175 Best Babycakes Cake Pops Recipes

Posted by Kathy on January 23, 2012

It’s here! Our newest book, 175 Best Babycakes Cake Pops Recipes is out and we are thrilled.

Packed inside the new cookbook are recipes for cakes of all kinds and flavors, plus muffins, biscuits, meatballs, appetizers, ebelskivers, doughnuts, scones, bread bites and more. You will find recipes that will inspire you to use your Babycakes Cake Pop maker every day—from morning to night. Most of all, when cake pops are just the right treat, you will discover the perfect flavor, plus awesome decorating and gift suggestions so your cake pops will steal the show. Weddings, showers, holidays, teacher gifts, thank you gifts, elegant affairs, simple gestures, big graduation parties, and even a dog treat are just a few of the special occasions that are described in detail so you can easily make and serve fantastic cake pops.

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Filed Under: Cupcakes & Cake Pops

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Winter Salad

Posted by Roxanne on January 16, 2012

We are still trying to stay focused on increasing the amount of vegetables in our family meals. Winter is the perfect time to add soup and salad to the menu. While the weather doesn’t make me yearn for the grilled salads of summer, I still turn to leafy greens as often as possible. This Winter Salad has been a favorite for years. The ingredients provide a heartier profile that suits these winter days perfectly.

I served this hearty salad with a bowl of Cheesy Vegetable soup over the weekend and everyone clamored for more. It’s a great recipe to warm your soul during these gloomier winter months. I would love to know if you give this salad a try.

Winter Salad

6 cups salad greens, such as spring mix with arugula
2 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
3 tablespoons toasted, coarsely chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons dried sweetened cranberries
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

Dressing

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon coarse grain mustard
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced

In a large salad bowl, toss all the salad ingredients.

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Drizzle desired amount of dressing and toss gently.

Filed Under: Salads

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Souvlaki Pork

Posted by Kathy on January 9, 2012

What’s for dinner? Such a simple question and yet, it strikes terror in our hearts almost daily. I have a confession to make—and that is sometimes I hate that question as much as you do. I know, I write about food and love to develop new recipes. But, when stuck between a rock and a hard spot (you know–hunger pangs with time pressing in,) I turn to a few, same old tried and true recipes. Do you do that too? Worst of all, those same old familiar ones get boring—but this one just never bores me.

Pork with lots of garlic and oregano with pita bread is one of my favorite recipes. It is my version of a Greek inspired fast food—souvalaki, and I make it with the traditional foods and flavors but then, just cause it is me, add more veggies than the classic recipe and love every bite. It sounds so very exotic, but really, it uses every day foods, so that makes it easy to do–even when you can’t think of what else to do. It is best to marinate the meat–and several hours or even overnight as that adds more flavor then marinating just an hour–but do what you can.

This winter, in my part of the country, it has been incredibly mild, so you will find me outside grilling many nights. I know sooner or later, the cold and ice will keep me indoors –but never fear—this recipe is such that I can do the whole thing in a skillet on the stove or out on the grill. Easy, no-brainer, year-round food. That makes it tried and true in my book. How about yours?

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Filed Under: Meats & Main Dishes

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Black Eye Pea Dip

Posted by Roxanne on December 30, 2011

If you’ve been reading our blog very long or if you know me very well, you have probably figured out that I love all things Southern. I mean Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Virginia and Texas. Since I was born and raised in Missouri, I like to think I am a Southerner…..oh, well sort of.

That said, a tradition that our family has shared for many, many years is eating black eyed pea dip on New Year’s Day. This ritual is said to bring prosperity and much “good luck” to all who partake. We take a moment to reflect on all the blessings of the past year and say a prayer of gratitude. Some years this has been easier to do than in others, but each and every year is sprinkled full of so much to be thankful for that this is an important time for each of us. After we have reflected on the past year, we turn our thoughts to the New Year and share our hopes and dreams for all that the New Year holds. It is always a bit magical to enjoy this dip and have fun with our plans for the future.

Kathy and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for reading our blog this past year. We never imagined that 2011 would hold so much for us and that we would complete not one, but two cookbook manuscripts! Wow! A lot can happen in 12 months.

We have some special announcements to make in 2012, so please come back, pull up a chair, savor recipes and stories with us. We would love to hear from you.

Happy New Year!

Black Eyed Pea Dip

1 can (15 oz.) black eyed peas, drained
3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup sour cream (light works well)
1/2 cup salsa
1 teaspoon garlic salt
4 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled

Place black eyed peas into food processor bowl, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish. Add green onions, sour cream, salsa and garlic salt. Pulse until smooth.

Pour into a bowl and fold in bacon, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish.

Sprinkle with reserved black eyed peas and bacon.

Serve at room temperature or cold.

Tip: This dip is best served with scoop corn chips or fresh vegetables.

Filed Under: Appetizers & Snacks

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Merry Christmas

Posted by Kathy on December 23, 2011

One of my adult daughters came by last night and commented that many of her co-workers wanted to take “Christmas Class” next year. They envision a class, taught by Roxanne and I, where we will share every taste, treat and tradition of the season. … [Keep reading...]

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Apricot Cookies

Posted by Roxanne on December 19, 2011

This is such a special time of year. The weekends are jam packed with activities, festivities and lots of great food. On Saturday, we had a wonderful lunch at The Webster House followed by a performance of The Nutcracker at the Kauffman … [Keep reading...]

Filed Under: Cookies & Candies

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Bourbon Barbecued Beef

Posted by Kathy on December 12, 2011

Making a list—checking it twice. I make countless "to-do" lists every day. This time of year, the lists become way too long to get done 24 hours. Are you like me and race to handle what seems to be the most pressing—and then discover that some … [Keep reading...]

Filed Under: Meats & Main Dishes, Slow Cooker Favorites

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Cake Pop Cookbook

Posted by Roxanne on December 6, 2011

' Tis the season to be jolly! What fun it is to think of gifts for special friends and family. Shhh! These are going to be teacher gifts at my daughter’s school this year. I plan to attach a gift card to their favorite coffee or lunch … [Keep reading...]

Filed Under: Cupcakes & Cake Pops, Uncategorized

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Red Velvet Babycakes Cheesecakes

Posted by Kathy on November 28, 2011

Holidays and baking go together. In my world, you just can’t have one without the other. I was actually preparing all of the food for Thanksgiving, when it suddenly hit me that tiny Red Velvet Cheesecakes would be absolutely scrumptious for the … [Keep reading...]

Filed Under: Cakes

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