Life of Spice

Holiday Shepherd’s Pie (Turkey Chili with Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie)

Kelley — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:42:20 +0000

I learned my lesson: 18 pounds of turkey is too much for 10 people even for Thanksgiving. Even after pawning leftovers (not that it was difficult), I was still drowning in turkey. What’s a girl to do? The obvious solution is turkey pot pie, but, ahem, somebody around here thinks that is just gross. Alas, [...]

Pink Lady Cake

Kelley — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:03:56 +0000

As soon as I saw this cake many months ago, I knew exactly who was going to have one. It had my niece’s name written all over it. If there is anything she loves as much as pink, it is either cake or strawberries. Combine all three, and she’s in heaven. Unfortunately, strawberry season had [...]

Fresh Tomato Cream Pasta Sauce

Kelley — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:04:03 +0000

Tis the season of fresh tomatoes, vine-ripened in the garden. Summer isn’t complete until we’ve had pasta with fresh tomato sauce, and also until the heat and humidity give us a break. But more importantly, homemade pasta, with fresh from the garden tomatoes. To make this sauce, I went to my trusted America’s Test Kitchen [...]

Blueberry Muffins

Kelley — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 16:39:12 +0000

Blueberry muffins have always been one of my favorite breakfast foods, but like many other things, I’m particular about these, too. I don’t need anything fancy, and I think that having a streusel top is just extra calories to get between me and the blueberries. For me, there is no such thing as too many [...]

Candied Ginger and Ginger Syrup

Kelley — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:11:49 +0000

I think that homemade candied ginger is so great that everyone should have some. My family calls me the ginger pusher because I give the ginger and the syrup to everyone as gifts. My family laughs, but I’ve noticed that they keep asking for more. Aside from just noshing on this ginger, my favorite [...]

Spiced Almonds

Kelley — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:42:41 +0000

Here is an easy appetizer/dessert/snack. Toasted almonds, sweetened with a bit of spice. Sure, it is easy to just open a can of nuts to serve at your next party, but that is ordinary. Entertain in style in 8 short minutes and 6 ingredients. These are a tasty, fun treat that fill the kitchen with [...]

Edamame Dip

Kelley — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 01:27:45 +0000

Edamame is delicious and healthy, but did you know that it is also a dip? At least it can be. Throw a few ingredients in the food processor (or blender) and you’re set. This dip is a great party food, appetizer, snack, or lunch. It is also a fun, bright green that looks great in [...]

Cheese Potato Casserole

Kelley — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:55:26 +0000

This is one of my all time favorite recipes. I have served this to many people, both kids and adults. It is a standby for an easy side, a last minute dish to take to work parties, a barbecue, or a potluck. There is never a bite left. People rave over it. One avid cook/eater even [...]

Lemon Scones with Lemon Glaze

Kelley — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 23:53:53 +0000

We had a baby! More accurately, my brother and sister-in-law had a baby, but why get caught up in the details. Madelyn was born January 17th, a whopping 8 lbs 3.9 ounces, but she looks so tiny compared to the pictures of her sister as a newborn, who was over 10 lbs at birth. We [...]

Zucchini Bread

Kelley — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:39:17 +0000

The weather outside may be frightful, but the zucchini bread is so delightful. Zucchini bread is great anytime, and I’ve never met a person who didn’t love it. I like to serve a nice warm loaf to guests for breakfast. The leftovers, if you have any, are great for snack or dessert. I felt inspired [...]