Brussels Sprout Potato Gratin

This weekend, the weather changed. Saturday was as lovely as could be and Sunday…it snowed. It’s been snowing for weeks in the mountains, but we had snow in the valley. I even turned the heat on for the first time since the spring. It’s for real. Winter is on its way. As much as I hate cold weather, I admit that it wouldn’t feel like November without a little snow and chilly wind creeping in […]

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Pumpkin Butter Pecan Ice Cream

You might be looking at this bowl of Pumpkin Butter Pecan Ice Cream and thinking I’ve just loaded it up with all of those scoops for the picture. And, honestly, you are right. However, I’m kind of willing to bet that between the two of us, my husband and I ate that much straight out of the container the other night. It’s amazing how quickly those spoons keep going back for more! But seriously? This […]

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Lavender Panna Cotta with Honey Poached Pears

Lavender Panna Cotta with Honey Poached Pears is an autumn twist on a classic Italian dessert. About a month ago, I had a fabulous dinner with some fellow bloggers at Oasis Cafe in Salt Lake City. It was a wonderful dinner and great introduction to a restaurant I hope to patronize over and over. As good as the dinner was (poached halibut with grilled veggies – amazing), my dessert was the most memorable part of […]

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Layered Ice Cream Pie with Sugar Cone Crust

  We were invited to celebrate summer with Tillamook Ice Cream.  As you know, our family loves ice cream in any way, shape or form.  When it comes to store-bought ice cream, Tillamook is my family’s go-to favorite.  They sent us some coupons and we were able to pick out a flavor for each of us.  My kids were thrilled, of course when they found out.  With the 4th of July this week, we came […]

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Easter Coconut Cake

Every year when Easter comes around, I am reminded of my grandmother and her colorful Easter Coconut Cake. There were two layers of light and fluffy white cake filled with fruit or cream and it was frosted with a basic white frosting. The topping was the most magical part – otherwise it would have been just your basic white cake. She would dye shredded coconut by placing it in a bag and adding a few […]

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Rachel Allen’s Irish Soda Bread Recipe

My mother texted me this morning asking for Rachel Allen’s Soda Bread recipe. And I couldn’t believe that I had omitted that from the Ballycotton Fish Chowder post. Doh! So here is the recipe for my mom and for all of you who I inadvertently left hanging on the promise of a fantastic Irish soda bread recipe. It’s so easy and I have it on good authority from my family that it’s mighty tasty too. […]

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Rachel Allen’s Ballycotton Fish Chowder

For a very long time, I have been wanting a good Irish cookbook.  Not just to use for St. Patrick’s Day, though it is that time of year again.  I haven’t made a lot of Irish food because I haven’t known that much about it.  My internet searches usually turn up recipes for Corned Beef and Cabbage, which is really more of an American thing than and Irish one.  I want good Irish fare like […]

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Cacao Nib Pavlova with Balsamic Strawberries and Cream

I started out the day by giving each of my kids a list titled, “10 Things I Love About You.” Sadly they were much more interested in their peanut butter-filled chocolate hearts and getting to school to see their friends and exchange valentines. I can’t blame them, that was my favorite part of Valentine’s Day too.  But oh, how I enjoyed writing their lists last night before I went to bed.   We aren’t that […]

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Lavender Chocolate Pots de Creme for Valentine’s Day

One thing I forgot to mention about Alt is the lavender hot chocolate available between sessions.  As a great lover of all things lavender, I can’t believe I had never tried lavender-infused hot chocolate.  Lavender and chocolate are simply made for each other, and chocolate pots de creme is another perfect way to pair them. I texted my husband as I was sipping and sipping and savoring every last drop of the lavender hot chocolate.  […]

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Holiday Entertaining: 3 Easy Cheese Christmas Appetizers

Easy Cheese Christmas Appetizers | CafeJohnsonia.com

I’ve partnered with Harmons Grocery to bring you three easy Christmas appetizers to serve at your next holiday party. When I was first married, I did a bit of catering.  All of the wedding open houses I catered took place during the holidays.  I absolutely loved creating menus to reflect the flavors of the holidays.  The buffet table of my favorite open house consisted of tasty appetizers, a couple of really good green salads, and […]

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