From The Shell Collector Novels upcoming book three:: HOME NO MATTER WHERE Read all three of the Shell Collector Novels Find all the links on the publisher site: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/21I/a-shell-collector-novel/

If you enjoy the comforting warmth of cornbread with a sweet twist, this Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread recipe is a must-try. Combining the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with the rich flavor of honey butter, this recipe offers a moist, tender cornbread that pairs perfectly with any meal or stands alone as a delightful snack. Whether you bake it in a classic 8x8-inch dish, mini-loaves, or muffins, this recipe is versatile and easy to make. Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread slices ready to serve Ingredients You Will Need This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need: For the Cornbread: 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes 1 cup yellow cornmeal 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup honey 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1/2 cup melted butter 1 cup buttermilk For the Honey Butter: 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup softened butter The combination of sweet potatoes and honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the buttermilk and baking powder ensure a light, fluffy texture. Step-by-Step Directions Follow these clear steps to create your own batch of Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. For a fun twist, try making 4 mini-loaves or muffin-sized portions for easy grab-and-go servings. Mix the dry ingredients : In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to distribute everything evenly. Prepare the wet ingredients : In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, honey, and buttermilk until smooth. Combine wet and dry mixtures : Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender. Bake : Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Cool slightly : Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Make the honey butter : Beat the softened butter and honey together in a small bowl until creamy and smooth. Serve warm : Slice the cornbread and top each piece with a generous dollop of honey butter. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Print the recipe card Tips for Perfect Cornbread Every Time Use fresh sweet potatoes : Baking and mashing your own sweet potatoes adds a richer flavor than canned versions. Don’t overmix the batter : Stir just until the ingredients come together to avoid a dense texture. Try mini-loaves or muffins : These smaller portions bake faster and are perfect for breakfast or snacks. Adjust sweetness : If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, add a little more honey to the batter or honey butter. Serve with meals : This cornbread pairs wonderfully with chili, soups, or roasted meats. My favorite is with an easy pan-fried ham slice. Just add veggies and dinner is served. Why Sweet Potato Cornbread Stands Out Sweet potatoes add more than just sweetness. They contribute moisture and a subtle earthiness that makes this cornbread uniquely delicious. The honey butter topping enhances the flavor with creamy sweetness that melts into every bite. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic dish with a fresh twist that feels both comforting and special. Variations to Try Add spices : Cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add warmth and depth. Mix in extras : Chopped pecans, shredded cheese, jalapenos or corn kernels add texture and flavor. Use alternative sweeteners : Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey for a different taste. Serving Suggestions Serve this cornbread warm with honey butter for breakfast alongside eggs and bacon, or as a side dish with your favorite hearty dinner. It also makes a great snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

From The Shell Collector Novels upcoming book three:: HOME NO MATTER WHERE Read all three of the Shell Collector Novels Find all the links on the publisher site: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/21I/a-shell-collector-novel/

From The Shell Collector Novels upcoming book three:: HOME NO MATTER WHERE Read all three of the Shell Collector Novels Find all the links on the publisher site: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/21I/a-shell-collector-novel/

From The Shell Collector Novels upcoming book three:: HOME NO MATTER WHERE Read all three of the Shell Collector Novels Find all the links on the publisher site: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/21I/a-shell-collector-novel/

From The Shell Collector Novels upcoming book three:: HOME NO MATTER WHERE Read all three of the Shell Collector Novels Find all the links on the publisher site: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/21I/a-shell-collector-novel/

