Molasses Crinkles

Molasses Crinkles ~ our family-favorite classic molasses cookies. Who needs those ginger snaps from a box when you can whip up your very own ginger & molasses beauties at home?

Do you have some family favorites that seem to fall off your baking or cooking radar screen for a while? I'm not sure why it happens, but at times I seem to forget about some of our favorites. And that's exactly what happened with these beautiful and delicious Molasses Crinkles. I have no idea why ... but I hadn't made these in years. And I'm so glad I finally remembered them. It's fun when you rediscover an ol' favorite classic!
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Molasses Crinkles ~ our family-favorite classic molasses cookies. Who needs those ginger snaps from a box when you can whip up your very own ginger & molasses beauties at home?

Do you have some family favorites that seem to fall off your baking or cooking radar screen for a while? I'm not sure why it happens, but at times I seem to forget about some of our favorites. And that's exactly what happened with these beautiful and delicious Molasses Crinkles. I have no idea why ... but I hadn't made these in years. And I'm so glad I finally remembered them. It's fun when you rediscover an ol' favorite classic!
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Coconut Chocolate Cake {with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting}

Moist and tender chocolate cake, soaked with cream of coconut and frosted with coconut whipped cream ~ this Coconut Chocolate Cake is a chocolate-and-coconut lover's dream.

My husband has a not-at-all annoying {insert sarcasm here} habit at meal time. No matter what's for dinner he takes one bite and says, "Needs more jalapeno." Spaghetti? "Needs more jalapeno." Chicken? "Needs more jalapeno." Pot roast? "Needs more jalapeno." He's joking, of course. Just to get under my skin.

And now he has a new game ... that's just as fun {insert even more sarcasm here}. When it comes to anything even remotely sweet, he now takes one bite and says, "Needs more coconut." Well, I decided to make a dessert to take care of that. And so I bring you ~ Coconut Chocolate Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting. Oh, and drizzled with chocolate, too ... just for good measure.

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Moist and tender chocolate cake, soaked with cream of coconut and frosted with coconut whipped cream ~ this Coconut Chocolate Cake is a chocolate-and-coconut lover's dream.

My husband has a not-at-all annoying {insert sarcasm here} habit at meal time. No matter what's for dinner he takes one bite and says, "Needs more jalapeno." Spaghetti? "Needs more jalapeno." Chicken? "Needs more jalapeno." Pot roast? "Needs more jalapeno." He's joking, of course. Just to get under my skin.

And now he has a new game ... that's just as fun {insert even more sarcasm here}. When it comes to anything even remotely sweet, he now takes one bite and says, "Needs more coconut." Well, I decided to make a dessert to take care of that. And so I bring you ~ Coconut Chocolate Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream Frosting. Oh, and drizzled with chocolate, too ... just for good measure.

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Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Glaze

Tender baked acorn squash with a pure maple syrup glaze make for one of my all-time favorite fall side dishes. Its simple deliciousness will make you smile.

One of my all-time favorite flavors is maple. Since I grew up in Vermont, that probably comes as no surprise. I mean, Vermont is, like, practically the maple syrup capital of the world, after all. And one of my {many} favorite ways to enjoy maple is as a yummilicious glaze on acorn squash.
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Tender baked acorn squash with a pure maple syrup glaze make for one of my all-time favorite fall side dishes. Its simple deliciousness will make you smile.

One of my all-time favorite flavors is maple. Since I grew up in Vermont, that probably comes as no surprise. I mean, Vermont is, like, practically the maple syrup capital of the world, after all. And one of my {many} favorite ways to enjoy maple is as a yummilicious glaze on acorn squash.
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Apple Fried Rice

It's an apple-icious twist on a classic! Chopped apples, celery, and pecans combine to create this flavorful, seasonally-inspired Apple Fried Rice.

One of my favorite things about fall is fresh apples. See, I'm kinda picky about my apples. They've got to be super crunchy ... and on the tart side. Soft and mealy textured? Won't touch 'em. Little soft spots or shrively skin? Nope - no way. Sweet? Won't do that either. I know, it's one of my weird little food 'things' ... please tell me I'm not the only one.

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It's an apple-icious twist on a classic! Chopped apples, celery, and pecans combine to create this flavorful, seasonally-inspired Apple Fried Rice.

One of my favorite things about fall is fresh apples. See, I'm kinda picky about my apples. They've got to be super crunchy ... and on the tart side. Soft and mealy textured? Won't touch 'em. Little soft spots or shrively skin? Nope - no way. Sweet? Won't do that either. I know, it's one of my weird little food 'things' ... please tell me I'm not the only one.

