My Awesome Recipes Books: Blank Paperback Cookbook Organizers

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2025-2026

My Awesome Recipes – the perfect blank paperback cookbook series for organizing your favorite meals, desserts, drinks, holiday classics, and more!

🔥 My Awesome Recipes Are YOUR Awesome Recipes

Record your recipes in these nifty 128-page paperback recipe cookbooks, journals or organizers. From crafting the perfect cocktail to baking delightful treats, these ‘My Awesome Recipes’ journals are designed to help you document and perfect your culinary creations. Explore the full series below.

my awesome beverage recipes

My Awesome Recipes – 5 paperback editions available only at Amazon!
All 5 books here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FGVYJFX1?binding=paperback&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tpbk

🍰 My Awesome Dessert Recipes
Capture your sweetest creations in one delicious place! This blank dessert recipe book is perfect for bakers who love cakes, cookies, pies, and everything in between. Book link: My Awesome Dessert Recipes

🍹 My Awesome Beverage Recipes
From cozy cocoa and smoothies to cocktails and mocktails, this blank drink recipe journal is perfect for mixologists, hosts, and everyday sippers alike. Book link: My Awesome Beverage Recipes

🍳 My Awesome Cooking Recipes
A flexible blank cookbook designed for everyday meals, comfort food, and kitchen creativity. Book link: My Awesome Cooking Recipes

🥖 My Awesome Baking Recipes
For home bakers who love kneading dough, whipping up pastries, or inventing new bakes. Book link: My Awesome Baking Recipes

🎄My Awesome Holiday Recipes
Celebrate the magic of the season and preserve your most delicious traditions with My Awesome Holiday Recipes, a DIY blank recipe book made for home cooks, bakers, and festive foodies of all skill levels. Book link: My Awesome Holiday Recipes
These blank recipe journals are designed for bakers, cooks and mixologists of all levels!

Build your own kitchen journal set – the perfect gift for food lovers, students, or newlyweds!

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Recipe & Video

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2025

For Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion, this vibrant red velvet hot chocolate is a clear winner for a tasty holiday drink. This kid-friendly caffeine-free version is for those of you who want to enjoy a late night beverage. For an extraordinary holiday season, share this simple yet indulgent recipe with your family and friends. It’s from my latest dessert cookbook QUICK & EASY CHOCOLATE DESSERT RECIPES. Scroll down to watch the video!

INGREDIENTS:

 INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Heat milk in a saucepan on medium heat.
  • Add white chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
  • Stir well and keep stirring until it just begins to bubble. If using an infrared thermometer, the temperature should be about 150° Fahrenheit / 65°  Celsius.
  • Turn off burner and remove from heat. You don’t want to scorch your milk.
  • Add the vanilla extract.
  • Keep stirring as it thickens.
  • Add the food color[s].
  • Pour into glass[es] and top with marshmallows, sprinkles, whipped cream, or enjoy as is!

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting indie authors!
quick & easy chocolate dessert recipes by lisa maliga ebook kindleunlimited

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Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery Series Box Set, Books 1 -3 ~ Book Trailer

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2025

Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery Series Box Set, Books 1 -3

Includes 3 full-length cozy mysteries and four free dessert recipes!

The Great Brownie Taste-off, Book 1

Cat shelter employee Yolanda Carter loves her job, but her dream is to own a bakery. Living in Sherman Oaks, California with her tuxedo cat, her only outlet is baking treats for her friends, coworkers and family.
Her situation changes when her high school friend, Teagan Mishkin, drops by to tell her about an incredible job opportunity that will give Yolanda enough money to launch her bakery.
The job interview takes an unexpected turn and Yolanda stumbles across a scheme to close the cat shelter. She concocts a sweet plan to save the shelter and share her decadent brownies in the Great Brownie Taste-off. Assisted by her artisan parents, friends, shelter employees and a rising young blogger who gives her much-needed publicity, will she win the taste-off and save the shelter?
Includes the winning brownie recipe.

The Missing Sea Captain, Book 2

The successful launch of Yolanda’s Yummery in the trendy Brentwood area of Los Angeles has Yolanda Carter working seven days a week. Her delicious desserts are garnering many repeat customers and in just a few weeks the adjoining Beverage Bar will be opening. She’s involved in a budding romance with sophisticated British tea baron, Nigel Garvey.
The mystery involves Captain Angus, a regular homeless customer who disappears. Clues point toward Yolanda being involved in foul play. Lead investigator Detective Churchill thinks she’s a murderer, along with her best friend, Teagan Mishkin.
Will Yolanda’s name be cleared, and can those bestselling Magical Cakes of Love save her and the yummery?
Includes two new recipes!

