Now that families are in back-to-school mode, it’s a great time to try out this month’s recipe for Everything Cookies. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and flavor and they’re great for breakfast on-the-go, lunch boxes, and afternoon snacks. If you…
This month, I wanted to share a recipe for one of my favorite pasta casseroles. It’s a great dinner for family or friends, and it’s easy to make ahead and reheat when you’re ready to serve. This recipe is like…
Holidays are a great time to start a family tradition—and some of the most delicious traditions start in the kitchen. This 4th of July flag-themed flatbread recipe came to be two summers ago on a family weekend in the mountains…
Summertime is when peaches, berries, and melon are in their prime. Depending on where you live and shop, you may also find local plums, grapes, and figs. Take your kids to any local farmers market to meet the farmers who…
It’s May. If you haven’t already planted some sort of herb garden, it’s time to get digging! You’ll love being able to send your kids to pick a pinch of this and a sprig of that to use in nearly…
I don’t know about you, but when springtime hits, my food thoughts go to strawberries. Heavy rainstorms notwithstanding, we’re lucky to have a long strawberry season here in the Queen City with lots of pick-your-own options. While strawberries are normally…
This month I’m cooking with my 8-year-old neighbor, Luke Tolley, and we’ve prepared what Luke calls “Mystery Baked Sandwiches.” This is a fun one, and it’s super simple. So simple, in fact, there’s not really a formal recipe. All you…
This chill in the air—with or without snow—means it’s time to bake cinnamon rolls. I usually bake them around the holidays and gift them as a Christmas morning treat to all of my neighbors, but they continue to be a…
There’s something about the comfort food karma of butter, cheese, and pasta that feeds the child in all of us. Instead of serving buttered noodles with cheese, up your family’s pasta game this month and make homemade ravioli with your…
Nothing is more fun than a bite-sized dessert, and this one is just perfect for the holiday season. Find cute little holiday glasses about the size of a paper Dixie cup or use a clear glass votive candleholder. Find small…
The best recipes this time of year are family recipes — the ones that with just one bite, you are automatically transformed to a time and place of your youth. This recipe is from many a family Thanksgiving of my…
When I was growing up, potato pancakes — or latkes — were a staple side dish in our house. My mom had to make tons of them because my brother and I, and Daddy, too, would eat them right out…
Local eggs take the cake in this gluten-free dessert. This custard-topped baked fruit dish is a great flourless alternative to late summer fruit cobbler. Yolks from local eggs (readily available at local farmers markets) will cook up lighter and faster…
In the summer, local corn and tomatoes are two of my favorite things. Both of these summertime faves grow well in our area, so enjoy them while they are in season and at their best. Fresh corn does not take…
Here is a great summertime play on the classic wedge salad. Everything can be made in advance, so this makes for great picnic food (and grape tomatoes make a good snack for kids) – take all the parts along separately…
Here is a great summertime play on the classic wedge salad. Everything can be made in advance, so this makes for great picnic food (and grape tomatoes make a good snack for kids) – take all the parts along separately…
Let your springtime family brunching kick off with a celebration in honor of Mom. This rich French toast recipe uses store bought croissants, local eggs and honey and fresh organic fruit – a great way to start the day.Ingredients1 cup…
This month in the spirit of St Patty’s Day – why not get your green on? No need to add green food coloring to grits or potatoes, when there are lots of delicious naturally green food with which you can…
These perfect-for-the-season cookies make great gifts for friends and family, teachers, kids at school, office co-workers or anyone else with whom you'd like to share a bit of Valentine sweetness. Wrap them individually or by the plateful in transparent or…
Get creative and use vinaigrette to add flavor in a variety of different ways.
Good in small batches or large ones, this vinaigrette is easy to make, can be used for a variety of recipes, and will hold in your refrigerator for several weeks. To make the vinaigrette, I recommend using local ingredients and…
One of the best parts of the holidays is the memories that come from preparing your family’s traditional foods. We all enjoy reliving the times that come with recipes that have been passed down from one generation to another and…
Ingredients:2 cups shredded raw pumpkin (or any other winter squash)3 local or organic eggs1 3/4 cups organic sugar1 cup plain Greek yogurt (not the low- or fat-free kind)2 cups all-purpose flour1/4 teaspoon baking powder2 teaspoons baking soda2 teaspoons cinnamon1 teaspoon…
After several years of enjoying the national cupcake craze, this food writer is convinced that doughnuts are going to be the next big sweet thing. Put your kids ahead of the national culinary curve and start making easy-as-pie doughnuts with…
Here’s a great fall family recipe — everyone can help with the prep work of slicing the veggies and then marinating the pork or chicken early in the day — the secret is in the pickle juice!The beauty of this…
Locally grown corn is one of the most delicious parts of summertime. Enjoy it straight from the cob or cut off and tossed in salads or soups. One quick note: When you are cooking corn, for the best flavor, don’t…
Watermelon and Tomato Salad with Crumbled Bacon and Blueberry DressingHere’s a fun red, white and blue salad to celebrate the local flavors of summer and the fourth of July, too.Ingredients1 small seedless watermelon 2-3 local tomatoes, sliced1/2 cup Bosky Acres…
This summer, try this easy citrus and berry dessert. For the best flavor, use local blueberries, blackberries and raspberries from your local farmers markets. These make a great alternative to brownies.INGREDIENTS: 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour1/4 cup powdered sugar1/2 cup…
Mom — print this out and put it in a place where Dad and the kids will see it — then, snuggle in and be prepared for a fabulous Sunday breakfast in bed on your special day.