Who doesn't love a sweet treat? When you're short on time but craving something delicious, there are plenty of quick dessert recipes to choose from. In this blog post, we'll highlight some scrumptious desserts you can make with minimal effort. Whether you're preparing for a weekend gathering or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these desserts will hit the spot. Delicious Desserts for Any Occasion When it comes to desserts, simplicity is key. Thankfully, there are countless recipes that require only a few ingredients and can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. Let’s dive into some of these easy-to-make desserts that are perfect for any occasion. No-Bake Cheesecake Cups One of the most popular quick desserts is the no-bake cheesecake cup. This dessert is incredibly easy to prepare and requires no baking at all. Here’s a simple ingredient list for six servings: 1 cup of cream cheese 1 cup of whipped cream ½ cup of powdered sugar 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract Graham cracker crumbs Fresh berries for topping Instructions: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix. Fold in the whipped cream until everything is combined. In small cups or jars, place a layer of graham cracker crumbs, followed by a layer of the cheesecake mixture. Repeat the layers as desired. Top with fresh berries and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This dessert is not only quick to make but also customizable. You can add different toppings like chocolate chips, caramel sauce, or even fruit puree to suit your taste. Chocolate Mug Cake Another delightful dessert that can be made in just under five minutes is the chocolate mug cake. This recipe is perfect for those late-night chocolate cravings. To make this dessert, gather the following ingredients: 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 3 tablespoons milk 2 tablespoons vegetable oil A dash of vanilla extract Chocolate chips (optional) Instructions: In a microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract and stir until there are no lumps. If desired, fold in some chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat. Microwave on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until the cake has risen. Let it cool for a minute before enjoying straight from the mug. This chocolate mug cake is rich and fluffy, perfect for those who want instant gratification without spending too much time in the kitchen. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait If you're looking for a healthier option, a fruit and yogurt parfait is a quick, nutritious dessert that fits the bill. Plus, it's visually appealing and can be tailored to your favorite fruits. Here’s what you’ll need: 2 cups of yogurt (Greek or regular) 1-2 cups of mixed fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, bananas, etc.) Granola for crunch Honey or maple syrup (optional) Instructions: In a glass or bowl, start by layering yogurt at the bottom. Follow with a layer of mixed fruits. Add a layer of granola for texture. Repeat the layering process until you reach the top. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired for extra sweetness. This parfait is not only easy to put together but also provides a vibrant and healthy end to any meal. Easy Pie Recipe: Apple Pie in a Mug Nothing beats the comfort of a warm slice of apple pie, especially when it can be made in minutes. The easiest way to enjoy this classic dessert is with an easy pie recipe that you can make in a mug. You can find this delightful recipe here . All you need are: 1 cup of sliced apples 2 tablespoons of brown sugar 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 1 tablespoon of butter 1 tablespoon of flour (for thickening) 1 pie crust cut into circles Instructions: In a microwave-safe mug, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, until the apples are soft. Stir in the flour. Top with pie crust circles and microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Allow to cool slightly and enjoy your delicious mini apple pie. This dessert is super quick and offers a nostalgic taste of home-baked goodness. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries As a final treat, chocolate-dipped strawberries are a simple yet elegant dessert that can be prepared in a flash. They’re perfect for impressing guests or just indulging in some sweet romance. Here’s how to make them: Ingredients: Fresh strawberries 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips Optional: sprinkles or crushed nuts for garnish Instructions: Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. If desired, roll the chocolate-dipped strawberries in sprinkles or nuts for an extra touch. Place them on parchment paper and let them sit until the chocolate hardens. These treats can be made in under 10 minutes and provide a burst of flavor that everyone will love. Final Thoughts Whipping up a delicious dessert doesn’t have to take hours in the kitchen. With these quick and simple recipes, you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. They are perfect for everyday indulgence, family gatherings, or special occasions. So the next time you find yourself in need of a sweet treat, remember these easy options, and don’t hesitate to get baking or mixing!

