These ring-a-lings have been around for a very long time.  I believe they originated back in the 1940′s when some of the very first Pillsbury Bake-Offs first started.  The original recipe has orange zest in them with an orange glaze, but my mother changed them to a vanilla frosting and deleted the orange zest.  I think either way, you cannot go wrong.  These little puppies just melt in your mouth and are the perfect treat to spoil your guests during the holidays with,.

First melt your butter and milk together until very warm in a small saucepan.

In your mixing bowl add 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup sugar, salt and your yeast.  Mix together.

Now add in the warm milk mixture…

and your eggs.  I use my paddle attachment to my mixer.  Mix until all is incorporated.

It will look very loose.  Now by hand……

or a spatula, mix in the remaining flour.

Once you have a stiff dough, grease a glass bowl and place the dough into the bowl.  Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 45 to 50 minutes.

It should have doubled in size and be nice and squishy.

Put your dough on a well floured surface.

Roll the dough out into a large rectangle.

Spread half of the pecan mixture lengthwise on half of the rolled out dough, then fold over and cut into strips.

(I made mine super tiny for a brunch, so this is not how small they will look when you make yours).  Now twist the dough

Tuck the dough ends under and place on cookie sheet.

Bake for about 12 minutes or until nice and golden brown.  Frost and pour yourself a nice hot cup of coffee and enjoy these decadent and delicious homemade sweet rolls.  They are sure to impress!!!

Learn more »

I first met this highly addictive dip in 2002, January I believe.  My dear friend, Karen, brought it to my house to enjoy while we watched the Super Bowl commercials (I’m not a sports fan….sorry).  I haven’t been the same since.  I dream about it, I make new recipes around it (yes, this is the dip that inspired my Southwestern Corn Quiche), I share it with all those I care about.  It’s really that good!  I’ve eaten many corn dips that are “cold”, surrounded by cold cheese and such, but please, don’t get me wrong, they are good too.  However, this dip takes it to the next 5 levels!  So if you are having a casual get together, please do yourself a favor and make this dip.  Your guests will swoon to your feet asking you for the recipe.  I must warn you that you will be asked to bring it to the next ten events that you attend!  This dip can be made one day ahead of time….even better, right!

First you will want to make sure that all your vegetables are chopped, your corn is thawed (if using frozen corn) and your cheese is grated.  In a 12″ skillet melt half your butter and saute all your vegetables, except for the corn.  Saute for about 10 minutes or until all the vegetables are nice and soft.  Season with salt and pepper.  Transfer vegetables to bowl.  In same skillet melt the remaining butter and saute the corn.  Salt and pepper to taste and saute for about 10-12 minutes.  Transfer to the bowl with the vegetables.

Mix all the vegetables together.  Let cool about 20 minutes.  Add your cheese, the mayonnaise and if you want a little extra kick, a sprinkle of cayene pepper.

Once all the ingredients have been stirred together place the mixture into your baking dish.

Top the dip with the remaining cheese.  At this point it can be refrigerated up to one day in advance, covered and refrigerated.  OR bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or so, until it is golden brown on top and bubbly. 

Serve with your favorite corn tortilla chips and enjoy!  (This dip is very forgiving….I usually use a bit more cheese than called for).

Learn more »

Quinoa is so yummy.  Paired with the roasted butternut squash and sweet currants make this dish extra special.  You can serve this as a main course vegetarian meal over a bed of lettuce, or as a side dish with your roasted chicken or fish.

This is how we do it…(that is a song that is stuck in my head  )

I purchased a bag of butternut squash that was already diced.  I had a little harder time finding the pear vinegar.  I finally found it at my beloved Nugget Market.  It is a pear infused white balsamic vinegar.  On the sweeter side and just a little thicker.  Oh so tasty.

In a medium sized saucepan add the can of chicken broth (or you can use vegetable broth if you want it to be a vegetarian dish) and one cup of water.  Bring to a boil then add the quinoa.  Let boil on medium high heat for about 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.  Remove from heat and put the lid on.  Set aside.

Place the diced butternut squash on a foil lined baking sheet.  Lightly drizzle olive oil over the top and lightly season with salt and pepper.  Toss to coat evenly.

Place in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for about 12 to 15 minutes.  We want them to have just a little crisp to them and not be totally mushy.

Just showing you how small the butternut squash was cut.  Perfect bite sized.

Whisk together the oil and pear vinegar.  Lightly season with salt and pepper.  I can totally see myself getting addicted to this vinegar.  It has a great aroma and taste to it.

Fluff the quinoa with a fork.

In a large bowl toss all the ingredients together, tossing the vinaigrette into the mix.

Best if served chilled, but I thought it was delicious warm, too.  Enjoy!

