My good friend, Tina, just emailed me this fabulous and easy biscuit recipe. I love biscuits and was eager to try them. They are so wonderful and just slightly sweet so that you need nothing on them. This is a great Southern side dish that I served with Molasses-Mustard Glazed Pork, but would go beautifully with BBQ Chicken or Chicken Sticks. This would also be a wonderful side dish at Thanksgiving.

These are the perfect cookies for Fall because of the seasonal pumpkin flavor.  They turn out a beautiful rich golden color and are filled with nutritious pumpkin puree and sweet white chocolate chips.  Perfect for a Halloween party or an alternative to pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease cookie sheets.  In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
1 14oz can pumpkin puree
1 cup softened butter
2 cups sugar
Once mixed, add:
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
Beat until fluffy and mixed.  Once combined, add:
3 and 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 teaspoons baking …

This is a decedent dish that is very easy to make.  It great for a dinner party or special occasion dinner.
Preheat oven to broil.  Generously brush four salmon fillets (about 1-1 1/2 pounds) with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place on a baking sheet.  Place in oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or salmon is flaky and cooked through.
While salmon is cooking, in a small skillet, over medium-high heat:
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
8 large sage leaves
Cook leaves for about 4 minutes or until crisp.  Remove leaves to …

This recipe makes enough for two 9-inch pie crusts.  This is a great crust for Blueberry Pie.
In a shallow bowl, mix together:
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Add:
6 tablespoons vegetable shortening
6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
Using two knives or a pastry blender, cut the mixture until it resembles crumbs.  Slowly start adding ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, using a fork or pastry blender to combine the mixture.  Continue to to this just until the dry ingredients cling together, but mixture is not too wet.  You could add up to …

Although this chocolate lava cake is rich, it is not overly heavy. It is perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner celebration, New Year’s Eve, or any other special occasion. It is wonderful dessert for small dinner parties because it can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Lobster is such a decadent food and perfect for any special occasion.  The first time I made it was for my husband on Valentine’s Day.  I couldn’t believe how easy it was.  Living in San Francisco, we have access to great lobster tails and when they are on sale, it is such a delicious treat.  Although fresh lobster tails are best, I have tried frozen and been pleased as well.  Just allow them to defrost before you cook them.
In a large skillet, (that has a lid) over medium heat, bring …

This is a great side dish for a special occasion or just any night of the week.  They are an excellent side dish to Prime Rib or Filet Mignon Roast.  These twice baked potatoes are so easy to make and can be made ahead of time so you can spend less time out of the kitchen if you are entertaining.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Using a fork, poke a few holes into 5 washed potatoes (russet is a great baking potato).  Place directly onto rack and bake for 60 to …

Since I have a two year old, I knew I wanted to make really fun cookies for Christmas this year. After seeing a Gingerbread Man on the window in Starbucks, we decided on Gingerbread Man cookies! I love gingerbread, but usually find it heavy. I love this gingerbread cookie recipe because I feel like I’ve found a way with to keep the cookies light but still moist.

I am cooking a prime rib this year for Christmas dinner.  I used this same recipe when I made my first successful Christmas dinner.  The key to a great prime rib is the beef you start with.  Be sure to seek out the freshest meat and ask your butcher to tie the beef.  I generally purchase at least one pound per person, to make sure I have enough.  Prime rib is actually very simple to make and is so decadent for special occasions, like Christmas.
1. Position an oven rack in …

I just tried this recipe for a cocktail party we had and I was able to prepare them and get my two girls dinner at the same time, so this is a super easy recipe. This would be a great appetizer to serve on Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas if you have left-over ham.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray two 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix together:
1 heaping cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 heaping cup finely chopped ham
1/4 cup chopped …