Organizing Bulging Boxes of Recipes

Two berry pies with lattice crusts sit elegantly on a white surface, accompanied by a teapot, white flowers, and scattered berries in a beautifully organizing manner. A fork rests on one pie, another lies nearby, while a cookbook page peeks out from underneath the arrangement.

Everyone has pet peeves. One thing that really bugs me is not being able to find what I’m looking for, when I need it. It’s frustrating! For example, I was planning on making my sister’s amazing Turtle Tart and could not, for the life of me, find the recipe in my bulging boxes of recipes.…

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St. Lucia Day

A potted small evergreen tree wrapped in brown paper stands beside a round bowl holding several purple candles and a glittery star ornament, evoking the serene spirit of Lucia. Set against a dark background, it exudes warmth and mystery.

  Is there a certain Christmas tradition you and your family look forward to each year? Family traditions are important. Special celebrations promote a sense of belonging and security in a child. They also help a child identify who he is by the values taught by Mom, Dad, grandparents, and other relatives. Memories passed down…

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Apple Pie, An American Favorite

Close-up of the American flag, featuring white stars on a blue background alongside vivid red and white stripes. The fabric texture and stitching details echo craftsmanship akin to that of a homemade apple pie.

For Election Day, what’s more American than apple pie for dessert? This recipe is a lot of fun for kids as it’s made in small foil pie pans. Enjoy! All American Mini Apple Pie 2 apples 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. lemon juice 2 tbsp. sugar 1 tbsp. water refrigerated pie crust Press crust into…

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Acorn Shortbread Cookies

Close-up of an acorn with a textured cap lying on a bed of green moss, resembling tiny cookies on nature's plate. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the intricate details of the acorn and moss.

My dear friend Denise offered me a cookie at church last week. Not only was it delicious but cute as can be for this time of year. Acorn Shortbread Cookies, sweet shortbread dipped in chocolate and nuts or festive sprinkles. The cookies look like acorns with the caps still attached! This is a great recipe…

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Mini Pizzas

A cheese pizza on a wooden table, missing one slice. Cherry tomatoes and rosemary sprigs are artfully arranged beside the pizzas, with a whole tomato adding to the rustic charm in the background.

Pizza! Really, who doesn’t like pizza? Deep dish, thin crust, hand tossed. And all the choices for toppings! According to “Your Guide to Pizza” most kids list pizza as their favorite food when asked. Here are a few more bits of pizza trivia. PIZZAS • Pepperoni is American’s favorite topping, with over 36% of all…

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After School Snacks

Close-up of golden-brown cookie bars stacked on a plate, perfect for an after-school treat. The square bars boast visible chocolate chunks and nuts, nestled in their soft, crumbly texture.

Are your kids really hungry after school? Mine are! “What’s for dinner?” is generally the first question posed as they come in the door and descend on the kitchen for a snack. Cheese and crackers, sliced fruit, and veggies with dip are at the top of the snack list. But the all time favorite is…

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Fuel Up with a Healthy Lunch

A glossy red apple with a stem rests on a smooth, light-colored wooden surface, evoking thoughts of a crisp, refreshing lunch against the plain off-white background.

Keep your kids fuel up with a healthy lunch. Whether purchased at school or prepared at home, help your children make healthy choices. The midday meal provides energy for the second half of the school day. It’s also a nice time to remind kids how much they are loved! If your children are regular hot…

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Boatloads of Benefits for Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And really the easiest to prepare. The benefits are tremendous for both you and your children! Try these helpful hints for beat the clock for a quick morning meal! • Use brown & serve sausage to save time. (I dice the leftover sausage, bacon or ham…

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Best Starts: Breakfast and the Bible

A child lies on a bed, their face partially hidden by a large open Bible, deeply immersed in its ancient wisdom. A wooden headboard frames this serene moment of exploration and wonder.

“Breakfast is thought to be the most important meal of the day,” states Dr. William Cochran, M.D., FAAP, a past member of the American Academy of Pediatric’s Committee on Nutrition. “As the first meal, it gets the body going for the rest of the day. Approximately 8 to 12 percent of all school-age children skip breakfast.” By…

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Kids in the Kitchen with Cranberry Chicken Salad

Close-up of fresh green lettuce leaves with ruffled edges, showcasing their detailed texture and bright color under natural light—a perfect base for a vibrant Cranberry Chicken Salad.

My sons arrived home from Boy Scout camp this afternoon, sunburned and happy. They had a great time! My youngest was telling me about the fried chicken he prepared on a camp stove as part of the Cooking merit badge. Yes, fried chicken…on a camp stove! (Maybe for teenagers frying anything in oil is best…

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