A Pie to Die For, Book 3

In this cozy mystery, Yolanda Carter is told of her grandmother’s best friend’s unsolved murder. Mildred Overmeyer was an outstanding home baker who was stabbed to death while baking a cherry pie. The story of the 1960s crime touches Yolanda, along with her new friend, Detective Churchill. Her budding sleuthing skills lead her to search for the killer.
In between investigating and baking batches of pies in time for her latest product launch, Yolanda discovers more about the sweetness of love. And who is heating up the kitchen with Yolanda?
Includes the recipe for Yolanda’s Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

Get your copy today! This cozy mystery box set is available at all major online bookstores. Link: https://www.lisamaliga.com/book-yolandas-yummery-cozy-mystery-series-boxset

Book Trailer

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Lemon Streusel Muffins Recipe & Video

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2025

Whether you like muffins for breakfast, as a snack or dessert, zesty lemon streusel muffins are quick and easy to make. These muffins also contain white chia seeds, which are tan to light brown in color. They don’t show up in the baked muffins. They’re lighter than the familiar black chia seeds as they’re immature. There is no difference in taste or texture. I’d run out of the standard black chia seeds, so I used what was in my cupboard.

The streusel is made first. It’s a crumb topping that adds texture and flavor to your zesty muffins. By adding melted butter, you spend less time mixing it.

STREUSEL TOPPING

Ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour https://amzn.to/3ClXccQ
1/4 cup light brown sugar https://amzn.to/4awB2kG
1/4 cup granulated sugar https://amzn.to/4joQH9X
Dash of salt https://amzn.to/3Cpg3Uf
3 Tablespoons [1.5 ounces] unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Instructions:

In a medium-sized bowl, use a pastry cutter or fork to mix the flour, sugar and salt.

Pour melted butter and mix ingredients together until clumpy and the butter is completely absorbed. The topping will resemble lumpy wet sand.

LEMON MUFFINS

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour https://amzn.to/3ClXccQ
3/4 cup cake flour https://amzn.to/40y3aiN
3/4 cup granulated sugar https://amzn.to/4joQH9X
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder https://amzn.to/4gjHOvo
1/2 teaspoon salt https://amzn.to/3Cpg3Uf
1 large egg
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil https://amzn.to/4hmiqGc
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon lemon zest
2-3 Tablespoons chia seeds, white: https://amzn.to/4h9CVGy  black: https://amzn.to/4h8gly9

Oven temperature: 375 Fahrenheit/190 Celsius. Bake time: 20 minutes

Yield: 12 muffins

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 Fahrenheit/190 Celsius. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In a medium bowl, mix the egg and add ricotta, water, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice. Blend together.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into the middle then mix with a silicone or rubber spatula. When half-mixed, add chia seeds, gently folding into batter.

Scoop batter into the muffin pan’s liners. Each should be 3/4 full.

Top each muffin with streusel topping.

Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool on cooling rack.

Lemon streusel muffins taste best when heated. Store in an airtight container for up 5 days.

Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount of money from qualifying purchases.

VIDEO

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Stovetop Popcorn Recipe & Video

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2025

How easy is it to make healthy popcorn on your stovetop? So easy it’ll only take about 5 minutes. Stovetop popcorn is a lot healthier than microwave popcorn. Plus, you control the types of oil, butter and amount of salt you need. This is the perfect recipe for those who follow the Keto diet, and it’s always a great snack to enjoy when watching a movie or reading a book.

Ingredients

1.5 Tablespoons virgin coconut oil https://amzn.to/4jj7Dyq

1.5 Tablespoons olive oil https://amzn.to/4hmiqGc

1/2 Cup organic popcorn https://amzn.to/3C8poQn

1/2 stick salted butter

Salt to taste

Instructions

Add oil to kettle and heat at medium to medium-high. Add a couple of popcorn kernels, cover the kettle, and when they pop, remove them.

Take kettle off burner and wait for 2 minutes to stabilize the heat and prevent burning. No one likes burnt popcorn.

Add popcorn and shake kettle to distribute kernels evenly.

Let pop until finished. You’ll know it’s done when the popping goes from quick to occasional pops.

Pour into a large bowl and add salt and melted butter to taste.

You might need to melt the butter in a microwave. If so, cover with plastic wrap.

Serve in your favorite bowl. In my case, I’m able to enjoy my popcorn in a vintage Hazel Atlas cobalt blue depression glass mixing bowl, circa 1935.

VIDEO

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Apple Betty Recipe + Video

From the classic cookbook BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS NEW COOKBOOK, copyright 1968.

A slightly revised recipe by Lisa Maliga, copyright 2024.

I was looking for an apple crisp recipe, but when I found this 56-year-old Apple Betty recipe from my vintage cookbook, I went with it. It’s quick and easy to make. It can be served with ice cream or whipped cream, but I only had chocolate ice cream, so I just had a large piece without any topping. It was still hot from the oven, which is the best temperature to serve this dessert.

