It’s March and that means I am celebrating 5 years of bringing you easy, delicious recipes, with a healthier twist!
But YOU get the gifts this month, a little giveback for how you all bless me and my family!
With so much going on in our lives and our world, I wanted to bring a little gratitude into our days, so for the entire month of March, each week I’ll be featuring **a giveaway**!
I am so very thankful for each and every one of you! For those who reach out with comments and emails of encouragement, THANK YOU! For those who make and share the recipes, for those who open the email!
I cannot do what I do without you and YOU are the reason I do what I do each week!
It’s an honor, pleasure and brings me a whole lot of joy!
What’s New in the Kitchen
Whether you still have little people in your life, or not, you are going to love these Lucky Charms Bars! Like a Rice Krispie treat, only a bit different and oh soo good!
Be sure to check out the recipe for two secret ingredients!
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5 Year Anniversary Giveaway
5 years blogging, in some ways it feels like a blink, in other ways I feel as though food blogging has always been a part of my life!
It all started with cookies, because well, I am The Fresh Cooky 🙂
- The first recipe on the blog was my Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies and they are still one of my top posts (202,000 thousand saves on Pinterest)! I starting developing this recipe when I lived at sea level and have been perfecting it at high altitude for more than! So no matter where you are baking, this is your go-to CCC!
- Then my Classic New England Whoopie Pies, 4 Ingredient Beer Bread and this twofer Starbucks Copycat Coffee Cake.
- I have updated most of my old posts, but there are still a few with really bad photos, but really good recipes! Like this Pomegranate Mule and this Pioneer Woman Tomato Bruschetta!
(You can read more about why I started The Fresh Cooky here)
WEEK 1 **GIVEAWAY**
On to the giveaway! I think you will LOVE what I came up with!
One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card plus one of my favorite kitchen tools! Whether you are zesting for my wildly popular Key Lime Pie, you are grating nutmeg or chocolate, you you want finely grated parmesan, this is your tool!
How to Enter
Simply comment on this post (at the very end) and tell me what your favorite recipe is from The Fresh Cooky!
This giveaway is just for you, my readers; as a huge thank you for 5 years and growing!
One winner per week, giveaway #1 will be open until Tuesday, March 15 at 12 pm MST. Winner will be chosen using a random name picker and will be notified via email and announced next Friday.
Extra entry if you make one of my recipes and tag me on social media #thefreshcooky.
Song of the week
Praying for all of Ukraine, and for the Russian people too!
A friend posted this on Facebook this week, how very true!
- Pray like it’s your country!
- Pray like it’s your neighborhood!
- Pray like it’s your family!!!
- Pray like it’s your friends!
- Pray how you would want someone to pray for you!
I love this version of Amazing Grace by Pentatonix — amazing acapella harmony!
I love you kind comments, encouragement and questions! Pop down below or reply to the email.
With joy and hope,
P.S. Be sure to browse through last weeks Fresh Fridays for more great recipes!
Visit The Fresh Cooky’s Amazon Shop
Jennifer Jonell
Hi Kathleen,
We always make your chipotle chicken recipe! It’s a staple at our house! Thanks for all that you do! ❤️
Thank you Jennifer! You know it’s a family favorite in our house too!
Shawna Kadar
Hi Kathleen,
I literally got tears in my eyes when I read that your 1st CC Cooky 😉 recipe got 202,000 pins on Pinterest: that is incredible. I am so happy for you and your astounding success! I look forward to trying many of your delicious-looking recipes when I have a standard oven.
Sincerely,
Shawna
Awe, thank you Shawna, that is so very sweet, it astounds me at times as well! I don’t take anything for granted! What kind of oven are you using now? Blessings, Kathleen
Deedee
The Tortilla soup was a yummy choice on a chilly New England day! ????
Perfectly perfect for a chilly day!! Thank you for your support Deedee!
Carol T.
I’m very glad I found your site. You have many great recipes.
One of my favorite is your Groundbeef Stroganoff.
My husband asks me to make it often.
Happy Anniversary. Keep up your great recipes.
Thank you Carol, that is a good one, my hubby loves it too!
Tracey Maggio
Hi Friend, How can I pick just one favorite recipe? My kids really like the copycat Chipotle Chicken bowls so I will say that!
You are the best! Love those Chipotle bowls!
Jeanne Bourne
Congratulations Kathleen! An who doesn’t love giveaways? Especially when it’s kitchen stuff!
My favorite recipe is your Italian Braised Short Ribs although I only use a 1/2 bottle of Cabernet (it doesn’t need more in my estimation!). That was when I realized you are the real deal! Since I made that recipe 2 years ago I now semi regularly go to your website for other recipes to compare other recipes to and find new recipes as well. I just wish I had more time to cook and enjoy it – working 40 hour weeks leaves me tired, especially as I keep getting older with more aches and pains.
Anyhow, bon appetit Cooky!
Lots of love from down South!
