Recipes

Gluten Free Apple Bars

It’s apple season in Maine and the perfect time to visit an orchard and bake your favorite apple treats. - Charlene...

The South loves their pimento cheese, but I've seen a fair share of it in Maine as well, which makes me happy! My Nana loved pimento cheese sandwiches. Best enjoyed on bad-for-you, fluffy white bread. Also great as a dip! - Kat...

Watermelon-Tomato Panzanella with Burrata

When local tomatoes are in season, it's the perfect time to make this delicious salad using lots of fresh herbs! I love the addition of watermelon and creamy burrata (found by the fresh
mozzarella in grocery stores). Enjoy! - Anna...

Yummy Fruit Dip

I tend to eat a lot of fruit in the summer, and this dip is so easy and tasty, it's a go-to. Also, a fun BBQ app to share with others. - Whitney...

Spicy Salmon Salad Rice Bowls

This recipe has quickly become my absolute favorite. It is like having sushi in a bowl, but the fish is cooked so it feels more home-cook friendly. It is easy to prepare and tastes great as leftovers. I was pleasantly surprised to find furikake at my local Hannaford made with Maine seaweed (Ocean’s Balance Bonito Furikake is what I use)! - Emma...

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

I recently visited my son, Jamie and his girlfriend Emily, and they had this wonderful chicken cooked in the crockpot. The chicken was delicious, but what I really enjoyed was seeing my granddogter, Rosie! - Nancy...

Maple Glaze

In honor of Maine maple season, here’s a recipe for a glaze that works well on fish and meats. Great for Brussels sprouts, too. - Charlene...

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

“I'm a fan of this slow cooker recipe. It's a winner and very hands-off!” - Kat...

Gruyere Gougeres

From the kitchen of Lisa Steele, Coop to Kitchen...

O.K. Squares

This is an oldie from my Mem. Growing up, she always made the tastiest treats, especially around the holidays. This was a favorite from her list of ten recipes she'd make each year to share and give as gifts. ~ Whitney...

Brown Sugar Maple Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

While I love baking cookies for the holidays, I do like to have some good bar recipes because they are no-fuss and quick. I don’t recall where I originally found this recipe, but it’s a perfect blend of pecan pie and chocolate. ~ Charlene...

Tourtiere Pie

Originally from the December 1979 edition of Seventeen Magazine, this recipe has become my family’s New Year’s Eve meal. For added festivity, use any extra pastry dough to cut out stars to add to the top of the pie. ~ Emma...

Baked Ziti

This is perfect for cold winter days. It's easy to assemble ahead of time and bring to a friend or enjoy with loved ones. Best of all, it's great to have leftovers in the freezer. You can make it with or without meat. ~ Kat...

Overnight Praline French Toast

I love to wake up over the holidays and know that a wonderful breakfast is just an hour away, so overnight French toast is always a favorite! This decadent version is a winner. ~ Anna...

Blueberry Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

This is another one of my late mother Oma’s recipes. It is very easy to make, and it is impressive when you serve it either for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea. I have a cousin in Massachusetts who makes it for every holiday breakfast, and she always sends me a photograph of the cake in front of either the Easter eggs or the Christmas tree! I love family traditions like that, don’t you? ~ Nancy...

Fresh Cranberry Relish

I always make fresh cranberry relish for Thanksgiving - it's a wonderful addition or alternative to cranberry sauce and you can tweak it to make it your own! - Anna...

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies

When I was younger, I had a cookbook from bed and breakfast recipes across the country, and I loved making these double chocolate chunk cookies in the fall! They are from Holden House in Colorado Springs. So yummy! - Whitney...

Green Tomato Chutney

Like a lot of folks, I have a good amount of green tomatoes in my garden this time of year. This weekend, I tried a small batch of green tomato chutney using a recipe from The New York Times and made it my own. - Charlene...

Breakfast Casserole

I hosted a few friends for brunch yesterday, and made this casserole the day before, so when I woke up yesterday, all I had to do was put it in the oven. As with many of my recipes, this one comes from my late mother, aka “Oma.” - Nancy...

Teriyaki Ground Turkey Rice Bowls

I love my teriyaki rice bowls these days. Easy, healthy-ish, and makes great leftovers. I eat this at least twice a month and never get tired of it. - Kat...

