Thursday, February 5, 2026

Bloomin' Onion Dip

 


Photo source:  All Recipes

"This viral bloomin' onion dip, served warm, has all the flavors of your favorite deep fried onion, but is quite a bit easier to prepare. Great for a tailgate or a football watch party."  Comment from All Recipes

When I saw this recipe, I immediately thought of a huge bowl of potato chips next to this dip.  All I can say is WOW.  I love bloomin' onions.

Click here to go to the All Recipes recipe page. 




New Orleans-Style Spicy Shrimp UPDATE


Photo source: Taste of Home

 
The name of the recipe and the photo is all I need to know that I'm going to make this soon with my variation.  I've already been thinking about this :)  The recipe calls for shell-on shrimp, but I would use peeled/deveined shrimp with maybe a little more sauce and serve over white rice.  I can taste it now.  

This recipe comes from Taste of Home and the creator has this description of the shrimp:  "This shrimp captures their favorite flavors from the Big Easy, with the right touches of spice and heat."

Click here to go to the recipe.


Another recipe . . .


Spicy New Orleans Shrimp

"This Spicy New Orleans Shrimp is buttery, spicy, smoky, and unapologetically saucy, the kind of dish that leaves an empty skillet and zero regrets. If you like bold flavors and minimal effort, you’re going to love this one."  Comment from Jo Cooks

Click here to go to the Jo Cooks recipe page.




Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Cherry Dump Cake UPDATED

 

Photo source:  Food.com



This post was originally posted
 to this blog on July 30, 2016


It doesn't get easier than dumping three ingredients in a pan and baking it.

Can't wait to serve it warm with some ice cream!

Gotta love dump cakes!


UPDATE

After making this dump cake, I need to make a few notes to add to the recipe.

First of all, after dumping all ingredients into the pan, stir until the cake mix is moistened.  We found that just dumping them into the pan left some spots "floury" after baking and left too many crunchy pieces throughout the cake.

Otherwise, the taste was excellent, but was very sweet and almost needs whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to offset the sweetness.

We really liked it and will be making it again!

Click here to go to the Food.com recipe page.


Another recipe . . .

"While many dump cakes use cake mix, frozen or canned fruit, and pats of butter or a melted butter drizzle on top, this version switches things up a bit. It’s dump cake-inspired, but produces a treat that stands on its own."  Comment from Simply Recipes

Click here to go to the Simply Recipes recipe page.




Recipes for Homemade Bread and More About Bread

 


Photo source:  Taste of Home

"Bring the aroma of homemade bread to your kitchen by baking fresh loaves of these favorite recipes, including French bread, banana bread, cinnamon bread, garlic bread and more."  Comment from Taste of Home

There is no comparison to homemade bread and store bought bread.  It isn't that difficult!  The following articles will inform you about everything you need to know about baking your own delicious bread.

Click here to go to the Taste of Home recipe page for 93 recipes for homemade bread.

More articles . . .


How to Store Bread So It Stays Fresh

Click here to go to the article from Taste of Home.


The Ultimate Bread Baking Guide

Click here to go to the article from Taste of Home. 




Exactly When To Use Tin Foil, Wax Paper, And Parchment Paper

 


Photo source:  Southern Living


"No kitchen is complete without an arsenal of papers such as parchment paper, wax paper and aluminum foil, which each come in handy for a variety of applications in cooking and baking. If you've ever tried to swap one for the other and ended up with inedible results for baking chocolate chip cookies?  It's time to get schooled on exactly when to use each type of paper."  Comment from Southern Living

These papers can make your job in the kitchen so much easier.  Read the article to find out how.

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.


Another article . . .

Things You Should Never Do With Aluminum Foil

"Aluminum foil is a kitchen staple for a reason—it's durable, affordable, and versatile, used for tasks ranging from baking and grilling to food storage, and more. Its heat resistance, flexibility, and ability to form an easy seal make it a go-to for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you're wrapping leftovers or creating a foil packet for steaming, aluminum foil is a trusted companion in countless kitchens. But are there wrong ways to use it?"  Comment from Southern Living

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.



Oven Baked Potatoes

 


Photo source:  Family Favorite Recipes

These perfect Oven Baked Potatoes are just a few simple steps away, and they don’t require foil. This easy method delivers potatoes with irresistibly crispy, salty skins and light, fluffy insides every single time. Once you try this back-to-basics approach, you’ll never deal with gummy baked potatoes again!  Comment from Favorite Family Recipes

One of my favorite food items!  Check out the article for all kinds of information on baked potatoes.

