PUMPKIN OREO MUFFINS WITH CREAM CHEESE

If you like pumpkin, cream cheese, and Oreos, here is something for you! These moist pumpkin muffins have chunks of Oreos throughout and are capped off with a cream cheese topping. With warm spices and aroma of fall, they are perfect paired with a cup of coffee or latte for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

    

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And so another round of shortages has begun! I’m not surprised that paper towels are flying off the shelves, but I never would have thought there would be a run on pumpkin puree! I went to three different locations before finding a handful at one store this past weekend.

Thank goodness! I can’t fully enjoy fall without pumpkin baked goods. These muffins are my latest and greatest. They have solid stamp of approval from my tastes testers. Even my husband, who would never pick up anything pumpkin on his own free will, was won over by these tasty sweets.

CHICKEN BUTTERNUT AND DUMPLINGS

Get a taste of fall comfort with this easy one-pot Chicken Butternut and Dumplings. It has a creamy broth, tender shredded chicken breast, sweet butternut squash, herbaceous sage, and pillowy soft dumplings. Serve alone or with biscuits to amp up the comfort level even more!  

Pair this dish with my Garlic and Herbs Boursin Biscuits for a cozy home cooked dinner.

    

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We recently embarked on a home improvement adventure (by “we” I meant my husband since he has done 95% of the work, hee hee). The main level of the house is getting new floors and a fresh coat of paint. Best of all, we are FINALLY taking our kitchen out of the 1980’s and into the 21st century!!! Woo hoo!

2020 has been a bit of a downer, but this endeavor is one good thing that will come out of it. I’m so thrilled that my  husband and I finally took the plunge into a long overdue reno!

BAKED APPLE BUTTER DONUTS

These cinnamon sugar coated Baked Apple Butter Donuts have the flavor warm spice and will give you all sorts of fall vibes. They are easy to make but big on flavor and comfort. If you want to try just one new donut recipe this year, this is THE one!!

    

We are heading into fall, and that makes me think of apples. I love baking with fresh apples, but I also love baking with apple butter. My simple and easy Apple Butter Cookies always have them asking for the recipe, and the Caramel Apple Butter Blondies are fudgy and amazing! These donuts are my latest addition to the fall baking repertoire. They too have been a hit.

NEW ENGLAND SHRIMP BOIL WITH MUSSELS

This easy New England Shrimp Boil with Mussels is a seafood lover and meat eater’s delight. With potatoes, onion, corn, Portuguese sausages, hot dogs, shrimp and mussels, it has it all. It is an easy one-pot meal that never disappoints!

       

Having lived in central and eastern Massachusetts most of my life, summertime is synonymous with seafood. The tasty bounties from the sea is in abundance and fresh during this time. Lobster, shrimp, scallops, crabs...they’re all so good!! I load up on them as much as possible.

I have a seafood loving family. One dish we never tired of is a good New England shrimp boil. It’s one of the most delicious one-pot meal and it always satisfies. 

CORN AND SHRIMP SALSA

Corn and Shrimp Salsa is a light and nutritious appetizer to enjoy all summer long. Avocado, tomatoes, and jicama make it fresh and delicious. It’s also and easy make-ahead dish for any occasion.

    

This salsa is loaded with shrimp and a whole lot of freshness. It was originally published on the blog years ago. I finally got around to replacing the original low resolution photos with new ones, and I’m excited to reintroduce it to you! Enjoy!

Below is the original post with added content and updated photos:

CHEESY TOMATO AND ONION TART

Juicy in season tomatoes, sweet chopped onion, and fresh basil make this cheesy tart perfect for summer. It’s great for brunch, as an appetizer, or serve with a side of greens for a fantastic lunch!

    

Garden fresh tomatoes is the epitome of summertime. They are succulent, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Apart from salads, I love having them with a light sprinkling of salt. So simple and satisfying!

ORZO RONI

If you like Rice-A-Roni, you are going to like this copycat orzo version. Orzo and broken spaghetti are toasted until nutty and simmered in a chicken flavored broth. It’s a perfect all-purpose side dish for any meal.

    

My husband loves Rice-A-Roni. If he had his way, it would be on the dinner table at least once a week. While this sounds fine, he always wants the same flavor—chicken. A little variety once in a while would be nice. Unfortunately for those of us who have to dine with him, he is man who knows what he likes and sticks to it! Often times, it’s easier to have what he has rather than add another item to the menu.

CRISPY CHICKEN TENDERS WITH SWEET PEPPER RELISH DIP

It’s hard not to love these crispy fried chicken tenders. They are breaded in flour and butter flavored cracker crumbs and served with a sweet pepper relish dip. Great for appetizer or a main dish!

    

Happy July!! I’m not sure if it’s the humidity or something else that is putting my blogging activity on neutral, but I can’t bring myself to cook and drag out all of my equipement for photoshoots. Instead, I find myself in front of the laptop doing maintenance work on the blog and photo editing. That resulted in the post I’m sharing with you today.