spiced-pecans-1_thumb1

Every year, long before the Thanksgiving dishes are even dried and put away, the Christmas rush is on. That’s when so many of us find ourselves racing around, spending money we don’t have on lots of things we don’t need. It’s crazy! One way that I’ve found to minimize the stress of Holiday shopping – and spending - is to make delicious gifts for family and friends in my own kitchen. Not only are homemade gifts often more economical, but they can also be much more meaningful to their recipients.

Each year, I choose a different assortment of tasty treats to give as holiday gifts. I package each in pretty decorative packaging and make up cheery goodie bags to deliver to the lucky recipients. I usually choose a few easy recipes along with some that are a little more complex to get a nice balance in my bags. I really enjoy doing this, and the whole process helps to get me into the Holiday spirit. And, after all that has happened around here lately, I could really use some help getting my Christmas mojo on! read more >>

more of what\'s cooking...

Pumpkin Pie Parfaits with Gingersnap Crumbles Recipe

Tuesday, November 22, 201113 Comments

Thanksgiving is, without a doubt, the most food centric holiday of the year. And, anyone who has ever prepared a Thanksgiving dinner knows how much work – and stress – is involved. We obsess over every little detail as we strive to wow our families and friends with our …

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Caramel Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Thursday, October 27, 201112 Comments

While cupcakes will always hold a special place in my heart, the newest trend in sweet treats these days is whoopee pies. Yessiree folks, whoopie pies are hot, hot, hot! And, it’s no surprise either. What’s not to love about a creamy, cloud-like filling sandwiched between two moist and …

Presto Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Tuesday, June 28, 201120 Comments

The Fourth of July is just around the corner. For most of us, that means picnics, backyard barbecues and copious amounts of ice cold libations. I don’t know about you, but the last place I want to be on a holiday weekend is inside slaving over a hot stove. …

SGCC Rewind: Luscious Springtime Treats for Your Easter Table

Friday, April 22, 201110 Comments

I don’t know what is is about Easter time that makes me crave cool, light and fruity desserts. Maybe it’s because by the time Easter rolls around, our Florida temperatures have already crept up into the eighties. Or, maybe it’s because they look so pretty and Spring-like in their …

Minted Spring Pea Soup Recipe

Wednesday, April 20, 20118 Comments

This week, I scored some gorgeous English green peas in my basket from SunCoast Organics. To say I was excited is an understatement. I love fresh English peas! I love them so much, that I even eat them raw – right out of the pod. When I saw how …

Penne al Cioccolato con Acciughe for Your Valentine

Friday, February 11, 201111 Comments

Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is synonymous with chocolate. It’s the food of love. Who doesn’t melt a little when presented with one of those precious little heart-shaped boxes on this day when we celebrate love and romance? But, chocolate isn’t only for the sentimental. It’s big business too. …

Russian Tea Recipe and Remembering Charlotte

Tuesday, December 14, 201043 Comments

Oh, the weather outside is frightful! And, a fire would be so delightful – if there was one. Since my fireplace remains in the same pristine state it was in when we built it fifteen years ago, (Don’t ask!), I’ve been looking for other ways to stay warm and …

Daring Bakers Make Crostata (Leftover Cranberry Chutney Crostata Recipe)

Monday, November 29, 20107 Comments

Ack! I’ve done it again. With all of the craziness of Thanksgiving and my life in general, I completely forgot that Saturday was the reveal date for the November Daring Bakers challenge. It wasn’t until I opened my reader last night and saw all of the DB posts that …

A Fabulous Little Cranberry Chutney Recipe and a Great, Big Rant

Tuesday, November 23, 201057 Comments

Sometimes my life feels like a bad episode of the Twilight Zone. It’s like I live in Bizzaroland! Seriously. I seem to have a knack of getting myself into situations where sometimes all I can do is thwack myself on the head in disbelief at the lunacy that surrounds …

kiss the cook!

Hello and welcome to SGCC! I’m Susan, a professional writer, food columnist, recipe developer, wife, mother, daughter and sister, who used to be a lawyer in a previous life. My love of food comes from a long line of wonderful and creative Italian home cooks who didn’t always have a lot, but knew how to make a lot out of what they had. I hope that you enjoy yourself while you’re here, and visit often! read more >>

Just Browsing?
55 Knives
follow me!

    Follow Me on Pinterest



    Friday Food Lust



    Fine Cooking