Nonna Betty Harpe 
I remember the first time I made fresh cranberry sauce without cooking it – I was skeptical, to say the least. Growing up in the Midwest, we always simmered our cranberries on the stovetop, listening to them pop and burst as they released their ruby-red juices. But when I discovered this no-cook method years ago, … Read more
Amish Potato Bread Stuffing transforms simple ingredients into the kind of holiday side dish that has guests reaching for seconds. Growing up in the Midwest, I learned from visiting Amish communities that the best recipes don’t need fancy ingredients – they need heart, tradition, and a few well-kept secrets. I’ll never forget the first time … Read more
Homemade Reuben Bake transforms the beloved deli sandwich into a warm, bubbling casserole that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family. I discovered this recipe years ago when my Midwest kitchen was the gathering spot for Sunday family dinners. The first time I pulled this savory creation from the oven, with its melty Swiss cheese and … Read more
This homemade eggnog recipe takes me right back to my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen. The moment I whisk those eggs with sugar, that familiar golden color emerges, and suddenly I’m ten years old again, standing on a step stool in her warm kitchen while snow falls outside. The rich aroma of fresh nutmeg would fill every … Read more
Pork and cider stuffing is the crown jewel of any Christmas feast, bringing together savory sausage meat, sweet-tart cider, and aromatic sage in a presentation that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. The first time I made this in my bundt tin, my grandson’s eyes lit up like he’d spotted Santa himself. That golden, crispy exterior … Read more
Mary Berry’s stuffing recipe brings that perfect golden crunch to every holiday table. Standing at my kitchen counter last Christmas, I watched my family’s eyes light up as I brought out these savory sausage balls, still sizzling from the oven. It reminded me of those Sunday gatherings at my Midwestern grandmother’s farmhouse, where the aroma … Read more
Small whole turkey was the centerpiece of my most treasured family gatherings growing up in the Midwest. That golden-brown bird, just 5 to 9 pounds, always yielded the most tender, succulent meat that had everyone reaching for seconds. I remember when my grandmother first taught me to prepare a small turkey at her farmhouse. The … Read more
Oven roasted turkey breast is my go-to solution whenever I’m craving that Thanksgiving flavor without feeding an army. I’ve found that this simple herb and olive oil rub creates the most succulent meat while giving you that picture-perfect golden skin we all fight over at the dinner table. The first time I made this for … Read more
Gordon Ramsay’s honey glazed ham has been my holiday table showstopper for nearly a decade now. I’ll never forget the Christmas when my youngest grandson took one bite and declared it “better than candy” – high praise from a seven-year-old with a serious sweet tooth! The beautiful diamond pattern studded with cloves brings me back … Read more
Tangy Honey Glazed Ham brings together the perfect balance of sweet, sticky, and savory flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds. I’ve been making this recipe for our family Easter gatherings for over 20 years, and the combination of dark brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully … Read more
Blender eggnog transforms holiday entertaining from stressful to spectacular with its velvety texture and perfect balance of spirits. Every Christmas Eve in our farmhouse kitchen, my grandchildren would gather around as I pulled out my trusty blender and within minutes, that familiar aroma of fresh nutmeg would fill the air. There’s something magical about watching … Read more
This homemade eggnog recipe brings the rich, velvety texture of old-fashioned holiday traditions straight to your kitchen. I still remember the first time I made eggnog from scratch in my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen, watching those golden egg yolks transform into liquid gold, the whole room filling with the warm scent of fresh nutmeg. She’d always … Read more