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Fresh Green Bean, Walnut, & Feta Salad

Fresh Green Bean, Walnut, and Feta Cheese Salad dressed with olive oil and fresh mint vinaigrette. It may sound bizarre, but it's one amazingly delicious flavor combination!

The flavor combination of this salad may sound a tad bit, well ... strange ... to some, but believe me, it's aMAZing. The snap of fresh green beans, with the crunch of chopped walnuts, the saltiness of crumbled Feta, and refreshing zing of fresh mint pair just beautifully. In a most surprisingly wonderful way.

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Fresh Green Bean, Walnut, and Feta Cheese Salad dressed with olive oil and fresh mint vinaigrette. It may sound bizarre, but it's one amazingly delicious flavor combination!

The flavor combination of this salad may sound a tad bit, well ... strange ... to some, but believe me, it's aMAZing. The snap of fresh green beans, with the crunch of chopped walnuts, the saltiness of crumbled Feta, and refreshing zing of fresh mint pair just beautifully. In a most surprisingly wonderful way.

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Luscious Lemon-Coconut Bars

Luscious Lemon Bars, sprinkled with sweetened flaked coconut. It's truly a taste combination made in heaven.

While I was editing the photos for these Lemon-Coconut Bars, elaborate descriptive phrases about them kept running through my mind. Things like ...

... they make me think of bright rays of sunshine speckled with coconut snowflakes ...


... they're as yellow as the high noon sun on a clear summer day ...

and

... these beautiful bars are bright and happy like big yellow smiley faces ...

Why, you ask?

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Luscious Lemon Bars, sprinkled with sweetened flaked coconut. It's truly a taste combination made in heaven.

While I was editing the photos for these Lemon-Coconut Bars, elaborate descriptive phrases about them kept running through my mind. Things like ...

... they make me think of bright rays of sunshine speckled with coconut snowflakes ...


... they're as yellow as the high noon sun on a clear summer day ...

and

... these beautiful bars are bright and happy like big yellow smiley faces ...

Why, you ask?

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Classic Pineapple Casserole {Country Crock #QuickFixCasseroles}

This classic cheesy Pineapple Casserole is truly a Southern potluck favorite!

I'm generally not a fan of hot pineapple. Like on pizza. Nope ... to me, pineapple is something that's just supposed to be eaten cold.

So the first time I encountered this pineapple casserole ... probably needless to say, ... I was very skeptical.

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This classic cheesy Pineapple Casserole is truly a Southern potluck favorite!

I'm generally not a fan of hot pineapple. Like on pizza. Nope ... to me, pineapple is something that's just supposed to be eaten cold.

So the first time I encountered this pineapple casserole ... probably needless to say, ... I was very skeptical.

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Baked Artichoke Dip with a Kick {& Green Giant Veggie Chips #GiantFlavor}

In our family we have a habit ... or tradition ... or whatever you want to call it ... of referring to dishes after the person who gave us the recipe. The dish becomes forever known to us as 'so-and-so's whatever.' Like my absolute favorite Jean's Pizza. And Kate's Chili. And Joe's Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, even though no one in the family can even remember exactly who Joe is!

And so, in keeping with our family's 'tradition,' this Baked Artichoke Dip should be called Jessica's Artichoke Dip, since this fabulous recipe was given to me by my dear friend Jessica. But since none of you would know who Jessica is, I decided to call it Baked Artichoke Dip with a Kick instead.

Why 'with a Kick,' you ask?

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In our family we have a habit ... or tradition ... or whatever you want to call it ... of referring to dishes after the person who gave us the recipe. The dish becomes forever known to us as 'so-and-so's whatever.' Like my absolute favorite Jean's Pizza. And Kate's Chili. And Joe's Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, even though no one in the family can even remember exactly who Joe is!

And so, in keeping with our family's 'tradition,' this Baked Artichoke Dip should be called Jessica's Artichoke Dip, since this fabulous recipe was given to me by my dear friend Jessica. But since none of you would know who Jessica is, I decided to call it Baked Artichoke Dip with a Kick instead.

Why 'with a Kick,' you ask?

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Glazed Poppy Seed Muffins with Strawberry Butter

Scrumptious little Glazed Poppy Seed Muffins with Strawberry Butter ~ a tea room inspired treat.

Sometimes inspiration strikes us and we just have to go with it right at that very moment. No waiting. Just right then. Like for me with these Glazed Poppy Seed Muffins with Strawberry Butter.

They are inspired by a tea room in my town ... Chantilly's Tea Room, to be exact ... and once I decided to make them, I was compelled to do it that very day.

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Scrumptious little Glazed Poppy Seed Muffins with Strawberry Butter ~ a tea room inspired treat.

Sometimes inspiration strikes us and we just have to go with it right at that very moment. No waiting. Just right then. Like for me with these Glazed Poppy Seed Muffins with Strawberry Butter.

