Tag Archive | spring

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons by Cynthia O’Hara

May9

Packed with DIY Ideas, Holiday Recipes, DIY Recipes, DIY Cooking, and more, The Harried Housewife’s forthcoming book, Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons, will be available September 19, 2017. Pre-Order Sale Price!

Cooking, Baking, and Making book by Cynthia O'Connor O'Hara

#1 New Release!

Here are some ideas featured in Cooking, Baking, and Making:

* Host a springtime luncheon and include recipes like Herbed Cucumber Tea Sandwiches and Smoky Bacon Deviled Eggs. Present these tasty tidbits on Tiered Serving Platters made with dishware you already have, or with dishes bought from the dollar store.

* Enjoy an alfresco get-together during summer with seasonal recipes like Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Burgers and Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa. Make a pretty and practical Frozen Ice Bucket to chill a bottle of wine; serve wine in glasses decorated with unique Wine Charms that you’ve made for guests.

* Chase away the chills during the cool months of autumn with hearty bowls of Corn and Crab Chowder. Buy pot holders from the dollar store and use fabric glue to embellish them with autumn-inspired decorations. Use Embellished Pot Holders for handling the chowder and serve on No-Sew Placemats that are made from fabric remnants.

* Gather with those near and dear during the winter holidays and savor a taste of the season with Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes. Entertain with ease by setting up a Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Assorted Toppings Martini Bar. Give tasty gifts to those you love such as Homemade Bottles of Crème de Menthe.

* Make Custom Coffee Mugs and fill with coffee beans; place in festive gift bags and decorate with personalized Salt Dough Gift Tags—which also can be used as Christmas tree decorations.

 

 

Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

May8
Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

Strawberry Jammer Cocktails

DIY recipes like this one that make good use of sliced fresh strawberries, a touch of strawberry jam, and a splash of prosecco help make every occasion extra special.

Ideal for spring and summer celebrations, these refreshing strawberry cocktails are brimming with effervescent goodness. Whether it’s to honor Mom on Mother’s Day, to sip during the warm months, or whenever you need impressive holiday recipes, these vibrant cocktails are sure please.

So raise your glass and toast to crowd-pleasing cocktails overflowing with a fresh taste of the season. Cheers!

STRAWBERRY JAMMER COCKTAILS

2 cups sliced strawberries
2 tablespoons strawberry jam
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Prosecco, chilled
Fresh strawberry slices (optional)
In a blender or food processor, combine sliced strawberries, jam, sugar, and lemon juice; process until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard seeds. Divide puree into six champagne glasses; slowly add prosecco. Garnish each glass with a strawberry slice, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Strawberry Fruit Dip

Jun3

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Strawberry Fruit Dip

Strawberry Fruit Dip

Strawberry Fruit Dip

Ideal for entertaining, this crowd-pleasing recipe takes just a few minutes to whip up. An excellent choice for a graduation party or any other summer get-together, it’s easy to prepare by simply combining a few packaged ingredients.

And it’s just as easy to double or triple the recipe. Serve with fresh strawberries or other seasonal fruits for a refreshing treat as welcome as a summer breeze.

STRAWBERRY FRUIT DIP

1 (6-ounce) carton non-fat strawberry yogurt
1 (6-ounce) carton non-fat vanilla yogurt
1 (8-ounce) carton regular or light frozen whipped topping, thawed
Assorted fresh fruit, such as strawberries, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, cantaloupe, for dipping
For dip, in a large bowl, combine strawberry and vanilla yogurt. Fold in whipped topping. Serve with assorted fresh fruit. Makes 24 servings.

Fudgy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

Apr22

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Fudgy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

Fudgy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

Fudgy Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

Save time in the kitchen and savor homemade cookies with this quick to prepare recipe. Chewy, dark chocolate oatmeal cookies laced with walnuts can be ready in no time by simply embellishing a package of brownie mix with a few ingredients.

Ideal for any gathering, this recipe makes it easy to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family and friends.

FUDGY OATMEAL WALNUT COOKIES

1 (18-ounce) package double chocolate brownie mix
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/4 cup water
1 egg
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, oats, cocoa powder, butter, water, and egg. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed. Stir in walnuts. Shape dough into 2 1/4-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets; dip fingertips in water and press cookies to slightly flatten. Bake until centers are almost set, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Coffee Cake

Apr8

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is a timeless treat that never goes out of style. Filled with old-fashioned goodness, this homey dessert can be prepared at the last minute with pantry staples. Whether it’s for unexpected guests, to share with a neighbor, or as a mid-morning snack, there are countless occasions when a simple yet familiar treat is called for. This recipe calls for a cinnamon-streusel topping as the crowning touch, but there are many variations. Pair with coffee and savor a tried and true favorite.

COFFEE CAKE

TOPPING
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold butter, cut into pieces
 
CAKE
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease an 8-inch round baking pan with shortening; dust with flour. For topping, in a medium bowl, combine the 1/4 cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. For cake, in a large bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla. Add to the flour mixture; mix well. Transfer to prepared pan. Sprinkle with topping. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool 20 minutes. Serve warm or completely cooled. Makes 8 servings.

Spring Greens and Strawberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

May1

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Spring Greens Salad

Spring Greens and Strawberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Spring Greens and Strawberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Celebrate National Salad Month, and the warmer weather, with a lighter dish filled with color and texture. A refreshing mix of seasonal salad greens along with strawberries, blue cheese, and toasted walnuts drizzled with tangy balsamic poppy seed vinaigrette is both tasty and nutritious.

And you can always add cooked chicken breasts or your choice of lean protein, if desired. Whichever way you prefer, this refreshing recipe is an appetizing start to National Salad Month.

