Virtue Michigan Apple Sticky Buns

Baking + booze + fruit should be the norm because oh my goodness does it go together beautifully. These buns are literally the most caramel apple-y thing I’ve ever tasted. Adding hard cider to both the apples and the caramel really brings the apples to LIFE! As part of my extended Beer Baking project, today we’re going […]

Drunken Van Van Mojo Blueberry Cider Bread

Earlier this year I had this random thought pop into my head late on a Friday night….why is no one baking more with hard ciders and beers? I mean beyond quick breads. Ciders and beers have so many flavors now with all the different hops and ingredients brewers use to make their brews. I did […]

Apple Raspberry Kuchen: You Didn’t Know You Needed It

Sometimes the best ideas come from a change in plans. Yesterday I was all set to make this amazing german plum coffee cake also known as a kuchen, that I’ve been making for a couple of years now in the fall. However, Italian Empress plums are pretty delicate and when they’re ripe, they get really […]

Spring Stuffed Alfredo Shells

Spring Produce = Asparagus Let’s be honest, spring isn’t here yet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t find my favorite produce.  The beginning of the seasonal spring offerings are here.  Last week, I found skinny asparagus popping up so as usual I buy what I like.  Then comes the question of what do I cook with […]

Raspberry Mahogany: A Luscious Snack Cake

When Cake Delivery Isn’t An Option The best thing in the world is having cake delivered to your house.  Take it from us, surprise cake is the best cake.  The one downside is that giving someone cake means having to make an entire cake.  Downsizing a baking recipe is really hard to do well.  Never […]

Not Your Mama’s White Bread

Creating The Ultimate White Bread I’m a recipe tinker-er. If I find a recipe I want to try and it doesn’t work, I’ll tinker with it until it does. So, this recipe comes from a desire for perfect white bread. I’m a huge fan of what King Arthur Flour does, but their recipes don’t always come […]

3 Tricks For Perfect Pierogi

Make Your Own Pierogi Pierogi seem to be one of those dishes that few people make from scratch.  A little similar to fresh pasta there is technique involved, but with a pasta machine these delicious dumplings are worth the time and effort.  We went with a not so standard savory filling.  Generally you find pierogi with a […]

There Is No Pair – Pear Bread

Don’t Forget The Pear As fruits go, pears tend to be overlooked.  They don’t seem to be as popular as the apple, orange or banana.  Yet, you will find them in many a fruit juice secretly lurking by adding their sweetness.  Apples are the American fruit, but the pear is equally delicious.  Their addition to this […]

My Name Is Alison And I Have A Problem

Confession Time We’ve had such weird weather this fall, I mean its December 3rd and it’s 50 degrees in Chicago of all places. The land of the crazy wind chill and bad, blustery, cold, snowy winters. We did already have snow once this year, but it just hasn’t felt like winter. That too could be […]

Pure Spoon For Perfect Carrot Cake Muffins

I’m here to tell you about Pure Spoon, a line of organic purees for kids!  Normally I don’t cover food for kids, but this seemed way too perfect to pass up.  My niece and nephew are nearly 2 and 4.   Sometimes I spoil them with toys, but I know that their parents and I […]

Maple Mellows AKA Shortbread Cookies

Coming up with clever names for cookies is a challenge.  I should probably explain the name.  These are maple inspired shortbread cookies.  With maple sugar as the star ingredient adding in that tang that we love.  Combined with our secret ingredients these cookies literally disappear when they hit your tongue.  Perhaps you have had something […]

Serve Up Turkey French Toast

The title sounds absurd, turkey with french toast. However, don’t discount the idea yet because we are going savory. You may recognize this as a Monte Cristo.  This is one of the recipes that is quick and simple but makes lunch a little bit more tasty.  If you haven’t figured it out, then Alison is […]