AnniesRecipes.com Newsletter

Plan A Picnic!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:29:00 +0000

Hello June! I love the warmer weather we're enjoying here in the Northwest, USA. It's finally nice enough to send the kids outside without checking for coats, hats, mittens and other warming accessories. And...it's perfect picnic weather!

There is something wonderfully alluring, fresh and zesty about eating outdoors, whether in your own backyard or away from home at a park, forest or by the lake. If you access to any of these type of areas, I highly encourage you to try some of our picnic perfect recipes and get outdoors!

(There is also nothing wrong with picnicing on a blanket in your living room if you live in an area where it's rainy or just beginning the cold season - this can be a great activity for entertaining little ones too!)

Apple Crunch Muffins

Baked Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

Amish Oven Fried Chicken

Cucumber Salad

Peanut Butter Brownies

Visit Annie's Recipes for many more delicious recipes perfect for picnics. Connect with us on Facebook where I share other inspiring food blogger recipes and follow us on Pinterest to start your own pinboard full of recipes to try!

Delicious Memorial Day Dishes

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:49:00 +0000

Memorial Day weekend is a great time for potlucks, picnics and barbecues with friends and family. The weather is getting warmer and Summer is almost here! And the three-day weekend is perfect for hosting or attending an outdoor get-together with loved ones to honor those who have died in military service (the reason we celebrate Memorial Day).

If you find yourself at the receiving end of an invitation for lunch or dinner and need to bring a dish to share, try one of these lovely and delicious recipes!

Red Raspberry Cookie Bars

Visit Annie's Recipes for many more delicious recipes to go with your yummy celebrations. Connect with us on Facebook where I share other inspiring food blogger recipes and follow us on Pinterest to start your own pinboard full of recipes to try!

Homemade Coffee Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:55:00 +0000

Mother's Day is just days away and your mom deserves something extra special to show her how much you appreciate her. If mom is a coffee lover you might consider a gift card to her favorite coffee shop, or taking her out for coffee and breakfast on Mother's Day.

Or...check out our newest article over at Annie's and use our free recipes to make some awesome at-home coffee recipes for mom!

At-Home Coffee Recipes

I couldn't give you just the coffee recipes without including some tasty recipes to go with your coffee...

Visit Annie's Recipes for many more delicious dessert recipes to go with your yummy homemade coffee. Connect with us on Facebook where I share other inspiring food blogger recipes and follow us on Pinterest to start your own pinboard full of recipes to try!

Fresh Fun Desserts

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:54:00 +0000

In our neck of the woods, Spring arriving means potlucks, picnics, fiestas and more! I always struggle with what to bring to family dinners, team potlucks or friendly picnics. Do I bring a traditional side dish and if I do will eight other people be bringing the same potato salad recipe?

So, I usually opt to bring a dessert. I find desserts easier to make, less time consuming and less stressful. There's a better chance of more diversity at the dessert table - in my humble opinion. I put together a few dessert ideas that are delicious and simple!

Angel Food Cake

Bisquick Apple Pie

Blueberry Breakfast Cake

Butterscotch Pound Cake

Janet's Choc. Chip Cake

Keep these yummy, easy desserts in mind as you prepare for potluck and picnic season. Visit Annie's Recipes for so many more delicious dessert recipes. Connect with us on Facebook where I share other inspiring food blogger recipes and follow us on Pinterest to start your own pinboard full of recipes to try!

Fresh Meals For Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:31:00 +0000

I look outside my window and see: leaves peeking out from branches, tiny buds waving at me and flashes of color as birds flit from branch to branch. And that all makes me think of Spring! With Spring in full swing, I crave crunchy veggies, succulent tuna salad and tart lemonade.

I gathered together some recipes that really epitomize Spring eating for me, whether for lunch or dinner, and I hope you find them as tasty as I do!

Pecan Dijon Chicken Salad

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Mostaccioli with Chicken

Cucumber Salad

Mandarin Lettuce Salad

As you enjoy Spring in your neck of the woods, try some of our other delicious recipes at Annie's Recipes. Connect with us on Facebook where I share recipes from the site and from other inspiration food bloggers. Find us on Pinterest for more foodie inspiration!

