Santa’s Sugar Cookies

This soft sugar cookie has a thick, rich icing. This recipe calls for cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Cake flour makes the cookies soft and tender. Perfect for busy moms, these beautiful and simply decorated cookies use a cookie … Continue reading

Praline Chocolate Crunch

marydukecooks.com Praline Chocolate Crunch This is my family’s favorite candy. I keep the freezer stocked from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day! Praline Chocolate Crunch (Christmas Crack)40 saltine crackers1 cup unsalted butter1/4 teaspoon iodized salt1 cup packed light brown sugarOne (12 … Continue reading

Tangerine Poppy Seed Bread

This is a story from when my three year old grand nephew, Reed, visited at Christmas. He was just beginning to figure out who Santa and the elves are. This was our conversation. Reed says, “My Elf’s name is Kringle … Continue reading

Butternut Squash Rolls

Perfect for any family or holiday meal, these dinner rolls are soft and tender. Their golden color comes from butternut squash. Don’t worry, no peeling or cooking squash in this recipe. The shortcut is baby food! Make sure you purchase … Continue reading

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Creme Anglaise, Caramel Sauce, Cranberry Compote and Toasted Pecans

This is a very decadent dessert. Sometimes when entertaining for family or friends I like to make something that is over the top! I know this looks complicated but really isn’t. Each component can be made days in advance. For … Continue reading

Chicken and Dressing Casserole

1 and 1/2 pounds chicken breasts10 and 1/2 ounces cream of celery soup10 and 1/2 ounces cream of chicken soup8 ounces sour cream1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided1 cup diced onion1 cup diced celery1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped (optional)32 ounces … Continue reading

Firecrackers

These spicy crackers are a great appetizer for a party. They pair perfectly with adult beverages. Be careful, they are habit forming! Firecrackers 1 tablespoon Mexican hot chili powder2 tablespoons red chili flakes1/2 cup canola oil1 ounce envelope ranch salad … Continue reading

Salsa

Doc and I love Mexican food. Chips and salsa are our favorite.You won’t believe how easy salsa is to make! Salsa28 ounce can whole tomatoes with juice7 ounces pickled jalapeño nacho slices, drained and juice reserved1 tablespoon juice from pickled … Continue reading

Polynesian Crunch Coleslaw

Polynesian crunchy coleslaw gets its crunchiness from toasted ramen noodles and almonds. The pineapple and edamame add another layer of flavor. Honey in the vinaigrette balances the smokiness of the sesame oil, the sharpness of the rice vinegar, and the … Continue reading