Apple Betty Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups sliced pared tart apples or 1 1-pound 2-ounce can
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Dash salt
  • 1/2 cup [4 ounces] butter

Oven temperature: 375 Fahrenheit / 190 Celsius

Directions:

Mound apples in buttered 9-inch pie plate; sprinkle with orange juice. Combine sugar, flour, spices, and salt; cut in butter till mixture is crumbly; sprinkle over apples.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or till apples are tender and topping is crisp. Serve warm with cream. Makes 6 servings.

OPTIONS:
I used golden sugar, which is slightly less processed than white sugar.

I sliced the Granny Smith apples and left the skins on.

I added 1/8 teaspoon allspice.

You can substitute lemon juice for orange juice.

Salted butter was used.

VIDEO

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Valencia Orange Cupcakes Recipe

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2024

I’ve made chocolate cupcakes with orange frosting before, but never a vanilla-based cupcake infused with freshly-squeezed orange juice. The batch turned out well and I even substituted olive oil for sunflower or safflower oil to see if there was a taste difference. Yes, it was a bit stronger and it wasn’t as light and fluffy as it would’ve been if the usual vegetable oil had been used. I avoided using flavor oil but I added gel-based orange colorant for the cupcakes and frosting.

Cupcake ingredients:

  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups cake flour
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon orange flavor oil [optional]
  • orange colorant [optional]

Oven temperature: 350 degrees Fahrenheit / 180 degrees Celsius

Makes 9 cupcakes.

Baking time: approximately 20 minutes

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until dissolved.

Add the oil and salt and mix for about a minute.

Add orange juice, flour and baking powder and mix until combined.

Add vanilla extract, flavoring and coloring.

Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full with batter.

Bake until a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean.

Cool cupcakes on a wire rack for a few minutes, and then remove cupcakes from pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Orange Buttercream Frosting ingredients:

  • 11/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 Tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
  • 1 Tablespoon orange zest for topping
  • Orange flavor [optional]
  • Orange colorant [optional]

Directions: Beat softened butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, orange juice, cream, flavor, and colorant. Mix on high speed until well combined and smooth. Spoon into a piping bag with your favorite tip and pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

This recipe is from the new book The Missing Sea Captain (A Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery, Book 2). It’s available for pre-order in eBook and paperback formats. Click the above link to read more, including a new book review!

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Chocolate Energy Bars Recipe

Copyright 2024 by Lisa Maliga

This one ticks a lot of boxes if you’re looking for nut-free, vegan, low-sugar and an easy no-bake snack or dessert. It took me four tries to get it right. I also recommend storing them in the refrigerator, especially in warm weather.

This is an original recipe from the second book of the new Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery series.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, combine the first four ingredients and stir well over medium heat. Remember to sift the cocoa powder before adding it to the oils and sugar so the mixture is smooth.

In a very large bowl, combine the rice cereal, rolled oats, salt, and chia seeds with a whisk.

Pour in the warmed up wet ingredients and mix well. Wait about 10 minutes to add the chocolate chips as you don’t want them to melt completely.

In a parchment-lined 8” x 8” or 9” x 9” square pan, spoon in the mixture. Use a spatula to even out the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit on the counter for a few hours before slicing and eating.

If you’re in a hurry, put it in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Lastly, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the energy bars into squares or rectangles.

Store in the refrigerator. Wrap with waxed paper or plastic wrap.

Some Substitutes:

If you want a buttery flavored energy bar, use butter instead of coconut oil.

Don’t have any agave in your cupboard? No problem, use either honey or pure maple syrup.

Click to learn more

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How to Make Mint Ice Cream + Uranium Glass!

By Lisa Maliga copyright 2024

As I love anything peppermint, I thought I’d make some peppermint ice cream and here’s my recipe which makes just under 2 quarts. You can use peppermint or spearmint extract. But if you want only a pure mint oil flavor, check out peppermint essential oil. I only added ¼ teaspoon and that really made the ice cream extra cool and refreshing!

Mint Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

3/4 cup sugar
11/4 cups raw milk [or whole milk]
3 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon peppermint extract OR about ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint essential oil
A few drops green colorant

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and milk, mixing until the sugar is dissolved.

Pour in cream and colorant.

Add your mint flavor or essential oil.

Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the mixture into the freezer bowl.

Then place the cover on top, and let it mix ’til it thickens which is about 25-30 minutes.

Your mint ice cream will be like a soft serve style. Turn off the machine and scoop the ice cream into bowls if eating immediately. For storage, add to a freezer-ready airtight container.

If you want chocolate mint chip ice cream, chop up about 8 ounces of good quality chocolate and add just before the ice cream is ready – generally 20-25 minutes into the process.

