Baked Chicken Thighs

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

If you like crispy and flavorful chicken, then this recipe will not disappoint.  The meat stays moist and juicy, while the outside skin is crispy and delicious.  

Ingredients

8 chicken thighs or 1 3/4 lbs.
2 Tbs. cooking oil
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray, or line the sheet with foil and spray that with cooking spray for easier cleanup.

Place chicken drumsticks in a bowl. Drizzle the oil over the chicken. Turn the chicken to coat all sides of the meat.

In a small bowl, combine, paprika, garlic powder, salt, oregano, onion powder, pepper, and cayenne pepper.  Mix well.  

Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken.  Turn the chicken to make sure that they are evenly coated with the spices.  Try to rub some of the seasoning under the skin as well.

Place the chicken on a baking sheet. 

Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the thigh's internal temperature reaches 165°. There should be no pink at the bone and the juices should run clear.  Turn the chicken over after 30 minutes to allow for even crispiness and browning.

 Notes:

You can double or triple the spices if you want more seasoning on your chicken.  Store the unused spice mixture in a container, to use later or for another meal. 

For crispy chicken on all sides, place the chicken on a rack and then set the rack on a cookie sheet.

Christmas Gingerbread Spice Blend

Christmas (or Anytime) Gingerbread Spice Blend

This spice blend is good any time of the year, not just Christmas, and it can be used in so many food dishes.  It can be used to make gingerbread dishes or gingerbread cookies.  Using ground cinnamon, cloves, and allspice plus other spices, makes this a very versatile blend. 

Ingredients

8 Tbs. cinnamon
2 Tbs + 2 tsp. allspice
2 Tbs + 2 tsp. cloves
2 Tbs + 2 tsp. ground star anise
4 tsp. ground anise seeds
4 tsp. ground coriander seeds
4 tsp. cardamon
2 tsp. ground fennel seeds
2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. ginger

Directions

In a jar that has a tight-fitting lid, combine cinnamon, allspice, cloves, star anise, anise seeds, coriander seeds, cardamon, fennel seeds, nutmeg, and ginger.  Place the lid on the jar.  Shake the jar until the contents are thoroughly combined.  

Use this spice blend in hot chocolate, oatmeal, or granola.    Sprinkle some in the pancake or waffle batter, cookie dough or in sweet breads. 

Notes:

You can grind up the spices using a pestle and mortar, or a spice grinder.

Cherry Sweet Roll Christmas Trees

The weather may be cold and snowy, but it is the perfect time to start baking. These sweet rolls formed in the shape of a Christmas tree, are a perfect way to keep your house warm and provide a delicious home-baked treat. 

Ingredients

2 pkg. yeast
1/2 c. very warm water (110° to 115°)
3 Tbs. sugar
2 c. milk, warmed to 110° to 115°
1/2 c. cooking oil
2 tsp. salt
1 egg
7 to 8 c. flour
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
1 can cherry, or blueberry or apple pie filling
1/4 c. pecans, chopped, (optional)

Glaze

2 c. powdered sugar
2 Tbs.milk
1 Tbs. butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
red and green candied cherries
red and green colored sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Grease 2 baking sheets.  You can line the baking sheets with foil. Grease the foil well.

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast, and sugar in the warm water. Set aside for about 8 to 10 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom. 

Add warmed milk, 2 c. flour, oil, salt, and egg. Beat well with a wooden spoon, or you can use the electric mixer with a dough hook attachment and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. 

Stir in the remaining flour or until it becomes too stiff to mix the dough with a spoon.  Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.  Knead in enough flour to for a soft dough. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. 

Place the dough in a greased bowl, I use the same bowl that I mixed the dough in, and cover with a tea towel or sheet of plastic wrap. Set the bowl in a warm location and let rise until doubled in size.

Punch the dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half.  Roll out one dough ball into an 11 x 9-inch rectangle. 

Mix the cinnamon in the cherry pie filling. Spread half of the pie filling to within 1/2-inch of the edges.  Sprinkle half of the nuts over the top, if desired. Starting at the long end, roll up the dough.  Pinch seam to seal. 

Cut the dough into 11 equal slices. Place the rolls on a baking sheet in the shape of a tree.  Place one roll at the top. Then arrange 2 rolls with sides touching just under that one. The next row will have 3 rolls, and then the next row will have 4 rows. Place one roll at the bottom to be the trunk of the tree, centering it where the middle two rolls meet. 

Repeat with the second dough ball.

Cover and let rise until doubled in size. This can take about 30 minutes or more.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown. 

While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk.  You will want the glaze to be a little thicker than pancake batter.  If you need the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar. If you require a thinner glaze, add more milk. 

Decorate the trees with candied cherries.  Drizzle the glaze over the tops of the warm rolls.  Sprinkle some colored sugar over the top.

Serve and enjoy!

Cornflake Candy

This is an old-fashioned candy recipe that has been around for many years.  It is very easy to make and tastes great.

Ingredients

5 c. corn flakes
2 c. crispy rice cereal
2 c. salted peanuts (optional)
1 c. sugar
1 c. whipping cream
1 c. white corn syrup

Directions

Butter a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.

