Growing up, I wasn’t a big of a fan of raisins. It seemed like my mom tried to incorporate them in every snack she made us. Raisins and peanut butter, raisin and cereal, the list just goes on and on. My mother even tried to get to eat raisins by buying the golden variety. I just thought those looked plain weird. Anyway, as i got older, my tastes slightly changed and I finally gave raisin eating a fair shot when I was served a piece of cream cheese raisin cake. 

Guys, this cake is so good. You would not believe that it was packed full of raisins. You would think that there was some sort of magical fruit loaded inside because of how yummy it is. I mean, raisins just seem so simple. How could a cake be that good when it contains simple raisins? Well, ladies and gentlemen, you’re all about to find out!

Recipe courtesy of Home Cooking Adventure.

USE THE RED NEXT PAGE LINK BELOW FOR THE RECIPE AND INGREDIENTS.

Quick Tip: This cake pairs well with ice cream such as vanilla bean, fig, or rum raisin.

Hey, folks! I hope everyone is doing well. This weekend, we had a party at my house to sort of say goodbye to summer. As you know, our warm weather retreat is coming to an end. We had hot dogs and burgers on the grilled, lots of appetizers, and many yummy desserts. One of my favorite dishes was the shrimp, spinach, and tomato pasta. I could have seriously just chowed down on this instead of the burgers or dogs. It was amazingly good! My aunt was the one who made this amazing dish so naturally, i asked her for the recipe, and she lead me to the Homemade Hooplah website. Thanks, Auntie!

I fully plan to whip up a batch of this pasta salad for our truly last shindig of the summer season on Labor Day weekend. I think all of you might want to do the same, which si why I am sharing this lovely recipe with you. Enjoy!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Homemade Hooplah.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR COOKING INSTRUCTIONS.

Quick Tip: Make sure to never overcook your pasta noodles.

I think I was born in the wrong state. I hate the heat! The south is just so warm and during the summertime it’s simply unbearable! But you know what makes the summer worth it? Lemonade! A cool, icy drink is PERFECT when the weather gets warm. I like to make this lemonade frequently. Then I grab a glass and sit outside as my kids play in the water.

You know you’ve hit the jackpot when the water slides down the outside of the glass. Then you get sprayed a little by the water hose your kids are using. Suddenly the summer seems a little more tolerable and… dare I say it? Pleasant!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Simply Recipes.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR A LIST OF INGREDIENTS.

Quick Tip – Place some lemonade in an ice cube tray to serve with the drink later. This prevents the lemonade from getting watered down as the ice melts.

Typically, I’m not much of a porch chop eater. I’d rather have a nice, thick, juicy steak. Who’s with me on that one? However, my husband loves pork chops, so I have to make them occasionally. Sometimes, I’ll make myself something else to eat, but I grew tired of doing that.

So, I experimented with different marinades and came up with something so good, so bold, so lip-smacking-good-you’d-slap-your-grandma, that I was GLAD to eat the pork chop staring up at me from my dinner plate. This recipe combines all sorts of savory and sweet ingredients like brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Yum!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR A LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: Like Peter Brady said, “Porch chops and applesauce, please!”

When it comes to trying new things, I’m sort of a stickler. I mean, let’s face it, we cook what works for our families, right? But, do you ever get tired of the same old meals each month? I know that I needed a recipe to get me out of this food slump I found myself in. That’s when I discovered Oven Roasted Chicken Shawarma. At first, I was intimidated because this type of food is totally restaurant quality, and although I’m a pretty good cook, I ain’t no chef, sister.

Much to my surprise, this recipe was super simple to make, and it tastes absolutely divine. When I plated up the food, the aroma alone was jumping off our plates. Needless to say, this chicken dish is a major hit in my household. I’ll definitely be making it again! Are you ready to whip up a batch of your own? Follow me…

Recipe and photo courtesy of Jo Cooks.

PLEASE VISIT THE NEXT PAGE FOR A LIST OF INGREDIENTS.

Whether it’s for a Super Bowl party or a snack for your family to munch on, Crock Pot buffalo chicken dip is divine! This spicy treat pairs well with Doritos, Tostitos, or any sort of taco chip. We like to place the dip into Aztec flour tortillas and eat it on taco night. Just add some lettuce, Pace salsa, and a dollop of Daisy sour cream for a complete Mexicana meal!

This appetizer is totally simple to make. All you do is toss your ingredients into the Crock Pot and set it on low for a few hours. Give it a few stirs every now and then and that’s it! Soon, you’ll be diving into this savory dip with your favorite chips. If you should happen to have any leftovers, we’ve heard the dip tastes better the second time around. However, we’ve never experienced that because our buffalo chicken dip get’s wolfed down on the first go.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Gimme Some Oven.

PLEASE VISIT THE NEXT PAGE FOR A LIST OF INGREDIENTS.

When it comes to the ultimate in comfort foods, beef stew is definitely the ticket. Smelling the aroma of this fabulous stew as it simmers in a Crock Pot will give you feelings of nostalgia of when your mom or grandma used to cook this delectable dish. Filled with chunks of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a thick gravy, this stew will warm your belly and soul.

Carrots, potatoes, onions, and more all cooked to delicate perfection for hours when set on low in the Crock Pot. Set it and forget it, lady! Do your shopping, go to work, or visit a friend, and by the time you get home, this marvelous stew will be ready to serve. I like to pair beef stew with a flaky buttermilk Pillsbury Grands! biscuit. My kids enjoy dipping their biscuits directly in the stew but I prefer to pour it on top. Yummo!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Life In The Lofthouse.

PLEASE VISIT THE NEXT PAGE FOR A LIST OF INGREDIENTS.