(Whole Wheat) Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

What’s slightly caramelized, dense, rich, and sweet—but healthier than regular banana bread?  This Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Banana Bread!

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Starting back in the crunchy granola seventies—even before I was out of school, I set out on a mission.  I would try converting many of my favorite family recipes to new dietary standards. 

I figured If my childhood favorite food could

  1. handle whole wheat flour,
  2. use less fat and sugar and
  3. still taste devastatingly good

then it had to be a win-win!  Read more


Halloween Bark

With spooky eyeballs and colorful Halloween sprinkles, Halloween Bark is a fun and easy candy treat to get the season rolling!

Halloween Bark

There’s no doubt about it, chocolate’s a crowd-pleaser! And as nice as it is all alone, it’s even more fun dressed up for Halloween! 

After years of spending fall focused on preserving the harvest, this year I decided to have more fun and get with the Halloween festivities.

And so I was delighted to discover this easy and tasty Halloween Bark!  It comes together in a snap.  Read more


Pumpkin Pear Soup (Spiderweb Optional)

Flavors of pumpkin and pear, with hints of caramel and cardamom, make this Pumpkin Pear Soup a special treat.  You might even embellish it with a spider web if you’re dining near Halloween!

Pumpkin Pear Soup

Who’s with me that pears don’t get their due?  So when I was offered a side of Pumpkin Pear Soup while dining out, I jumped at the chance.

And it was so good

So, blessed with a big bag of pears from my niece’s pear tree, I then set out to make a Pumpkin Pear Soup of my own.  While not identical, I love the pairing of the pumpkin and pear, boosted by a light kick of spice and maple. 

Happy fall! 

Pumpkin Pear Soup with spiderweb

Read more


(Maybe) Halloween Caprese Crostini #HalloweenTreatsWeek

With classic Caprese flavors on a crunchy base, (Maybe) Halloween Caprese Crostini is a tasty appetizer that can be dressed up for Halloween or not!

Halloween Caprese Crostini

Everyone loves a crunchy and tasty crostini appetizer.  And making it a Caprese Crostini is perfect when the weather cools and fall produce is bountiful!

So just say yes to luscious vine-ripened tomatoes and flavorful basil.  Then add crunchy toasts, creamy fresh mozzarella, and rich balsamic syrup.  Yup, count me in!

I even give you two versions today.  The Halloween Caprese Crostini is topped wiith spooky skulls for all the October festivities.  And the other is a more classic styling—because you’re going to want to eat this all year round!

And did I mention it’s easy?  Even the skulls if you know the secret!  Read more


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