Yes, it’s super easy to heat up some water, open a packet and there you have it: hot chocolate. But, typically, it’s not very good hot chocolate and who knows what’s in those foil-lined envelopes. When the temperature drops and you’re jones-ing for a sweet pick-me-up, try these two recipes: one for a singleContinue reading “Hot Chocolate”
Author Archives: christinanifong
Cornmeal Blueberry Scones
Scones are not as popular as muffins in my kitchen, but they’re a close second. Straight from the oven, these biscuit-like drop scones make a tasty, hearty breakfast — with just a touch of sweet. Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Garden Makes 12 scones. Ingredients 1 1/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 2/3 cup cornmealContinue reading “Cornmeal Blueberry Scones”
Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
This recipe pairs moist chocolate cake with ever-so-tasty cream cheese frosting. Barely a birthday goes by that I don’t make these for someone. Whether it’s birthday or holiday or any excuse I can dream up (after school snack?), these are not to be missed. Recipe inspired by www.bettycrocker.com Makes 24 Cupcake Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 1Continue reading “Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting”
Family Favorite Mac and Cheese
If my kids did the meal planning around here, it would go something like this: Monday Mom’s Mac and Cheese, Tuesday Tacos, Wednesday Pizza, Thursday Mom’s Mac and Cheese, Friday Mom’s Mac and Cheese, Saturday Pizza. They would, if given the chance, eat this mac and cheese several nights of every week. Which, of course, meansContinue reading “Family Favorite Mac and Cheese”
Brussels Sprouts and Braised Chestnuts
This recipe pairs two earthy, autumnal flavors in a hearty, filling way that is perfect for fall or winter. Brussels sprouts are having something of a comeback these days and chestnuts can’t be far behind. Stirring them together creates an incredible nutritional profile and an even better taste. recipe inspired by Julia Child in “The Way toContinue reading “Brussels Sprouts and Braised Chestnuts”
Whirley-Pop Popcorn
Is there a snack more fun than fresh-made popcorn? It’s warm and salty, buttery and airy. It’s not complicated or expensive, but feels more festive than, say, opening a bag of chips. While there are many ways to pop your own popcorn, I am fond of the Whirley-Pop method. I purchased our pan years ago andContinue reading “Whirley-Pop Popcorn”
No Frills Vanilla Cupcakes
As you might have sensed, I typically opt for simple rather than over-the-top, basic instead of bells-and-whistles. My cooking mantra is to use the very best ingredients, letting their very best flavors shine. So here, find a standard vanilla cupcake that can be frosted with ganache, buttercream, cream cheese icing — or, if you’re my non-sweets-loving son,Continue reading “No Frills Vanilla Cupcakes”
Pork Rubs
The bulk of our meat comes from farmers we know, raised humanely, less than an hour from our house. I typically make two trips a year, in the spring and fall, to pick up eight whole chickens or a processed half-a-hog. Which means that I have to get creative in my meat cooking. IContinue reading “Pork Rubs”
Celebratory Cinnamon Rolls
Christmas mornings. Birthday breakfasts. Snow day feasts. These sweet and sticky, warm and gooey treats are what we whip up for special occasion breakfasts no matter the time of year. Yes, they are more work than unrolling a can of Pillsbury. But they are oh-so worth it. Recipe from King Arthur Flour Makes 12Continue reading “Celebratory Cinnamon Rolls”
Sunday Morning Waffles
At our house, Sunday mornings mean waffles. Often before the sun is up, my husband and I are downstairs, heating the cast iron waffle maker, tossing together the flour, eggs, butter and milk. My waffle rarely makes it to a plate. I usually stand, gobbling its steaming goodness. And forget about leftovers. If we wantContinue reading “Sunday Morning Waffles”