Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes Recipe by Aimee Plesa

Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes Recipe

I made these cupcakes last year for Thanksgiving and they were such a hit that I have been requested to make them several times since. Be sure that you chop the crystallized ginger quite fine or it will feel like your cupcakes have chunks of gumdrops in them. I use a basic buttercream frosting and a dusting of cinnamon for topping these delicious cupcakes.

You can view this recipe here: Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes Recipe by Aimee Plesa

Fresh Cherry Cobbler Recipe by Erika Kerekes

Fresh Cherry Cobbler Recipe

This fresh cherry cobbler is a classic summertime dessert. Underneath, it's got juicy sweet cherries mixed with sugar and lemon to draw out the natural juices of the fruit. The topping is a sweet biscuit dough, rich with melted butter and sprinkled with sugar crystals. Pitting the fresh cherries takes time, but it's worth it.

You can view this recipe here: Fresh Cherry Cobbler Recipe by Erika Kerekes

Black Forest Squash Mash Recipe by Heather King

Black Forest Squash Mash Recipe

Last week I picked up a share of farm-fresh produce from La Nay Ferme in Provo. In the weekly allotment were two black forest squash along with fresh oregano and parsley. These winter squash are excellent for baking and using in all types of hearty recipes. You can check out the squash and chicken stew infused with Indian spices I made last week. Here, I took a twist on garlic mashed potatoes, substituting the potatoes for black forest squash. The result is a creamy, warm and eye-pleasing savory side dish that would work beautifully for a Thanksgiving or other holiday meal.

You can view this recipe here: Black Forest Squash Mash Recipe by Heather King

Fresh Pesto Scones Recipe by Nicole Riner

Fresh Pesto Scones Recipe

If you don't grow your own basil (doing it in pots is about the only way to keep it alive in Laramie), you can find great bundles of this fresh herb in the produce sections of Albertsons, Safeway, and Big Hollow. And when you get sick of stirring oily pesto into your pasta, you can try this light, easy scone recipe. It works well with soups, salads, and any other meal that could use a little extra carb on the side.

You can view this recipe here: Fresh Pesto Scones Recipe by Nicole Riner

Mini Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe by Michelle Hein

Mini Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe

These pumpkin doughnut muffins give you the best of both worlds – the taste of a donut but with the ease of a muffin. And without all the extra fat from frying! Pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg add lots of fall flavor. Fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of sugar and spices, these muffins are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast, with apple cider for a snack or even vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Using just one mixing bowl and very few steps makes these muffins a breeze to prepare. While this recipe could easily be adapted to make standard sized muffins, the muffins shown here were created to be miniature. Not only does this cut down on baking time, but it also makes them great for sharing. Friends, family and coworkers will all love how easy it is to simply grab a couple of these donut-hole size treats.

Use this recipe as a chance to spend quality time in the kitchen with the children in your life. Let them help with the measuring and mixing, and they might also enjoy applying the butter and cinnamon sugar. Because this entire recipe can be prepared in under 45 minutes from start to finish, you won't lost their interest as easily as with some baked goods. The small size makes these muffins easier to handle, and the cinnamon sugar topping is simpler to apply than most frostings. My five-year-old niece assisted me in making this batch.

You can view this recipe here: Mini Pumpkin Donut Muffins Recipe by Michelle Hein

American Goulash Recipe by Sherry Smith-Noble

American Goulash Recipe

There is traditional goulash, and there is American goulash – both are delicious. This recipe is American through and through; it a recipe most people had growing up and continues to be a favorite meal. Elbow macaroni and ground beef in a tasty sauce – yum!

If you order goulash in another country, you may be surprised to receive a plate of stewed meat! Although very delicious, it’s just not what most Americans think of as goulash. It seems that each country’s cuisine has their own goulash: the Austrian recipe includes dumplings, the German recipe includes potatoes, and in the Netherlands they sometimes include fish.

Betty Crocker defined the style of 60s and 70s cuisine which included adding cans of this or that to ground beef and macaroni (before we called it “pasta”) and voila – you had dinner! In fact, the original recipe called for cans of tomato soup (Campbell’s was the basis for many meals at that time). Well, times are different, but the fondness for the recipe still exists. Here is a slightly altered version of Mom’s goulash.

You can view this recipe here: American Goulash Recipe by Sherry Smith-Noble

Zucchini Relish Recipe by Nannette Richford

Zucchini Relish Recipe

If you find yourself overrun with zucchini, this relish recipe may save the day. Similar to sweet pickle relish, this relish is great on hotdogs or burgers or in any dish where you normally use cucumber relish. Harvest zucchini when they are 6 to 8 inches long for the best flavor and grate them coarsely for this this delicious relish.

You can view this recipe here: Zucchini Relish Recipe by Nannette Richford

Butterfinger Blondies Recipe by Candi Fox

Butterfinger Blondies Recipe

While you are sprucing up those side dishes with some unexpected twists consider adding something new to the dessert list. Blondies are a good twist to the regular holiday fare, but consider making Butterfinger blondies and really wow the guests.

As much as this examiner loves brownies there is something spectacular about a Blondie. Butterscotch or peanut butter blondies are a favorite however the added deliciousness of Butterfinger candy bar pieces kicks this recipe up several notches.

You can view this recipe here: Butterfinger Blondies Recipe by Candi Fox

Swiss Steak with Peppers and Onions Recipe by Hailey Allen

Swiss Steak with Peppers and Onions

If you are looking for a hearty and filling meal that is also easy on the wallet, look no further. This inexpensive swiss steak recipe will fill up your family and leave leftovers for lunch the next day that you will actually want to take to work.

You can view this recipe here: Swiss Steak with Peppers and Onions Recipe by Hailey Alen

Baked Buttermilk Pecan Chicken Recipe by Hailey Allen

Baked Buttermilk Pecan Chicken

Step away from the ordinary fried chicken and try this healthier and more flavorful alternative. The unique addition of pecans adds an extra depth of flavor as well as antioxidants and fiber. Even the kids will love it.
 
You can view this recipe here: Baked Buttermilk Pecan Chicken Recipe by Hailey Allen