The Verdant Ramble

Cooking with Mandy – Stories & Strawberry Shortcake

Mandy McGovern is a food blogger, photographer and cookbook author. She’s also a chef/baker extraordinaire and a Michigander to boot. Most importantly, she is the author of a Peninsulas perennial favorite cookbook, My Little Michigan Kitchen, as well as the blog Kitchen Joy. I spoke with Mandy to learn about her inspirations and hear her story. Read on for the full interview as well as her delicious strawberry shortcake recipe.

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6 Delicious S'mores to Try on Your Next Campout

S’mores are one of the best ways to bring a little something extra to a night around the campfire. And while the classic is great, sometimes it’s more fun to...

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Late Night Cinnamon Whiskey

Stir up something dark and boozy. This slow sipping, refreshing cocktail uses cinnamon whiskey, coke, and a splash of ginger.

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Five Drink Recipes Perfect for the Day Off Mixer

The Grand Traverse Sauce Co. is exactly the type of home-grown and hand-crafted Michigan company we love to spotlight. That’s why we sell their hot sauces in our shop. That,...

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Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

When the weather outside is frightful...a sweet cup of warm cocoa can be just the thing to warm up your nose (and toes)! This recipe is a twist on the classic chocolatey cocoa, adding a warming hint of ginger and cinnamon to make it taste just like a fresh-baked batch of gingerbread cookies.

Tags: Holidays Recipes

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Tis the season! The holiday season may look different from others but we can still add a little cheer with these soft, spicy gingerbread cookies! Enjoy with a cup of eggnog or hot cocoa and have yourself a little celebration!

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Southern Comfort Vanilla Maple Syrup Punch Recipe

Michigan produces over 100,000 gallons of maple syrup per year. And while we love it on our pancakes and french toast, this sweet, sugary nectar has many other uses. Our most recent (and now favorite!) use is in this festive punch recipe — perfect for fall get-togethers, tailgates, or just relaxing with friends.

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Autumn Apple Crisp

In my mind, autumn smells of apples and cinnamon. It naturally invokes a sense of nostalgia as the leaves change and nature prepares to sleep. This simple apple crisp recipe...

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