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My Favorite Things – SHOP!

My Favorite Things – SHOP!

I want to share some of my favorite things with you and invite you to shop the products that truly make a difference in my everyday life. These are the pieces I reach for constantly — the ones that make my kitchen run smoother, my 

Hearty Homemade Lasagna

Hearty Homemade Lasagna

This hearty lasagna is all about comfort in every bite. It is made with generous layers of rich tomato meat sauce, tender noodles, and a delicious blend of melty cheeses, all brought together into a cozy, crowd‑pleasing bake. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and the kind 

Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup

Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy, cheesy potato soup is the kind of comfort that wraps around you like a warm blanket. This recipe turns simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying, with tender potatoes, rich melted cheese, and a velvety broth that feels like home in every spoonful. It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings, slow weekends, or any moment when you crave cozy, soul‑warming flavors that bring people together.

Ingredients

  • russet potatoes – give the soup its hearty body. They break down just enough to thicken the broth while still leaving tender, satisfying chunks.
  • chicken broth – adds depth and savory backbone. It keeps the soup from tasting flat and balances the richness of the dairy.
  • milk – lightens the creaminess so the soup stays velvety without becoming too heavy.
  • heavy cream – brings luxurious richness and that silky mouthfeel people associate with true comfort food.
  • yellow onion – builds aromatic sweetness and rounds out the flavor base as it softens and melds into the broth.
  • flour – acts as the thickener, helping the soup achieve that perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
  • salt/pepper – sharpen every flavor already in the pot, turning good ingredients into a balanced, crave‑worthy bowl.
  • bacon – adds smoky, salty crunch and infuses the soup with savory richness—plus those crispy bits on top are irresistible.
  • green onions – bring a fresh, bright pop that cuts through the creaminess and adds color and lift.
  • sharp cheddar cheese – melts into the soup for bold, tangy richness. It’s the star that transforms it from potato soup into cheesy potato bliss.

Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup

Print Recipe
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 6 medium russet potatoes
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup yellow onion
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 green onions
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Prep: wash potatoes and dice into small bite-sized pieces, chop yellow onion, clean and slice green onions, cook bacon and chop into bits
  • In a soup pot or Dutch oven, add 1 tbsp of bacon dripping and 2 tbsps. butter. Over medium to high heat, melt the butter and add the chopped yellow onion. Sauté until translucent.
  • Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking to thicken and remove lumps. Next, add in the milk, continuing to whisk to blend.
  • Add in the potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Once the potatoes are fork-tender, use an immersion blender to break down some of them. Next, add in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and blends in evenly.
  • Serve with green onions, bacon bits, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top.

Kentucky Bourbon Balls

Kentucky Bourbon Balls

Kentucky Bourbon Balls are a cherished holiday confection that blends Southern tradition with festive nostalgia. First created in Kentucky in the 1930s, these bite-sized treats combine the finest ingredients for a decadent treat with a punch. They embody the warmth of Christmas gatherings—sweet, spirited, and 

Zimsterne (German Cinnamon Star Cookies)

Zimsterne (German Cinnamon Star Cookies)

Zimsterne, or “cinnamon stars,” are a beloved German holiday cookie that brings warmth and tradition to the festive season. Made with almond meal, cinnamon, and powdered sugar, these star-shaped treats are naturally gluten-free. Crisp on the outside yet chewy inside, they embody the cozy flavors 

Oyster Casserole

Oyster Casserole

A requested favorite every Thanksgiving and Christmas is the famous Oyster Casserole. It is so easy to make and never lasts long, built from just a handful of pantry staples: crushed saltine crackers, fresh oysters, melted butter, rich heavy cream, and a dash of black pepper to taste. Layered and baked until golden brown, this comforting dish delivers a creamy, savory bite with a crisp topping that makes it a holiday tradition year after year.

Oyster Casserole

Print Recipe
Course oyster casserole, oysters, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 2 pints oysters
  • 2 sleeves saltine crackers
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 stick butter
  • black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 8×8 casserole dish with cooking spray.
  • Crush 3/4 sleeve of crackers into the bottom of the casserole dish. Place 5-6 slices of butter on top of the crackers.
  • Open oyster pints and drain, reserving ½ cup of the oyster liquid. Add a layer of oysters over the cracker bed in the casserole dish and sprinkle with pepper. Repeat layers ending with crackers.
  • Pour oyster liquid over the top first and then add the heavy cream.
  • Cover and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the cover for the remaining 15 minutes. If needed, place under the broiler to brown the top.