I was given this Mexican flan recipe by my mother in law who is from Durango, Mexico. I had to beg her for years, and she finally gave it to me one Christmas. This original dessert custard recipe calls for pure vanilla, but I like to add orange zest, a small change I learned to appreciate through my own hands-on cooking experience. The flan is made using whole eggs, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, then covered with simple light sugar syrup. It is also made using cream cheese or coconut for a different taste and texture, while staying true to … Read more

I love this classic, simple, creamy, delicious cheesecake because it’s easy to serve plain or top with cherry pie filling, caramel, or something extra. This recipe doesn’t require an electric mixer, so I blend by hand with a whisk, avoiding hauling tools. For dairy, milchig recipes, a no-mixer approach is important to me. I enjoy it topped with cherries, or a swirl of Lotus, chocolate, or Nutella mixed into the cream batter before baking. After it cools, each different flavor, including blueberry, gives a full experience. I often make two graham cracker crust cheesecakes since they’re not huge, and feeding … Read more

This old-fashioned deep south Southern heirloom recipe for sweet potato pie is creamy, delicious, and full of flavor, made with simple ingredients loved for generations and perfect for Thanksgiving. The use of brown butter, maple syrup, warm spices, and a hint of citrus adds a gentle kick and a subtle notch, lifting it to a whole new level without losing that old school soul, making it a lasting favorite. Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie-The Short Answer For me, it’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever known, like a verse from my favorite songs, and that’s how I truly feel. I still … Read more

In summer and summertime, baking is more fun when apples come from a big tree in the yard, and today’s feature, brought by my hubby, still makes me a proud wife and a happy part of our family. This homemade recipe is basically an easy, awesome, and different way to make individual hand pies, a playful form of pie I like to call calzones, with apple, sweet, cinnamon, stuffed, tender filling, wrapped in a crispy, flakey, buttery crust that I honestly think has the best taste. Easy Apple Hand Pies-The Short Answer These hand pies are a great grab and … Read more

Crisp green grapes dipped in caramel are how I usually make Caramel Apple Grapes at home when I want a quick snack that feels special. From my experience, the flavor tastes like a classic caramel apple, but the bite-sized treat feels lighter and fresher. Caramel Apple Grapes-The Short Answer Adding chopped peanuts or other nuts makes each bite crunchy and satisfying. It’s a perfect little indulgence that works every time, whether for myself or to share. Why You’ll Love Them Ingredients My Essential Tools Instructions Prep Like a Pro Make the Caramel Coating Dip, Roll, and Finish Chill and Serve … Read more

From my kitchen experience, No Bake Strawberry Crunch Strawberries elevate traditional chocolate covered strawberries with fresh strawberries, melted white chocolate, and homemade strawberry crunch. This simple, delicious no bake dessert is easy to make, especially with cheesecake stuffed shortcake berries dipped in creamy cheesecake and finished with a crunchy topping. Learning how to use them as decoration for cakes, cupcakes, or the top of favorite ice cream adds versatility. Strawberry Crunch Strawberries-The Short Answer Shortbread cookies, freeze-dried strawberries, butter, and a little emulsion give an authentic flavor. The taste reminds me of classic ice cream bars from the truck as … Read more