As we prepare for Thanksgiving 2013, we think about creating a welcoming environment that reflects the season and a tablesetting that will enhance our “feast”. The buffet is filled with warm russets and oranges of autumn and symbols of harvest, history and plenty. Another gray Ohio day outside. (I’ll never get that job as […]
Thanksgiving
Orange Glazed Cornish Hens
Orange Glazed Cornish hens are an out of the ordinary entrée, perfect for any special occasion. So easy to prepare and so elegant on the plate! Cornish Hens are great for a Valentine dinner for two or an Easter dinner for the family, or a birthday celebration. And certainly Cornish Hens can replace the […]
Scottsdale Potatoes – Hashbrown potato casserole
My mother discovered these creamy, cheesy potatoes while visiting family in Arizona. Apparently that’s why they are called Scottsdale Potatoes! Here in Ohio, they are known as Cheesy Potatoes or Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Recently I’ve seen points further south that labeled them Funeral Potatoes – a name which belies their yumminess but apparently takes […]
Holiday Sweet Potatoes
Rich tasting, topped with a crunchy pecan topping Holiday Sweet Potatoes are a great side dish for those special dinners. No one will know they are a low carb option! Sweet potatoes are one of the oldest known foods, cultivated by Native Americans for centuries. They were a major source of nutrition for early colonists […]
Fruity Cranberry Relish
Mom’s Cranberry Relish with apples, oranges and nuts is different from most relish recipes. I think it was actually my grandmother’s recipe, but that’s not noted anywhere. It’s mostly fresh fruit and nuts so not a lot of sweetener needed. A little bit tangy and a whole lot refreshing. The bit of sugar used […]
Pumpkin Bars
I’ve had this recipe for Pumpkin Bars forever — one of those handwritten, spattered, tattered, cornerstone recipes. I love to make it in the fall when pumpkin is readily available. It has a nice autumn spice fragrance and a deep rich color that is so satisfying. It goes together in a snap and because […]






Welcome! I’m Charlene. I love to share quick and easy recipes, whatever I’ve learned in our last DIY project – anything that helps make life easier, better and more fun!! I hope you will find inspiration and add a pinch of joy to your day!