Learn more »

Please, don’t faint.  I know it has been a while since I have posted a new recipe.  Life has served up a big bowl of crazy for me lately….leaving my poor blog unattended and unloved.  But I am baaaack! I am back with an easy and delicious week night meal.  You can serve these as Asian Tostadas, or amp up the coleslaw and crumble the fried egg roll wrappers on top like a crouton and serve as a salad OR you could even use the small egg roll wrappers and bake them in mini muffin tins, then fill the mini wontons with the coleslaw and beef for a fun and hearty appetizer. I also love recipes like this one that use pre-made store bought items.  No one will ever know what little effort these fun Asian Beef Tostadas are to make.  All they will notice is the amazing flavors.

Let’s get started…. I have never used the Veri Veri Teriyaki marinade before, but I have to tell you I am SOLD!  I marinated my flank steak overnight.

Here is another little gem of a product.  This has to be the best Asian dressing I have found.  You can find it in the refrigerated section of Trader Joe’s.  Yummy!! While the flank steak is grilling toss together the Asian Style Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette with the coleslaw and then toss in the cashews.  Set aside. Chop the cilantro and green onions. Fry up the egg roll wrappers and allow them to drain on paper towels. Let the flank steak rest for about 5 minutes. Cut the flank steak at a diagonal, against the grain into strips, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Assemble the tostadas by placing 1/4 of the coleslaw mixture onto the fried egg roll wrapper, top with the beef and garnish with the cilantro and green onions. I think you are going to like this fun, new dish!

Learn more »

This may not look like much but this is one heavenly dish.

I do believe that about seven years ago this recipe was the most searched, downloaded and read recipe on Epicurious (my most favorite foodie website).  What’s not to love.  Cream, parmesean cheese, sausage.  Oh my, excuse me, but I do believe I am becoming weak in my knees.

You can lighten this up just a little by using spicy chicken sausage and half and half but just don’t skimp on using a good quality Parmesan cheese.  Here is to a quick and easy week night meal.  Manja!!

Oh, I know what you’re saying right now…..what, heavy cream?  Doesn’t she realize swim suit season is right around the corner?

Just remember, an indulgence every once in a while isn’t really so bad for you!!  Hey, we only live once!

Now in a large 12″ skillet add your garlic, chopped onions and your sausage.  I recommend hot Italian sausage, but if you’re not into spicy then use a mild or sweet.  The better quality your sausage, the better your sauce will be.

Once the sausage has browned, drain off any extra fat (we want all those calories to come from the cream  )

Over medium high heat add the wine.  Stir until most has evaporated.

Now add in the tomatoes and cream.  I have to puree my tomatoes because of those pesky picky eaters in my house.

The recipe calls for Parmesan cheese but I like Grana Padano better.  Not as tangy and the husband likes it better.  I MUST please the king!

The recipe also calls for parsley, but I don’t like parsley and I am the cook.  It also suggests to put mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese mixed into the pasta and sauce.  I just like sprinkling the Grana Padano on top, and hey, I’m the cook.

It’s good being the cook!

Learn more »

Quang Ngai is known not only as the land of spiritual masterpiece but also blessed to produce specific , unique flavor of the country .
Tea river originated from the Annamite Mountains , flows to the sea with a length of 40km , not only enriched the fertile alluvial plains but also the birth place of many fish species , especially goby . Quang Ngai People always say " Goby pepper , fresh fish cooked anthem " for the attraction of Tra river goby fish . And today, goby brand to become famous culinary specialties of Indian - Tra Mountain .


Tra river goby Specialties .
Tra Khuc River , before Immersed in a vast ocean , in the river where the sweetness of reconciliation with the salty sea has formed a habitat of brackish water mollusks , such as the don . Don rustic dishes , simple but sweet strange wonders for the country " two tea " , as tea flavor stretch of the river .

But specialty candy mirror at attractive name for this candy is yellow nursery peanuts , sesame white gold and crystal . Candy is the product of the mirror acculturation between Chinese and Vietnamese in the ancient city of Soap Thu . Now , candy mirror not only the top 10 famous specialty candy taste pure in Vietnam but also in the famous fishing " Who in our country Quang Ngai / Cane sugar ivory delicious easy to eat / Malt , the lungs , candy / sweets mirrors used to eating sweet lovers " .

Speaking to the specialty of Quang Ngai , Tra river goby addition , there are candy mirror and don Tra Bong cinnamon , malt , brown sugar , sugar lung , onions, garlic Ly Son ... equally well known .

On 01/21/2013 , Quang Ngai organization announced the establishment of 4 specialty Vietnam record . The Top 50 popular specialties specialty is English Vietnam Tra river goby and don . Top 10 English specialty candy Vietnam has candy floating mirror and Top 10 popular specialties English Nature Vietnam 's Tra Bong cinnamon . This is the pride of every Indian Tra mountain people when talking about his hometown . And thus , the Quang Ngai specialty better-known tourist and consumption also increased significantly .