Easy Italian Dinners

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:46:00 +0000

Dinnertime. It usually comes with that favorite question heard from many a hungry eight-year-olds. "What's for dinner?!" And sometimes my only response is "I have no idea." But the Italians were on to something. Some pasta, with tomato sauce and a bit of filling such as cheese and sausage or beef and you have a delightful easy meal.

Thus, I've taken to stocking my pantry with different types of pasta, canned tomatoes and sauces and a selection of beef or sausage in the freezer. In a pinch I can bring it all together and turn out some pretty tasty dinners any Italian momma would be proud of. Here are a few easy Italian-inspired meals to add to your recipe box.

Spaghetti Pie

Spicy Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

Stuffed Manicotti

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Rigatoni w/ Fresh Tomatoes & Pancetta

Whether you are feeding a hungry mob, or entertaining your Italian lovers, these recipe won't disappoint. Visit Annie's Recipes for many more easy Italian-inspired meals and ethnic recipes. Connect with us on Facebook for foodie inspiration and more free recipes!

More Easter Desserts

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:58:00 +0000

...To tempt and tantalize your taste buds! Easter is a time for celebrating Spring and new life. And since it's a celebration there is no reason to miss out on serving and enjoying some fabulous desserts. So maybe you aren't planning a huge Easter Dinner or holiday celebration. That's no reason to avoid baking dessert!

I've gathered a few of my favorite dessert recipes from Annie's dessert section to inspire you into creating something tasty to share and enjoy over the Easter holiday.

Cherry Delight Cake

German Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Impossible Apple Pie

Peach Dump Cake

Peanut Butter Brownies

Whether you need something sweet and pleasing to pair with Easter Dinner, or to take to a potluck celebration (or even to simply enjoy at home), Annie's Recipes has all kinds of desserts for you to try. Connect with us on Facebook for more recipe inspiration and creative holiday foods!

Easter Dessert Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:40:00 +0000

With Easter just a week or two away, most of us will be making plans to share a family dinner or attend some type of Easter celebration. Easter dinner is pretty standard (at least in US homes): ham, potatoes, greens, Aunt Tammy's funky green marshmallow salad...

But Easter dessert always stumps me. So I collected a few simple cookie and dessert-ish recipes that could double as sweet Easter treats in a pinch - Enjoy!

Potato Chip & Chocolate Chip Cookies

Krispie Marshmallow Treats

Amish Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Caramel Rice Krispie Bars

Rolled Oat Clusters

Visit Annie's Recipes for even more free dessert and cookie recipe ideas or connect with us on Facebook where we share lots of foodie inspiration and ideas from other food bloggers too!

Recipes for St. Patrick's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:15:00 +0000

Will you be celebrating St. Patrick's Day this year? Serving themed dinner is a nice way to acknowledge the holiday with friends and family.

Whether you have an Irish heritage or simply enjoy the hearty dishes of traditional Scottish cooking, you can prepare a luncheon or supper that any leprechaun lover will be proud of!

I've found a few savory meals over at Annie's Recipes for you to consider serving up at your lucky St. Patrick's Day dinner.

Need a few more ideas for St. Patrick's Day or Easter Sunday Dinner? Visit Annie's Recipes for pages and pages of tasty main courses, delightful side dishes and sweet desserts, all free recipes for you. Connect with us on Facebook for more recipe inspiration and to share your favorite meals.

Delightful Side Dishes!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:53:00 +0000

Whether you are looking for a delicious dish to go with dinner tonight or need something to take to that office potluck next week, side dishes can be a doozy! Most of us don't want to dwell on the side dish dilemma for too long.

So here are a few go-to sides to keep in your recipe arsenal who's ingredients won't break the bank and are pretty easy to whip up in a pinch.

Potato Salad

Chili Cheese Rice

Rigatoni with Tomatoes

Sausage Tater Tot Casserole

Creamy Seasoned Noodles

If you are looking for some easy and tasty side dishes and don't find one here to try, visit Annie's Recipes for many more free recipes for sides. Or visit us on Facebook to connect with like-minded food lovers and get more foodie inspiration!

