Every Day with Rachael Ray makes baking a piece of cake! This sweet recipe for a layer cake is as easy to make as it is to devour.

Designs in a Pinch:

Form zigzags with a fork Read the rest »

Many believe that the gemstone garnet got its name from the pomegranate. The tiny arils of this fruit resemble the garnet’s deep-red color and shape. This recipe mixes the deep-red arils into cottage cheese creating the look of garnets buried in a blanket of snow. Try this simple dish for breakfast. The jewel and snow filling can also be spread onto graham crackers or celery sticks for a crunchy after school snack or meal time side dish. Read the rest »

Spring is in the air and that means Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are upon us. Skip the fancy restaurant this year - it’s time for brunch entertaining and connecting with one another in your home. Your table is your stage so let’s bring on the main attraction – Creating Ambience. We will focus on the table top while creating a warm, engaging atmosphere. It’s all about connecting – when people feel comfortable they are relaxed and readily available for easy conversation. (Use these ideas for any brunch you host.) Read the rest »

This easy spin on chicken tacos from the April issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray will please kids and parents alike!

Chicken Taco Patties
Servings: 4

It’s easy to control the heat on these babies – just serve the jalapenos, taco sauce and extra onion on the side! Read the rest »

Question: I love soup on a chilly day, but I’d like to try something new that I can make for myself that’s also impressive enough to prepare for guests. Any ideas?

Answer: Soup is indeed a supreme comfort food and is a very versatile food. It can be served as a first course or entrée. Following is a soup recipe that should please your palate and those of your friends.

Gazpacho is a traditional chilled Spanish soup but can be heated in the winter and served chilled during warmer weather. In addition to tasting delicious, it’s a good way to hydrate the body with fluid and nutrients. Using beautiful ripe tomatoes (organically-grown are the best) will give your soup luscious color and flavor. Read the rest »

Make a quiche for your pooch - and save some for yourself!

Real Dogs Eat Quiche
Servings: 4

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
½ pound uncooked turkey breakfast sausage links, casings removed
One 9-inch frozen piecrust, partially baked
½ cup cheddar cheese, crumbled
4 large eggs
½ cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, for serving (people’s portions only)
Chili sauce or green salsa, for serving (people’s portions only) Read the rest »

Granola can be great tasting hippie food, but buyer beware. On one side, some of the packaged brands cram a lot of unfamiliar flavors in the mix. While these ingredients are often healthy, the flavors can be tough to swallow for kids. On the flip side, the more mainstream brands cram a lot sugar and artificial ingredients into their products which put them on par with the nutritional value of a candy bar. Sticking to basic ingredients is the trick.

Simple flavors - oatmeal, pecans and cranberries baked with natural goodness. This recipe is so simple, that homemade granola may soon become a staple in your house for breakfasts and snacks! Best Granola Ever is perfect for family members 3-99 years old. Read the rest »