Orange Blossom Fizz Mocktail

I spent several months searching for a signature mocktail for my upcoming wedding, finding one sweet fruit juice mixture after another. This recipe was the perfect balance between sweet and tart that I was looking for and the orange blossom water gives the drink a beautiful floral aroma. It is light and refreshing. Perfect for summer! - Emma...

Easy Berry Clafoutis

One morning, I wanted to make a recipe I saw in a Hannaford Fresh magazine, but didn’t have fresh fruit, so I improvised a bit and it turned out great. I always have frozen berries on hand for smoothies, but they worked perfectly in this French breakfast treat, which was so easy to make! - Anna...

Wild Blueberry Zucchini Bread

Before the fresh berry season, our client the Maine Department of Agriculture has been spreading the word that even frozen, local berries are best! Whether in a smoothie, in a pie or in your favorite bread recipe, Maine’s frozen berries are packed with flavor and perfect to use year-round. The following recipe is from RealMaine.com...

Maple Vinaigrette

This time of year, I’m thinking about Maine maple syrup. This maple vinaigrette recipe is quick, easy and delicious. - Charlene...

Oma’s Seafood Casserole

My late mother was known as Oma because of our family ancestry in Germany. Plus, she just liked being called Oma by everyone, not just her own grandchildren! She was a wonderful cook and hostess for our family and friends. This is a decadent yet elegant recipe, perfect for a cold winter night. - Nancy...

Speedy Beef Stroganoff

As we make our way through the coldest month of the year here in Maine, it is important to have a list of recipes that can warm you up on the coldest of days. This beef stroganoff recipe is easy to make, flavorful and warming. Perfect for a cold winter night. - Emma...

Mem’s Peanut Butter Fudge

This has been a holiday staple and most-loved treat in our house for as long as I can remember. It reminds me of my grandmother, who made these treats every holiday season. It’s easy and perfect to bring to a holiday party or give as a homemade gift. ~ Whitney...

Apricot Bars

For as long as I can remember, my mom has made apricot bars at Christmas. They are a family favorite and always go very fast. The kids also reach for them. You can use dried California apricots, or apricot preserves. She is a firm believer that the dried apricots must be from California, as the Turkish ones are far too sweet. You can find California apricots at Trader Joe’s or online. Oddly, they seem to be a rare commodity, compared to their Turkish cousins. ~ Kat...

Grandpa Dimock’s Hollandaise Sauce

After opening presents, the thing we would look forward to most on Christmas morning was Grandpa’s eggs benedict. The whole family would gather around the table as he prepared perfectly poached eggs sitting atop sliced ham and toasted English muffins, coated in his signature Hollandaise sauce. When asked if we wanted another, the answer was always yes! ~ Emma...

Butternut Squash Soup

A nice seasonal soup is a perfect first course for a holiday meal. I especially love this recipe because it’s light, but packed with flavor. ~ Charlene
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Cranberry Brie Bites

I love having these as a festive holiday appetizer when my boys and their girlfriends come for dinner. They are easy, delicious and pretty to look at! ~ Nancy...

Strawberry Shrub

The holidays are an overindulgent time and it’s great to offer something tasty and unique at gatherings that’s not alcoholic, like this berry shrub. Make it ahead of time, and you’ll have an easy, bright alternative to boozy eggnog! ~ Anna...

Anna’s Maple Cream Pie With Blueberry Whipped Cream

This pie is ideal for the holidays in Maine as it unites two of the state’s best things: maple syrup and wild blueberries. It has some excellent antioxidants from the berries and anti-inflammatory qualities from the syrup, too! And it tastes even better a couple of days after you bake it, so it can help alleviate some holiday stress. Enjoy! ~ Anna...

Sausage, Veggie and Apple Sheet Pan Dinner

This is such an easy, delicious meal that will feed your holiday crowd, or last for several days. It also freezes well. Serve with a big salad and buttery rolls and/or add shredded cheddar cheese for an extra delight! Kat loves this recipe on winter nights she wants an easy go-to, without any of the dishes. Charlene made it and added Brussel sprouts. ~ Kat...

