Recipes to Share - From the Heart

Over the years I have come up with a variety of recipes, and some of them I have written down.

One of my favorite ones is one I made as I became more health conscious. It is a healthier way to enjoy one of my favorite ice cream flavors, butter pecan. I call my version Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream. It only has five ingredients.

Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream

3-4 bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen. (Whenever you make plant based ice cream, at least one of your fruits need to be frozen.)
5 oz. of pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
1-1/2 cup of nut milk (I used almond milk in my recipe.)
1 tsp vanilla

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. This will have a soft serve type consistency. For a milkshake consistency, add more nut milk. For a more ice cream consistency, decrease the amount of milk.

For a pretty print out to share, you can order copies printed on postcards.

Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
by CherylsArt

One of my all time favorites is my Pesto. I especially love this when I have fresh basil to use from the garden. I have tried to go vegan, but I do have dairy based cheese from time to time.

Pesto

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Place all ingredients in blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Then stir into one pound of your favorite cooked pasta.

The recipe above is somewhat different than the one printed on the postcard. I have determined over time that I prefer less of the parsley. You too can adjust the amounts to your own taste.

Pesto Recipe Postcards
by CherylsArt

I am also a practitioner of affirmations, and try to add more smiles to my day. One simple way to add smiles is to consciously think about smiling. Here is my recipe for that. It's called Recipe for Joy.

Recipe for Joy

1. Raise your ears by lifting up the corners of your mouth. (Did you know that smiling raises your ears? - Did you try it? Place your fingers on the tops of your ears, and then smile. Did your ears raise?)
2. Foster the thought, appreciate.
3. Be willing to see with new eyes. (You do not have to have a preconceived idea of something to appreciate. Just do the smile part first, and see what comes when you think the words appreciate. Try it. Did you think of something to appreciate that you may not normally think of?)

Here is a fun postcard to share this recipe for Joy.

Recipe for Joy - colorful word postcards
by CherylsArt

Do you have a recipe to share that you haven't written down yet? Here is a special way that you can share it or them. House of Sylvestermouse on Zazzle has designed recipe cards for you to write down the recipe(s) that you would like to share.

Recipe Cards
by House of Sylvestermouse

And may you have a blessed and wonderful day.

Cheryl Paton

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Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread

 There is something comforting about the aroma of freshly-baked bread in the kitchen. Now imagine the same scent, but with melted cheddar cheese and fresh herbs.

We love freshly-baked bread in the fall, and I like to try different ingredients. I found a recipe for this cheddar cheese bread and decided to make some additions to it with the herbs. 

Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread Reviewed

This Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread is baked to a golden brown, flavorful loaf that's perfect for soups, sandwiches, or just enjoyed with a pat of butter. I love it best lightly toasted with butter.

Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups shredded cheddar 

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or fresh herbs 

1 cup milk

1 large egg

2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, sugar, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs. 
2. Stir in the shredded cheddar and set aside. 
3. In another bowl, mix together milk, egg, and butter.
4. Combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix. I used my KitchenAid Stand Mixer for this on low speed for about 2 minutes.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch x 5-inch greased bread pan.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
7. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

When I make fresh bread, I can't wait to get that first warm slice with butter. So, I only waited about 5 minutes before I sliced into it. 

This cheddar cheese and herb bread is one of those recipes that feels fancy, but this is so easy to make. This makes a perfect homemade gift for friends and family. I will certainly be making this one again.

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October is National Seafood Month

For Seafood Lovers everywhere, join me in a review of several seafood products and recipes by the contributing writers here on ReviewThisReviews.

Celebrating National Seafood Month

People everywhere love seafood. And what’s not to love with so many choices. The variety, from shrimp cocktails to fish, from smoked salmon to yummy, dripping in butter, lobster tails, makes choosing a favorite nearly impossible. And when you consider the wide variety of ‘ways’ to prepare various seafood delicacies, the list is just about endless. Plus, for quick meals, there are some delicious, pre-packaged, seafood dishes available at your favorite markets.

A few fish recipes and restaurants are included in this review, as fish (such as salmon, tuna and trout) are considered seafood, along with those in the shellfish category. 