Something Different For Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:44:00 +0000

Tired of the same old stuff for dinner? Out of inventive ideas for supper time? Maybe you have a special meal coming up that you want to go the extra mile on and prepare something new and different. Whatever your reasons for wanting a bit more excitement in the kitchen, let me help!

I dug through our recipes and came up with a few fun recipes to try out. They aren't exotic or made from grasshoppers or anything. But they are a step up from cold cereal or dry meatloaf for dinner! (Okay, so spaghetti & meatballs isn't new, but it is tasty!)

Pepper Crusted Roast

Smokin' Tuna Chili

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Stuffed Manicotti

Shredded Barbecue Beef

If you are feeling adventurous this week, try one of our tasty recipes on the blog! Or visit Annie's Recipes site for many more free delicious meals. Connect with us on Facebook if you would like more kitchen and recipe inspiration shared via your Newsfeed. (Pun intended!)

Completely Random Dinner Ideas!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:02:00 +0000

I have to admit to having a very scattered week and it took a lot of creative energy to come up with some tasty and interesting dinners for the family. Last night, my brain was drained and I fed my crew bacon, eggs and homemade biscuits. Nice huh?

So, in hopes of saving you a similar tragedy, I have collected a few very random, but yummy dinner ideas for next week. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it'll get you started and hopefully the kitchen muse will do the rest!

Amish Steak

Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms

BBQ Chicken

Lasagna Roll Ups

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes

If you still need more inspiration after all that, head over to Annie's Recipes where hundreds of delicious recipes are just waiting to meet you! Connect with us on Facebook where I post ideas from other food bloggers and inspirational stuff!

DIY Valentine's Day Treats!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:56:00 +0000

Whether out of necessity or preference, do-it-yourself Valentine's Day gifts can be lots of fun to make and to enjoy! Many folks take their sweethearts out on the town in honor of V Day. But just as many more are looking for fun and maybe frugal ways to celebrate by staying in.

I've put together a few recipes for you to create as DIY Valentine's Day gifts for your loved ones. They are desserts so even if you decide to dine out, you can always come home after and enjoy a delicious dessert together - or with a crowd!

Chocolate Ice Cream

Janet's Chocolate Chip Cake

German Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate Turtles Candy

Do you want to create the entire Valentine's Day dinner at home? Visit Annie's Recipes for tons of menu options and recipe ideas. Or connect with us Facebook and get even more recipe inspiration!

Superbowl Touchdown Food...

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Get your game on this Sunday, not just by watching Superbowl XLVII, but by trying a new fun family-friendly recipe to serve up for a winning touchdown of great taste! Say that five times fast...no, don't really.

But do try one of the following recipes to add delicious-ness to your game day spread. Whether you are staying at home, hosting a football feast, or attend a Superbowl potluck - one of these tasty dishes is sure to be a winner.

Homemade Lasagna

Cheddar Baked Potato Slices

Macaroni & Cheese

Easy Sloppy Joes

Chicken Nuggets

o matter how you watch the game come Sunday (or not) you will love trying a new recipe to share with the football fans and food fans at your place! Visit Annie's Recipes for lots more game-day worthy recipe ideas or connect with us over at Facebook to share more recipe faves and Super finds!

Delish Desserts For You

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:04:00 +0000

...and me. My birthday lands on Superbowl Sunday this year, which is mostly fun but also a bit annoying because the spouse likes to combine the two. That aside, I like to prepare something new for our Superbowl Sunday spread.

We usually have a few friends over to watch the game, or head to a potluck party at someone's house - so I want to have a few new dessert recipes to share. (Dessert is my specialty.) I found the following desserts to share with you here.

Coffee Mousse

Cookie Sheet Brownies

Lemonade Pie

Oatmeal Cookies

Tomato Soup Cake

I found a ton of other delicious dessert recipes over at Annie's Recipes if one of these doesn't entice you. Or connect with us on Facebook to share your trusted Superbowl snack food or dessert. Have fun and enjoy!

Mexican Food Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:15:00 +0000

What kind of weekend are you planning? Is it going to be the same old food faire from your kitchen, or would you rather spice things up a bit? I propose a Mexican foodie weekend!

