Every year in Bryant Park in New York City they set up Christmas shops. Brian brought home  a special maple syrup from one of the food stalls. I knew I had to incorporate it into something.

The winter doldrums are upon us. I miss the farmers markets and warm sunny afternoons. However, it is going to be a long road until spring. So I need to find some sunshine anyway I can.

Turn your typical cornbread into a whimsical party snack! Cornbread cake pops are savory and sweet, and make a really festive party appetizer.

Brown sugar herb pork loin is sweet, and smokey. Pork loin is an easy dinner option for a weeknight or for guests. This pork loin isn’t quite BBQ and isn’t quite your average herb pork loin.

Creamy pumpkin and spinach pasta is an easy one pot pasta. This pasta gets an extra boost of flavor from a bit of sherry and garlic. The perfect cozy dinner for any weeknight

Simple and elegant crusted flounder filets take minutes to prepare. Zesting lemon and garlic into the breadcrumbs makes this dish simply delicious!

A warm one pot dish layered with flavor is the perfect way to beat the winter blues. 

This easy to make marinara sauce is the ultimate week night pasta sauce. Keep some in the refrigerator all week long!

Creamy Parmesan laced sauced with chicken sausage, and spinach makes for a hearty meal. Quick and easy enough for a weeknight crowd.

Hearty Lamb Chili is a perfect upgrade your regular chili recipe. The lamb meat gives this chili such a unique flavor, along with chickpeas and potatoes.

Broccoli and cavatelli in a garlicky broth is an easy and quick dinner.

Apples are steamed in white and butter,making them super tender. They are stuffed with oats, raisins and warm fall spices.

Creamy mascarpone that is filled with warm flavors, along with caramelized figs makes for the perfect fall dessert. Quick, easy, and perfect for entertaining.

Cranberry apple bacon bars are salty, tangy, and sweet. If you do not love bacon it is easily omitted. Perfect for Thanksgiving weekend!

Chicken and apple meatballs are full of good for you ingredients. They are juicy and full of flavor. Simmering them in bbq sauce is the perfect finish.

Turkey meatballs made into fun shapes sitting on a bed of pasta with pesto sauce is a great dish for kids and adults. This is a great mommy and me recipe, and a way to get in the kitchen with kids.

Change up your traditional potato salad for a sweet, and smokey sweet potato salad. It can be served warm or cold, it is the ultimate bbq side. Crispy bacon bits and scallions are tossed with roasted sweet potatoes tossed in a smoked paprika and maple mayo.

Halibut seared among charred lemons and topped with a fresh sweet corn salsa is the perfect summer fish dish. Comes together in under 30 minutes and looked like it should be served in a restaurant.

The Root Beer Float is a classic treat that gets a little twist from boozy cherries. Making this treat taste like it is laced with chocolate covered cherries.

Sweet potato cake donuts, topped with mascarpone laced with basil, then topped with fresh brown sugar peaches. These donuts are the perfect summer baking project.