Homes and Gardens.

Sounds like this is the perfect gift-giving, delicious Christmas/holiday cookie.  And it makes such a beautiful presentation.

Click here to go to the recipe page.





Basic Thumbprint Cookies

 


Photo source: Better Homes and Gardens

"One of the most common answers to "What is your favorite Christmas cookie?" has to be "Thumbprints!" Not only can these sweets be baked and frozen up to three months in advance for a stress-free season, but they can also be dressed up with all kinds of flavor combos. Might we recommend lemon-coconut, almond-cherry, or peanut butter and jelly?" - description of recipe from Better Homes and Gardens.

Love the fact that they are so easy to make ahead and freeze, also so many variations are possible.  They are a very versatile cookie.

The beautiful photo with different versions of the same cookie gave me an idea for homemade gift-giving package . . . make different versions and make packages mixing them up.  It would make an awesome colorful presentation.

Click here to go to the recipe page.

Roasted Pork Shoulder (Italian-Style)


Photo source: Sip and Feast

 "Whether you’re making a holiday feast or want to change up your Sunday dinner, my Roasted Pork Shoulder is the recipe to try. The pork is roasted until tender, seasoned with orange, sage, rosemary, and fennel seeds, and finished with a simple gravy. This is the roast you’ll make on repeat!" - description of recipe from Jim at Sip and Feast.

One of my favorite meals is roast pork with black beans (frijoles negros) and white rice.  My recipe for mojo roast pork is here and my recipe for black beans is here.

Click here to go to the recipe page where Jim provides lots of photos to go with his instructions.  Love his explanation of the different cuts of meat.  Check out Jim's You Tube Channel, one of my favorites, click here.








Deep-Dish Apple Pie

 




Photo source: Taste of Home

"If your favorite part of a classic apple pie is the filling, where all those soft apples are covered in a cinnamon-sugar sauce, then you need to make our very best deep-dish apple pie recipe. A deep-dish apple pie is baked in, well, a deep dish, like a 13×9-inch pan. This means there’s a lot more room to pile in a mountain of apples, so there’s even more filling. Of course, the quintessential flaky pie crust is baked right on top until it’s golden brown and the filling becomes bubbly and thick" - description of this recipe by Taste of Home.

Anything with a good apple pie filling is good for me . . . but this pie looks extra special.  Does it get any better than this?

Click here to go to the recipe.


Butter Pecan Cheesecake


Photo source: Taste of Home
Originally published as Butter Pecan Cheesecake in Country Woman October/November 2011, p32


One of my favorite ice cream flavors is rich and buttery butter pecan . . . I can imagine a cheesecake with that awesome flavor!

This cheesecake, which comes from Taste of Home, is a strong contender for our holiday dessert table this year.  We just might make it before the holidays!

Click here to go to the recipe.  

Let me know if you try it out!




Cream Cheese Coffee Cake


Photo source: America's Test Kitchen



There is something about cream cheese that automatically
wants me to try a new recipe.  When I found this recipe on
Pinterest, it was calling my name!

You can never go wrong with a recipe that comes from
America's Test Kitchen.

Click here to go to the recipe page of Joyful Baker.

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Raspberry Crumble Bars


Photo source:  Taste of Home

"This recipe for raspberry crumble bars features a thick layer of raspberry filling over a tender, baked crust. A crumbly topping, which browns and puffs in the oven, dots the top of the mixture. These bars are quick enough to make on a weeknight and can be adapted to star whatever fruit is in season." Description of recipe by Taste of Home.

These bars look delicious and would be perfect for breakfast.

Click here to go to the recipe page by Taste of Home.


Fried Potatoes And Onions

 


Photo source: Southern Living

"Every Southerner has their own recipe for fried potatoes and onions. It's one passed from cook to cook, learned by watching, not written technique. After all, fried potatoes and onions aren't just a side dish—they're a piece of Southern culinary history, with each family's recipe reflecting their unique combination of seasonings and technique" - Elizabeth Nelson, recipe creator.  Click here to go to the recipe page at Southern Living.

My version of this recipe follows.


Yes, I have my own fried potatoes and onions version of this recipe that is very similar with a few differences.  Please note, I do not measure anything and don't put a strict time on anything.  It is all taste and season as you cook with your preferred seasonings.  Personally, I season with garlic powder and very little salt.  I cook on medium heat, adjust as necessary and don't leave it unattended.

1.  Cut potatoes in bite sized pieces and cook them with a little butter in the microwave for about 6 or 7 minutes.  I don't always peel the potatoes, but sometimes I do.

2. While potatoes are cooking, peel and slice onion.  

3. A twist to my recipe . . . slice mushrooms, whatever type you like.  Leave it out if you don't like them.  Sometimes I add green pepper or poblano pepper to make it extra special.

4. Sauté and caramelize the onions and mushrooms in butter.

5.  After potatoes have cooked until almost tender in the microwave, add to the caramelizing onions and mushrooms.  Add more butter if necessary.

6.  Sauté on medium heat until the potatoes are browned and crispy.  I can't really say how long this takes.  Stir often and nurture it, you don't want it to burn.  Don't walk away from it either.

I hope that made sense!  This has been the method I've used since I was a teenager.  Potatoes are one of my favorite foods.




Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits

 


Photo source: Taste of Home

"In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations" - comment from Melissa Rogers, the recipe creator.

This southern girl loves grits!  I've mentioned in another grits recipe that I love them so much I make a pot of them, add cheese and butter and that is my meal.  This recipe is on my list of new recipes to try.

Click here to go to the recipe page from Taste of Home.



Pecan Pie Coffee Cake

 


Photo source:  Bake or Break

"If you love pecan pie but don’t always want to fuss with a traditional pie crust, this pecan pie coffee cake is the answer. It’s part cozy coffee cake, part gooey pecan pie, and completely irresistible. A fluffy buttermilk cake base bakes up light and soft, then gets topped with a rich, pecan-filled mixture that soaks into the cake for layers of flavor and texture in every bite" - description of recipe from Bake or Break.

Click here to go to the recipe page.


Foods You Didn't Know You Could Cook in an Air Fryer

 


Photo source: Martha Stewart

Some of the foods surprised me and some I already knew about.  My air fryer is large enough to fit some Corning ware.  Individual silicone cupcake liners are for more than just cupcakes.  My stove is rarely turned on anymore since I have tried to find ways to bake most of what I want within reason.  I still haven't mastered baking a frozen pizza in there.

The article is from Martha Stewart.com.  Click here to go to the article and be amazed at all you can cook in your air fryer.