Butterscotch Cupcakes with Creamy Butterscotch Frosting

Butterscotch brings back so many memories of my childhood. It is one of those old-fashioned flavors that you just do not see as often anymore, which makes it feel even more special.

We did not have many sweets in our house when I was growing up (which is probably why I have such a sweet tooth now!), so even getting a piece of hard candy was a treat. We usually had cinnamon, peppermint, and butterscotch candies, and butterscotch was always my favorite.

Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole: Two Classic Casseroles in One

What happens when two classic comfort-food favorites come together? You get the ultimate casserole mashup! This Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole combines everything you love about traditional green bean casserole with the crispy, golden goodness of tater tot casserole. Tender green beans and creamy, savory sauce are topped with a generous layer of crunchy tater tots, creating a cozy, hearty dish that’s easy to make and seriously delicious.

It’s the best of both casseroles in one bubbly, golden dish—and it’s just as perfect for a busy weeknight dinner as it is for a holiday table or family gathering.

CANNING ELDERBERRY JELLY

  

There is something special about walking out into the garden and harvesting something you planted yourself. Right now, my elderberry bush is loaded with clusters of dark, ripe berries, and it is time to turn this backyard harvest into something delicious — homemade elderberry jelly.

Elderberries have been enjoyed for generations, and making jelly is one of my favorite ways to preserve their beautiful color and unique flavor. The process does take a little time because the berries are tiny and it takes a lot of berries to make enough juice, but the reward is a pantry full of jars ready to enjoy throughout the year.

CANNING CHERRY JELLY

 

There is something deeply satisfying about preserving the simple gifts of the season and filling your pantry with jars of homemade goodness. When cherry trees are heavy with ripe, juicy fruit, making and canning cherry jelly is a wonderful way to capture that fresh summer flavor and enjoy it long after the harvest has passed.

Yield: About 6 half-pint jars

CHERRY PIT SIMPLE SYRUP

 

If you're anything like me, you hate seeing parts of the harvest go to waste. After pitting a big batch of fresh cherries, I decided to make a simple syrup from the pits. 

Cherry pits add a delicate flavor to simple syrup with almost no extra effort. It's a great way to get just a little more from your cherries while creating a unique syrup that's perfect for sweetening drinks or drizzling over your favorite desserts.

BLUEBERRY CUPCAKES WITH BLUEBERRY BUTTERCREAM

These homemade blueberry cupcakes wi are soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweet, juicy blueberry flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with a creamy blueberry buttercream frosting, they're the perfect dessert for birthdays, baby showers, brunches, summer parties, or any occasion that calls for a homemade treat. Whether you use fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried blueberries, this easy blueberry cupcake recipe bakes up light, moist, and full of delicious berry flavor in every bite.

Short on time? Skip the homemade batter and use a boxed white or vanilla cake mix. Just fold in the blueberries before baking and finish with the blueberry buttercream.