Decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

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On a whim I adapted a wildly popular cream cheese pound cake into a chocolate version, and it turned out just as irresistible. Combining melted chocolate with cocoa gives this loaf a pleasing chocolate flavor without being overpowering. The crumb is soft and light, with a tea-cake texture that stays tender for several days — … Read more

Spooky Halloween Bloody Mary Cocktail Recipe

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This Halloween Bloody Mary keeps all the familiar savory flavors of a classic Bloody Mary but adds a spooky, playful twist. Served with easy-to-make mozzarella and olive “eyeballs,” these cocktails are ideal for a Halloween brunch or themed party. Call it a Bloody Scary or a Scary Mary—either way, it’s a fun, festive drink worth … Read more

Tangy Cranberry Upside-Down Cake Recipe for Holiday Desserts

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Celebrate the season with an elegant cranberry upside-down cake — a standout dessert for Thanksgiving or any holiday table. Tart cranberries and bright orange balance the sweetness of a tender vanilla cake, creating a pleasing contrast of flavors and textures. This visually striking dessert features a glossy, caramelized cranberry topping that forms when brown sugar … Read more

20 Festive Gingerbread Desserts for Holiday Parties

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20 of the best gingerbread desserts to make this Christmas, including gingerbread cookies, cakes, bars, and everything in between! Gingerbread Desserts If you’re looking for the best gingerbread desserts this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place. Below you’ll find a curated collection of festive gingerbread recipes — from classic cookies to cakes, bars, … Read more

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe for Decadent Treats

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Perfectly domed strawberry cupcakes made with real strawberries and a clever secret ingredient, finished with a fluffy vanilla bean buttercream and a chocolate-covered strawberry on top. Strawberry cupcakes are delicious on their own, but when you top them with silky vanilla bean buttercream and a chocolate-dipped strawberry, they become irresistible. These cupcakes are straightforward to … Read more

Heal from Grief by Helping Others: Practical Ways to Support and Serve

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From Marie:

I rarely invite guest writers here unless they are people with something meaningful to share. Tierney Davis Hogan certainly qualifies.

Tierney was the first friend I made when I moved to Central Oregon. I actually met her before I moved, at a fabric trade show. Her husband was with her. When Terry learned I was a novelist, he asked what kind of books I wrote. With a completely straight face, I answered, “Erotica.” Terry blushed all the way up to his ears! It was an awful trick to play on someone I’d just met, but I could tell he had a good sense of humor. He was a very good sport about it.

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Cocoa Caramel Crunch Cereal — Chocolatey Caramel Breakfast Crisp

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This cocoa caramel crunch cereal is a delicious pantry staple that’s perfect for quick breakfasts and snacks. Lately I’ve been testing a lot of homemade cereals because they’re easy to make and offer convenient, healthy options for busy mornings or a portable snack. This version captures that beloved Samoa cookie flavor—crunchy, sweet, with chocolate, caramel, … Read more

Greek Salmon Salad with Feta, Olives, and Lemon-Dill Dressing

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This Greek Salmon Salad is full of fresh vegetables and topped with pan-seared salmon. Crisp Romaine lettuce, Roma tomatoes, olives, cucumber, red onion and a quick homemade Greek dressing pair beautifully with the fish. Bright, colorful salads like this one are a joy to make and eat. Fresh cucumber, tomatoes, red onion and Romaine lettuce … Read more

Garlic Sautéed Green Beans with Lemon Zest

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Looking for a quick, flavorful vegetable to serve with dinner tonight? These garlic green beans are fast to prepare, simple, and delicious. Fresh green beans tossed with butter, garlic, oregano, and a touch of salt make an effortless side that complements any main dish. The ingredient list is short: green beans, butter, garlic, oregano (fresh … Read more