About

60 comments

When and why did you start blogging?
I started my blog My Kitchen in the Rockies in February 2010. The main reason was to keep a recipe collection of our family’s favorite dishes and to make it easier to share these recipes with my friends and family.

How would you describe your blog in a Tweet (140 characters or less)?
Cook from scratch with me at My Kitchen in the Rockies featuring German, French and American cuisine using available local, preferably organic, and always GMO free ingredients.

What’s your favorite healthy snack?
My favorite healthy snack is nuts. I LOVE hazelnuts.

What’s your favorite guilty food pleasure?
One? I am sorry, but I have several; coconut ice-cream, black licorice, raspberry trifle, chocolate mousse torte, and my all time favorite, Austrian Linzertorte.

Why do you love cooking?
For me and my family our kitchen is the center of activities. Cooking and sharing food brings us together. It starts conversations and keeps us close and we also love to share this with our friends. I feel very strongly that the kitchen in which a tasty meal is prepared and eaten together is the center and the heart of a happy family. I find that very important to pass on to my children.

What should readers know about you?
My family and I moved from Germany to Colorado in 1998. I grew up in beautiful Palatinate, a wine growing area,  with vineyards close to the river Rhine. There I finished a pharmaceutical education and worked in a pharmacy and as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Growing up close to the French boarder is reflected in the dishes that I prepare. It is very close to my heart to know where my food comes from. Beef from my local rancher, eggs from the chickens a local friend keeps, organic and local ingredients whenever possible, and that GMO food has no space in my pantry.

What dish made you fall in love with cooking?
Actually, and I know this sounds strange,  it was an escargot soup I prepared for friends a long time ago. I remember that it had lots of garlic in it. The cookbook that contained the recipe for this soup got lost in a move, but I am still thinking about it.

What’s a dish you make that family and friends always request?
I make an original French Quiche Lorraine that gets requested all the time and even one of my best friend’s (she is vegetarian) can’t resist.

Besides your own, what’s your favorite food blog?
It is Steph’s blog. Steph blogs here:  http://www.kuriositaetenladen.com/

How can you be reached?
I can be contacted at: MyKitchenintheRockies(at)dkhall(dot)org

{ 60 comments… read them below or add one }

Gisela November 11, 2022 at 11:54 am

Ich suche einen deutsche Muerbteig in “High Altitude”
ich konnte einfach den perfecten Muerbteig noch nicht finden.
Ist es moeglich hier ein kompletes Muerbteig rezept zu bekommen.??
Ich waere dankbar fuer informationen.

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Bahram March 25, 2022 at 4:11 am

Hello Mrs Kristen, how are you? I hope you’re doing good. I’m from iran in Asia. It’s been my whole dream to take a trip to Germany so that i can study, work and live there. I’m a Russian_English translator. My mother tongue is Persian ( farsi) and also Arabic and I know a little German too. As you know, a lot of tourists from Asia especially the Arabic and Persian speaking countries travel to Europe particularly Germany. I want to know if I can work and cooperate with you !?

Would you please give me some tips and help on how to work with you. I’d appreciate that very much. This is my what’s app number: +989175404470

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Kritika November 9, 2020 at 8:49 am

Hi Kirsten,
I came across your blog while looking for kale recipe ideas (kale frittata)! It’s kale season here in Germany & I want to eat as much seasonal as possible! Planning to elevate the kale quiche with some pumpkin as well. 🙂
I am a newbie food blogger too, mainly on IG. May I just say how refreshing it was to open your website and not be attacked by advertisements and cookie banners! Although, I assume, it isn’t easy to keep your blog ad-free, I highly appreciate an old-school moment in the midst of my browsing session.
Also loving the other recipes & pictures on your blog, would love to try out some more.
Cheers!

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Sara April 25, 2019 at 9:46 am

Hi Kirsten, I just found your facebook site today…have you created a new one, or have you gone off of social media?

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ANDREA GIULIANI February 23, 2019 at 4:38 pm

Hi Kirsten!

