Here is a quick and easy cake to bake which has a unique, yet mighty tasty flavor. The cake doesn’t need a separate icing — the nuts and chocolate chips which are sprinkled on top of the cake batter serve that purpose. The unique flavor comes from chopped dates which are added to the batter — please, don’t say “no” — this is a delicious cake. I don’t remember where the recipe came from; but I love the cake and have kept the recipe filed away all these years. When I need a “no-fuss” cake recipe, I call it up. This week, I have to bake a dessert in a hurry for a special event. So I’m making “Polka Dot Date Cake.”
Monthly Archives: March 2023
Pickled Carrot Slaw with Cilantro
Do you ever open your refrigerator door to find carrots staring back at you? And the next time you look in your refrigerator, the same carrots are still there. Fortunately, carrots have a long shelf life. But in my family, it also means that we are not eating this simple, very nutritious vegetable to its full potential. In my quest to “elevate” carrots, I decided pickle the carrots — along with cabbage and red onions– adding fresh cilantro from my garden. Wow, it was a hit and my husband couldn’t stop eating the pickled carrot slaw. Time to make another batch.

Toasted Oat & Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Salty Twist
Every now and them, I’m in the mood for something sweet. How about a chocolete chip cookie? This “sweet and salty” rendition on a classic cookie is just right. My cookie recipe is slightly soft and crunchy, with wonderful chocolate and oatmeal flavors. I added pretzel pieces for a salty kick. It is difficult to stop at eating only one cookie. But, I’m trying. I figure that the oatmeal gives a little more heart-healthy fiber than most other sweet desserts.

Easy Air Fryer: And We have a Baked Potato
I finally have a great use for my air fryer — baking a potato. I happen to love baked potatoes — they make an easy meal for just one person when everyone else is out of town. However, baking a potato proprely is not as easy as it seems. A great baked potato should have a salty, flavorful yet chewable outer skin and a moist, steamy inside. But, why heat up the oven and entire kitchen to bake just one or two potatoes? After many tries, I finally have a recipe for one “perfect” baked potato in my air fryer. And, I’m loading my baked potato up with vegetables and cheese — for a healthy meal!