So, read through the following list of seafood reviews from the helpful review site of ReviewThisReviews.com, and find a few you would like to try. After all, as a seafood lover, you want to help celebrate the delicious Seafood Month of October! 

Seafood Recipes

Buttery Pasta and Shrimp Recipe - review written by Wednesday Elf

Phillips Frozen Crab Cakes Recipe and Review written by Dawn Rae

Review of Our Favorite Seafood Dip - With Recipe written by Wednesday Elf

Recipe Review of Drunken Mussells written by Dawn Rae

Fish Recipes

Easy Meal Recipes for Fish Tacos written by Dawn Rae

Air Fryer Lightly Breaded Haddock, review written by Sam Monaco

Heat & Serve Prepacked Seafood Dishes

Gortons Grilled Tilapia Review written by Wednesday Elf

Review of Budweiser Beer-Battered Cod written by Wednesday Elf

Seafood Restaurants

Flying Fish Bar and Grill Restaurant Review written by Wednesday Elf

Restaurant Review of Go Fish Marina and Bar written by Wednesday Elf

Seafood-Related Holidays

January: 10th Oysters Rockefeller Day, 25th Fish Taco Day.

February: 13th Crab Rangoon Day, 24th Tartar Sauce Day, 24th Fish Fry Day.

March: 9th Crab Meat Day, 12th Baked Scallops Day, 31st Clams On The Half Shell Day.

April: 17th Crawfish Day, 29th Shrimp Scampi Day.

May: 2nd Tuna Day, 10th Shrimp Day.

June: 25th Catfish Day.

July: 3rd Fried Clam Day.

August: 5th Oyster Day, 27th Crab Soup Day.

September: 25th Lobster Day.

October: 2nd Fried Scallops Day, 8th Salmon Day, 19th Seafood Bisque Day.

November: 1st Fried Clams Day.

December: 21st Fried Shrimp Day.

Summary

So, throughout this National Seafood Month of October, indulge in some tasty fish and shellfish recipes and restaurants. Fish and shellfish are considered a healthier meal alternative, plus have the added advantage of being delicious.

Happy National Seafood Month

An October Holiday

*National Seafood Month is a fun food holiday review written by Wednesday Elf

Fish & Seafood Cookbooks:

From OCEAN TO TABLE: A Beginners Guide To cooking Fresh Seafood

The Ultimate Fish and Seafood Cookbook: 70 Delicious Recipes to Make at Home – The Complete Guide to Cooking Fish & Shellfish

Shellfish: Recipes with the Fresh Taste of the Sea (A Seafood Cookbook)

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Delectable Blueberry Muffin Recipe

In my opinion, there is not anything better than a homemade blueberry muffin with a cup of fresh black coffee for breakfast in the morning. 

This blueberry muffin recipe is very easy, plus the ingredients are common staples in a kitchen, except the blueberries.  Anything homemade takes time, but these muffins can be made in less than an hour.

Whether you are entertaining guests, or simply your own family, these muffins are always a welcome treat.  

While they are fabulous right out of the oven (once cooled for a few minutes, of course), they can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for a few days.  If you plan to serve them within a day or so, they can be left out at room temperature.  However, beyond that, they should be refrigerated.  

We have never had to refrigerate our muffins.  They tend to "disappear" the first day.

 

 

Blueberry Muffin Recipe
Sylvestermouse on ReviewThisReviews.com 

 

Prep Time	Cook Time	Ready In	Yields
20 min.	20-25 min.	45 min.	18 servings

Ingredients 

• 2 cups fresh blueberries  
• 1¼ cups of sugar (plus extra for sprinkling tops)
  
• 1/2 cup butter, softened  (extra for brushing tops)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/2 cup milk

 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375° 
2. Grease non-stick muffin tins with Crisco shortening
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together. 
4. Beat in one egg at a time (adding a total of 2 eggs)
   
5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt
6. Gradually mix flour mixture into butter mixture alternating with milk & beating well after each addition.  
7. Fold in Blueberries with a spatula (do not use the mixer & beaters here)
8. Spoon batter into greased muffin tins, approximately 2/3 full 
9. Sprinkle tops with sugar
10. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
11. As soon as the muffins are out of the oven, use a small silicone pastry brush to brush muffins with melted butter, then put them back in the oven for 2 minutes 
12. Let Cool for 5 minutes, remove from muffin tins & serve
    

 

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Delectable Blueberry Muffin Recipe Reviewed Written by:

© 2025 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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Air Fryer French Bread Pizza Review

 Sometimes you just need a late-night snack, or you're looking for a quick meal. Whatever the case, try some French bread pizza in your air fryer.