I hope you are doing well. I came accross your website through Haylie Pomroy’s Facebook page and just loved it!
I specially loved you idea of the truffles (both with black and white beans).
I just have a quick question: When during the FMD would I be allowed to eat them? Phase 3 I suppose but no snack says proteins…
Could you help me? I would really appreciate it!
Thanks for a wonderful web site full of delicious recipes!
Andrea, from Argentina!

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Kirsten March 31, 2019 at 10:21 am

Thank you, Andrea.Yes, P3.

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Signe McLaughlin September 24, 2018 at 11:04 am

Curious if you’ve found a good German restaurant in the Denver area that you would recommend?

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Kirsten March 31, 2019 at 10:22 am

My house. 😉 Have you tried Gaby’s German Eatery in Lakewood. It sounds good. Also, the Chinook in the Tech Center is pretty good.

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JoJo R. December 8, 2016 at 1:56 pm

I am a German-American living in Boulder County, and I found a recipe to make the roasted almonds that one can find in Christmas markets all over. However, when I tried to make this at home, my almonds burned before the sugar was completely finished. I am thinking that it has to do with the mile-high altitude. Do you have a recipe for these, or will I have to buy them already made at the Denver ChristkindlMarkt?

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Susan Hammond July 2, 2016 at 8:05 pm

I am desperately looking for just a vanilla cupcake recipe for high altitude (5,000 ft). Im surprised how hard it is to find one. I was wondering if you had one?

Thanks!
Susan Hammond

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Kirsten July 2, 2016 at 8:18 pm

Susan, just take any recipe and adapt it to your altitude following what has worked for me in the past:
* decrease sugar, 1-3 tablespoons per cup of sugar
* decrease baking powder or baking soda by 15% to 25 %.
* increase liquid; add another egg or 3-4 tablespoons of water per cup of flour
* beat egg whites only to a very soft peak consistency
* raise your oven temperature 20 to 25 degrees
* decrease baking time
Happy Baking!
Kirsten

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Jennifer May 11, 2016 at 3:16 pm

Hi – i just found your blog searching for sparkling wine recipes – my fiance is German – we discovered Hugos a few years ago and it quickly became our signature party and boat cocktail back here in the US – if anyone is still asking about elderflower liqueur – most liquor stores sell it as St Germaine in the cordial section (and some have a less pricier alternative next to it!) Prost!

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Liz Le Mar January 5, 2016 at 9:19 am

I came across your web site by chance looking for a recipe for Linzer Torte which I have made and it was excellent as are all your other recipes which I look forward to cooking.I live in the U.K so its always interesting to find out what other cooks are doing.

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Linda J-H July 6, 2015 at 10:48 am

6500 feet and Douglas County? You must be pretty close to me. I’m at 7000 feet in Elbert County.

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Kirsten August 28, 2015 at 4:36 pm

Linda,
Sounds like we are neighbors. I am in Douglas County.
Kirsten

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Karlie February 15, 2015 at 9:32 pm

Hey Kirsten! My name is Karlie and I am just getting started in the food blogging world! I was searching for Colorado food bloggers, and I found a link to your profile. I am in Colorado, TOO! I love, love, LOVE your logo. It is so perfectly adorable! Hey, I was wondering if you would ever be interested in meeting with me and some other baby bloggers to talk about blogging and answer questions and what-not!

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Kirsten August 28, 2015 at 4:37 pm

Karlie,
I sent you a note. I would love to get together.
Kirsten

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Anne February 6, 2015 at 10:39 am

Kristen, I’m curious where in the Rockies you live. Not the exact location but specifically at what altitude. I am in Colorado at 9,000 ft.