From The Shell Collector Novels upcoming book three:: HOME NO MATTER WHERE Read all three of the Shell Collector Novels Find all the links on the publisher site: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/21I/a-shell-collector-novel/

Valentine’s Day is a time to share love, warmth, and sweet treats with those who matter most. If you’ve enjoyed the charming short story A Whelk’s Island Valentine , you’re in for a special treat. This blog post brings you delightful cookie recipes and decorating ideas inspired by the story’s seaside setting. Plus, you’ll find a free coloring page and a fun Valentine card printable to make your celebration even more memorable. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a cozy gathering, these recipes and creative extras will help you bring the spirit of Whelk’s Island right to your kitchen. But first....I thought you'd find it fun to see the Valentine's Day card that Tug found and gave to Rosemary. I had so much researching old vintage Valentine's Day cards, which is also why two ended up in the book!! The pretty one she'd seen and ogled at the antique store and the fun one he found. It just seemed so much like Tug to me! What do you think? Now...on to the good stuff! A Taste of Whelk’s Island Valentine Before diving into the recipes, A Whelk’s Island Valentine short story was meant to capture the magic of a small island community coming together to celebrate love and friendship. I hope the seaside charm of the cookie class and sweet date night, have you in the mood to suprise someone special, or maybe someone alone with a sweet treat and a smile. Delicious Cookie Recipes to Try Red Velvet Cutout Cookie Recipe    Perfect Brown Sugar Cookie Tips for Perfectly Iced Cookies Every Time Use royal icing  in shades of pink, red, and white to create hearts, swirls, and dots. Add edible glitter or colored sugar for sparkle. Use small candy pearls or sprinkles to mimic sea shells or bubbles. Write sweet messages or initials with a fine icing tip. A couple of polka dots or Xs and Os go a long way! Each post offers detailed instructions and helpful tips to improve your baking skills and impress your Valentine’s Day guests. Complete the Book Cover Puzzle and post your time. Tag me! I'd love to see how you did. Free Valentine’s Day Coloring Page Printable Have a happy weekend. Share your joy, Nancy

Sweet, cute and easy to do! You don't have to be a professional baker to create cute cookies for your sweetheart, and trust me they will be far more impressed that you went to the trouble to make and decorate them. You will need piping bags for this project that you can find right at your grocery store. Even simple polka-dots can impress. Here are a few tips to get you going. You can opt for refrigerated sugar cookie dough from the grocery store or make one of these easy shortbread recipes. BROWN SUGAR CUTOUT COOKIES RED VELVET SUGAR COOKIES Either way, you will roll out the dough and cut out your desired shape and bake until light golden brown. Once the cookies are COMPLETELY cool, then you can get started with decorating. Decorate your cookie cutout with Flood Icing Once your cookies are cool, it’s time to decorate. Flood icing is a popular technique for creating smooth, colorful surfaces on cutout cookies. Step 1: Prepare Royal Icing This is the easiest recipe I've found to work. Easiest 3-Ingredient Royal Icing • Powdered Sugar:  4 cups  • Meringue Powder:  3 tablespoons • Warm Water:  6–8 tablespoons (add gradually) • (Optional for better texture/shine) : add 1 tbsp light corn syrup Step-by-Step Instructions 1. In a clean bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder. 2. Add the  warm water  and vanilla/corn syrup (if using). 3. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high speed for 5–7 minutes. The icing should become thick, white, and fluffy, holding stiff peaks. Adjust Consistency: For Piping (Outlines):  Use as-is, or add a tiny amount of water until it holds a stiff peak. For Flooding (Filling):  Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the icing is a 10 second consistency (a drizzle of icing takes about 10 seconds to drip back into the bowl).  You will need both batches: a stiff batch for outlining and a thinner batch for flooding. The stiff icing holds the edges, while the thinner icing fills the center smoothly. Top Tips for Beginners • Prevent Grease:  Ensure your bowl, beaters, and spatula are completely grease-free, as fat will prevent the icing from whipping. • Coloring:  Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning out the icing. Add color  before  adjusting to the final consistency. • Storing:  Keep covered with plastic wrap directly touching the surface of the icing, as it dries quickly. • Sifting:  Sift your powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your piping tip. • Fixing Too-Thin Icing:  If your icing becomes too thin, add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.  Step 2: Outline the Cookie Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, outline the edges of your cookie with the stiff royal icing. Let the outline dry for about 10-15 minutes so it forms a barrier. Once it dries, it's like coloring inside the lines! Step 3: Flood the Center Fill another piping bag with the thinner royal icing. Flood the center of the cookie by squeezing the icing inside the outline. Use a toothpick or thin tool to gently spread the icing to the edges and pop any air bubbles. Step 4: Let Icing Dry Completely Allow the flooded cookies to dry before adding additional dots or designs. When done let them dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight. This ensures the icing hardens and is ready for stacking or packaging. ENJOY! www.nancynaigle.com