Jeanne
Thank you so much Jeanne and I will have to try the braised short ribs with half a bottle, even better, half to drink half to use in the recipe! So appreciate you!
Melanie Naquin
Every one of your recipes I’ve made have been a huge hit, but my faves (so far) are the Italian braised short ribs, chicken and poblano soup and Mongolian beef 🙂
Thank you Melanie, so appreciate your support, those are some of our favorites too!
Kate
I can’t possibly choose just one favorite recipe – I love all of your recipes! Thank you for sharing them for five years.
Awe, you are so sweet! Thanks so much for supporting TFC!
Lisa Linthicum
Hi Kath,
Thank you for your lovely blog! I was just thinking about what I could do for fun for St. Patty’s Day for my students, and there it was! A perfectly yummy and fun recipe for Lucky Charms Bars! They remind me of my childhood as well. My parents would NEVER have bought them for us, but when I was older, I would sneak away with our friend Julie and have a ‘picnic’ with Lucky Charms right from the box! Love you and your blog!
YAY, so glad that those worked out and I love that you and Julie would sneak away and nibble on Lucky Charms!! So appreciate you!
Jane Kondelik
Love your beer bread is only one of my favorites
Mmm, one of mine too, so easy and yet so much great flavor!
carolyn
Your crockpot London broil is the best!
Thank you! It’s a new favorite of ours too! Appreciate you!
Leigh Marcheselli
I enjoy your blog and the easy and delicious recipes you post. My favorite recipe is the Instant Pot chicken and wild rice soup. It was easy to make and my whole family loved it.
Mmm, that is such a delicious and warming soup!! So glad your whole family loves it! You are a blessing to me!
Bk
Key Lime Pie my fav…
Amazing Grace by Pentatonix-fav song!
Yes, yes and yes!! Thanks BK, you are a long-time fan and I cannot appreciate you more!
Carol
How to choose one favorite recipe?! There are so many, and in every category…but I’d go with the deep-dish pizza.
Congratulations on your anniversary, and thank you for all the super recipes and cheerful, inspiring posts!
Oh that deep dish pizza is a favorite of my hubby’s too, just made it on Friday as a matter of fact! Thanks so much for your encouragement and support!
S
Key Lime Pie
The bestest!!
Susan
Love your key lime recipes and leadership! ????❤️
That is so sweet Susan, thank you! So appreciate your and your support!
Shawn Walters
My fav recipe: Rhubarb Strawberry Crumble Bars. Rhubarb and strawberry always go together.
They do go together, like PB & J! Thanks so much!
Geri R
Tried you Shepherds Pie recipe last week. Hubby requested it again this week. That never happens!
That is the best compliment!! Thank you so much Geri and your hubby too!
Carol Mullins
I loved the easy vanilla recipe and the tags provided to go with them. I did make many
batches and have given them away as gifts. I truly appreciate you and all you do.
So glad that my tags spread your love for people in gifting to them! Thank you so very much Carol for your suuport!
Penney Rante
I am new to this website, but am looking forward to trying the copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake this weekend!
And I hope you loved it Penney, it’s a keeper for sure, plus you get two — one to share or freeze for later! Thanks for supporting me!
Marissa
Definitely the lemon raspberry cookies! It’s a fresh taste of spring!
Awe, thank you!! So appreciate you!
Theresa Krier
Congratulations on your 5th Anniversary! I love your site and recipes, thank you! I hope you are blessed with many more years.
I receive that blessing Theresa! Thank you so much!
Theresa Krier
We love your blueberry crumb cake, it’s so simple to make and soooooo delicious !!! Thank you !
Oh that is a favorite of mine, and one of my early recipes too! Thank you!
Jamie
Key Lime Pie!
Yes!! A favorite of ours!
Jim Miller
The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are still my favorite. My family devours these every time!
Haha, ditto in our house, I make them almost every week! Thanks so much!
K Tucker
I haven’t had a chance to try it yet but the Key Lime Pie looks amazing!
I can almost guarantee you will love it! I hope you try it soon!
Linda Young
One of my favorite’s is the Blueberry Coffee Cake! It is always a hit!!!!
It is always a hit isn’t it Linda! So so yummy! Thank you!
P.J. Coldren
My favorite recipe is – what a coinky-dink – the Lucky Charms® Bars; those little marshmallow bits just tickle my taste buds!
Haha, I love it – just in time! They are little treats that are magically delicious (and so easy!)
Carolynn
Cranberry Christmas Cake is the best!
Thank you for so many wonderful recipes!
A surprisingly easy cake isn’t it, with so much great flavor, thank you so much Carolynn!
Marcia Starr
It is difficult to choose a favorite recipe. One of the best features is how you share your self. Your personal thoughts and prayers mean so much. The song “Amazing Grace” has been a favorite for as long as I remember and Pentatonix’s version brings goosebumps. The “Pray like…” will be shared with many.
Thank you.
God’s peace,
Marcia
Oh Marcia, thank you, it’s always a bit scary I must admit, but it is who I am and I want to share that hope with others! Thank you so very much! God’s richest blessings on you!
