Ham and Cheese Rye Muffins

These Ham and Cheese Rye Muffins are a wonderful take on the ham and cheese on rye sandwich. They are also a great portable breakfast. 

These ham and cheese rye muffins are made with whole grain rye flour, bread flour, as well as ham and cheese. 

Elderflower Martini

This elderflower martini is a refreshing combination of elderflower liqueur, vodka, and lime, with a garnish of fresh mint. 

The elderflower martini is a wonderfully refreshing cocktail, perfect for spring and summer. The combination of the flavors of the elderflower liqueur and the fresh squeezed lime juice along with the hint of mint is both fruity and floral. 

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is one of my all time favorite stir fries, and this is the absolute best version I have tried so far. 

I love the underlying heat, the amazing sauce, and, of course, the peanuts. 

Strawberry Lemonade Cake with Strawberry Marshmallow Frosting

Strawberry lemonade cake with strawberry marshmallow frosting - a moist lemon cake studded with fresh strawberries and topped with a billowy frosting flavored with strawberry jam. 

This cake is filled with fresh lemon zest, and then topped with fresh strawberry halves before baking. Next, the cake is brushed with a lemon syrup soaker once it has cooled. 

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

These Strawberry Cheesecake Bars are so creamy and decadent. Add the toasted pecan and butter cookie crust, and you will have a hard time resisting slicing off "just a leetle bit more" every time you pass by the pan. 

The first time I made these bars, I took them to work and they immediately disappeared. I've since retired, so this time my neighbors, kids, and grandkids, and their friends are the recipients. No matter who gets a taste, these bars are still a big hit. 

Spicy Corn Pizza

This spicy corn pizza with mozzarella and smoked cheddar cheese is slightly sweet from the fresh corn and caramelized onions, yet it has a kick from a few drizzles of chili garlic sauce. 

I fell in love with this pizza at first bite. The crisp-tender corn nestled in the cheeses turned out to be a wonderful way to top a thin Neapolitan-style crust. 

Hot Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

This hot pepper beef is a wonderful Chinese-style stir-fry that you can make in just a few minutes with easy-to-find ingredients. 

This stir-fried hot pepper beef is one of my all-time favorite stir-fries. The dish is super easy to make, the ingredients are easily found in your grocery store, and the resulting flavor is so amazing. 

Melon, Jicama, and Pineapple Salad

This melon, jícama, and pineapple salad is a refreshing addition to a Mexican or Latin American-inspired breakfast or brunch. 

This fruit salad, with three types of melon, plus jicama and pineapple, is tossed with a citrus-y and spicy dressing. It reminds me of the street food salads you can pick up at fruit stands in Los Angeles area Latino (and other) neighborhoods. 

Johnnycake Cobblers

These Johnnycake cobblers start with a layer of sweetened stone fruit and then are topped with a crunchy, sweet, and tender cornmeal biscuit. 

Johnnycake cobblers are from the traditional American rustic biscuit-topped family of fruit desserts. 

Mocha Latte Coffee Cake

This mocha latte coffee cake is a coffee cake that actually includes coffee (along with chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pretty amazing pecan streusel)! 

 

This mocha latte coffee cake is a great way to get your morning coffee and cake along with a little chocolate together at the same time! 

Tiny Homemade Pop-Tarts

These tiny homemade Pop Tarts are so fun to eat and totally "pop-able." They are perfect for a party, especially for a brunch. 

These tiny pop-tarts, or "pop-tart bites," are a fun treat to serve for breakfast or brunch. Just use your favorite store-bought or homemade pie crust, fill it with your favorite jam, and top it with a bit of royal icing and your favorite sprinkles. 

Polvorones de Naranja - Triple Orange Mexican Cookies

These polvorones de naranja are Mexican cookies flavored with orange three ways. They're super fluffy and cakelike, and not overly sweet. 

Polvorones are a Mexican sugar or shortbread cookie. According to the collective brains of Wikipedia, they are derived from a Spanish cookie. In the United States, they are often referred to as Mexican wedding cookies.