Scalloped Oysters

This recipe is a Christmas Eve tradition in the Dimock family with the original recipe coming from my great grandmother. While it is a tradition, most of my family does not dare to try it! For years it was just me and my grandparents that would eat this dish, a memory with them that I cherish. Last year, my grandmother and I convinced most of the family to try it and the general consensus was that it really wasn’t that bad. I hope you give this recipe a try, even if you aren’t an oyster fan. ~ Emma...

Healthy Crab Cakes

We are so fortunate to live in Maine and have access to fresh seafood that it’s easy to incorporate seafood into holiday meals. These crab cakes are perfect as an appetizer. Happy holidays! ~ Charlene...

Lazy Mac ‘n Cheese

My mother specialized in no frills, tasty dishes that are easy to make. This mac ‘n cheese comes together fast and is ah-mazing reheated with butter! The perfect comfort food on cold Maine days. ~ Juli...

Oma’s Morning Glory Muffins

My late mother, aka Oma, used to say “you could live on these!” because they were so full of good ingredients. When my two boys were ski racing in college, she would bring these to the ski lodges at the base of the race courses, and the racers would all converge on Oma asking for one of her muffins! Oma passed in June of this year, and we all miss her dearly. ~ Nancy...

Pep’s Perfect Margaritas!

While I was always too young to indulge in my grandfather’s margaritas (always served on Christmas Eve), I sure do enjoy them now from time to time with the recipe passed down to my mom. I love any margarita that skips the sour mix, but fair warning, these can be a bit strong. Sit back, relax and sip accordingly. ~ Whitney...

Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Baking is such a big part of the holiday season for me and while I have my old standbys, I like to try new recipes. I had a rosemary shortbread cookie for the first time a few years ago at Snell Family Farm in Buxton. I found a simple recipe that is fun to make, and the little green flecks of rosemary make them a festive Christmas cookie. ~ Charlene...

Gram Brooks’ Molasses Cookies

My grandmother was not a great cook, but she could bake! I dream about her molasses cookies, particularly around the holidays. They’re amazing frozen! ~ Juli...

Oma’s Holiday Seafood Casserole

My mother is known to many as Oma, and she always went above and beyond in decorating, entertaining and baking for the holidays. This was one of her special dinner entrees for company over at our festive home when I was growing up. ~ Nancy...

Jay’s Ham Mac & Cheese Bake

This has been my go-to comfort food favorite for as long as I can remember! My dad (Jay) has always made this for birthdays and when I would come home from college. It’s perfect for a special holiday meal, too! ~ Whitney...

Muffuletta Sandwich

This is something we always have when our family comes together, especially around the holidays. Sliced in 1-inch sections, it is perfect to add to a plate during a buffet style meal or all by itself. My mom usually makes two to bring to our annual family Christmas party and we always leave empty handed. Be careful though, it can be quite messy! ~ Emma...

Cinnamon Crescent Rolls

Are you a fan of cinnamon rolls but one of those people who “just want a bite?” You’ll be a fan of these mini cinnamon roll-type treat using crescent rolls. Whole Foods has a good option for refrigerated crescent rolls. Incredibly easy and delicious! ~ Kat...

Sauerkraut & Kielbasa Bake

The perfect warm and hearty meal for fall...

Apple Pie Macarons

Are you ready for a challenge? This recipe is for apple pie macarons!...

Cream Cheese Fudge

This recipe has been passed down through the generations in my family and is a holiday classic! I always make this fudge (and cholocate chip cookies) to give as Christmas gifts. ~ Emma...

Oma’s Apple Crisp

My mother, aka Oma, made this recipe as well as Apple Pie over the holidays when I was growing up. The smell of the apple and the cinnamon in the oven makes me think of my childhood and happy times. Best of all, this is an easy recipe that most everyone will like, especially with some nice Gifford’s Vanilla Ice Cream on top. ~ Nancy...

Eventide Fish Chowder

With everything that is going on right now, we are in need of some comfort food...

Apricot Bars

This is my favorite because we’ve been making them since I was a child, and taste-wise it’s got an unexpected tangy kick that is just so delicious. The coconut can be skipped if folks are not into it. ~ Kat...

Anna’s Favorite Stuffing

I love the unique blend of flavors in my stuffing that I’ve perfected over the years - it’s mostly savory with a hint of autumn sweetness. This recipe is the one I get asked to share the most! ~ Anna...