Prepare and feast only on Mexican dishes for the entire weekend and delight your friends or family with your cultural appreciation and kitchen prowess! And then...go Salsa dancing.

Okay, maybe pick a few of the tasty recipes below to try for just one day this weekend and see how it goes over. You might be surprised how alluring all those fresh scents wafting from your kitchen are...

Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

So I snuck in a cookie recipe...so what? With Super Bowl just a few weeks away, another fun idea would be to host a Mexican themed Super Bowl party and serve all kinds of Mexican dishes. Visit Annie's Recipes for more recipe ideas or connect with us on Facebook and share your favorite Mexican food or recipe!

Delicious Dinner Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:06:00 +0000

Now that the holidays are behind us and a new year lays ahead, you may be looking for new ways to improve your life and yourself as well as setting new year's resolutions and goals. Many people's resolutions include weight loss, healthy eating or improving cooking skills.

I am on board with the last one completely. It's not that my cooking skills are too terrible. I just don't have much variety to speak of when it comes to family meal times. I find myself fixing the same old recipes. So, in the spirit of new year's, resolutions and self improvement, I've collected some fun family friendly recipes to get us all started in adding to our recipe repetoire!

Frugal Hamburger Soup

Chicken Broccoli Noodles

Crockpot Pepper Steak

Beef Ziti Casserole

Ground Beef Macaroni Tomato Casserole

Regardless of how you plan to improve your self or your kitchen, go ahead and try one of our easy dinner ideas. Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite dish or visit Annie's Recipes for many more recipes to try.

Happy New Year 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000

How's your new year going so far? We're only three days in to it, but I have a great feeling about this year. Do you have any new year's resolutions made? One of mine is to get more adventurous in the kitchen and try new things.

So in the spirit of adventure and resolutions, I found some interesting looking recipes with enticing names for you and I to try out. If you decide to give one of these recipes a go, consider taking a few pictures and sharing them with me. I'll feature them on Facebook, here on the blog or even on site on the recipe page.

Hobo Dinner

Green Rice

Mandarin Lettuce Salad

Mexican Chicken Noodle Soup

Mimi's Sticky Chicken

So be brave, get your kitchen adventure for 2013 started and enjoy the food! Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite new recipe for 2013 or visit Annie's Recipes for more adventurous and inspiring recipe ideas!

What's For Dinner After The Holidays?

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:47:00 +0000

Happy Holidays! Or post holiday, or whatever you prefer. Anyway, I hope this post finds you healthy and not too full of Christmas leftovers. Don't get me wrong - I love leftovers. But sometimes...they can become a tiny bit boring.

So I gathered a few of my favorite go-to recipes that are easy to pull together but add a bit of fresh taste to your normal dinner menu. I dug up several beef recipes and threw in a pork chop recipe just for fun! I hope you try one out on your family this week.

Crock Pot Onion Swiss Steak

Regardless of what's for dinner, enjoy the rest of your holidays and for some of you, winter break!

Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite post holidays easy meal or visit Annie's Recipes for more great dinner recipes and ideas!

All Souped Up for Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:26:00 +0000

Outside my front door the wind is blowing and howling and gusting and wreaking havoc with my trash bins! One trip to the mail box and I am chilled to the bone. So it has me pondering life's great question: What's for dinner? Soup!

With all hurry and scurry and flurries leading up to Christmas, who has time to make a huge detailed dinner every evening the next few nights. You'll busy wrapping, laughing and merry-making. So keep dinner simple. Make soup. I've gathered a few of my favorites to make it just that much easier on you! Enjoy.

Crock Pot Potato Soup

Whether it's snowing or blowing in your neck of the woods you and your family will appreciate a warm, filling soup or stew this evening! Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite hearty soup or stew recipe or visit Annie's Recipes for more soup ideas!

Divine Desserts for the Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:38:00 +0000

Can you believe Christmas is less than two weeks away? It's literally just around the corner. I don't know about you but I have plenty of shopping, wrapping and baking left to do. Thankfully, my approach to the holidays is a laid back one - whatever I get done, I get done.

And speaking of done - I've rounded up some delicious desserts for you to bake this holiday season to share with loved ones or enjoy at home. These lovely concoctions are sure to make your Christmas taste divine!

