Special Occasion

[Editor's Note: I've been saving this post since last Mother's Day, when I spotted it and thought it was a wonderful story about mother-daughter relationships, blogging, AND food. Not only is this cheesecake recipe fantastic, but you're going to love the story of how Apron Strings got its start. It's a terrific way to start off this day that honors the mothers we know and love. --Genie]  Read more

I've never had a baby, but I can imagine that if I did, I would definitely want someone to bake me a cake, probably before, after, and during delivery! Just in time for Mother's Day, author Ami McKay offers this recipe, which has its origins way back in history, for a cake made to serve right around the time a woman gives birth. It's a fascinating story, and a recipe too good to save just for birthdays!  Read more

[Editor's Note: Though I've had carpaccio, which is raw meat or fish, pounded quite thin, out at restaurants before, but have never made it at home. This rendition from Framed Cooks may inspire me to break that streak, perhaps using grassfed beef from my local butcher. It sounds like a decadent way to celebrate a cut of really, really great beef. --Genie]  Read more

Have you tried making a crown roast before? It's something I haven't attempted, but, if you're a carnivore, it's a spectacular centerpiece to a holiday meal of any kind. Liz of Emma Eats wows her family with a crown roast of pork, which she describes as a very simple, but dramatic, entree. It would make a great star of the show for a Mother's Day dinner this year, especially served with an assortment of fresh seasonal vegetables from your local farmers market.  Read more

[Editor's Note: Sweet, salty, soft and crispy, all with a little bit of a bite? The flavor combination in this appetizer recipe sounds like it hits all the notes that would make my mouth happy. It's an easy dish to throw together, but is certain to wow guests at an upcoming gathering. --Genie]  Read more

Today is National Pigs In A Blanket Day, and to celebrate, I wanted to share this appetizer recipe from Tracey's Culinary Adventures. It's a cheesy version of this traditional appetizer, but uses a homemade dough instead of something store-bought and prepared. Even better, it can be prepped in advance and saved for when you're ready to make it. It's prom season right now in many parts of the U.S., and it occurred to me that these might be a great snack to have ready for the revelers when they get home from the big event!  Read more