Recycle. Refurbish, Repurpose. Reuse.
Everyone loves a vacation house. Whether it’s a high end condo in a resort area or a weather-worn shack at the beach, vacation houses are an escape. They are the relaxed, comfortable, stress-free zones that we dream about the other 50 weeks a year when we’re not vacationing in them. Since leaving my job… Continue reading Coffee and Tea Please: Making a Staycation – Vacation Retreat at Home
On October 9, 2015, I worked the last day at my job. I had loved the job for 12 years but things were changing, the job was getting harder, and health issues were getting in the way. And so, I wrote a letter of resignation, worked a final four weeks, closed my office door, and went… Continue reading Fifteen Weeks of “Retirement”
I love Ambrosia salads but find many of them to be too wimpy. This one is rich and creamy and has enough body to hold up in the fridge for several days so there's no problem making it the day ahead of a big, busy holiday meal. For a summer treat try using Strawberry Jello… Continue reading A New Year Treat: The Best “Ambrosia Salad” Recipe Ever!
This is a simple and easy retro candy recipe that my mother first made back in the 70's. At the time, the recipe could be found in every "woman's" magazine. It soon became an annual favorite in our family. I'm not usually a fan of these sorts of "easy" recipes but the special flavor of… Continue reading Retro Recipe: Fudgie Scotch Ring
This flavorful, tart square needs to be handled carefully but once you get it cut and arranged on a tray it's fancy enough for your most elegant party. Crust: 1/2 cup butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup confectioners' sugarFilling: 2 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour… Continue reading Lemon Squares
Packed full of holiday spices, there's no mistaking the flavor of this spicy gingerbread treat. These cookies can be rolled and cut into gingerbread men or made into traditional soft and chewy rounds. 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 T. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 3/4… Continue reading Cookie Jar Gingersnaps
At the age of 19, I lived in an apartment building next door to an 80 year-old German woman. During my first holiday season there, she taught me how to bake her favorite Christmas cookie. The recipe for Pecan Delights looks simple. The cookie itself is a small and simple looking pale colored disc with a pecan centered on… Continue reading Mrs. Germack’s Pecan Delights
Home at the WhackyShack 