Link to Cuisinart ice cream maker: https://amzn.to/3Vg83KH

2 quart-size freezer containers: https://amzn.to/4bRFDxO

Where to find raw milk: https://getrawmilk.com/map

Black light flashlight: https://amzn.to/3zorJ7U

Uranium glass: check out your local thrift shops, antique shops, yard sales, estate sales, or visit http://www.Etsy  and http://www.eBay.com  

I found my bowl at an antique shop and it was on display with a black light to show off it’s neon green loveliness!

What you eat your ice cream from can make a difference. There are many varieties of glass bowls and cups that increase the pleasure of eating ice cream and make it more appealing. It’s good for portion control and generally glass is prettier and certainly longer lasting than plastic.

Under the glow of a black light is where you’ll see the neon glowy green color of uranium glass. Vaseline glass also contains uranium but the color is more yellow-green.

This glassware has a tiny amount of uranium in it, and the fact that it’s been in dishes for more than a hundred years should be reassuring. There are many sites online that discourage use for food but encourage displaying the lovely glass. Ultimately, it’s a decision you’ll make for yourself. I found I had a little more energy after eating from my little green ice cream bowl.

I’ll keep experimenting with various desserts in my new little cup/bowl. It’s radioactive good fun and I might be shopping around for more pieces of this gorgeous uranium glassware.

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Shampoo Bar Natural Additives Excerpt from “How to Make Handmade Shampoo Bars”

copyright 2011-2024 by Lisa Maliga

When using herbal additives, it’s better to use dried herbs than fresh—even in the rebatch type of base. This helps prolong the shelf life of the shampoo bar. Here 10 helpful natural additives to improve your shampoo bars.

* Aloe Vera Gel or Juice [Aloe Barbadensis] – Scalp soothing aloe vera gel makes a wonderful addition to shampoo bars due to its moisturizing and balancing properties. It is high in protein. Aloe vera gel is thicker and longer lasting. Fresh aloe vera can be used for rebatch/hand-milled shampoo bars, but the shelf life won’t be as long. Natural and/or organic aloe vera gel is always clear in color.

* Amla [Emblica Officinalis] – Amla is called Indian Gooseberry and is an Ayruvedic herb that conditions and helps with hair growth. In powdered form, it’s brownish in color. In liquid form it’s green and often mixed with coconut oil or sesame oil. You can buy it online and in Indian grocery stores. Amla is beneficial for all hair types.

how to make handmade shampoo bars: the budget edition by lisa maliga paperback

* Avocado [Persea Gratissima] – This vitamin-filled fruit has lots of potassium, vitamin B and vitamin E, can be used mashed up into the rebatched soap or in a hair masque. The oil can be added to melt and pour soap base.

* Beer – American or imported, bottled or canned, light or dark, beer is good for your hair! It contains wheat protein and B vitamins. A healthy and economical addition to your shampoo bars, it can also be used as a hair rinse.

* Chamomile [Anthemis Nobilis] – Whether you choose German or Roman chamomile, you’ll be helping wash away any skin irritations/allergies. Used in a shampoo bar, blonde-haired people will continue to have more fun! You can use whole [dried] chamomile flowers, or those that have been cut or powdered. Naturally, you can enhance the calming chamomile experience with the essential oil.

* Clay – Many varieties of clays are available and range from bentonite, Pascalite, Rhassoul to Himalayan. Recently, clays from Australia include washed blue, olive green, and ivory are now available to us in the USA. Clays remove dirt and grime from the hair and scalp, yet don’t strip it of moisture. Colors range from white to pink to green to brown. Clays make great additions to both shaving soaps and shampoo bars.

* Coffee [Coffea Arabica] – Your morning coffee contains vitamins B3 and E and the aroma is quite perky. The benefits of caffeine include helping boost your hair’s volume and shine.

* Goat’s Milk – Contains a higher amount of protein than cow’s milk. Using goat’s milk in your shampoo bars won’t increase lather but the silky sensation during and after use is almost guaranteed to get you addicted to this additive!

* Honey – Raw/organic honey has gentle, moisturizing qualities that make it beneficial for any hair type. In its purest, unrefined form, it has all the vitamins, along with 16 minerals including calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. This nourishing nectar also has proteins and amino acids, along with enzymes and co-enzymes.

* Rosemary [Rosmarinus Officinalis] – A gift for your hair and beneficial in essential oil or in the dried and cut or powdered rosemary leaves, which can be used directly in the shampoo bars. It is frequently found in liquid and solid shampoos and in hair growth blends as it may help increase hair growth since it stimulates the follicles.

Book link: How to Make Handmade Shampoo Bars

Visually-Enhanced Book Excerpt

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