My famous, award winning Banana Bread recipe! The best (and only!) recipe for banana bread you'll ever need. This Purple Ribbon Banana Bread recipe is moist, flavorful and super delicious! Purple Ribbon Banana Bread - my Award Winning Banana Bread Recipe! If you need a seriously good recipe for banana bread, look no further than my Purple Ribbon Banana Bread. Made with simple ingredients, and a delicious streusel topping, this award winning banana bread recipe is the only recipe my family makes. During childhood, 4-H is where I really learned the essentials of cooking and baking. How to measure wet and dry ingredients, how to properly mix ingredients, and how to use an oven and stove. This Purple Ribbon Banana Bread is a recipe that taught me the fundamentals of all of those … [Read more...]
Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake
The BEST Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake Recipe! The most amazing lemon coffee cake! Loaded with lemon flavor, and packed with blueberries, this Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake is the perfect breakfast or brunch treat. Fantastic for Easter brunch, Mother's Day brunch or anytime you're in the mood for cake for breakfast! An AMAZING Lemon Coffee Cake Recipe! Love coffee cake for breakfast or brunch? This Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake is a must make for your next Sunday brunch get-together. Moist, tender lemon cake is studded with blueberries for the perfect springtime flavors. This lemon coffee cake recipe is made extra moist with the addition of sour cream to the batter. It's also topped with a crumbly streusel topping and a drizzle of icing for the perfect amount of … [Read more...]
Turtle Brownies
The EASIEST Turtle Brownies Recipe! Made with a cake mix, this super chocolaty Turtle Brownies recipe is just as easy as they are delicious! Loaded with lots of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, these Caramel Pecan Brownies are amazing anytime you're in the mood for a sweet treat! This post may contain affiliate links. Delightful E Made is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Caramel Pecan Brownies made from a Cake Mix! Did you know you can make brownies from a chocolate cake mix? Yes! These Caramel Pecan brownies need just six ingredients and are the perfect quick treat when you're craving chocolate and caramel with a bit … [Read more...]
Thin Crust Smokehouse Pizza
Smokey bacon, ham, red and green onions and plenty of cheese top this delicious thin crust pizza! The perfect dinner option for any night of the week! Well, I don't know about you, but we've had quite the winter! Multiple snow days for my son, (so many they are having to make up days on previously scheduled holidays!), lots of snow, and some treacherous, albeit, quite beautiful icy days. Here in the mid-atlantic part of the country, when the forcast calls for snow, even just a little bit, people get a little nuts! They storm the grocery stores packing their carts full of milk, bread, toilet paper and beer, planning for the worst. Today we had another snow storm. This storm was easily the biggest of the season, and as far as snow fall is concerned, we got around … [Read more...]
Lunch Lady Brownies
Do you have fond memories of homemade brownies made by the lunch lady at school? This lunch lady brownies recipe is just like the brownies from school. Thick, fudgy brownies topped with a chocolate icing that is reminiscent of your childhood school cafeteria! If you love thick, fudgy brownies then this lunch lady brownies recipe is definitely for you! Made with simple ingredients, this homemade brownie recipe comes together easily. Way better than any box mix, these brownies come out thick, fudgy and taste just like the lunch lady made them. Perfect for any occasion, including a pot-luck, office event, or whenever you're in the mood for chocolate. What is in a lunch lady brownies recipe? Here's a check list of the ingredients you'll need to make these fudgy, decadent homemade … [Read more...]
Loaded Chicken Enchilada Pasta
In all honesty, how hard is it for you to get dinner on the table? If you're anything like me, its probably one of the biggest challenges of the day. Many of you are just getting home from work, or just getting your kids home from school, and once you walk into the kitchen you face that ever daunting question, "What am I going to make for dinner?" A while back, I distinctly remember listening to a radio show, where they had an expert in meal planning talking about the best way to tackle the haunting question of what to make for dinner. I remember her saying that if you find yourself in the middle of the grocery store at 5pm wandering through the aisles trying to find ideas, you've already lost the battle. She then said that having specific, go-to recipes that you and your family … [Read more...]
Mango Peach Smoothies
If you love peaches and mangoes then this Mango Peach Smoothie recipe will be right up your alley! A fantastic healthy snack option or a quick on-the-go breakfast idea, this mango peach smoothie is a great healthy choice! The perfect peach smoothie recipe for breakfast or snack! Do you love the flavor and sweetness of mangoes and peaches? Why not combine them in a healthy, delicious peach smoothie recipe? This easy mango peach smoothie offers a healthy, quick breakfast or snack option. This smoothie recipe is a fantastic breakfast or post-workout shake when time is tight. Not only because it has just a few ingredients, it also takes just a couple minutes to blend-up. Pour in a to-go cup for a easy portable breakfast. Peach Smoothie recipe: A great healthy snack or … [Read more...]
