It rolled around like perfectly timed clockwork. Yep, it is that time again and our home is filled with a plethora of emotions, some good and some not so good. You know what happens each year at this time—back to school. There is just no getting around it, ready or not.

We begin trying to get everything that was on our summer bucket list marked on our calendars. Then, suddenly the weeks before the school bell chimes become just as busy and crazy as the weeks leading up to Christmas. It has been a wonderful summer, filled with so many blessings and memories. What recipe would celebrate Back to School at our dinner table this week? [Read more…]

It is a rare day when my extended family can all be together at the dinner table. We are scattered near and far, so get togethers outside of Christmas very seldom occur. Big news arrived a few months ago and we were all jumping with joy to learn that my nephew, his adorable wife and their even more adorable 16-month-old would be returning to Kansas City. I truly never thought we would ever have the treat of this happening. My nephew adores the water, oceans are better than lakes and he surfs everyday– and well, let’s just say for him life doesn’t get much better than that. It was time to celebrate! My niece and her amazing son were able to attend, my brother and his wife were able to coordinate a trip, and not to mention my mom and dad are always game for a family get together so voila….dinner! [Read more…]

It is time to take on that homemade scratch cake. No need to be a nervous Nellie, this is really very simple and you will be successful.

You can do it! Step away from the box, run get a large bowl and head to the kitchen. The flavor and texture of homemade goodness will grab your senses like nothing before. So many times when we teach classes, our students shy away from scratch baking. Making a cake from scratch can be just as easy as opening a box. [Read more…]

As I write this, ice pellets are hitting the windowpane and collecting on dry brown leaves—but those leaves are encircling new, green daffodil shoots. Spring is struggling in our part of the Midwest. For me, it is time to chase away the winter doldrums and this Lemon Velvet Cake is just the dessert to do that. [Read more…]