This is my favorite, easy-to-make sheet cake recipe. It takes just a few minutes to assemble. Everyone who has ever tried a piece, young or old, loves it and wants the recipe. It is moist and flavorful, easy to frost, easy to transport and even easier to serve. After you frost it, cut it into small squares, right in the pan. It feeds a crowd! You need a rimmed baking sheet (jelly roll pan), preferably on the larger size such as 10" x 15".  Julie’s Grandmother’s Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 2 cups all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ½ …

I found this recipe in one of my many Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) cookbooks, specifically the Family Style one. The combination of nutty brown rice, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil could be just ho-hum (it is not) or awesome (which it is).  This would make a super easy, attractive and tasty side dish to any main dish at any meal. It could be easily doubled for a crowd. The best part is that you can make it ahead of time (let it come to room temperature and don't add the fresh basil until you are ready to serve it). You don't have to worry about it being hot or cold — a breeze for the cook. …

Making your own granola, which can be used as hot oatmeal cereal, is easy, fun and manageable on your wallet. The best part is you control what goes into your cereal - not the manufacturer. Do you like raisins and almonds but dislike coconut? No problem.  Do you love coconut but hate nuts? Again, no problem. You add what you like to your recipe. You can also adjust the level of sweetness (none, a little, major) to your own preferences or those of your family's. Speaking of families, this is a fun kitchen project for kids. They can customize their own cereal and make it their own. Just store …

I love receiving great cooking tips from other cooks, friends and relatives. So many of the little shortcuts I use every day I've borrowed from someone else, or from reading one of my cooking magazines or cookbooks. If you have a great tip that makes your time in the kitchen faster and easier or makes your recipes come out perfect every time, we want to know about it! Please share them with our Patch readers by posting a comment at the end of this article Kitchen Tips & Shortcuts Buy a roll of parchment paper – it lasts a long time and really stops things from sticking or burning.  I use it …

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and although it's always nice to go out to a restaurant for a special dinner, it can be just as romantic to have dinner at home, just the two of you. Set the mood and make it special as this will be no ordinary Tuesday night!: Use your best china, cloth napkins and fanciest wine glasses Set an elegant table for two — how about in front of the fireplace? Have a pretty vase of flowers on the table and light some candles Dim the lights Play a romantic CD of love songs, soft jazz or your favorite songs for background music Here's a special four-course …

When the big game is on the horizon, chances are you'll need a reliable as well as delicious (emphasis on delicious) appetizer to serve at your own party, or to bring to someone else's party. This hot crab dip fits the criteria for many reasons: it is hot (think 24 degrees out), easy to make, yummy, and a little bit fancier than the average dip due to the crabmeat. What makes this extra special are the caramelized onions. I love caramelized onions. They are easy to make, inexpensive, versatile and delicious. They also add a serious pop of flavor to just about every savory dish. Making perfect…

Looking for an easy appetizer for Super Bowl Sunday that you can make ahead of time? This recipe for shrimp mousse fits the bill. It may sound fancy, but it is easy to make. Shrimp Mousse serves about 10 1 envelope Knox plain gelatin ¼ cup water 1 can cream of shrimp or cream of tomato soup, undiluted 1 -  4 oz. pkg. cream cheese ¼ cup finely chopped onion ¼ cup finely chopped celery 1 carrot, shredded ½ cup mayonnaise 1 can (3.5 oz.) tiny shrimp, drained Chopped fresh herbs such as chives and parsley, for color, or a few shakes of dried herbs. Mix gelatin and cold water in a cup and set …

Want to mix things up a bit for Super Bowl Sunday? Serve your family and guests a chicken and white bean chili.  The flavors are bright and fresh and offer a nice alternative or second choice to a beef and bean chili if you are hosting a big party! I can't promise that your favorite team will win, but I can promise that this chili is just as tasty as beef chili. Chicken and White Bean Chili serves 8 1 T olive oil 1 large onion or two medium, chopped 2-3 garlic cloves, minced 8 chicken breast halves (about 3 1/2 lbs.) skinned and boned, cut into small, bite-size pieces 3 cups water or chicken …

So it’s the Patriots vs. the Giants on Feb. 5. What better to serve than a piping hot pot of chili for two or a crowd? Even though the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t make the Super bowl, this would be a hit at half-time for any football fan. It is an out-of-the-ordinary chili, but one I believe is a real winner in the taste department. You add unsweetened chocolate and a drawer-full of spices to the chili which makes it sweet, hot, and savory. I know it sounds odd, but it is a great-tasting chili. The Cincinnati Five-Way Chili is served as follows: in a big rimmed bowl or plate place a serving of …

In my opinion, chili is ideal to serve during the Super Bowl: it's hot, nourishing, can be made a day or two before, and is easy to keep warm on the stove so the cook won't miss even a minute of the game or the commercials! I saw several great chili recipes in a recent issue of Family Circle magazine. I tweaked this one a bit, but did not change one very special ingredient: smoked paprika.  Thinking that a small spice jar of smoked paprika would be really expensive, I was surprised to see the Badia brand for $1.69 at ShopRite. You will be rewarded by the huge amount of flavor it adds to the …

The wonderful aroma of these muffins baking is guaranteed to get everyone in the family out of bed!This recipe comes from a 1993 Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Library cookbook called Muffins & Quick Breads.All of the recipes in the cookbook are great, but this one is especially good. If there are any leftovers, these muffins stay moist for a few days.The only thing to remember is to take out your butter the night before so it is at room temperature and soft.This recipe is also a great way to use bananas that are getting too soft.Banana-Bran Muffins1 cup flour1 cup wheat bran1 tsp. baking soda1/2 …