Black Bean Corn Salsa
Perfect with your favorite tortilla chips, this delicious Black Bean and Corn Salsa is amazing! Loaded with fresh, delicious veggies, this easy Mexican corn salsa is just as flavorful as it is pretty. Fantastic as an easy appetizer for game day, and perfect for Cinco de Mayo this black bean corn salsa will be a must for any Tex-Mex meal! Looking for a delicious, go-to salsa recipe for your tacos, fajitas and nachos? This fresh, delicious black bean corn salsa is always a winner. My Aunt Denise gave me this recipe many years ago, and we still make it on a regular basis. Great as a side-salad, or a dip to serve with your favorite tortilla chips, this black bean corn salsa recipe is great with any Tex-Mex meal. What do I need to make black bean and corn salsa? Here's a … [Read more...]
Chocolate Cake Martini
Looking for an amazing chocolate cake cocktail? This chocolate cake martini is made with just three ingredients and takes just moments to mix and pour. Perfect for a holiday party or anytime you're looking to satisfy a chocolate craving, this chocolate cake drink is perfect! Are you a chocolate lover? If so, then this chocolate cake martini is for you! Made with cake flavored vodka and a couple other ingredients, this chocolate martini tastes just like a slice of chocolate cake. Fantastic for everything from a holiday party to a night in watching movies, this easy chocolate cake drink takes just moments to mix, pour and enjoy. In this post I'll show you exactly what you'll need to make this delicious chocolate cocktail, as well as tips and liquor options for this homemade … [Read more...]
Pecan Praline Bars
Cross between pecan pie and pecan sandies, these buttery, delicious Pecan Praline Bars are perfect any time you're in the mood for something sweet! An amazing pecan shortbread crust, a delicious caramel filling and topped with brown sugar toasted pecans, these bars are incredible! The perfect addition to your holiday cookie trays! As a kid, I wasn't always the biggest fan of pecans - any nuts, really. I didn't like many foods - tomatoes, nuts, some types of meats - all of these things kinda grossed me out. Its funny, as we get older, our really palates change and evolve. I've come to really love all of these foods that I despised as a kid. I especially have grown to love pecans. My adoration for pecans has really come full circle - I now love both … [Read more...]
Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites
Its the Monday after Thanksgiving, and I'm still in a bit of a food coma. We had family here over the holiday weekend, and still have some turkey to get through. A bit sick of looking at it, I decided that the holiday baking needs to commence. I wanted to try something new this year. After a few test batches, I think I've come up with the PERFECT chocolate/peppermint combo - Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites! These brownie bites are very easy to make, as the recipe utilizes a brownie mix. Another key component is the Hershey's Peppermint Bark Belles, which are sold at Target. The belles fit perfectly in the brownie cups, and make for a tasty little bite sized goodie. One of my favorite things about the holidays is doing the baking. I tend … [Read more...]
White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
One of my favorite cookie recipes are these White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies! The pretty red "craisins" make these cranberry oatmeal cookies perfect for Christmas, but they're actually amazing any time of year! I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things to snack on is dried cranberries. I always seem to have a big bag in our pantry and they go especially well with almonds (or white chocolate chips, if I'm really craving something sweet!) Several years ago, I decided to make some oatmeal cookies, but not just any oatmeal cookie recipe would do. These cranberry oatmeal cookies were a must! I was going to throw in some raisins, but didn't have any. I did have dried cranberries and some white chocolate chunks. And voila!! There you … [Read more...]
Harvest Salad with Pears
Harvest Salad with Pears and Pomegranates Looking for an amazing pear salad recipe? My Harvest Salad with Pears and Pomegranates is fantastic! Beautiful enough for a Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish and simple enough to make for weekday lunch paired with chicken or turkey! This Pear Salad recipe is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner One side dish I always try to have on the table for a holiday meal (Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter) is a fresh, crisp salad. Often, we have lots of carb-heavy sides like potatoes and gravy and stuffing during the holidays. Yes, these are definitely delicious and I would not serve a holiday meal without them, I feel like this Harvest Salad with Pears and Pomegranates is necessary to break to all the … [Read more...]
Dutch Apple Tart with Pecan Crumble
Easy as pie, this Dutch Apple Tart is an even easier version of the classic pie recipe! Sweet, tender apples, and a brown sugar cinnamon pecan crumble are baked to perfection making this tart a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table! Fantastic for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner! Are you thinking about Thanksgiving yet? I definitely am, as this is quite possibly one of our favorite holidays - great food, college football, some good wine. We have much to be thankful for, and this year is no exception. I will be hosting a few family members, and making the meal again this year. Since we live quite far from pretty much all of our family, we only get the chance to see them once or twice a year if we're lucky. As many of you know, making … [Read more...]