Nothing says Valentine's like Red Velvet, and these cookies will too! Ingredients 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 egg yolk, large 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 tablespoon red food coloring 3 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup corn starch ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ teaspoon kosher salt TOOLS Large mixing bowl Electric mixer or stand mixer Rolling pin Cookie cutters (heart shapes work great for Valentine’s) Parchment paper or silicone baking mats Baking sheet Wire cooling rack Red Velvet Cutout Cookies Step 1: Let's get started        Place the butter, cream cheese, and sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat on medium-low speed about one minute until smooth. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract and food coloring and mix on medium speed until combined. Don't over mix. Step 2: Gradually Add Flour to Form Dough Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, then add the flour, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt. Mix on medium-low speed until a stiff dough ball forms (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). The dough should gather itself into a ball and come cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough seems too sticky, try mixing in a little more flour. Step 3: Chill the Dough for Easier Rolling Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes. Step 4: Roll Out Dough and Cut Shapes Roll the dough to 3/16-inch thick between 2 sheets of parchment paper. Remove the top sheet of parchment. Cut shapes. Peel the shapes from the bottom layer of parchment and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Step 5: Bake Until Edges Are Lightly Golden Bake for 12 to 16 minutes, or until set around the edges but still a little soft towards the center. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps them firm up. You are ready to decorate! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE HOW TO DECORATE YOUR SWEETHEART VALENTINE COOKIE POST NOW. ENJOY! www.nancynaigle.com

Valentine’s Day calls for sweet treats that show love and care. Brown sugar cutout cookies offer a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of caramel that makes them stand out from traditional sugar cookies. These cookies are perfect for decorating with flood icing techniques to create charming sweetheart designs for your Valentine’s celebration. This post will guide you through making the ideal brown sugar shortbread cutouts and decorating them beautifully with royal icing. Ingredients 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened ¾ to 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting TOOLS Large mixing bowl Electric mixer or stand mixer Rolling pin Cookie cutters (heart shapes work great for Valentine’s) Parchment paper or silicone baking mats Baking sheet Wire cooling rack Having everything ready helps you focus on the baking and decorating steps without interruptions. Brown Sugar Cutout Cookies Step 1: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar Start by creaming the softened salted butter with the packed brown sugar, vanilla extract. Tips:   Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. If it’s too soft, the dough will be greasy and harder to work with. And, if you are using unsalted butter...add a 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat for about 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies a tender texture. Step 2: Gradually Add Flour to Form Dough Slowly add the flour to the creamed mixture. Beat on low speed or mix by hand until the dough just comes together. It may look crumbly at first, but keep mixing gently until it forms a smooth dough. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies. Step 3: Chill the Dough for Easier Rolling Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out without sticking to your rolling pin, and cut clean shapes without sticking or tearing. Step 4: Roll Out Dough and Cut Shapes Preheat your oven to 325-350°F (160-175°C). Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your cookie cutters to cut out shapes, pressing firmly and twisting slightly to release the dough. Place the cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Step 5: Bake Until Edges Are Lightly Golden Bake the cookies for 8 to 12 minutes. Watch closely starting at 8 minutes because ovens vary. The edges should turn a light golden color, signaling they are done. Overbaking will dry out the cookies and reduce their tenderness. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps them firm up. You are ready to decorate! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE HOW TO DECORATE YOUR SWEETHEART VALENTINE COOKIE POST NOW. ENJOY! www.nancynaigle.com