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Kirsten February 8, 2015 at 7:46 pm

Anne, I am at 6500 feet and live south of Denver. Where are you? Kirsten

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Ginger September 20, 2014 at 4:10 pm

Liebe Kirsten,

Bin auf der Suche nach englisch-sprachigen Kaiserschmarrnrezepten auf Deinen Blog gestoßen, wo ich mich sehr wohlfühle! Tolle Rezepte und wunderschöne Fotos – ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Post 🙂

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Kirsten February 8, 2015 at 7:47 pm

Danke, Ginger. Das freut mich sehr. Kirsten

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Julie February 20, 2014 at 8:53 am

Hello Kirsten – I connected with your site through your post on A Spicy Perspective this morning. I live in Denver and I’ve been studying the German language for a few years now. One of my goals this year is to perfect a recipe for Bienenstich Kuchen – wondering if you have a favorite Rezept or any tips for this! I’m looking forward to checking out your site!

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Kirsten February 20, 2014 at 9:01 am

Hi Julie, thanks for visiting me today! I don’t have a recipe for Bienenstich on my site, but just saw one here: http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/04/bee-sting-cake/. It looked pretty good to me. Since I haven’t baked it yet myself I hope that this recipe will work for us here with the altitude. Let me know if you have any questions. Liebe Gruesse, Kirsten.

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Laura Siebmann Overbey January 24, 2014 at 5:43 pm

Came across your site through Pinterest. I LOVE all things German…and I LOVE all things Colorado! I was born in Germany, lived there until I was 16. My husband took me to Colorado ( because her knew I had always wanted to go there), proposed to me, (because he knew at that point I could not say “no”!). Anyway, I’m glad I came across your blog. I live in Nirthern Alabama – almost to the TN border. I teach German cooking classes in my home!

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Kim January 15, 2014 at 9:41 am

Hi Kirsten,

I just found your blog from a pin on Pintrest. I am a Texas native living in Kaiserslautern, Germany. We have been stationed here for 8 years! I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog and trying out your different recipes!

Kim

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Kirsten January 15, 2014 at 11:20 am

Hi Kim, I grew up just 30 minutes from Kaiserslautern. I hope you like it in my home region the Pfalz! Welcome to my blog. Greetings to you. Kirsten

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Christel December 21, 2013 at 1:41 am

Hallo Kirsten,
Ich habe gestern Deine Vanillekipferln gemacht. Sind wirklich gut ausgefallen und schmecken hervorragend. Vielen Dank fuer das Rezept. Frohe Weihnachten und alles Gute fuer 2014.
Christel in Neuseeland

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Kirsten December 23, 2013 at 7:54 pm

Das freut mich sehr, Christel. Frohe Weihnachten!

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Sonja December 13, 2013 at 10:48 am

Hallo Kirsten,

ich bin durch Zufall über Deinen Blog gestolpert und finde ihn wirklich inspirierend.

Wir sind in 2010 von D in die USA gezogen und wohnen derzeit in Kansas. Ich spiele seit längerem mit dem Gedanken, auch einen Blog zu gründen – mit fast identischen Hintergründen zu Deinen. Es wäre toll, wenn ich mich mit ein paar Fragen zum Start an Dich wenden könnte.

Vielen Dank.

Sonja

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Kirsten December 13, 2013 at 11:30 am

Hallo Sonja, Klar, kein Problem. Immer her mit den Fragen. Liebe Gruesse Kirsten

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germanfestdenver October 30, 2013 at 8:39 am

We are so glad we found you on Twitter! Luv your scrumptious recipes and the savored German tradition… hope we find ways to partner

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Jaime Heitmann September 21, 2013 at 1:23 pm

Hi Kirsten I can see you left a message on my blog but I don’t speak any German unfortunately. So I don’t really understand a word of it can you tell me what that says an English please? I did use your recipe with one half teaspoon cinnamon and peaches with the gluten-free flour and they turned out perfect. Thanks so much jaime

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nancy April 12, 2013 at 11:24 am

Do you have a german recipe for Kale also my Oma made a dish she called HOOD a Hood{sp} Has potato’s ,carrots, turmip, also lamb shanks boiled it all together don’t remember if there was more to it. How do you make your German Red Cabbage Thank you for any help
Nancy

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Kirsten April 12, 2013 at 9:07 pm

Hi Nancy, our favorite Kale recipe is this one: http://www.mykitchenintherockies.com/2012/10/14/kale-frittata-a-healthy-breakfast-casserole/ I am very sorry, but I haven’t heard of HOOD before. I also don’t make my own red cabbage since my family just doesn’t like it. They prefer Sauerkraut. Here is a link to a great recipe for red cabbage posted by my German blogger friend Susi: http://susikochenundbacken.blogspot.com/2011/02/blaukraut-german-red-cabbage.html Thanks for visiting my blog. Let’s visit soon again!

