Author: Jacque Nyenhuis

Cupcake Wars Are Not For The Timid

My food science students had  a blast with our version of cupcake wars. We started with all types of bases for the cupcakes and added layers of flavors. Culinary experts from William Sonoma did an excellent job of judging. At the end, the judges graciously gave feedback on each of […]

Juneberries and Lemon Curd

My hands are blue, my face is sunburnt, and  there are a couple of rips in my jeans  but I have a bucketful of juneberries! This year our hillside is awash with these little beauties. The blueberry-look-a-like is so flavorful and grows wild in large sections of the great plains.  When […]

Mango, Spinach Salad with Fresh Mozzarella Drizzled with Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar

Mallory brought me a bottle of Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar when she visited and I had to create  a really special salad to showcase it. I had perfectly ripe mangos and blackberries that were just begging to be paired with fresh Mozzarrella and spinach.  Mangos are have a big seed in […]

Micro-Greens For Salads

Growing your own Micro-Greens can be as easy as spreading seeds on a wet, folded paper towel. I soaked a mixture of lettuce seeds overnight and poured them over a napkin. Add in cilantro and basil seeds that have bee soaked overnight for a spectacular taste in a salad. Within […]

How to find Morel Mushrooms

I traveled over 1520 miles to find these precious gems and it was worth every mile. My sister called on Wednesday and said she had been out walking on my Dad’s farm and found some morels. I was in the car the next day heading to Iowa. I picked up […]

Crystallized Ginger

Several years ago my daughter told me about an amazing restaurant experience where she was served Crystallized Ginger as the grand finale. It sounded intriguing enough that I ran out and found some, but I was not impressed with it and it sat in my cupboard forever. Later I came […]

Tiny Yam Muffins

I love tea parties, and these tiny delectable bites remind me to slow down enough to have a few tea parties. When the girls were little we would dress in old fashioned dresses, fill some fine tea cups, and have a party. The flavor of these little gems is dependent upon […]

Raspberry Balsamic Dressing

This is a dressing that I used at my daughter’s wedding and other events I have catered. It is light with a hint of sweetness.  If your raspberries are still frozen, put them in the microwave for a minute or two until the juice runs easily. The secret is to […]