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Janet's Notebook

Cupcakes Add Sweetness to Memorable Easter Celebration

This Easter why not spring into family gatherings with a smorgasbord of deliciously decadent cupcakes? So much goes in to making a memorable Easter feast - the yummy ham, creamy deviled eggs, all the savory sides - but at the...

Janet's Notebook

Welcome Sweet Springtime with Festive Candy Recipes

The Easter Bunny had nothing on my Grandma when it came to homemade Easter candy. Somehow amidst all the other work that goes into presenting a big holiday feast, she'd always have time to create the cutest, tastiest, most memorable...

Janet's Notebook

A Blue Ribbon Breakfast of Champions

Breakfast has always been among my top three favorite meals of each day. It sets the tone for the day's activities and gives you the whiz-bang energy you need to stay your chipper, sweet self... no matter what the day...

Janet's Notebook

Three Cheers for Irish Recipes Rich in Tradition and Flavor

Aside from irrepressible wit and that adorable accent, my absolute favorite thing about the Irish is their food! Not only do traditional recipes contain potatoes galore (yum!) but Irish cuisine is also packed with fresh ingredients, rich flavor and tons...

Janet's Notebook

Jackie Mento Wins Big with Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Recipe!

"I just don't believe it," exclaimed Jackie Mento when she heard the news that she had just won the Grand Prize in the Just A Pinch Cookie Celebration contest. Her recipe for Hazies (a reference to the cookies' uber decadent...

Janet's Notebook

Use Your Noodle! Hearty Pasta Recipes for Busy Cooks

Egg noodles are one of my favorite staples to keep on hand. They store easily, are super versatile... and well, I'll admit it - I like their cute ribbon-y shape. I keep 'em in a vintage airtight container and they're...

Janet's Notebook

Slicing Up Cravable Bread Recipes

Some women love expensive clothes, others prefer to be lavished with jewels... personally, I like carbs. I'll agree to eat them in moderation, I'll even eat them sans butter (occasionally), but you can bet your bippy I WILL eat them....

Janet's Notebook

Contest Winner Sparks Up Fun and Friendship at Blue Ribbon Showcase Event

There are times in life when we get blown back on our heels at just how very blessed we are. One of those moments came recently while sitting over dinner with Flour Power contest winner Melissa Sperka. With a million...

Janet's Notebook

Love Abounds with These Edible Valentine Treats

Every meal is an opportunity to show our loved ones how much we care about them. And this time of year, Valentine's Day gives us an added nudge to show our affection through our home cooking. Not only do we...

Janet's Notebook

Score Big on Game Day with Fan-Favorite Recipes!

The annual tailgate-a-palooza is here! Every year I'm honored to host a football viewing party for hungry friends and family, and every year I try to score big with every dish on the menu! Whether your team made it through...

Janet's Notebook

Big Bill Wentz Wins Big in Just A Pinch Chili Cook-Off

The Just A Pinch Kitchen Crew and I have been heating things up in the kitchen lately preparing and tasting oodles of delicious entries in our second annual Sporty Snack Showdown! This time around Chili was the name of the...

Janet's Notebook

Comfort Foods Shown to Spread Smiles

If balance is the key to a healthful diet, should we really be eating salads ALL the time? A little comfort on a plate goes a long way to brightening your day... and in my view a balanced spirit is...

Janet's Notebook

Lighten Things Up in 2012 With Tasty Salad Ideas

“Food is an important part of a balanced diet,” once quipped author Fran Lebowitz. I love this quote. In fact, I have it printed out and stuck up on my fridge (with my favorite magnet.) Food plain makes me happy,...

Janet's Notebook

Cooking Up A Delicious and Healthy New Year

I recently read an editorial piece written by a gentleman who was adamant that moderation is the key to happiness. While at first it seemed like a whopper of a contradiction, I thought about it some more and really like...

Janet's Notebook

Go-To Party Starters For A Memorable New Year

Nothing gets a party started like platters piled high with plentiful treats. Well-chosen appetizers can really set the tone of a get-together. From casual dips to fancy pastries, Blue Ribbon recipes make every event the pinnacle of good taste!So many...

Janet's Notebook

Spread Holiday Cheer With Festive Christmas Eve Treats

This jolly ol' soul simply loves this time of year! Not only is it "food season," filled with loads of cooking and holiday treats, but it's also FAMILY season! Kin from all corners are making their way back home to...

Janet's Notebook

Bundt Cakes Add Flavor and Flair to Holidays

This time of year I tend to get pretty sentimental about favorite recipes. They're like familiar friends that we welcome back into the kitchen for the holidays each year. A favorite festive guest at my table has always been the...

Janet's Notebook

Decadent Gooey Butter Cake Takes Top Honors in Just A Pinch Baking Contest

Home cook Melissa Sperka had us at "gooey butter cake." The Greensboro, NC mom and part-time blogger is the most recent Just A Pinch contest winner! Her phenomenally decadent Caramel, Chocolate and Almond Gooey Butter Cake beat out nearly 900...

Janet's Notebook

Recipes Bring A Touch of Sweetness to the Community

A sign in Linda Harvey's kitchen reads, "TOGETHER: a great place to be." The kitchen is warm and alive with activity as a big meal is about to be served. And I do mean a BIG meal. This is the...

Janet's Notebook

The Great Stuffing Debate: Where Everyone Is A Winner!

Do you use cornbread or white bread? Is it called stuffing or dressing? Ah yes, it's that time of year again! This delicious debate is making waves in kitchens all across the country and we just love hearing what you...