Today is one of those special days that only comes around once a year - National Cheesecake Day!  Another one of those crazy food holidays that gets a lot of media attention - and for good reason!

​Cheesecake is usually my go-to when I need to make a fancy schmancy dessert.  You can make it a million different ways - traditional New York style baked up creamy and perfect, or any of the creamy and silky non-bake versions that are perfect on a hot summer day.  Classic New York style, chocolate, peanut butter and caramel, fresh fruits and flowers, we've made them all!  

My family loves cheesecake, but it's funny how every one of them has their own favorite.  I've even been asked to bake cheesecake instead of birthday cakes, which just seems wrong don't you think?  Perfect for a crowd too, and a cheesecake buffet is always a LOT of fun that doesn't take a lot of work!

Through the years I've discovered a lot of neat little tricks for making cheesecake that will have you making the easiest and prettiest cheesecakes ever.  A guaranteed no-crack method for baking is another little secret.  Low and slow, and give yourself a couple of days to make these in advance of your event.  You'll have the perfect texture, and no last-minute rushing around because these are just the easiest things ever to make ahead of time and serve when you are ready to serve.  Which one is your favorite?  It's so hard to decide!
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As we were sipping on these while we watched the final race for the Triple Crown, I realized that mint juleps are NOT just for the Kentucky Derby, and this sweet little variation is so good that we've been sipping on them during springtime and now on hot summer days.  And both the fragrance and taste from the combination of hibiscus, mint and blueberries is INTOXICATING!

​Signature drinks are all the rage right now, and this little beauty is one I've been whipping up for years, and its always a favorite!  Not only pretty to serve, but so fresh and refreshing.  

Life is sometimes so exciting!  One of my sweet daughters is getting married this November, and I've been asked to bring breakfast for the wedding party on her wedding day.  She tells me that my Banana Bread, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and muffins are the best way to start her day, and I couldn't be happier!  Now the hard part will be trying to decide what to make for her special day...

​Muffin Mondays take on a whole new meaning now!  Sweet, buttery, extra soft, and just loaded with fresh juicy raspberries.  Made with old-fashioned oats and sweetened with just a touch of brown sugar, and so easy to make.  My family LOVES these warm, right out of the oven with a smear of butter!

Hot time in the city!  These are the days we dream of in the middle of winter - hot, muggy and so sunny!  Glorious hot and sunny!  Filled with family and friends and lots of spur-of-the-moment picnics and get-togethers.  

​It's the perfect day to whip up an easy summer rhubarb dessert that everyone loves!  I usually whip this up in the morning and serve later in the day - so easy and so delicious!  The rhubarb bakes into a sweetly tart topping for your favorite moist white or yellow cake.  And did I say it was so super-simple easy that a five-year-old could help?

With five lovely daughters, there are days when we just need chocolate in our house.  Deep, dark, fudgy, chocolate.  And for those times that you can't decide between dark, fudgy brownies and moist chocolate-chip banana bread, we've got the perfect combination!
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​My family LOVES banana bread - plain, simple, every day!  But they LOVE rich and moist banana bread filled with mini-chocolate chips!  This variation of our favorite is tried and true, deep and dark, tender, flavorful, and super-moist!

Now that summer is in full swing, everyone seems to be a little bit pickier about eating at my house.  There seems to be a lot more grazing and nibbling during the day, and everyone is eating just a little bit lighter and leaner.  

​Fresh and tender chicken salad is always a favorite during the hot summer months, and whether you put this deliciously tender chicken salad in a sandwich, scoop it onto crisp green garden greens, or serve in pretty little finger sandwiches for garden teas, baby or bridal showers, it is always a favorite!