New Year Lemon Spritz

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm so excited for lots of new fun adventures and food in 2014. This was once a dream and I'm so happy that baking, crafting, and blogging are now my real life and full-time job that I do every single day. Thanks for being a part of my little world because I couldn't do it and wouldn't make it without an audience and cheerleaders.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Oatmeal Cookies

Cookies cookies cookies! This recipe combines two of my favorite things: Cherry Cordial Hershey Kisses and Oatmeal Cookies.

Betty Crocker Hot Chocolate Cupcake Mix and Review

I somehow injured my sacroiliac joint back on the 12th. I've been on bedrest since then. Boo. I'm finally able to move around a little bit in spurts and had to do some baking. HAD TO. Sitting still and not being able to cook or bake is murder on my soul. Especially this close to Christmas.

Banana Raspberry Holiday Cornbread

I made this the other day as an experiment and it turned out so, so yummy. You don't have to tell anyone how easy this is to make or that it isn't made from scratch-- unless you want to of course :P

Apple Latkes

Finally! Here's my last Chanukkah recipe. We enjoyed these so much and I finally got around to blogging it up. I'm a sucker for green apples all year round (especially in salads) and this recipe is one of my favorite ways to work with them. I used to hate the taste and texture of cooked or baked apples when I was younger but then I guess I grew up? Who knows. Considering I'm a recent sweet potato convert, I guess anything is possible as time goes on.

Homemade Sufganiyah (Jelly Donut) Holes

I've been feeling under the weather :( I think I just overdid it during the Thanksgiving and Chanukkah holidays. I hope everyone had a lovely Chanukkah. I made these sufganiyot the other day and finally FINALLY got around to blogging. They were easy and I even made my own fresh fruit filling. Click here for the full recipe and instructions. Even though Chanukkah is over, I do have one more recipe in store which can be eaten any time of year-- so stay tuned. Then I'll be transitioning into some Christmas food and craft blogs. Our tree and lights have been up for a few days now but the ornaments have been a slow process with my husband's work schedule and my all around "meh"-laise. What are you doing this weekend to prepare for winter and/or the holidays?

Happy Chanukkah Cupcakes with Faux Gelt

I whipped up some Chanukkah cupcakes today! It was the perfect opportunity to try one of the Duff Goldman cake mixes (and frosting) that I keep seeing at the store. I immediately thought of this Blue Suede cake mix when I was dreaming up these festive cupcakes. The cake ($2.99) and frosting ($2.69) both came from Target.

Easy Applesauce Muffins for Thanksgiving

Applesauce Muffins, a photo by Digital Heather on Flickr.

I made some of these babies yesterday in between crafts and the batch is just about gone. I dare you to try and eat just one. The indulging starts when you're measuring out the delicious cinnamon applesauce. You have to eat at least a few spoonfuls just because. Then when they're baking, your kitchen and entire house smell out of this world. Then you have to eat a warm one as soon as it comes out of the oven. Then you need to eat one with yummy real butter. THEN you've had a taste for blood and you simply can't stop yourself. I'm probably going to end up making these two more times before Thanksgiving and then a double batch for Thanksgiving guests. Have you ever baked with applesauce? Click here for my full recipe and instructions.

Simple Strawberry Cake

triple strawberry cake from box, a photo by Heather Says on Flickr.

I worked like a turtle yesterday making this cake. I wanted it to be absolutely perfect so I took my time. I have to say it is the prettiest cake I have ever made. I also came to the conclusion that I would like a second cake stand, preferably a bright color like maybe avocado green for when my cake frosting is white. I dunno how I feel about the white on white look. Oh well. Made from strawberry cake mix, Jell-o and continue reading...

Cherry Lemon Lime Slushies

homemade slushies, a photo by Heather Says on Flickr.

This summertime dessert treat is made with Jell-o and sodapop-- two things you might already have on hand. If you love continue reading...

Cinnamon Raisin Cake

Bread Pudding Cake, a photo by Heather Says on Flickr.

If you dislike the mushy sogginess of bread pudding, then you might like this one. Using cinnamon raisin continue reading...

With a Cherry on Top

valentines day cupcakes, a photo by Heather Says on Flickr.

Imagine these pink and red cupcakes at your wedding! I whipped these up in my kitchen the other day continue reading...

Pink Strawberry Popcorn Balls

pink popcorn, a photo by ceck0face on Flickr.

Make colorful and delicious popcorn for under $5-- it's almost too pretty to eat. This is a snack that everyone will have fun making and continue reading...