SPRING GREENS AND STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE AND WALNUTS

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
12 cups spring salad greens
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
For vinaigrette, in small bowl, combine vinegar, olive oil, honey, poppy seeds, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and strawberries. Whisk vinaigrette and drizzle desired amount over mixed greens and strawberries; toss to combine. Arrange on a large platter or 6 plates; sprinkle with blue cheese and walnuts. Makes 6 servings.

Apricot Glazed Carrots

Mar30

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Apricot Glazed Carrots

Apricot Glazed Carrots

Apricot Glazed Carrots

Add a gourmet touch to carrots by coating them in a tangy glaze made with simple ingredients. The combination of apricot preserves, butter, and brown sugar along with a hint of cinnamon, salt, and pepper makes jazzing up plain carrots a snap.

A terrific complement to most any entrée, this elegant recipe is ideal for Easter Sunday dinner. Double the recipe for a crowd, and savor a sophisticated side dish starring one of the season’s most appealing ingredients.

From my family to yours, Happy Easter.

The Easter bunny will love these other Easter recipes too!

APRICOT-GLAZED CARROTS

1 pound slender carrots
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt to taste
Coarsely ground black pepper to taste
Lightly peel carrots. Trim tops leaving about 1 1/2-inches of green intact; trim bottoms. Cut them in half lengthwise. Add about 1-inch water to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; add carrots. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. Return to saucepan; add apricot preserves, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over low heat until heated through and butter melts, about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 6 servings.

Blueberry Rhubarb Sauce

Jul14

As seen on WKTV NEWChannel 2 Harried Housewife Blueberry Rhubarb Sauce

Blueberry Rhubarb Sauce

Blueberry Rhubarb Sauce

Make the most of this time of year by pairing two star ingredients for a mouthwatering sauce that highlights the essence of the season. A flavorful combination, blueberries and rhubarb shine in this quick-to-prepare sauce.

Perfect for topping off pancakes, ice cream, or pound cake, this vibrant sauce may be prepared up to three days in advance and stored, covered, in the fridge until ready to use. And a jar of this seasonal sauce will make a delightful gift fresh from your kitchen.

Whether it’s from your own backyard, a supermarket, or a farmers’ market, blueberries and rhubarb combine deliciously for a luscious sauce bursting with homespun goodness.

BLUEBERRY RHUBARB SAUCE

2 cups sliced rhubarb
2 cups blueberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
In a medium saucepan, combine rhubarb, 1/2 cup blueberries, sugar, water, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until rhubarb is tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, mash the remaining 1 1/2 cups blueberries. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and lemon juice. Add mashed blueberries and cornstarch mixture to rhubarb mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Makes 2 cups.

Easy Yellow Cupcakes

Apr18

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, April 18, 2014

Easy Yellow Cupcakes

Easy Yellow Cupcakes

A package of store-bought cake mix, pudding mix and a few other ingredients is all it takes to create moist and flavorful cupcakes filled with homespun goodness. And it’s just as simple to transform Easy Yellow Cupcakes into fun Easter Cupcakes by simply embellishing with candy sprinkles and/or edible decorations.

Ideal for little hands to help prepare, these whimsical treats are perfect for nibbling at this time of year. Whether they’re for a school party, Easter celebration, or any get-together, these crowd-pleasing cupcakes always are welcome.

From my family to yours, Happy Easter.

EASY YELLOW CUPCAKES

1 (4-serving size) package instant vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
1 (16.5-ounce) package yellow cake mix (with pudding in the mix)
4 eggs
1 cup water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
Candy sprinkles and/or edible decorations (optional)
Easy Vanilla Frosting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 24 muffin cups or line with paper liners. Reserve 2 tablespoons pudding mix for frosting (see below). In a large bowl, combine the remaining pudding mix, cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and vanilla. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium; beat 2 minutes. Divide into muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with Easy Vanilla Frosting; garnish with candy sprinkles and/or edible decorations, if desired. Makes 24 cupcakes.

EASY VANILLA FROSTING

2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
1/2 cup heavy (or whipping) cream
1 (8-ounce) carton regular or light frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 to 8 drops yellow food color (optional)
In a medium bowl, combine pudding mix and heavy cream. Whisk until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in whipped topping, vanilla, and food color, if desired.

Herbed Salmon Cakes

Mar27

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, March 27, 2014

Herbed Salmon Cakes

Looking for easy and elegant appetizers for springtime celebrations? Then these flavorful hors d’oeuvres are for you.

Quick to prepare, these yummy starters make good use of canned salmon. And while they are a tasty prelude to dinner, the mixture can be shaped into four bigger patties and placed on buns for mouthwatering sandwiches that are perfect during the Lenten season.

Whichever way you choose to savor them, these flavorful cakes make it easy to get hooked on canned salmon. Happy Spring!

HERBED SALMON CAKES

1 egg
2 tablespoons regular or light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon heavy (or whipping) cream
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (14.75-ounce) can salmon, drained, flaked, and skin and bones removed
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Lemon wedges (optional)
Lemon Herb Sauce (optional)
In a medium bowl, combine egg, mayonnaise, heavy cream, lemon juice, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add salmon and bread crumbs; mix well. Shape into eight patties. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet until hot; add patties. Cook over medium heat until golden, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Squeeze lemon wedges over patties and/or serve with Lemon Herb Sauce, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

LEMON HERB SAUCE

1/4 cup regular or light mayonnaise
1/4 cup regular or light sour cream
1 teaspoon minced fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Dash salt
Dash pepper
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Makes 4 servings.