Jolene's Recipe Journal

I've been in a bit of a cooking slump this month.  The weather is all over the place, life had been chaotic, and it's been easy to just make the same old standbys week in and week out.  But after hearing, "Again? Didn't we just eat tacos the other day?" I realized it was time to find some new things to try.


My most trusted source for finding a new recipe that all of us will love is Taste of Home magazine.  I've subscribed since the 90s, and I've been a Volunteer Field Editor since 2016.  I sat down with a stack of issues and saw these Quinoa Arancini.

I couldn't find ready to serve quinoa, but it's easy enough to make it yourself.  I used panko instead of regular bread crumbs, it's what I always have on hand.  The recipe makes 6 large arancini, you could definitely use smaller cheese cubes and do 12 for "appetizer" sized portions. 


I froze some and they reheated beautifully, so next time I'll do a double batch and freeze more.  …

This post is sponsored in conjunction with Fall Flavors Week. I received complimentary product from a sponsor company to aid in the creation of a Fall Flavors recipe.  All opinions are mine alone.
The leaves are changing, temps are dropping, and I'm getting excited to spend more time in the kitchen.  One of my favorite things to make in fall are quick breads because not only are they delicious, but they freeze so well too. 
I adapted this recipe from a cut out I found in my Gram's recipe box.  I added the dried cranberries, and knew that I wanted to put some kind of a glaze on it. Door County Coffee & Tea Company sent us an amazing selection of their fall flavors to try, and I chose Autumn Spice, which is flavored with cinnamon and complements the bread perfectly.


Even though the recipe just calls for a bit, brew a whole pot, because once you smell it, you're going to want to drink a nice big cup alongside your slice of quick bread. 


I went with a looser glaze this t…

It's time for another edition of the monthly recipe round-up and it's my favorite month of the year - October! I'm so excited for fall, apple picking, leaves changing colors, Halloween, and all the yummy and fun food that occurs when this month rolls around. For October our group of bloggers is sharing Halloween and fall recipes including a lot of really fun ideas for serving up Halloween meals and treats.

~Breakfast~
Pumpkin Quinoa Granola from Books n' Cooks
Pumpkin Molasses Bread from Crafty Cooking Mama
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal from Savory Moments
~Drinks, Snacks, & Sides~
Cinnamon Cider Champagne Cocktail from The Saucy Southerner
Shrunken Head Punch from Kate's Recipe Box
Spider Web Taco Dip from Palatable Pastime
Rustic Tomato Lentil Soup from Girl Gone Mom
Spicy Cheddar Cheese Ball Pumpkin from The Saucy Southerner
~Main Meals~
15-Minute Ravioli w/ Pumpkin Cream Sauce from Faith, Hope, Love, and Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
Mummy Meatballs from Cheese …