Bird Nest Cookies

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Bird Nest Cookies

These crunchy cookies are so simple to make and require just three ingredients. Kids (of all ages!) get a kick out of eating the M&M “eggs” out of the chow mein noodle “nests.” Plus, grandkids enjoy making the nests just as much as they do eating them—proof of which you’ll find here—so we’ll call this entry not only a recipe but a craft activity, too.

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Caramel Apple Cake

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Caramel Apple Cake

When it comes to birthdays, sometimes you just gotta go full boar. Or fully decadent, I should say. As in, Paula Deen-style decadence with not a whit of worry about calories, sugar, fat, and so forth. This Caramel Apple Cake I made for my eldest daughter’s birthday goes beyond simply being Paula Deen style; it’s an authentic Paula Deen creation—which she calls Caramel Apple Spice Cake—culled from a recent issue of Cooking With Paula Deen magazine and slightly altered by me. So delicious, so decadent… as birthday cakes should be.

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Berry Snack Cake

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Berry Snack Cake

This Berry Snack Cake is a sweet way to close out summer. Or for serving during any season. The choice of berry is up to you—and what's in season. I've made it with strawberries and blueberries; blackberries are on tap for next time. It's good soon after cooling or cold from the fridge, with whipped cream, ice cream, or no cream at all. Bottom line: It's berry, berry delicious... and versatile.

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Strawberry Muffins

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Strawberry Muffins

I am an unabashed sucker for strawberries. You, too? Then you will surely love my scrumptious strawberry muffins. 

These breakfast time—or any time—goodies are sweet but not too sweet, simple, and made from scratch using everyday ingredients most cooks have readily on hand. And they're chock full of fresh, flavorful fruit. (Which makes them healthy, right? Meh... close enough for me!)

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