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Christiane January 7, 2013 at 2:06 pm

Hallo Kirsten! Hab Dich zufaellig gefunden, als ich nach Holundersirup fuer Hugo gegooglet habe. Da hab ich dann den Post fuer die doppelte Staatsbuergerschaft gesehen. Ich bin auch gerade dran, mal diesen Antrag zu machen, damit ich doppelte Staatsbuergerschaft bekommen kann, und ein bisschen Hilfe, was man da am besten reinschreibt, waere echt super. Vielleicht kannst Du mich ja mal direkt ueber Email od FB Messages kontaktieren.

Ausserdem habe ich einen “Ex-Schwiegercousin” in Denver, der zwar Amerikaner ist, aber nicht nur in Deutschland aufgewachsen, sondern mit einer Deutschen verheiratet ist…die auch viel deutsch backt, kocht, etc. Waere doch nett, wenn Ihr Euch vielleicht anfreunden wuerdet!!! Und ich werde Anfang April wahrscheinlich auch ein paar Tage in Denver sein.

Was der Hugo nicht alles kann! Gut schmecken, den Kreislauf anregen (Sekt), gut bei Erkaeltung und Grippe-Erscheinungen (Holundersirup), mit der doppelten Staatsbuergerschaft helfen und Deutsche in Denver zusammen bringen!

Liebe Gruesse aus Los Angeles,

Christiane (o:

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Kirsten May 5, 2013 at 8:32 am

Hallo Christiane, liebste Gruesse zurueck. Gib Deinem “Ex-Schwiegercousin” in Denver doch mal meine email. Wir sind hier eine echt nette deutsche Gruppe.

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Darcy October 25, 2012 at 8:49 pm

Hi there, I just stubled over your blog and haven’t been able to step away for the past hour! Beautiful layout, photos and RECIPES! Would you mind adding me to your emai list?

Thanks!

Darcy

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Kirsten May 5, 2013 at 8:30 am

Thanks Darcy. You are on the email list now. Hope you enjoy my recipes. Thanks for the follow.

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Diane Lee August 28, 2012 at 2:09 pm

Hi Kirsten, I just read you blog posting about the ‘dual citizenship’. Congrats! Your husband is HOT, and you two look so fabulous together! Mike and I are very happy that we met you at IFBC and look forward to staying in touch! Cheers!

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Kirsten September 5, 2012 at 4:45 pm

Diane, it was great to meet you and Mike. I really hope to see you both again in Seattle next year!

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Agnieszka August 23, 2012 at 11:28 pm

Just came across your delicious blog, YUM! Thanks for sharing all those tasty dishes.

A high from a fellow European girl (born in Poland, grew up in Switzerland) which also moved to Colorado almost 2 years ago! Ha! :o)

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Kirsten September 5, 2012 at 4:44 pm

Agnieszka, you are very welcome. Oh my, what a wonderful blog you have! You are hired for the next family photo shoot. Hope you will travel south!

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Tami Amereller August 21, 2012 at 4:21 pm

Kirsten,
I had a feeling when “German Guide to Colorado” mentioned German Catering in Castle Rock, it was you. I have been cooking from my late mother-law’s cook book, Hedwig Maria Stuber,”Ich helf dir Kochen”. It has some great recipes. This is so cool! I will forward your web site to Eva and Diana.
Hope to see you again at the Farmers Market in Castle Rock.
Tami

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Kirsten September 5, 2012 at 4:40 pm

Hi Tami, It was great to see you at the farmers market! I LOVE these old cookbooks. There is so much to discover. I talked to Eva the other day and gave her my blog info. See you hopefully on Saturday again.

