My kitchen bake shoppe has been bustling…. from custom cookies to tiered wedding cakes, my oven has been on overdrive! I invite you to check out a few of my latest creations below! I customize every order to the best of my ability based on…

I had a bag of cherries in the fridge that I had forgotten all about. They were just starting to get soft and wrinkly. My kids will only eat cherries when they are hard and crisp, so these were heading straight to the compost if…

These tasty, baked meatballs make the perfect weeknight dinner or can be served cocktail-size as an appetizer. My family goes crazy for them; I make them once a week! For a fun appetizer idea, make mini meatballs and once baked, thread them onto bamboo skewers…

Our family absolutely loves grilled octopus. Octopus is not a cheap dish to make as its considered a delicacy; and if it turns out chewy or rubbery, it’s a big letdown, especially if you’re serving it to guests. It can be intimidating to work with,…

Roasted veggies can be enjoyed in so many ways, from a simple but delicious side dish to a main course served over pasta or rice. When zucchini and tomatoes are at their peak during the summer months, there is nothing better than roasting a big…

Grilling fruit during the summer not only intensifies their sweetness with a slightly smoky flavor, but also amps up your dessert game big time because, let’s face it… grill marks on fruit is impressive! In this recipe, I paired sweet grilled peaches with an easy…

Summer entertaining is all about pulling together dishes that use fresh, seasonal ingredients with ease — and minimal time in front of the stove! No-cook recipes like this creamy dip can be made ahead in the food processor and kept in the refrigerator for up…

When it comes to summer recipes, here are a few things to consider: ~ Can it be made ahead? ~ Can it be served cold or at room temperature? ~ Can it be packed in a container and enjoyed while sitting on a blanket in…

Shrimp is a go-to for me all year long, but I especially love it during the summer because it cooks so quickly, and less time at the stove means more quality time outside enjoying the warm weather. I prefer to use wild caught fish and…

Check out my latest Gluten Free and Paleo Specialty Cakes! Check back often to see more of my custom cake creations or send an email to: thecraftyhostess@gmail.com. It’s always ok to Eat Dessert First!