They are inspired by a tea room in my town ... Chantilly's Tea Room, to be exact ... and once I decided to make them, I was compelled to do it that very day.

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No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie {made with Chips Ahoy!}

I just adore reading cookbooks... probably no shocker there, right? And I love reading any kind of cookbook. I swear, I'm drawn to them like a moth is to light. Doesn't matter that I have an entire bookshelf full. Nope. I won't hesitate at all to buy a new one that catches my eye.

But I have an extra-special love for local cookbooks compiled, with love, by church or women's groups {or any type group, for that matter}. And one such cookbook just so happens to be where I came across the recipe for this totally scrumptious {and easy} No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie.

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I just adore reading cookbooks... probably no shocker there, right? And I love reading any kind of cookbook. I swear, I'm drawn to them like a moth is to light. Doesn't matter that I have an entire bookshelf full. Nope. I won't hesitate at all to buy a new one that catches my eye.

But I have an extra-special love for local cookbooks compiled, with love, by church or women's groups {or any type group, for that matter}. And one such cookbook just so happens to be where I came across the recipe for this totally scrumptious {and easy} No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie.

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German Potato Salad

I have yet to meet a potato salad I don't like. I'm a carb-a-holic, you see, and potatoes definitely fall in the yummy carb category for me. And one of my absolute favorite potato salads is vinegar-based German Potato Salad.

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I have yet to meet a potato salad I don't like. I'm a carb-a-holic, you see, and potatoes definitely fall in the yummy carb category for me. And one of my absolute favorite potato salads is vinegar-based German Potato Salad.

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Southern Sweet Tea

Iced tea. That's what it's called in 'the North.' But if you're in 'the South?' ... Oh, here in the South, it's sweet tea. There's nothing quite like it. Yep, in the South sweet tea is an institution.

And, having transplanted to North Carolina from 'the North,' I learned how to make it ... right ... from my very Southern sister-in-law.

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Iced tea. That's what it's called in 'the North.' But if you're in 'the South?' ... Oh, here in the South, it's sweet tea. There's nothing quite like it. Yep, in the South sweet tea is an institution.

And, having transplanted to North Carolina from 'the North,' I learned how to make it ... right ... from my very Southern sister-in-law.

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Hershey's Chocolate Syrup Cake {& KitchenAid Mixer GIVEAWAY for Mother's Day!}

Want a KitchenAid Mixer? Well, it's your lucky day! 'Cause you could win one right here on The Kitchen is My Playground! Yup, I've teamed up with a group of awesome bloggers to give away a KitchenAid Mixer in honor of Mother's Day. And let me just tell you, my KitchenAid Mixer made whipping up this easy Hershey's Chocolate Syrup Cake even easier. Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win ... and then check out how to make this moist and scrumptious chocolate cake.

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Want a KitchenAid Mixer? Well, it's your lucky day! 'Cause you could win one right here on The Kitchen is My Playground! Yup, I've teamed up with a group of awesome bloggers to give away a KitchenAid Mixer in honor of Mother's Day. And let me just tell you, my KitchenAid Mixer made whipping up this easy Hershey's Chocolate Syrup Cake even easier. Just follow the instructions below to enter for your chance to win ... and then check out how to make this moist and scrumptious chocolate cake.

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Tamale Pie Casserole {#CountryCrockStars}

Do you love casseroles? Got a favorite? Well, then it's your lucky day! 'Cause you can share that favorite casserole with Shedd's Spread Country Crock on their Facebook page to enter the Country Crock Stars contest.

By simply clicking this link, sharing a photo of you with your favorite casserole, and sharing in about 100 words how you demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen, you could WIN $5,000 and a trip to New York City for two!! That's a pretty sweet deal, don't you think? Pop on over {until May 31st, 2013} to enter!

Now, as for me and casseroles? I love them. I mean, we probably eat a casserole for dinner about 80% of the time in our house. And, oh, do they hold many memories for me of our dinners together as a family growing up...

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Do you love casseroles? Got a favorite? Well, then it's your lucky day! 'Cause you can share that favorite casserole with Shedd's Spread Country Crock on their Facebook page to enter the Country Crock Stars contest.

By simply clicking this link, sharing a photo of you with your favorite casserole, and sharing in about 100 words how you demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen, you could WIN $5,000 and a trip to New York City for two!! That's a pretty sweet deal, don't you think? Pop on over {until May 31st, 2013} to enter!

Now, as for me and casseroles? I love them. I mean, we probably eat a casserole for dinner about 80% of the time in our house. And, oh, do they hold many memories for me of our dinners together as a family growing up...

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Black Bean Salsa

So, I've recently started doing Zumba. Yup. And I don't really like to exercise, so that's a big deal.

