Author: Amanda

Quick and Easy Cherry Hand Pies

- Amanda 3 Comments

In an effort to contain the chaos that can come from having my 3 year-old and out-of-school 6 year-old home together all day, everyday, I’ve been trying to have a few daily activities planned that we can do as a group and that are fun for all.  So far they’re favorite thing, is the one the ends with a treat that they can eat. 

Today we made these Quick and Easy Cherry Hand Pies.  And trust me, when I say easy, it doesn’t get easier than this.  I suppose unless you buy ready-made jam and use that as the filling, which would be just fine. I’ve taken a major shortcut with these and we used store-bought Puff Pastry dough that I already had in the freezer.

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Carrot, Apple & Zucchini Whole Wheat Muffins

- Amanda

It’s been quite a minute since I last posted on here. But it has definitely been for good reason. Besides the craze that always comes from the holiday season, then the IWI Winter Fest and having my mother visit somewhere in between, I’ve also been pretty busy with dessert orders. And while mom-ing my own two little ones in the midst of it, the days get pretty full. The first part of the year has really flown by. I’m so grateful though, being immersed back into the food world, especially pastry & dessert, brings me a lot of joy and inner peace.

I know so many people say it, but the kitchen is absolutely my happy place and I can understand how it would be for others. There’s a certain therapy that comes with creating something, especially when it’s for the people we love. Right now, we’re all supposed to be slowing down, staying put and isolating ourselves as much as possible. As if the Pandemic we’re experiencing wasn’t stressful enough, it can also be hard to be confined to our homes with busy little ones out of school and needing to release their amazing energy. So naturally, it’s no surprise that I’d turn to the kitchen, to get through the days. But this time, also with the help of my little chefs.

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Cider Mulled Wine

- Amanda 2 Comments

It’s stuffing this and gravy that right now. We’re almost to mid-November and that means there’s so many wonderful Thanksgiving recipes buzzing about the internet. So instead, here’s an idea for something fun and delicious to wash down all that good stuff or enjoy after dinner with that slice of pie. This Cider Mulled Wine will perfectly accompany any Thanksgiving menu. Heck, it could probably accompany any fall or winter meal or gathering quite nicely.

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Instant Pot Pumpkin Chili

- Amanda 2 Comments

This Instant Pot Pumpkin Chili is the perfect answer to a cold, Autumn Day. And even if it’s not yet cool where you live, I promise this still makes one heck of a lunch or dinner when you get that craving for a comforting bowl of chili beans. What’s even better, it’s jam-packed with veggies and the season’s favorite ingredient, pumpkin, giving it an extra silky texture. But, I assure you, your kids won’t even realize they’ve eaten all that wholesome goodness until after they’ve licked their bowls clean, if they notice at all.

A good bowl of chili is one of those dishes I find myself keep going back for more. Whether it’s loaded with all the right toppings or eaten with a handful of tortilla chips to scoop up every last bit. When it’s done right, it just works and the need for enough leftovers the next day is big. This is exactly how I feel about this Instant Pot Pumpkin Chili Recipe. In fact, it has become our must-have meal for Halloween dinner and the fact it feeds a crowd means plenty for everyone. And and, the fact it’s packed with zucchini, bell peppers, corn, black and kidney beans makes me a little more relaxed about all the sugar being consumed that night.

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