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Linda Langness August 20, 2012 at 10:40 am

Hi Kirsten,
I really enjoy your blog. I discovered it recently while searching for a Rhubarb cake recipe. Then I mentioned you in two of my blogs. I miss German cooking very much and your blog takes me back to different times I spent in Germany (mostly Stuttgart) and Austria (mostly Salzburg). Thank you for sharing!
Linda

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Kirsten September 13, 2012 at 9:03 am

You are very welcome, Linda. The rhubarb cake is my husband’s favorite.

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John Cowell July 4, 2012 at 7:42 am

So glad we found this site , lots of mouth watering dishes cant wait to try some .

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Kirsten September 13, 2012 at 9:06 am

It was fantastic to meet you. Hope you will both come back to visit soon again!

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Judy June 15, 2012 at 2:32 pm

Not only am I fellow resident of the Rockies, here in Fort Collins, Colorado, I TOO am a pharmacist, but now RETIRED…yay! I enjoy your site, and will follow you on Pinterest to keep getting more recipes. The High Altitude section made me chuckle…working with bread is really tricky also..take care..hope to hear from you sometime!

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Kirsten September 13, 2012 at 9:05 am

Hi Judy, Yes, the altitude is tricky while baking. Hey, it keeps things interesting! Thanks for reading my blog. Let’s stay in touch.

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Nathalie June 3, 2012 at 9:33 am

Hallo Kirsten!
ich suche gerade verzweifelt nach einem Rezept von Dir dass mein Lieblings-Schokoladenkuchen geworden ist. Ich benutze das Kuchenrezept fuer meine deutsche Schokoladentorte da die anderen Biscuits hier nie was werden. Es ist das Rezept mit dem Honig im Teig und ich glaube Du hattest es als Osterkuchen angepriesen; hat ne Kuppel?! Rings a bell?
Hast Du nicht mehr alle Kuchenrezepte gepostet?! Irgendwie finde ich die ganzen Rezepte nicht mehr wie frueher…
Vielen Dank!
Nathalie

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Kirsten September 13, 2012 at 9:07 am

Schon geschickt. Tut mir leid, aber durch meinem Blogumzug ist einiges verloren gegangen, leider. Ich bemuehe mich es wiederholt zu bloggen.

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Billie Jo Tumlinson April 18, 2012 at 9:22 am

Hello! Thank you for your blog; I love finding other “high altitude” bakers. I want to try some of your recipes. For baking sake, what’s your elevation? I’m at 6800 and noticed I need to do some adjusting for recipes from the Denver area, for instance. Thanks!

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Kirsten September 13, 2012 at 9:09 am

Hi Billie, I am at 6500 feet. Yes, Denver is lower and therefor we need to adjust our recipes. Mine should work for you.

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Barbara Nienhuis March 7, 2012 at 11:41 am

Add me to your E-Mail trail….your recipes look wonderful…thanx Barb N:)

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Kirsten September 13, 2012 at 9:09 am

Thanks, Barbara. You are added to my email list. Enjoy!

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Caz February 22, 2012 at 8:50 pm

Hi. I know Douglas County. It’s good country. Thanks for the blog, I love it. xox

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Kirsten September 13, 2012 at 9:13 am

Hi Caz, Yes, Douglas County is beautiful. Thanks for following my blog.

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Heidi P. February 8, 2012 at 12:17 am

Hallo! I’m so excited to have found your site!! I lived in Graz and Wien for a year and a half and loved getting recipes from friends there, especially the older women. 🙂 I’ve tried to recreate some, but I may ask for your help sometime with missing details, if that’s ok with you of course. So so excited to try your recipes too! Thanks for sharing!!

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Kirsten September 13, 2012 at 9:18 am

Hi Heidi, Please feel free to contact me any time you need help. I also like the more traditional recipes handed down through the family. Thanks for enjoying my blog. Happy Baking!

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