Seriously, it's totally amazing for me. 'Cause exercise is truly just not my thing. But, alas, sometimes we just need to do things that are good for us, like it or not. So I took the plunge into Zumba, and much to my surprise, I actually even like it!

One big help? ... MUSIC! I love music, so the fun up-tempo songs keep me motivated and movin'. You'll crack up at what my favorite Zumba song so far is, though ...

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So, I've recently started doing Zumba. Yup. And I don't really like to exercise, so that's a big deal.

Seriously, it's totally amazing for me. 'Cause exercise is truly just not my thing. But, alas, sometimes we just need to do things that are good for us, like it or not. So I took the plunge into Zumba, and much to my surprise, I actually even like it!

One big help? ... MUSIC! I love music, so the fun up-tempo songs keep me motivated and movin'. You'll crack up at what my favorite Zumba song so far is, though ...

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Roasted Corn, Black Bean, & Mango Salsa {my all-time favorite salsa}

Not too long ago, I professed my love for salsas when I posted my recipe for easy Restaurant-Style Salsa. It's an undying love, for sure. Well, now I bring you my all-time absolute favorite salsa. Ever. Like, if salsas could be our friends, this one would be my BFF.

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Not too long ago, I professed my love for salsas when I posted my recipe for easy Restaurant-Style Salsa. It's an undying love, for sure. Well, now I bring you my all-time absolute favorite salsa. Ever. Like, if salsas could be our friends, this one would be my BFF.

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Ham & Cheese Lasagna

Got ham?

Sure, I bet many of us still have some leftover Easter ham in the frig, ... or have popped some in the freezer. Well, this Ham & Cheese Lasagna is my absolute favorite way to enjoy our leftover Easter ham ...

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Got ham?

Sure, I bet many of us still have some leftover Easter ham in the frig, ... or have popped some in the freezer. Well, this Ham & Cheese Lasagna is my absolute favorite way to enjoy our leftover Easter ham ...

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Easy Restaurant-Style Salsa

I am a total sucker for chips and salsa. Of all kinds. Plain ol' regular salsa, fresh pico de gallo (or simply 'pico,' as we call it), fruit salsas like peach-pineapple or mango, and even blueberry salsa. Yes, blueberry salsa.

In fact, eating chips and salsa is my total downfall when eating out at a Mexican restaurant. I can easily steer myself to the healthier menu options ... but, dang if those bowls of chips and salsa don't crush my willpower spirit every time. Oh well, there are worse things in life.

So, being such a lover of salsa, this easy restaurant-style go-to salsa recipe of my sister-in-law's quickly became one of my go-to recipes, too.

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I am a total sucker for chips and salsa. Of all kinds. Plain ol' regular salsa, fresh pico de gallo (or simply 'pico,' as we call it), fruit salsas like peach-pineapple or mango, and even blueberry salsa. Yes, blueberry salsa.

In fact, eating chips and salsa is my total downfall when eating out at a Mexican restaurant. I can easily steer myself to the healthier menu options ... but, dang if those bowls of chips and salsa don't crush my willpower spirit every time. Oh well, there are worse things in life.

So, being such a lover of salsa, this easy restaurant-style go-to salsa recipe of my sister-in-law's quickly became one of my go-to recipes, too.

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Triple Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate makes me happy. Triple chocolate makes me even happier. Put triple chocolate in cookie form? ... I'm in cookie heaven. And including a little whole-grain oats makes them healthy, right? Okay, so maybe not so much with that last part ...

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Chocolate makes me happy. Triple chocolate makes me even happier. Put triple chocolate in cookie form? ... I'm in cookie heaven. And including a little whole-grain oats makes them healthy, right? Okay, so maybe not so much with that last part ...

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New England Boiled Dinner {aka ~ Corned Beef & Cabbage}

New England Boiled Dinner ... corned beef, cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, and turnip all simmered together until tender ... oh, how I had forgotten how much I love you!

I grew up on this stuff. But until last weekend, I had never made it myself. And, seriously, it had been about twenty years since I'd had it last. {Am I seriously old enough to say it's been twenty years since something?? Oh, yes ... yes, I am.} Now, my Southern-born-and-bred husband had never had it. This weekend, I decided I needed to change all that.

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New England Boiled Dinner ... corned beef, cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, and turnip all simmered together until tender ... oh, how I had forgotten how much I love you!

I grew up on this stuff. But until last weekend, I had never made it myself. And, seriously, it had been about twenty years since I'd had it last. {Am I seriously old enough to say it's been twenty years since something?? Oh, yes ... yes, I am.} Now, my Southern-born-and-bred husband had never had it. This weekend, I decided I needed to change all that.

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