This month for the Improv Cooking Challenge I made a Chicken Sausage and Mushroom Flatbread Appetizer. Our necessary ingredients were sausage and mushrooms. I added scallions and red, yellow and orange sweet peppers as a topping and a homemade sausage gravy as the base. It has the appearance of a fancy pants appetizer with a … Read more

Here is one last Valentine’s Day post, although this certainly does not have to be eaten only on Valentines Day! These are wonderfully delicious any and every day of the year. Red Velvet Pancakes (adapted from about.com) Pancakes 1 1/2 cups Flour 2 tablespoons Sugar 2 teaspoons Baking Powder 1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder 1 teaspoon … Read more

If you are not a fan of stir fry meals, I know this dish will change your mind! This Southwest Noodle Stir Fry is packed full of so many flavors, you will want to make it again and again. From the roasted corn, to the chayote squash, to the soft and luxurious noodles, this dish … Read more

The heat of the summer is starting to wear on me a little. How about you? I am definitely looking forward to fall! But it is still summer, and I needed a little after dinner dessert for a party I hosted last week. The entire meal was grilled, and I didn’t want to heat up … Read more

 Today I have the pleasure of joining in a Cookie Swap Party! Being a devout cookie lover, I decided to try something a little different this time, and I made a Cardamom-Orange Sugar Cookie.  The flavor of cardamom is one of my favorites (although I seldom use it), and when I saw this recipe from … Read more

We are continuing “Mini Week” here at The Freshman Cook and today we are making Orange Creamsicle Mousse! There are two really good things about this recipe. First, any type of mousse really lends itself well to being a mini dessert. The consistency of the mousse is perfect for spooning into layers, so it looks … Read more

This weeks side dish is mini re-bakes. There is something great about making re-bakes. They can be made fancy or simple. It all depends on what you put in them. When you think about it, almost anything will work. You can stuff your potatoes with bacon, mushrooms, onions, or even cilantro, sun dried tomatoes, asparagus, … Read more

If you have ever had the pleasure of enjoying a persimmon, you know how wonderful and tasty they are. If you haven’t had the chance to try one, wait no more. They are a sweet treat, that is full of flavor! I was excited to see the persimmons included in the box from Melissa’s Produce, … Read more

It’s time for Celebrate It! Hi! So glad you are here today!  I know with Easter getting closer you have been busy crafting, cooking and planning all kinds of fun activities for the day.  Will you be traveling? Will you already be on Spring Break?  I hope you will share with us! It’s such fun … Read more