Previously, processing daily basis only Bac Son goby produce 10-20 kg of finished products after the establishment of the Vietnam record , the consumption has increased significantly . Recently , daily production facility from 50-70 kg . Son Tra river goby North is not only famous and popular people of Quang Ngai that were present in many cities and provinces throughout the country . Supermarket own gift central Danang , monthly basis from 600-700 boxes of goods .

In specialty stores selling cottonwoods on Quang Trung Street , goby and Tra Ly Son garlic are also many questions about buying used , especially tourists from everywhere . Ms. Mai Thi Tuyet - shop owner , said: " If the last day the store goby processing 20 kg , this increased to 30 kg . Onions, garlic Ly Son is also very good purchasing power .

To promote the specialty was established in Vietnam to record with domestic tourists and international . Recently, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has organized facilities , producers of specialty products to attend the International Tourism Fair Nha Trang Sea and the International Tourism Fair ( VTIM ) Ha Cabinet in 2013 . During the 3 day tour of Hanoi VTIM Fair 2013 has sold more than 300 basis goby box . But the goal of the unit is not in profit from higher revenue mainly to promote the brand " - Le Thi Ly , Bac Son owner confided .

Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Ha - Division of Tourism , Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism , said: In the future , the Department will hold for the base , businesses participating in the fair provinces other and publication of Quang Ngai specialties both Vietnamese and English to promote to tourists , especially foreign tourists .

Learn more »

Goby has many kinds , mainly living in the river , lagoon , most around shrimp ponds - where food is abundant but scattered farmers feeding daily . Goby is a new fresh caught , brought to scale , gut clean for processing . In addition to the familiar dishes such as Braised goby , goby warehouses chilli ... also used for sour soup with a lecturer . This dish has cooled in the hot summer afternoon just feels weird mouth , catch dinner .

Leaves of their vines stretch , grow around the edge of the forest , upland cover , with sweet sour . In medicine , a lecturer is a precious folk medicine , used to treat the ailment undigested food , full abdominal distention , stomach pain , osteoarthritis pain ... Besides cure , ride leaves are also used for cooking soup with sour foods such as fish , meat ... When cooked tomato picking leaves to ride for young leaves are green , lush . Do not get too old leaves will be harsh and hard .

For a delicious sour soup before cooking housewife will goby marinated with spices just right , and use your hands to lightly stretch foil stamping to create a profile for sour soup . Add sour soup had some chopped chilli . North seasoned pot full of water on the kitchen spices , then boiled the fish , cooked fish wait for new leaves on the ride . When do leaves change color , then remove from the heat ride , lift the pot down . Eat this tomato soup with chilli salt to put a fish bowl is " all right " one .

Learn more »

In the cool air Hanoi last year , many young men and women or small family restaurant snack choice as a fun destination , driving down the most bitter early winter .

In an alley to the table , Thuong Tin , Ha Noi , is a pancake restaurant life 3 heirlooms . In the small alley eatery

In an alley to the table , Thuong Tin , Ha Noi , is a pancake restaurant life 3 heirlooms . In the small alley restaurant " toxic " is not always constant customers .
She said the owner , name
She said the owner , the name " pancake " may derive from the sound " sizzle " when you pour powder onto hot pan . Her family brought food from pancakes to Hanoi to Quang Ngai established for over 10 years now .


The main components of the bread made ​​from rice flour . Particularly preparation stage so brittle powder , cumin scented heirloom secret .

Pancakes are a traditional dish of Quang on each occasion October onwards , featuring delicious taste of the new year. Currently, the wheel is replaced with shrimp , bean sprouts and fresh meat .
Her shop is all just a mobile vehicle . On 9 vehicles with oil stove with a cast iron pan in the mold are brought from the South . Kitchen continuous operation , but often not enough to meet our customers consistent quality .

Her shop is all just a mobile vehicle . On 9 vehicles with oil stove with a cast iron pan in the mold are brought from the South . Kitchen continuous operation , but often not enough to meet our customers consistent quality .

Each cake pan takes about 5 minutes to gold this cumbersome . According to her owner , fried bread with lard and fat will be more delicious .

Eating hot pancakes . When eaten with rice paper wrapped bread , pickles , salads and chili garlic sauce cleverly mixed .
NOM youth said , with cold weather of the north shall be seated in the small angle , sizzling sound , and taste the hot crispy pancakes , put his mouth over longer enjoy traveling somewhere.
NOM youth said , with cold weather of the north shall be seated in the small angle , sizzling sound , and taste the hot crispy pancakes , put his mouth over longer enjoy traveling somewhere.

Mr Tuy - work in Hanoi and there is no shortage on the junk food but stores often invite friends to Thuong Tin pancakes taste heirloom mistress of Quang Ngai

Learn more »