Turkey Dinner De-Stressed

Turkey dinner, a traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner is a lot of work to prepare and clean-up. Here are my thoughts on making this feast as easy as possible so it’s enjoyable for everyone, including the chef! Step 1:  Plan the Menu A week or two before the event, plan the… Read more“Turkey Dinner De-Stressed”

Cranberry Sauce

Festive cranberry sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce is easy to make and so much better than store bought. Adjust the recipe to any amount you want keeping the 2:1:1 ratio. INGREDIENTS: 2 cups                        Fresh cranberries 1 cup                          Water 1 cup                          Granulated sugar DIRECTIONS: Wash cranberries thoroughly and pick out any bad ones. Put cranberries… Read more“Cranberry Sauce”

Chocolate Chip Cookies

This family favourite is a recipe I received at a bridal shower many years ago – Jodine’s “way better than the mother-in-laws” chocolate chip cookies. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup                          Butter, room temperature 3/4 cup                      Sugar 3/4 cup                     Brown sugar, packed 2                                  Eggs 1 tsp              … Read more“Chocolate Chip Cookies”

No Bake Chocolate Balls

No-Bake Chocolate Balls

You can’t go wrong adding this favourite no bake cookie to your treat tray. And it’s so quick and easy to make! For Christmas I rolled the mounds into balls for a different presentation. Makes two dozen. INGREDIENTS: ¼ cup                         Butter ¾ cup                         Granulated sugar 3 tbsp                       … Read more“No Bake Chocolate Balls”

Noel Nuts

Each year my sister includes something homemade in her Christmas gift to me. One year these Noel nuts arrived. I have now added them to my list of favourite Christmas treats. They are a good change from all the sweet treats around at Christmastime. BONUS – they are super easy to… Read more“Noel Nuts”

Chopped Nuts

Nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.) are an expensive ingredient in many recipes. Money saving tip: Buy whole nuts in bulk and chop them at home in a food processor. Store in an air tight container in the freezer to keep them fresh.  This applies to coconut as well. Here are some… Read more“Chopped Nuts”

Pumpkin Bread

This flavourful quick bread is a favourite with my family and friends. Make ahead and freeze for brown bag lunches. Make your own pumpkin purée. Makes three loaves.  Chech out these posts as well: Subscribe to Homemaking Jewels today.

Dryer Sheets

Did you know? Half a dryer sheet keeps the static away just as well as a full dryer sheet.  This may seem like a small thing, but a penny saved is a penny earned! You may also enjoy these posts: Fresh as a daisy laundry tips Folding flat and fitted… Read more“Dryer Sheets”

Christmas Gift Tags

The tradition of sending Christmas cards to family and friends has become less common, but I still love to send (and receive!) Christmas greetings. In my entrance I display the cards we receive on a string I have hung along the ceiling, just like my Nana used to do. Every… Read more“Christmas Gift Tags”

No Mess Bacon

Bacon cooking on a broiler pan.

The broiler pan. There has been one in every home I’ve lived in, but until recently I’ve never used it. I have discovered that it is an incredible tool for cooking bacon! There is no spattering and most of the grease drips into the bottom of the pan.   Directions: A spray… Read more“No Mess Bacon”