Ten of our favorite summer recipes, perfect for celebrating the Fourth of July. From appetizers to drinks to dessert, there's something for everyone! It's hard to believe that the Fourth of July is almost here! We have been loving summer so far, with all its fresh produce, longer days, and time outdoors. Whatever you're doing to celebrate the 4th, we've got you covered. Any of these festive ...
Read More →
Ridiculously Easy Summer Berry Crisp
10 minutes of prep is all that's between you and this crazy delicious, Ridiculously Easy Summer Berry Crisp. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; it's nirvana in a bowl! This Summer Berry Crisp might just be the easiest dessert you've ever made. It will definitely rank up there among the most delicious! The recipe is a wonderful little trick to have up your sleeve for those times when ...
Read More →
Everything You Need to Know About Freezer Jam
This post includes everything you need to know about making freezer jam, start to finish! It's such an easy technique with spectacular, fresh, delicious results! I started making freezer jam over 40 years ago shortly after Scott and I were married. To be honest, it was mostly because this type of jam was so darn easy. Also, I was intimidated by the whole "canning/water bath" thing that was (is) ...
Read More →
Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers
Juicy, tender grilled chicken, bursting with vibrant flavor. These Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers are a delicious fusion of South American and Asian cuisines! Are you ready for an international culinary adventure? We're headed to Peru today, where the cuisine is an interesting fusion of Latin American, European and Asian - little bits and pieces of each, all thrown in a big pot and swirled ...
Read More →
My Favorite Trick for Summer Herbs
This simple little trick will save you lots of steps and make it super easy to always have fresh summer herbs at your fingertips all season long! Although I've loved most everything about moving from Raleigh to the North Carolina mountains near Asheville, I was a little sad to find that there was no place at our new home for a garden. Scott had me quite spoiled in Raleigh with his raised bed ...
Read More →
Easy Peach Crumble Muffins
These one-bowl, tender-crumbed peach (or nectarine) crumble muffins are studded with juicy fresh peaches and have sweet, buttery, cinnamon streusel topping. Although we don't indulge in muffins most mornings, I love having a super easy, throw-together-in-minutes, crazy-delicious muffin recipe on hand for lazy weekend breakfasts with overnight guests. These Peach Crumble Muffins are all that and ...
Read More →
Fresh Corn Blueberry Spinach Salad
Quintessentially summer, this Blueberry Spinach Salad with tender corn, pickled red onions and sweet/spicy almonds is fresh, delicious and goes so well with grilled entrees! This is one of those salads that will disappear right before your eyes at picnics, potlucks, parties and family get-togethers. It's loaded with fresh, summery ingredients and is topped with a fabulous poppy seed dressing that ...
Read More →
What to Cook Now- Jams and Jellies
A roundup of our favorite sweet and spicy jams and jellies to preserve the season all year long! No canning skills required! Have you ever made jam or jelly? Freezer jam and jelly is one of our favorite tricks around here. It's super easy to stir together and you don't have to have canning knowledge as it's stored in the freezer!. Jams and jellies are the perfect way to preserve all the fresh ...
Read More →
Coconut Pecan Toffee Cookies
After the first bite of these Coconut Pecan Toffee Cookies, you'll know that you'll be making them again and again. They're buttery, crisp, crunchy and irresistibly delicious! These Coconut Pecan Toffee Cookies were inspired by a visit to a wonderful bakery that's located in one of the charming mountain towns near where we live. As I nibbled on one of their buttery, crisp, coconut pecan cookies, ...
Read More →
Our Favorite Easy Pickled Red Onions
Our favorite recipe for quick and easy pickled red onions. They're beautiful, delicious and will magically transform ordinary food to extraordinary! I discovered the magic of pickled red onions quite a few years ago and they've been a consistent mainstay here at The Café ever since. There are a zillion ways to use them and I love that they have the ability to pizzaz up everything you put them ...
Read More →
Menu and gift guide ideas for Father’s Day
A roundup of our best Father's Day menu ideas and a gift guide. There's something for every dad! Father's Day is coming next week! We've got great ideas for celebrating the dads in your life. From appetizers, entrees, to dessert, we've rounded up some favorite recipes that any father will love. Plus, they are easy and make ahead to make your life easier!Along with ideas for a delicious meal ...
Read More →
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Almonds
A delicious snack, cocktail nibble or salad topper, all in one easy recipe! But beware: these Sweet and Spicy Roasted Almonds are difficult to stop eating! I'm hiding the jar of these Sweet and Spicy Roasted Almonds from myself as I'm trying to save them for guests that will be arriving soon. They're crunchy, sweet, salty, spicy and completely irresistible! So if a little mouse reveals where ...
Read More →
