Colleen Stout

My great-grandmother was Irish, and I'm fortunate enough to have a few of her favorite recipes that were handed down. One that I like to make often is her Irish soda bread. It will make a great addition to your St. Patrick's Day meal this year. One of the original rustic artisan breads, Irish soda ...
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Your last name doesn’t have to be O'Reilly to dress in green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. On March 17th, everyone is Irish for a day. Here’s a list of places around Michigan where you can listen to an Irish tune and raise a glass of green beer to St. Paddy. Grand Ledge - March 13th & ...
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New Orleans has Mardi Gras, but here in Michigan we celebrate "Fat Tuesday" in our own delicious way, by indulging in Paczki. Never heard of paczki (poonch-kie)? Neither had I. Until I moved to Michigan. But once you try one, you’ll understand just why the pastry causes so much excitement in th...
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Valentine's Day doesn't have to be all about candy. There are plenty of sweet and even healthy treats that are alternatives to boxes of chocolates and conversation hearts. Any of these snack ideas below are sure to tell your special someone just how much you love them! 1. Chocolate Covered Strawber...
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Whether you like long, leisurely strolls on the beach or prefer something more daring and adventurous, Michigan is the perfect destination for sweethearts to relax and connect. This Valentine’s Day, consider skipping the candy and flowers and surprise your special someone with a visit to one of th...
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It's so hard to get my family out of bed on a cold winter morning. I don't even want to get up. But having this hardy, warm breakfast of Apple Pecan Oatmeal waiting for us in the crock pot makes it a little easier. It also makes the morning go smoother when I don't have to cook a hot breakfast in be...
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If you really want to slow down, get back to basics and spend quality time together there’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned family road trip. Michigan is a great place to take a road trip. Drive in almost any direction, and you’re sure to find a sandy beach, scenic hiking trail or charming to...
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There’s no question that Michigan is a unique and wonderful place to live. It may have its challenges, like long winters, but learning to cope with and embrace them just endears this place to us even more. Even though we have everything we could ever want right here, we do like to get out and broa...
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They started playing on the radio in November, words and melodies painting the picture of an idyllic Christmas, conjuring images of happy families frolicking in the snow, singing carols around a crackling fire and gliding through the woods in a sleigh. Well, that Currier and Ives Christmas might not...
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I started to make a list of must-see places in The Mitten State. When I got to number 100 and wasn’t finished, I decided I better narrow it down because it was a bit overwhelming. It wasn’t easy to pick just ten, but if I have to choose these are the things that will give you a good overview of ...
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