Gooey Confetti Cake Bars

Cake brownies are one of my favorite things to make, just because they are so simple.  However, I always think it's fun for the kids when you have brightly colored treats, so these non-brownie (i.e. blondie) bars are the perfect dessert.

Winter Fresh Slaw

For the past few weeks, all I have been craving is coleslaw.  Fresh, crunchy, and so easy to make.  However, I am not a fan of pre-made coleslaw dressing - it just tastes too sweet for me.  So, I like to make my own and control the amount of sugar in it.  But that doesn't mean I don't like some sweetness in my salad.  Pears are a beautiful, crisp, sweet addition to coleslaw.

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

I never tried Brussels sprouts until I was in my 20's, and only then because one of my best friends swore they were delicious.  Our parents never made us eat them growing up because my mom said that they tasted like bad breath.  Her words.  However, my friend was right; Brussels sprouts can be amazing!

Torched Cherry Cheesecake

I absolutely love cheesecake.  Once you have done it a few times, you really get a feel for how ingredients should look at you progress through the steps.  It is so versatile, and can be flavored in so many incredible ways.

Rum Cherry Sauce

There's something about fruit topping that adds that little something extra to desserts.  It so easy to make, and goes well with a number of different desserts, from cake to ice cream, or even some yogurt.

Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers are a staple in my fridge, usually consumed raw, well before I can even get around to cooking them.  But, if you load them up with protein and more delicious vegetables, you have a meal in a pepper.  I also like to have cooked quinoa in my fridge, ready to use for easy meals.

Orange Dream Salad

In our house, no special meal was complete without some form of fluffy, fruity, Jell-O salad.  We never had any real recipes for these, but we all knew them by color.  Pink salad is made every year, green is an occasional treat, and orange is a new favorite.  Plus, I personally think that all marshmallows should be lit on fire at least once, so I like to torch the ones on top.  This is optional, of course, but the flavor is so incredible!