All Natural Chocolate Delight Dessert

With a pecan-cookie-flavored base, topped with layers of chocolate and cheesecake, Chocolate Delight is a special summer dessert

Chocolate Delight

I still remember the first time I tasted Chocolate Delight.  It was at a family picnic, and my husband’s aunt brought a big tray.  After the first bite, I realized it might be the best potluck dessert I’d ever had.   

There was a layer of chocolate pudding, a cheesecake-like layer and a whipped topping that were delicious.  But the best part of all was the base.  Similar to a pecan cookie, the nutty flavor made it unique–and absolutely delicious!  Read more


Peanut Butter Ice Cream

This Peanut Butter Ice Cream is cool, creamy, tasty–and super easy.  Add a fudge ribbon for even more fun. Sugar free option included.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Summer hot enough for you?  Even in Wisconsin, where we usually avoid the worst of the heat, there have been multiple days in the 90s.

It takes me back to my childhood where temps over 90 meant special treats.  Things like running through the sprinkler or taking out the wading pool.  And the best treat?  Ice Cream!

Today’s Peanut Butter Ice Cream (with an optional fudge ribbon) has all the flavor of a peanut butter cup but is cool and refreshing for summer.  And it’s a no cook recipe so it’s also easy.  Just blend the ingredients in a blender and freeze per your freezer’s instructions.

So good, I’d even eat it in winter!  Read more


Homemade Pan-fried Perch

Pan-fried perch are the darling of the Wisconsin fish fry.  Did you know they are easy to prepare at home with some simple instructions?  

Pan Fried Perch

I love eating out.  But sometimes eating at home feels even better. 

Like when I’m watching my pennies.  Or having a bad weight week.  Or when I’m in a cozy mood and dinner on the deck or by the fireplace just feels right.

Now recently, my husband and I tried out a new restaurant–and got a terrible fish fry. This made me wonder…  How hard would it be to make pan-fried perch at home?

Perch are the darlings of the Wisconsin fish fry.  Small, tender and flavorful, they go for a premium price—and are well worth it! 

Of course for the best perch you don’t want to overwhelm their delicate flavor with thick breading or heavy oil.  Time to experiment!  Read more


Dill Pickle Relish

Tart, flavorful and a perfect addition to many dishes, Dill Pickle Relish is a fun and practical home canning project.

Dill Pickle Relish

Summer is a great time for fun fresh food experiments.  With the seasonal bounty of healthy fruits and vegetables… well, the opportunities are endless.

And it’s not limited to classic health foods like Tuscan Kale Salad or Seafood Kabobs.   Even classic snack and picnic foods can get in the act.

Yes, dip some chips in Tangy Mango Pineapple Salsa.  Or top your July 4th or picnic hotdog with today’s homemade Dill Pickle Relish.  It’s a handy condiment that adds flavor to so many dishes from egg salad to thousand island dressing!

Yum!  Read more