Sweet & Spicy Squash

Squash is one of my favorite vegetables, so I’ve been experimenting with it for years. This recipe makes for an easy and tasty side dish that’s a bit unexpected and one of my favorites. ~ Juli...

Fresh Veggie Lasagna

This vegetable-based dish is inspired by Tom Brady and a recipe in his TB12 Method book. I’ve made some adjustments to it and my family really enjoys it. The key is making it with healthy ingredients that reduce inflammation compared to traditional lasagna with cheeses and tomato sauces. ~ Greg...

Cheddar Maple Brussels Sprouts Toasts

During the holidays, quick and easy appetizer ideas are good to have on hand. And since this one has a vegetable included, there’s less guilt. The original recipe is from Delish.com, but I made it my own by adding maple syrup. You could add honey, too, but this is a nice shout out to our friends at the Maine Maple Producers Association. - Charlene...

Crustless Spinach & Cheese Quiche

In our family, we love a big breakfast on the weekends and holidays! While we make this recipe throughout the year, it’s a Christmas morning favorite. The crustless part lightens it up a bit, and it even makes for great leftovers (if it lasts that long). - Whitney...

Buffalo Greek Caesar Salad

Spice up your salad with a little western style. This yummy salad will make your metabolism skyrocket!...

Cafeé Rio Cilantro Lime Tomatillo Ranch

Now that I’m in Utah, I’ve discovered the joys of Cafe Rio — a local restaurant chain — or more importantly, DIY Cafe Rio! Here’s my own take on their Cilantro Lime Tomatillo Ranch! — Anna...

Vanilla-Orange Cranberry Cookies

These cookies are yummy and so easy to make. They are great with a hot cup of tea on a cold winter day. — Dianne (from King Arthur Flour)...

Oreo Cookie Balls

These are kind of a holiday tradition for my family. Each year my mom makes them and brings them to many of our family gatherings. She makes them with both chocolate and golden cookies with white or milk chocolate but may favorite is the plain gooey center! — Emma (from AllRecipes.com)...

Santa Hat Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking to get in the holiday spirit, these Santa hat cookies are the perfect place to start. We have made these treats part of our family holiday tradition and I like them because they don’t have too much chocolate and the peanut butter and protein will fill you up (especially if you eat a lot of them). The protein will also give you energy for a workout or to clean up after your guests or do a little late-night wrapping. — Greg...

Tater Tot Casserole

This tater tot casserole is easy and delicious. This will forever be one of my favorite dishes to prepare for the holidays. My family would have this every Christmas morning after opening our gifts. I top mine with fresh salsa! Enjoy and happy holidays. — Megan (from tasteofhome.com)...

Oma’s Cranberry Sweet Potato Bake

My mother hasn’t been well lately, so I have been spending a lot of time reminiscing about her wonderful life of cooking and entertaining. I have several of her recipe boxes with recipes written in her own handwriting which I will cherish forever. I don’t think I realized or appreciated what a great cook she was when I was growing up, but now that I reflect back, I realize she was a phenomenal cook and hostess. I so appreciate all she did for our family and friends. She considered color, taste, and combinations of foods when she planned a meal, especially when she was entertaining. The scents and sights were always amazing in Oma’s kitchen. — Nancy...

Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes

When prepping and serving a holiday meal, I like to do as much as possible in advance to have more time to enjoy my family. I’ve taken this Martha Stewart recipe and made it my own. It’s an easy and delicious side dish and gives me an opportunity to use one of my favorite Maine-made ingredients. — Charlene...

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

I’ve made this recipe at least six times during the Christmas season the last two years for every holiday party my husband and I attend. Huge crowd pleaser and looks so festive! Also, incredibly easy which doesn’t hurt, either! Family and friends have started requesting it. — Whitney (Adapted from a delish.com recipe)...

Hot Chili Chocolate

I was this many days old when I found out that hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, whereas hot chocolate is made from chopped chocolate. I have a skating pond at my house along with acres of trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There’s nothing more comforting than a hot cup of chocolate after winter activities. I love the richness and sophistication of this sweet and spicy dark chocolate drink. — Juli...