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh basil leaves1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the more aged the cheese, the better)½ cup pine nuts1 cup extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons drained capers1 can black olives, chopped2 red bell peppers, thinly slicedAdditional pine nuts3 1/4…
Plan a fun family picnic in your own backyard, porch or patio, or make it a portable feast and enjoy dinner together in any of Charlotte's beautiful parks or greenways.
Add some fun to your teen's next slumber party with these sweet treats.
The perfect blend of salty and sweet.3 tablespoon butter1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow fluff6 cups fresh popped popcorn, lightly buttered and saltedMelt the butter and marshmallow fluff in a saucepan, over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until the mix…
INGREDIENTS: 5 ounces semisweet chocolate chips4 tablespoons butterPinch or two of salt4 egg yolks12 egg whites1/2 cup sugar Additional sugar and butter for preparing moldsINSTRUCTIONS:1. Prepare ramekins by coating them generously with butter and sugar just as you would grease…
Rich and chocolaty, these soufflés are amazingly easy to make and bring ooohs and aaahs to the table.
1 cup mashed potatoes¾ cup Crisco½ cup sugar1 cup milk1 teaspoon salt2 eggs, beaten2 tablespoons yeast dissolved in ½ cup warm water1 cup bread flour5 ½ cups bread flour1. Combine the mashed potatoes, Crisco, sugar, milk, salt, eggs, yeast water…
This also makes a great pizza crust!Ingredients:2 tablespoons yeast2 ½ cups tepid water (no hotter than 120 degrees)About 6 ½ cups unbleached flour1 teaspoon saltCornmealInstructions:1. Proof yeast in water.2. Combine water with flour and salt. Knead until you have smooth,…
Bake up some family fun.
This year, teach your children to enjoy the pleasures of gift giving and giving from the heart.
3 cups sliced ripe bananas1 1/2 cups sugar1/4 cup orange juice3 tablespoons lemon juice1 cinnamon stick2 whole clovesCombine all ingredients in a deep microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high, stirring every couple of minutes until sugar dissolves, 5-10 minutes in all.…
3/4 cup butter1/2 cup sugarZest or grated rind of two large lemons1/2 cup lemon juice6 large eggs or an equivalent amount of egg substitute Combine butter, sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice in a saucepan. Stir the mixture as the…
1 gallon jug of apple cider 1 large bottle cranberry juice 2 navel oranges 2 large lemons 2-3 cinnamon sticks 1 tablespoon whole cloves Combine the cider and cranberry juice in a large stockpot. Peel oranges and lemons and add…
Apple dumplings are a fun variation of pie. My best friend in high school, Kathy Frazier (now Kathy Beeson), shared her apple dumpling recipe with me. We made these at sleepovers, where raiding the fridge for a midnight snack was…
For a slightly more sophisticated pie recipe, there is my twist on a Southern pecan pie, in which I incorporate rich cocoa for that punch of chocolate. To make it just right, you'll also need a false-bottomed French tart pan…
Aunt Lore's Apple Impromptu came to me from the kitchen of my aunt, Lore Edidin, and is the fruit cobbler of fall. Aunt Lore and her mom, Charlotte Bauer, taught me lots about cooking, and this is one of the…
Local culinary expert Heidi Billotto shares three of her favorite pie-like recipes.
Seasonal squash is for more than just carving.
Ingredients:1 cup self-rising flour1/3 cup cornstarchZest of two oranges1-1 1/2 cups orange flavored sparkling water3-4 cups canola oil for deep fryingRaw sliced pumpkinDirections: Combine the flour and cornstarch in a medium-size bowl. Blend well with a wire whisk. Stir in…
The pumpkin seeds, sometimes called pepitas, may be rinsed from the stringy pulp that holds them in place inside the pumpkin, and then baked. First, rinse the seeds well, removing all of the pumpkin pulp. Then, pat the seeds dry…
Ingredients: Pizza doughQuick tomato sauceFresh mozzarella cheeseYour choice of any fresh local veggies, sliced thin; or shredded proteins, such as chicken, beef or pork, cooked before usingShaved Parmesan cheese to finishDirections: Cut off a large orange-sized piece of dough. With…