In a large heatproof bowl, combine corn flakes, crispy rice cereal and peanuts. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, whipping cream and corn syrup.  Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and cook until the mixture reaches the hard ball stage or 260° on a candy thermometer.  

Pour the hot mixture over the cereals and nuts.  Mix well.

Spoon into prepared pan.  Carefully pat the mixture evenly in the pan.  Cut into squares before the mixture cools completely.

Cherry Bing Mash Candy

This is our favorite candy to make every Christmas.  This recipe can be easily doubled and spread in a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.

Ingredients

1 c. sugar
4 Tbs. butter
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 c. evaporated milk
1 c. mini marshmallows or 6 large marshmallows
1 c. cherry chips
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
1 c. peanuts, chopped

Directions

Line a 8 or 9-inch square pan with waxed paper. 

Combine sugar, butter, salt, and evaporated milk.  Stirring constantly, bring to a boil.  Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Add marshmallows, cherry chips and vanilla.  Stir until the marshmallows and cherry chips are melted. 

Spread in prepared pan.   Place the pan in the refrigerator or if you live in a cool climate, place the pan in the porch to cool down and start to harden.

In the same saucepan that you made the cherry candy in, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Turn the heat to low and stir until the chocolate chips are melted. 

Add peanuts if desired.  

Spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter over the cherry layer.

Cool in the refrigerator, or if you live in a cold location, place outside on your porch to harden. Cut into squares.

Slow Baked Honey Glazed Ham

Slow Roasted with Brown Sugar, Honey, and Warm Holiday Spices

This glazed ham has been part of our Christmas and Easter tables for as long as I can remember. It was the kind of meal that made the whole house smell warm and welcoming long before guests arrived.

What makes this ham special is the slow roasting method. Baking it low and slow overnight allows the flavors to gently soak into the meat while keeping it incredibly moist and tender. The meat practically falls off the bone.

The glaze is a perfect balance of sweet and savory — dark brown sugar, honey, warm spices, and just enough mustard to give it depth. It creates that beautiful caramelized finish that everyone looks forward to.

If you’re short on time, there’s also a same-day method included below. But if you can plan ahead, the overnight method truly makes this ham unforgettable.

Ingredients

1 (8 to 10 lb.) ham
1/3 c. water
2 Tbs. butter
1 c. dark brown sugar
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. pineapple or orange juice
1 to 2 Tbs. mustard
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/8 tsp. allspice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 250°F (for overnight method).

Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern.  Make diagonal cuts about 1-inch apart and 1/4-inch deep.  Only cut through the fat layer — not deeply into the meat.

If desired, insert a whole clove into the center of each diamond.

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine: brown sugar, honey, juice, mustard, butter, seasoned salt, onion powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, paprika, and allspice.

Stir until the butter is melted, and the sugar is completely dissolved.
Remove from heat.

Bake (Overnight Method – Recommended)

Place ham in a roasting pan. Pour 1/3 cup water into the bottom of the pan.

Pour the glaze evenly over the ham.

Cover tightly with foil or a roasting lid.

Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, then reduce heat to 200°F and continue baking for 12 to 15 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

During the last 3 hours of baking, baste the ham every 30 minutes with the pan juices.

Remove from oven and allow to rest 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Same-Day Method:

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Follow the same preparation steps.

Bake for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Baste every 30 minutes while baking.

Rest before slicing.

Tips for the Best Holiday Ham:

• Use a bone-in ham for maximum flavor.
•  Do not let your thermometer touch the bone when checking temperature.
•  Let the ham rest before slicing to keep juices inside.
•  Save the bone for soups or beans later in the week.

Variations & Substitutions:

• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
• Substitute Dijon mustard for a more refined flavor.
• Add crushed pineapple to the glaze for extra fruitiness.
• Add a splash of bourbon for a richer glaze.

What to Serve With Brown Sugar Honey Ham:

This ham pairs beautifully with:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Creamy Pea Salad
• Homemade Dinner Rolls
• Buttermilk Biscuits
• Deviled Eggs
• Green Beans or Glazed Carrots 

How to Store:

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Sliced ham in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

Save the ham bone for soups, beans, or split pea soup.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the day before, refrigerate, and gently reheat covered at 275°F until warmed through.

Does the ham need to be fully cooked before baking?
Most hams are pre-cooked. You are reheating and glazing to enhance flavor.

Can I skip the cloves?
Absolutely. They are traditional but optional.

Baked Acorn Squash

When I was growing up, the only way I would eat baked acorn squash was with brown sugar mixed in. Now that I am older, I love serving acorn squash with only butter and salt and pepper.  Either way, it is simply delicious.

Ingredients

3 acorn squash
3 Tbs. butter, divided
6 Tbs. brown sugar, divided, (optional)
salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Get out a heavy baking sheet.

Cut the acorn squash in half. Scoop out the seeds. 

Place the acorn squash upside down in the baking sheet.  

Place in the oven and bake 30 to 45 minutes, or until the acorn squash begins to soften. 

Turn the squash right side up so the cut side is facing upwards. Put in a half tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. 

Return to the oven and bake another 30 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and pierces easily with a fork.

You can also leave out the brown sugar and just bake it with the butter and salt and pepper!  It is so good.