Spice up Your Hospitality with Pumpkin Doughnuts

Posted in Current, Dessert, Extras, Gluten Free by hospitalityhostess

In the brief period between the end of summer and the commencement of the holiday season, I take an inventory of my spice and herb cabinet. I begin by comparing the contents of the cabinet against a list of spices and herbs I will need for holiday cooking. I consult my recipe box as well to compare what my planned holiday meals will be and what spices and herbs will be necessary to have on hand to prepare them. Finally, I consider what holiday treats I want to prepare and review what spices and herbs they will require. This year, my treat list includes cinnamon rolls, pumpkin doughnuts, spiced cider, stuffing, turkey, soup and a selection of favorite cookies. I can almost hear Bing Crosby on the turn table and see the Yule log burning on local access cable. Holiday perfection!

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15Sep2014

S’more Hospitality

Posted in Current, Dessert, Gluten Free by hospitalityhostess

As summer draws to a close and we slip into autumn my tastebuds and thoughts turn to savory and cozy food and experiences. Yet, with the heat lingering I am not quite ready to say farewell to the summertime. One of my favorite summer memories is from my childhood on the West Coast. Every summer my family would go camping and, of course, make s’mores. Yet in my years on the East Coast I have spent many a fall evening around our fire pit indulging in that same sweet treat. As I say goodbye to summer and welcome fall, I made a more elegant version of this campfire favorite. This s’mores recipe has a subtle balance of sweet chocolate, smooth creamy toasted marshmallows, crisp and spicy gram crackers (gluten free) with a slight salty hit. Continue reading →

19Aug2014

Hospitality on the Road: Lemon, Ricotta, and Almond Cake

Posted in Current, Dessert, Gluten Free by hospitalityhostess

We just returned from spending a lovely week with my aunt and uncle’s family in the Northwest United States. Unfortunately we had rain the entire time but still managed to have fun. We were able to enjoy a few hikes along the river, leisurely afternoons tucked into coffee shops and evenings at local restaurants. My family’s hospitality was truly a blessing and I wanted to thank them by preparing one of my favorite recipes. After all, hospitality is a habit! I decided to make lemon, ricotta and almond cake. I found this recipe a year ago on Cakelets and Dolies and I stick to the recipe. It truly is divine and my family enjoyed it! Continue reading →

2Aug2014

A Frantic Friday and Fish Tacos

Posted in Current, Dessert, Gluten Free, Main, Sides by hospitalityhostess

My premise for this blog was put to the test this week. I had an entirely different post planned (don’t worry, you will get to read about my fabulous and fast brunch ideas this coming week!). Work was all consuming this week and we had a small dinner party planned with two close friends at our home for Friday evening. Friday morning arrived and I had done none of the grocery shopping for dinner. I was contemplating canceling dinner as another full day loomed ahead of me. Luckily, I have an amazing husband who asked for the grocery list and saved me from the drama of a Friday evening in a packed grocery store. Continue reading →

9Jul2014

Cobbler & Conversation

Posted in Dessert, Party Planning by hospitalityhostess

hos·pi·tal·i·ty [hos-pi-tal-i-tee]

noun, plural hos·pi·tal·i·ties

1. The friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.

2. The quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.

Hospitality is not just a word, a sometimes overwhelming word, it is what we are all called to live out. We are called to create a sense of community, care for one another, love one another, support one another. That is true hospitality. How we show and receive this hospitality is the subject of my blog. Continue reading →