Angel Food Cake

Blueberry Pie

Boston Creme Pie

Blueberry Square Cake

Brownie Pudding Cake

However you prepare for the festivities of the season, enjoy a little time in the kitchen creating something sweet and inspired! Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite holiday dessert recipes of visit Annie's Recipes for more divine dessert ideas!

Happy Holidays!

More Homemade Gift Ideas for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:47:00 +0000

I love giving gifts at Christmas. And I don't want to sacrifice the meaning behind the gift. My mom taught me a secret to gift giving at Christmas. She bakes a lot of her gifts. Mom (to this day) makes Gingie cookies using my great-grandmother's old German recipe.

(Sorry, it really is a protected family secret.) She packages them up for special people like my grandfather and uncles' families. And it's a once a year thing. Making the Gingies is truly a labor of love. It takes all day to make one or two batches and (having helped many times) it's strenuous for a cookie recipe.

My grandfather looks forward to his bag of Gingie cookies more than almost any other gift. He freezes them and only takes out one or two per week, making them last well into March! He treasures those cookies because they remind him of his mother, now passed on.

I challenge you to find your own signature holiday recipe that you can create and pass on for years to come, and that your family will come to treasure. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Fudge Sandwich Cookies

Peach Cobbler Crumb Cake

Apple Butter

Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies Mix

Rock Candy

Make your gift giving a little easier by baking the gifts this year. Visit Annie's Recipes for more dessert and holiday baking recipes or connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite Christmas goodie recipe!

Baked Gift Ideas for Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:07:00 +0000

And now the question of the season: (drum roll please) Do you bake any of your gifts for Christmas? We do! I should clarify. I bake. Hubby stuffs tins, gift bags and his mouth with goodies, post baking. We usually give baked goodies to the neighbors, teachers and friends. Because all of our close neighbors have little kids I try to keep things simple but yummy (stuff kids will eat that parents can enjoy too).

In trying to find new recipes to add to my growing repertoire of easy treats, I found some sweet looking goodies to share with you! These all look delicious and are just the tip of the baking iceberg as far as what you'll find in our Dessert section.

Chocolate Bar Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

German Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Raisin Jumbles

Chocolate Turtle Candy

As you are preparing for the holidays, don't forget to visit our Bread and Muffins section too. I love it when the neighbors bring me banana bread or blueberry muffins at Christmas - makes for some find Christmas morning eating!

Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite holiday baking recipes or visit Annie's Recipes for more delicious ideas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Hey pilgrims! Are you ready for Thanksgiving? If you're not well...join the rest of us scrambling with last minute grocery lists, menu fails or travel preparations. (Remind me, who's idea was it to go to Montana for Thanksgiving?)

If you are, well good for you. And here are some tasty treats you can bake with all your free time and our free recipes. You will then become the Jedi master of Thanksgiving dinner. Well done you!

7-Up Apple Dumplings

Banana Buttermilk Cake

Chocolate Caramel Drop Cookies

Pa Dutch Batter Fried Apples

Soft Amish Chocolate Chip Cookies

Whether you are stuck in a checkout line at the nearest Wal-mart, getting ready to depart for Thanksgiving in Timbuktu or working your way up to Jedi Master of turkeys, enjoy your holiday!

Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite Thanksgiving treat or visit Annie's Recipes for a dizzy list of dessert recipes!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fresh Ideas for Thanksgiving Desserts

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:00:00 +0000

What's on the menu for your Thanksgiving Dinner? Let's assume you've got your turkey bought, stuffing recipe selected and green bean casserole coming with Aunt Margaret. What's for dessert?

Are you sticking with the traditional fair like pumpkin pie or a nice fruit pie? Or...are you willing to be a little adventurous this year? I've collected some dessert alternatives to add a little flair to your fair and keep your family and dinner guests smiling.

Apple Crunch Muffins

Carrot Cake with Lemon Cheese

Cherry Pecan Bread

Holiday Fruit Cocktail Cake

Peach Dump Cake

Whether you try one of these tasty treats on Thanksgiving or save them for another day, I think you'll enjoy the results! Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite Thanksgiving recipe or visit Annie's Recipes for more dessert ideas!