Spanish explorers sailed to the New World in search of great riches, especially gold. While much gold was found, but not as much as they wished, something else of great importance was found and transported …
Peanut Butter Cake
My dad’s birthday was in March. When I was really young, my mom would often make him a peanut butter cake. Just for fun, one year she put a big red, twisted taper candle right …
Fudge Brownies
One of my favorite forms of chocolate is a fudgy brownie. And here’s a funny story. My mom taught me to make cookies from “scratch”, which means gathering ingredients from the refrigerator and cupboards to …
Chicken and Dumplings
I remember my mom making chicken and dumplings while I was growing up. What fun it was to have a big dumpling in your soup bowl! But turning up as cook in the kitchen, I …
Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021!
This time last year we excitedly welcomed 2020…a new year and decade, full of hopes and dreams for our future. Little did we all know what changes and challenges would come upon us. There’s no …
Cell Phones
Cell phones are great tools, when used properly. So are hammers. But put a hammer in the hands of someone without the proper knowledge or intent and the results could be devastating. Think: Vandal with …
Chocolate Cream Pie
Whenever I think “Chocolate Cream Pie”, there’s an echo that goes off in my head: “Chocolate Cream Pie, Chocolate DREAM Pie”. Truly, that’s how I feel about this nothing other than delicious dessert. It’s a …
Cornbread Dressing
Everyone has their favorite holiday dish. The dressing has always been a favorite of mine. My mother made dressing from bread cubes. And my first experience with cornbread dressing had been at someone else’s house. …
Historically Interesting Times…
Historically, interesting times are not unique to this time in history. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, …
Dogs Can Teach Us Tricks
Since 2005 we’ve had German Shepherds trained for the personal protection of our family. The training requires their obedience which results in their devotion to our family. Our first German Shepherd, Schatzi, had an excellent …
Spiced Cider
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love changing decorations around the home to reflect the season that embrace us with a warm welcome as the crisp, chilly air sends us …
Roasted Root Vegetables
My grandma was born in Tomah, Wisconsin. I inherited her mother’s cookbook, The Tomah Cook Book, second edition, 1914. Under Vegetables, it says, “We now come to the root of matters.” Cute. Then it goes …