Sriracha: What is This Stuff Anyways?

I took it upon myself to do a little more investigating of this ingredient often referred to as "the Rooster". What exactly is it? Where did it come from, and why the crazy fascination?

Sriracha is a type of hot sauce, named after the coastal city of Si Racha, in the Chonburi Province of central Thailand, where it was possibly first produced for dishes served at local seafood restaurants. It is a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt.

Holiday Re-Mix: Maple Bacon Fudge

2015 was definitely the year that I stepped up my "baking game". I look at baking in a similar way as I do interior design. I see a recipe I love, then I put a special little twist on it to make it my own.

I'm a chocolate lover by nature, and there's no better time of year to incorporate chocolate my addiction into Holiday recipes.  This recipe uses NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter......a marriage made in heaven in my book. Add in maple bacon, and you have a Holiday re-mix of the Century.  Such a clever twist on a classic fudge recipe!

If you like to bake homemade food items for Christmas gifts, these Maple Bacon Fudge squares will fit perfectly into kraft bags or small boxes to add to festive gift baskets.

My daughter always says "everything's just better with bacon". Judging from how fast these fudge squares disappeared from my kitchen, I'd say she's right!

Cookie Lollipops, Caramel Apples & S'mores....Oh My!

Nicholas Trio Pedestal Set via Painted Fox

I have always lived in Michigan, and while I prefer warmer temperatures most of the time, I feel very fortunate to live in a State where I can witness the seasons change every few months.  There's just something special about cooler days, bulky warm sweaters and wrapping your hands around a mug of hot cocoa that screams Fall to me.

~Best Ever Fall Apple Crisp~

I knew when my son walked through the door carrying these red treasures from apple picking, that I'd make pretty darn good use of them!

If you live in Michigan, you know that Fall not only is knocking on the front door, but it's come in out of the cold and poured itself a cup of coffee. It's been raining all day with a high temperature of 45 degrees......the perfect day to fire up the oven and get the Apple Crisp party started!

~Blogger Link Love~

Welcome to the new week friends!

I wanted to talk a little bit about blogging today. I know some of you have your own blog, others may not, but if you do, you may agree with me......the connection to blogging isn't as strong as it was a few years ago.

Should we attribute this to the the addiction of other social media channels such as Instagram and Facebook? Everyone is short on time these days. Let's face it, if you have a pulse? you're probably short on time.

~Tuna Patties: Pantry to Fast Dinner in 15 Minutes~

Happy Tuesday friends!

Who doesn't love a fast & easy dinner recipe? Who doesn't especially love one that you can whip up in fifteen minutes that your family will love?
If you're raising your hand, I have the dinner recipe for you.....Tuna Patties!

It's so funny to me that some of the things that my kiddos ask  me to make for dinner are the very same favorites I had growing up as a child. I have great memories of my Mother making tuna patties at least once a week while I sat at the kitchen table doing my homework..... and boy did we love them!

~How to Use Lavender in Your Home~

Farmhouse Mason Jar Basket Set @ Painted Fox Treasures

Hello lavender lover!

I know you love lavender as much as I do, especially this time of year. Its the perfect rustic addition to display in your Fall vignettes, not to mention the scent is OUT OF THIS WORLD!

We were fortunate to have some new landscaping installed this past Spring and I made sure lavender plants were definitely part of that equation. I love the color, the scent, and thankfully its a great bunny repellent! So far so good on the rabbits......they don't care for strong scents so hopefully I stay "in the clear".
Did you know that lavender not only grows in various shades of purple, but in blue, white, red and pink as well? I think I'm going to keep my eyes open for some white lavender to plant next Spring!

~Homemade Sweet Tea~

I might not be from the South, but I know an awesome sweet tea recipe when I taste it!
Who doesn't like sweet tea? Most recipes I have found to either be "too sweet" or the opposite with me reaching for the sugar container.