Click here to go to the Favorite Family Recipes recipe page.


Should Baked Potatoes Be Wrapped In Foil?

Click here to go to the Southern Living article.




Healthy Homemade Breakfast Bars

 


Photo source:  The Food Network

"Homemade breakfast bars are one of the most satisfying make-ahead breakfast options. They can be chewy, crunchy or soft-baked. Plus, they’re made to be portable. No microwave needed, just grab and go."  Comment from The Food Network

Love that you can put whatever ingredients you like and know what is in the breakfast bars.  The perfect breakfast option.

Click here to go to the Food Network recipe page.



Hash Brown Quiche Cups

 


Photo source:  Taste of Home

"Whether you need a bite for busy weekday mornings or a show-stopping centerpiece for weekend brunch, these hash brown quiche cups fit the bill. The crispy, cheesy hash brown crusts are filled with eggs, spinach, chives and cheese and topped with crumbled bacon."  Comment from Taste of Home

These quiche cups look very delicious and I would love them for breakfast, snacks or anytime.  You can substitute items to make them with your favorite ingredients, like I would love the eggs with sausage and cheese.  

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



Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Italian Ciabatta Bread - Easy No Knead

 


Photo source:  Savoring Italy

"This Easy No Knead Italian Ciabatta Bread delivers crusty, homemade bread with a soft, airy crumb and delicate flavor, perfect for sandwiches or dipping. It's simple to make with just five ingredients and ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers."  Comment from Savoring Italy

Making bread isn't as difficult as most think it is and the reward is awesome bread.  Check this one out !

Click here to go to the Savoring Italy recipe page.



New Orleans Beignets

 


Photo source:  House of Nash Eats

"These soft, fluffy Beignets are pillows of fried dough that have been generously dusted with powdered sugar and inspired by the ones from Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans. Learning how to make beignets at home in your own kitchen is easier than you would think and they are every bit as delicious!"  Comments from House of Nash Eats

Beignets are such a delicious sweet treat.  I have not had one in years and will love to make them at home!

Click here to go to the House of Nash Eats recipe page.




Easy Dirty Rice

 


Photo source:  House of Nash Eats

"This easy Dirty Rice recipe is full of Cajun flavor and spices with peppers, celery, and onion. It’s a savory combination of amazing textures that is great as a side dish but satisfying enough to serve for dinner on its own."  Comment from House of Nash Eats

One of my favorite foods!  Look forward to trying this recipe out .

Click here to go to the House of Nash Eats recipe page.




Fried Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich

 


Photo source:  House of Nash Eats

"A Shrimp Po Boy is the king of sandwiches! This Louisiana staple is loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, fried shrimp, and homemade remoulade sauce, sitting on buttery toasted French bread rolls. Ready in just around 30 minutes, this makes a fantastic family dinner, and is a great way to explore flavors from the Louisiana!"  Comment from House of Nash Eats

Looks delicious any time of the year, not just for Mardi Gras.

Click here to go to the House of Nash Eats recipe page.




Monday, February 2, 2026

Shrimp Etouffee

 


Photo source:  House of Nash Eats

"How about a little taste of classic New Orleans and Mardi Gras with this recipe for Shrimp Etouffee? This wonderful shrimp dish starts with a dark, rich roux loaded with the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, which turns into a sauce that smothers each delicious shrimp. Serve it with white rice for Sunday supper or to celebrate Fat Tuesday!"  Comment from House of Nash Eats

I've never had this meal, but it has shrimp and it is cajun, so I am interested!

Click here to go to the House of Nash Eats recipe page.



Bourbon Chicken



This bourbon chicken is one of my favorite chicken recipes.  Love the simplicity of the tangy sweet flavor served over white rice.  The sauce is delicious!

You may want to double the sauce portion of the recipe to make sure you have enough for leftovers the next day! 

The sauce would make the perfect BBQ sauce, the best I have ever had.  It would be perfect over shredded chicken or pork served on a sandwich.  Grilled BBQ chicken basted with this sauce would be awesome!