We always keep Red Baron French Bread Pizza in our freezer. From frozen to your plate in 10 minutes or less.

The instructions on the box will say to preheat your oven to 375 degrees and bake for 20 to 23 minutes. 

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees and set the timer for 6 minutes.

What I love most is the crunch. The air fryer gives the bread a golden, toasty base without turning it rock hard. Not only does this turn out to be a delicious snack or meal, but you're also using less energy by using your air fryer.

You can also make these from scratch using fresh French Bread, pizza sauce, and your choice of various toppings. 

We use a Ninja Air Fryer, and the 6-minute timer is perfect. You may need to experiment with different times for various air fryers.

Cleaning up is another benefit of using your air fryer. Just wipe out your air fryer basket, and you're ready to make some more.

Overall, Air Fryer French Bread Pizza is one of those effortless comfort foods that delivers big flavor with very little effort.

Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Reheats, & Dehydrates, 4-in-1, Fries, Frozen Food, Veggies, and Juicy Meat, Less Oil, Easy Meals, Healthy Meals, Compact, 4 QT, Grey, AF101Buy NowRed Baron Singles French Bread Pepperoni Pizza, 5 Ounce -- 24 per case.Buy Now

 

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Two-Bite Cupcakes - Book Review

 The cupcakes may be small, but in Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren, they pack a big punch of flavor and creativity. This cookbook is dedicated entirely to the art of making bite-sized cupcakes.

Every summer, our granddaughters spend a week at our house before school starts. We always enjoy planning fun activities during the week. This year, our youngest granddaughter, Guiliana, brought her Two-Bite Cupcakes book with her. The book is filled with over 50 recipes for delicious bite-sized cupcakes, ranging from classics to imaginative creations.

Guiliana found the recipe on page 24 that she wanted to bake, Strawberry Surprise Cupcakes. So, Fran and Guiliana got busy making these for all of us to enjoy.

Now, for the strawberry surprise. Add half of the batter to the cupcake tin, and then add a teaspoon of strawberry jam. Finish adding the batter and bake. Now you have strawberry-filled cupcakes.

Here are the finished cupcakes, ready to enjoy. I have to say they didn't last long, and were delicious.

The photos in the book are bright and inviting, and make you want to head straight to the kitchen. The directions are clear and suitable for beginners and more experienced bakers.

Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren is a delightful addition to any baker's kitchen. These treats are perfect for parties, entertaining, or simply enjoying a sweet treat.

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You will find Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren on Amazon.

Two-Bite Cupcakes (Imagine Book)

 

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Spiced Tea and Honey Nut Bread - The Perfect Snack

If you read the post I made on March 25, 2025, for Old Fashioned Rice Pudding, I explained about a very old recipe book that I had found in my mother's things after she passed.  To call it a book, is being kind, as it was just a collection of hand typed (on a manual typewriter!) recipes folded in the middle and stapled together.  No front or back cover, no information of where it came from.  The pages are so ancient they are dark tan in color.  

Anyway, the recipes in this old gem are from a time before I was cooking.  Some of them are recipes for foods I have never heard of like Strawberry Fool or Fruitinays.  I love reading through the pages and some times I find a recipe that I want to try.  This is how I came across the recipes for the perfect afternoon snack:  Spiced Tea and Honey Nut Bread.

This first time I made the bread, I found it delicious, but it seemed to be lacking something to go with it.  I tried coffee, but it didn't fit, I tried iced tea and it was completely not a match.  I was stumped.  So I went back to the recipe book and looked under "Drinks."  When I saw the spiced tea recipe, I knew I had hit the jackpot.  Cinnamon and fruit juices sounded like a great combination!  I got up and made some right then and there.  It was exquisite!  The flavors blended together perfectly and they were just right with the honey nut bread.  It really is the perfect snack!

