Prosciutto, eggs, and melted cheese stuffed into a crusty panini roll – breakfast doesn’t get any better than these upscale breakfast sandwiches.  Just pop in the oven or toaster oven when you wake up and by the time you finish showering and dressing, they’re ready.

If you are lucky enough to have a Trader Joe’s store nearby, they sell fabulous par baked panini rols that work perfectly in this recipe.  If not, most grocery stores also sell some parbaked bread options, choose one of those.  Trader Joe’s is also a … Read more

Everyone always oohs and ahhs over Chocolate Covered Strawberries, but they aren’t difficult to make. The trick is to keep all water way from the melting chocolate, as even a single drop will make it :seize” and turn into a grainy mess.  Likewise, wash then dry your strawberries well with paper towels before dipping.

6 ounces dark or milk chocolate
2  ounces white chocolate (optional)
about 12 large strawberries

How To Melt Chocolate
Take care when melting chocolate or you can easily end up with a grainy mess. The lighter … Read more

Almost like a strawberry stuffed with cheesecake, this fruity finger food recipe is always a crowd pleaser,  whether you serve it for brunch, lunch, or an evening party.  This recipe also makes great anytime snacks.  Make this up to 2 hours ahead of when needed, keep covered and chilled in the fridge until serving time.

Makes 12 Large Stuffed Strawberries

12 large, fresh strawberries, washed and dried
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
1 tablespoon sour cream or yogurt (plain or strawberry flavored)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract… Read more

Sweet bananas and chocolate go together perfectly for a casual anytime cake that needs no frosting.  These also make great homemade gifts and even pack well for shipping.

Makes: 7 Mini Loaves  (2 3/4 X 3 3/4)

1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/8 cup honey
1 large egg… Read more

These low fat muffins are 100% whole grain, sugar free (except for an optional sprinkling on top), and loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and other healthful ingredients.  Best of all, they taste great!

I like to keep big batches of these muffins in the freezer.  They come to room temperature quickly (or you can thaw in the microwave if you’re really in a hurry) for a healthy breakfast or snack anytime.

Look for whole wheat pastry flour or “white” whole wheat flour in well stocked supermarkets or health food stores.  While … Read more

Sweet raspberries are countered by tart lemons in both the pastry and the glaze for a sweet yet tart treat to serve with afternoon tea, or anytime.

The combination of lemons and berries is one of my summertime favorites.  This recipe works equally well with blackberries or even blueberries instead of the raspberries.  I find that blanching and freezing the berries first (or using commercially frozen berries), helps the dough from turning the color of the berries.

Yield: 10 Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 … Read more