We love Valentine’s Day because it’s an opportunity to celebrate during what can be one of Maine’s coldest, most wintery months. And there’s no denying the allure of a moist, rich chocolate cake. This classic recipe is our favorite for its dependability and ease. If you choose to make the frosting yourself, you won’t be disappointed. It’s rich and creamy …
Family Favorites: Chocolate Pecan Pie
Happy almost Thanksgiving, everyone! We adore this time of year because it’s the kick-off to so many good things, like an afternoon spent making Thanksgiving pies. This fun, family tradition includes making one apple pie, one pumpkin pie and a new-to-us pie. This decadent, chocolate pecan pie began as a new-to-us recipe and quickly rose to the level of family …
The Simplest Chocolate Chip Cookies
The aftermath of the holidays left us with a bit of a cookie addiction. And while we’ve tried to step up our healthy food game this month, the cookie cravings keep coming back. To strike a balance, CP#1 tried this simple chocolate chip cookie recipe adapted from the Mrs. Fields Cookie Book. They’re everything a person could want in a chocolate …
The Very Best Macaroni and Cheese
MP enjoys cooking homemade meals, but her desire to do so ebbs and flows depending on the family’s schedule. Our dinners generally become simple in the summer and when school starts, we plan streamlined, after sports practice meals like breakfast for dinner, pasta dishes with grilled sausage, homemade pizzas and fajitas. But when the temperature drops, no matter what’s going …
Banana Chocolate Swirl Bread
Happy Memorial Day weekend, friends! If you’re searching for a recipe to bring to a party host or offer house guests, this quick bread delivers every time. The banana/chocolate combination is loved by everyone in our household. Dense and not overly sweet, this bread is made even better slathered with your favorite peanut butter. It makes a great breakfast treat …
Farmhouse Pumpkin Bread
Now that the first half of fall is over, and all of the family commitments that come with it, MP finds herself wanting to slow down. She knew the minute she pulled out this beloved pumpkin bread recipe that it was time to take a brief hiatus from weekend travel, houseguests, and get-togethers before the holidays. This super moist pumpkin …
Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal
After a vacation week spent celebrating, visiting family and getting much-needed sleep, our troupe wanted a gentle return to a regular routine. We made this wish a reality by creating a simple meal plan for the week. MP and DP have learned that a ready-made breakfast, lunch or dinner can make the whole day go more smoothly. Really! The kids …
Easy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
Ever since reading this cookbook, our family has worked hard to eat whole foods as often as possible. We’ve also given up weeknight desserts, and sip homemade smoothies or enjoy big bowls of fruit with fresh cream instead. Our new favorite treat is this easy frozen yogurt that you can make in a food processor. And all you need is …
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New Years Day Celebration
Our team had a quiet New Years Eve (DP was sick with a cold), so to make up for it, we planned a decadent New Years Day Celebration. MP made a creamy quiche au fromage, bacon, and our favorite marbled chocolate banana bread. We had a giant bag of oranges in the fridge, so the kids made fresh-squeezed orange juice …
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The Best Ever Sugar Cookies
MP’s friend from book group always makes the most delicious, buttery desserts. Her sugar cookie recipe really is the best. It’s our go-to, traditional holiday cookie. The dough is so easy to work with and the cookie itself is perfect with a drizzle of semi-sweet chocolate, decorated with Royal icing or topped with colorful sugar sprinkles.