Ingredients for chicken mixture:

5 chicken breasts (recommend frozen boneless skinless)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 green pepper
1/4 cup jarred roasted red pepper


Ingredients and Directions for Sauce:

Mix and wisk in a separate bowl until well combined:

1 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp ketchup
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup soy sauce
pinch red pepper flakes (adjust to how much heat you prefer)
1 Tbsp cornstarch

Add to the chicken and stir and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Serve over rice . . . I prefer it over white rice!


Directions for chicken mixture:

cube chicken into bite sized pieces and pan fry in olive oil with 1 green pepper and 1/4 cup jarred roasted red pepper (peppers are optional).

Once the chicken is a little browned (after draining the skillet before adding anything else), add a couple spoonfuls of sauce to the browning chicken to caramelize the chicken as it browned.  Add a tiny bit more as the sauce disappears into the chicken and repeat this around 4 times.



Easy Sriracha Mayo

 


Photo source:  Favorite Family Recipes

"Sriracha mayo is a staple in our house, right up there with ranch dressing and fry sauce. Even though it has a little kick, it is not overly spicy. My spice-averse kids still add it to their favorite foods all the time. It adds a creamy, bright flavor to sushi, rice bowls, and just about any take out-style Asian dish."  Comment from Favorite Family Recipes

Sounds delicious and I'm thinking it would be perfect on a baked potato with butter sauteed shrimp.  I always try to sneak a potato into every meal.

Click here to go to the Favorite Family Recipes recipe page.



Apple Hand Pies

 


Photo source:  House of Nash Eats

"These Glazed Apple Hand Pies are like a cross between cookie and a slice of apple pie with a perfectly spiced homemade apple pie filling and buttery, flaky crust coated in a sweet glaze. They are perfect for packing in school lunches for a sweet treat or for sharing with family and friends!"  Comment from House of Nash Eats

These cute little apple pies sound delicious.  Love this recipe!

Click here to go to the House of Nash Eats recipe page.




Cannoli Cheesecake

 


Photo source:  Taste of Home

"Ah, cannoli cheesecake. It’s a no-bake dessert for those days when you can’t be bothered to put a lot of work into baking. Yet it yields such rich results, you’d never know it took less than 30 minutes to prep.

This refreshing dessert fuses the cannoli, beloved among Italian baking recipes, with the ever-popular classic cheesecake. Whether you want a teensy taste of cannoli or a giant taste, the choice is yours with this 9-inch beauty. Cut as big of a slice as you want, then save the rest for tomorrow’s dessert—if you can wait that long."  Comment from Taste of Home

One of my favorite things in the world is a cannoli.  If a recipe has anything to do with a cannoli, I am posting it because I could never have enough cannoli recipes.  Especially cheesecake . . . another favorite.

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



Cracked Out Breakfast Bubble Up

 


Photo source:  Plain Chicken

"Cracked Out Breakfast Bubble Up – I am obsessed with this casserole! Only 6 ingredients: bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, eggs, milk, and refrigerated biscuits. SO good! Great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, baby showers, overnight guests, and holiday mornings. This only takes a minute to make and is ready to eat in about 35 minutes. We LOVE this quick and easy casserole!"  Comment from Plain Chicken

Love these canned biscuits recipes that make it quick and easy.  This casserole sounds delicious!

Click here to go to the Plain Chicken recipe page.




Sunday, February 1, 2026

Cajun Shrimp Casserole

 


Photo source:  Southern Living

"This hearty seafood casserole is filled with shrimp, cheese, and rice and gets its Cajun flair from the addition of okra, bell peppers, and cayenne pepper. It's a great choice for a special occasion meal. If you're not a fan of okra, you can leave it out of this dish. For even more flavor, try adding andouille sausage or a splash of hot sauce, and serve it with crusty bread to add a little extra comfort to each bite."  Comment from Southern Loving

This cajun shrimp casserole has to be the best recipe I have come across lately.  It sounds delicious, except that yes, I will leave out the okra.  I like it fried, but not in my casserole!

Click here to go to the Southern Living recipe page.




Saturday, January 31, 2026

Southern Fried Shrimp

 


Photo source:  Serious Eats


"Get ready for some of the best fried shrimp you'll ever eat."  Comment from Serious Eats

One of my favorite foods since childhood.  I have made it all different ways, but I like this method and would like to try it.

Click here to go to the Serious Eats recipe page.