Did I tell you I’M TAKING A TWO WEEK VACATION?!!!!! Ok, I am. Can you tell how excited I am about this situation? Just like last year, I am taking the last two weeks of the year off of work, to relax at home, call it a staycation if you will :). We travel a lot all year long, and I want a break, at home with the kitty girls, fireplace, books, peace and quiet. I am super looking forward to this time. This epic appetizer is so good! You…

Disclosure: This is a compensated post in collaboration with Portland’s Kelly’s Jelly. As usual all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support NJB! Check out her jams and jellies for flavorful additions to your kitchen. She is an awesome local small business owner here in our area! Spicy Marionberry Lime Pork Tenderloin is a subtly spicy, majorly flavorful pork recipe that I have made so many times…

Disclosure: This is a compensated post in collaboration with the Ashland Chamber of Commerce. As usual all opinions are my own. Thank you Ashland Chamber of Commerce for making NJB possible. Ashland Culinary Festival: Chef Interviews Part I The Ashland Culinary Festival is almost here, and I’ll be there as a judge for the competition! I am super excited to meet the chefs in person that will be competing for the Top Chef honor in the 8th…

This Berry Yogurt Cake is perfect for brunch or a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy it with fresh or frozen berries. No mixer needed! It’s obvious how the seasons bounty and weather can dictate how we eat, cook, and bake. I am totally one to go outside to grill if it’s way too hot to turn on the oven or stand over a stove. I also make meals early in the morning or stick to simple salads on those super hot days and wait…

Taste the end of summer sweetness with my favorite Upside Down Peach Cake! It’s made with a touch of cornmeal for a savory sweet note and use any of your favorite stones fruits to make it your own, the whole family will surely enjoy every bite. I am seriously going to miss my peaches this time around. I love me my peaches, especially from the Pacific Northwest, we get them a little longer around here. I have bought enough to make jam,…

There is something special about making your own bread. I cherish the moments in a way I could not explain all to well. Lightly flouring a counter makes me smile, it’s the quick movement that get me, making a mess with purpose. I love that feeling. Making bread is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen. Watching the dough rise in anticipation of something great. The smell of yeast working on the proteins, it smells so sweet, so…

In the interest of Valentines Day I will make pink stuff like Strawberry chocolate coconut almond scones. Ok so I am going to be totally honest with you here, I really don’t DO Valentines Day, never really have, never really will. It’s not that I hate it, I don’t hate, I am not a hater. But I don’t hate it, nor do I like it either. I’m not into it, I’m not sure of all of the reasons why I’m not into…