Beloved Holiday Cookies Are Cherished Tradition

The holidays are a time for traditions and sweet memories – two features that make the season truly special. For my final Sizzle column of 2025, I want to thank downtown businesswomen, Lori Colenzo of Hip to the Groove Boutique and Tracey Tober of Bandits Main Street Eats, for generously sharing their beloved family cookie recipes Continue reading Beloved Holiday Cookies Are Cherished Tradition

Prepare ahead for a less stressful holiday season

The most wonderful time of the year can be a whirlwind! With a flurry of festive activities, shopping, and family gatherings, Christmas can quickly turn from joyful to overwhelming. However, a little advance planning can make all the difference in ensuring a calm and enjoyable season. Continue reading Prepare ahead for a less stressful holiday season

Celebrate Spooky Season with Graveyard Treats

Spooky season is officially here, and it’s time to serve up some ghoulishly delicious fun! If you’re looking for a frightfully festive treat to impress guests or delight your family, Graveyard Parfaits are it. These layered desserts are packed with creepy cuteness—think chocolate pudding “dirt,” whipped cream “fog,” and cookie “tombstones”—all coming together for a hauntingly sweet and tasty Halloween treat. What’s even better, the toppings can be fully customized to your liking. Graveyard Parfaits are as fun to make as they are to eat. Happy Halloween!
6 parfaits
Ghoulish Graveyard Parfaits
1 package instant chocolate pudding
1 package instant pumpkin spice pudding
4 cups milk for pudding
2 cups whipped topping
1 dozen chocolate sandwich cookies, chopped
1 cup peanut and chocolate flavored chips
6 butter cookies for tombstones, such as Chessmen
Gummy worms
In two separate bowls, prepare puddings according to package directions.
Using six, 8-ounce glasses or plastic cups, layer cookie crumbs, pumpkin pudding, whipped topping, and chocolate pudding. Top with more cookie crumbs, peanut butter and chocolate chips, tombstone cookies and gummy worms. Continue reading Celebrate Spooky Season with Graveyard Treats

Capture the essence of autumn with Pumpkin Spice

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, pumpkin spice takes center stage on October 1, National Pumpkin Spice Day. Synonymous with fall, the beloved flavor, finds its way into baked goods, lattes, and even candles, filling homes and cafes with its warm and comforting aroma. Continue reading Capture the essence of autumn with Pumpkin Spice

Fresh take: the flavors of Caprese Salad

The fresh flavors of Caprese salad are a celebration of simplicity and the finest of late summer ingredients. Named after the island of Capri, this Italian classic brings together ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious Continue reading Fresh take: the flavors of Caprese Salad