Applesauce Cupcakes

My grandma has a stashed recipe for applesauce cake that is very similar to this one. This is a very moist cake that has optional raisins and pecans throughout; I don't recommend removing either because they add great texture to the cake. Take a bite, "Oh hello pecan!" It also doesn't get any better than topping the cake with classic cream cheese frosting.

Mississippi Mud Cookies

Taking one of America's favorite pie flavors and turning into a cookie? GREAT IDEA! These cookies are loaded with chocolate, marshmallows and pecans...yes, that just happened. You are sure to get compliments for this cookie effort.

Coconut Macaroons

This is a light and sweet treat. It is light because it is made with egg whites, like a meringue. If you do it right, it may resemble the flavors of a Mounds or Almond Joy candy bar!

Cranberry-Almond Salad

Another quick and healthy favorite that is very versatile and you can add anything else into it that you like. Chicken or turkey would go well in this recipe, but the cranberries and almonds can hold their own in this salad.You can add more or less of any of the ingredients if you like; that is the beauty with a recipe, it gives you an idea of how much and you can adjust it to whatever you like.

White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

I thought it was only fitting for my first post to be a cookie. In college I would make cookies once a week and walk them around the dorms; we called it Cookie Monday (my friends loved it especially). People knew me as "Cookie Girl" instead of by my first name. I made this batch for my younger brother to thank him for helping his hysteric sister with directions.