Creamy Hot Buttered Rum
The ultimate hot buttered rum recipe for a cold night! This creamy, hot cocktail is made with spiced rum, cinnamon and ice cream to make it wonderfully decadent and delicious. This Hot Buttered Rum goes perfectly with fuzzy slippers, fireplaces and your favorite Christmas movie! Making this Hot Buttered Rum recipe is a simple process. It starts with a batter made of butter and ice cream. Mixed with dark spiced rum you'll have a great hot toddy! Perfect for an evening in front of the fireplace after a long day, or watching your favorite Christmas movies. How do I make hot buttered rum batter? First, you'll cream together the butter and sugars. Next you'll add cinnamon and nutmeg, which add wonderful flavor and richness to the cocktail. These also go perfect with the … [Read more...]
Flufftella Croissants
Several weeks back, just after school had started, my son came home from school and quickly asked, "Mom, can I have a "Flufftella" sandwich in my lunch tomorrow?" I said, "Flufftella sandwich? What is that?" Harrison then proceeded to tell me that his friend Michael has that for lunch almost every day. He said, "Mama, it looks so yummy! It has Nutella and Marshmallow fluff in it. Get it?... Flufftella! Can I have one, please?" Well, a few days later we packed him a Flufftella sandwich in his lunchbox. He was one happy boy! This weekend, I had some croissant roll dough in the fridge and Harrison and I decided that I would be super-yummy to make Flufftella Croissants. Basically, a warm version of his sandwich using refrigerated crescent roll dough. These were super easy to … [Read more...]
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup
When its cold outside, make yourself this warm, comforting Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup. Loaded with both wide and narrow egg noodles, along with carrots, celery and thick chunks of chicken, this double noodle soup will warm the body and soul! Once the weather turns cold, do you crave soup? This comforting, hearty chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for warming up on a cold, blustery day. This simple, homemade double noodle soup recipe is made with two types of noodles, along with plenty of carrots, celery, onion and big chunks of chicken. This is no store-bought canned soup. This delicious chicken noodle is hearty and great as a meal all on its own. What do I need to make homemade chicken noodle soup? To make this homemade hearty chicken noodle soup, you'll need some … [Read more...]
Halloween Spider Web Cupcakes
Halloween Spider Web Cupcakes These fun Spider Web Cupcakes are the perfect treat for your ghouls and goblins. These delicious Halloween cupcakes are topped with a vanilla frosting and chocolate syrup spider webs. Fantastic for a Halloween classroom treat or party snack! The perfect Halloween cupcakes recipe! The perfect Halloween cupcakes for your fall party or Halloween bash! These delicious spider web cupcakes are simple to make and easy to decorate. The spider webs are made with chocolate syrup and a toothpick. Your lil' ghouls and goblins will love these cupcakes! For whatever reason, I don't make cupcakes all that often. I don't know why - they are super easy to make, clean up, and especially fun to eat. Today, Harrison had a football game, and … [Read more...]
Nutella Hazelnut Coffee
Have you ever tried Nutella in coffee? This simple Nutella coffee recipe is rich, delicious and perfect for every Nutella lover! Northern Virginia, is absolutely breathtaking in the fall. The weather is mild, and beautiful - the summer humidity of the mid-Atlantic subsides as the days get shorter and cooler. The leaves along the Potomac and the foothills of the Shenandoah's reach their peak right about now, and the colors are gorgeous. When the sun hits the trees just right the golds, oranges and reds light up like fireworks in July. Unfortunately, today was not one of those beautiful, color struck days. It rained, and rained, and then rained some more. I do have to say...I kind of enjoy these days, too. The cool weather, makes me want to put … [Read more...]
Caramel Apple Cider Floats
Apple cider has never tasted so good! Poured over vanilla ice cream and topped with caramel and whipped cream, its the perfect fall treat! Sometimes, in life, difficult days are to be had. Its inevitable, and completely unavoidable. As we all know, its how we handle those difficult situations that define us as a mother, parent, human being. Most often, our patience has been worn thin, our energy is drained, and our emotional tenacity is completely absent. The feeling of defeat looms over us with the rest of our unaccomplished tasks of the day. This is the life of a mother. Out of these rough days, thankfully, emerge new beginnings. New ideas, fresh perspective, and the hope of better days moving forward. The salvation of other mothers who know the defeat, but who … [Read more...]