Spiced Tea

Ingredients

Juice of one lemon

Juice of two oranges

2 Plain teabags (more if you like it stronger)

1 teaspoon all spice

1/4 teaspoon cloves (optional, if you like clove flavor)

1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 and 1/2 cups sugar

6 cups water

Instructions

1. Put spices in a small bag
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the bag of spices.
3. Boil for 10 minutes and remove the spice bag and turn off the stove.
4. Add teabags to the spiced water and steep for 10 minutes.  Remove teabags.
5. Boil the remaining 2 cups of water and add sugar. Stir until sugar melts.
6. Pour the sweetened water into the tea and stir until mixed.
7. Add the fruit juices and mix well.

If you want it drink your tea cold, chill the mixture in the refrigerator and serve over ice.  If you are like me and prefer it hot, place it back on the stove and boil.  I put mine in a carafe so it stays hot to enjoy with our next recipe:  Honey Nut Bread.

Honey Nut Bread

Ingredients

1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts (whichever type you like)

1 cup flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/2 cup of honey

1/2 cup of milk

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sift dry ingredients and stir in nuts.
3. In a bowl beat the egg and add honey, milk and melted butter and mix.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until the ingredients are  moistened and mixed.
5. Grease a bread pan and pour in the mixture.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Honey nut bread is also great with toppings like:

Apple Butter

Fruit Jam

Honey Butter 

Flavored Cream Cheese (like strawberry)

Lemon Sauce

I have even made French Toast with honey nut bread.  I trade in the syrup for some hot honey and it is really delicious.

I really love this old cookbook, it has so many unusual recipes in it and it also has a 'Hints and Tips' section that is pretty funny.  Maybe I will share some tips in my next post, I think you all would find it pretty entertaining!

Enjoy your snack!

  

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Honey Butter ~ A Recipe For Joy in a Jar

Just to let you know, there is snow on my roof (grey hair) and I thought I knew a lot about many different things.  But just recently I learned something totally new to me and wondered why, oh why, it took me so long to find out about this.

What is "this"?  Well let's just say that I consider it to be a little bit of Joy in a Jar.

This bit of heavenly joy comes from Honey Butter!  Yes, you heard me right!  Honey Butter!

Have you ever had this treat in your life?  If not, you are missing out on something that I feel is out of this world.  Just thinking about the first time I put some of this on hubby's fresh baked bread makes my face break out in a big and I mean really big smile.

It's not for everyone, especially those who are busy watching all the carbs and keeping track of everything they eat.  But even if you fall into that category, you could let yourself "slip" just once and try this out!

Honey Butter is so easy to make!  Once you have it made up, you can keep it in the refrigerator for a few weeks (but I'm guessing it won't last that long)!

Honey Butter Recipe

Start with unsalted butter softened to room temperature. 1 cup

Honey, clover, raw, wildflower - any one will work quite nicely 1/3cup

Confectioner's Sugar just makes it ultra-creamy and will keep the sweetness to an acceptable level. 3 Tablespoons

Flaky sea salt 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon

That is the whole ingredient list, pretty easy don't you think?

Start by creaming the butter and then add all the other ingredients creaming them into the butter mixture.  If you have softened the butter ahead of time, this whole operation will only take a few minutes.

But......and this is a BIG BUT, you don't have to stop there!  If you want to add a little more flavor you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon and you would have Cinnamon Honey Butter!  

Another option is to add a little spice to your honey butter by adding just a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.  Hot and Sweet!  What's not to like in that combination?

As I said earlier, this treat is something that is totally new to me and I've been around for quite a long time.   I don't know what took me so long to find out about this but I do call it my Joy in a Jar for good reason.

I hope that I have tickled your taste buds just a little so that you can join me in a great little indulgence that will put a smile on your face too!

This was my first jar of honey butter purchased at the St. Jacob's Market in Waterloo Ontario.  And now that I know how easy it is to make, you can be sure that I will make my own from now on!

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