Jamie
All the soups
For sure Jamie, we love soups in this house!
Debbie
I’m sure you are hoping for an exact recipe, but I have to say, since I now live in Colorado (I came from Indiana) I really appreciate high altitude instructions. There truly is a learning curve to baking here. Plus beware of the Ides of March, because it’s my birthday!
That’s fantastic to say Debbie, there is a definitely a learning curve to baking at altitude and I still stumble, but at least hopefully I can share what I learn along the way!
Dawn Vandermillen
My favorite recipe is your Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. Make them every week!! ❤️
Because you are the best! Thank you my friend, so value and need your support!
Michelle O
My favorite recipe is Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze. YUM!!! I can eat it with anything or all by itself!
Happy 5th Anniversary…and here’s to many more!
Thanks so much Michelle, oh those sprouts are so crispy and amazing!
leslie geraghty
HI there,
thank you for so many wonderful recipes. My very first recipe wasfor the lemon peppermint scrub, although its not edible, I use these as giveaway gifts and everyone loves them .
It is such a great giveaway isn’t it! A fun gift that looks beautiful! Thanks so much!
Lisa
Love your recipes, Kathleen! I’ve always wanted to make my own vanilla, but was intimidated. I ordered everything via your links, and our first batch is ready—we all did smell tests and agreed it’s heavenly compared to the store-bought stuff (especially the almond liquor one).
Pretzels & beer cheese are on my to-do list :).
Congrats on an awesome milestone for your blog!!
Lisa
Oh I love that Lisa, so glad that you overcame your intimidations! You will LOVE the pretzels and beer cheese too. So grateful for you!
Monsie
I love all of your recipes, truly. If I had to pick just one I would have to say it’s your Guinness Cake Recipe, OMGOSH so delicious and always a crowd pleaser. It’s also the perfect cake for St. Patty’s Day. Thank you for always posting easy accessible ingredients.
Omygosh is right, that is a delicious, rich and easy chocolate cake! In fact, I should make one again soon since it’s so easy and it’s almost St. Patrick’s day!
Allie
Happy Anniversary Kathleen! I remember scrapbooking in your wonderful taste test kitchen dreaming about this and now you’re FIVE years in! Truly amazing. ????
Congratulations ????????????
Because of friends like you, I had the courage to jump into this fun adventure! Thank you Allie!
Linda H
My favorite recipe , which I make alot, is Best Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. It is the bomb! I love it. And so do my grandson’s friends that come over to check on me. Thanks. It’s a reward in itself alone.
So first of all, I love that your grandson’s friends come to check on you! That is so beautiful and I love that those cookies bring joy to them and to you!
Nancy
chocolate chip cookies for the win every time
Yes indeed Nancy! Thanks ever so!
Kathy Gocke
Very nice and helpful website. Congratulations on your 5th anniversary ????????????????
Thanks Kathy, appreciate you!
Janice Bull
My favorite recipe I just made was your award winning pork green Chile! It was delicious!!
Oh it’s so so yummy! Thanks so very much Janice for your support and your friendship!
Toni
While I do like the chocolate chip cookies, you blew me away with the Key Lime Pie that just melts in your mouth and tastes like heaven.
When I imagine heaven, I think of the amazing foods and would be honored if that was in heaven! Haha! Thank you!
Loretta Walker
My hubby is from Chicago and when I surprised him with your Chicago Deep Dish Pizza all he could say is “wow”. Thank you!
WOW back, I love it, that is amazing! So grateful that you could surprise him with that!
Cindy Lee Morgan
Best chocolate chip cookie recipe!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Alane Kollman
I love Whoopie pies. Trying this recipe today!
Oh I hope you love them!
Eliza
Happy five year anniversary! Thank you for generously sharing so many hundreds of fabulous recipes, and always starting my Friday with a smile. One of my favorite recipes from your site is your famous flank steak marinade. We have it often, and the steak comes out so flavorful every time. Here’s to your continued success and many good things ahead for The Fresh Cooky!
And you have been there since before I began, cheering me on, testing, listening, encouraging me, thank YOU dear Eliza!
ColleenB. ~ Tx.
Happy Blog Anniversary.
Hands down for favorite recipe; (for me that is) would have to be the baby back ribs; but for hubby; any & all your holiday sweet recipes. He does like / enjoy his desserts.
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
Enjoy your day and have a wonderful weekend
Love it Colleen, thank you so much for your support friend!
kesha
There are so many favorites of your recipes that my family loves. We really do enjoy the Key Lime Pie recipe. It is delicious!
Thank you so much Kesha, it’s a keeper of a recipe, one I love to share!
Deborah RICHARDS
I enjoy receiving your blog and the great recipes. looking forward to making the lucky charms bars. Loved the gift tags too. Keep up the good work and HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY FOR YOUR BLOG. GOD BLESS.
Thank you Deborah! So appreciate your encouragement, God bless you too!