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Talk about a throwback…check out this picture of me and my Dad from my freshman year in college! I found this photo recently and it stirred up so many incredible memories. It perfectly captures the love and support I got from both my parents throughout my life. But it also brings me right back to the excitement of starting a new school year…and all the good stuff that went along with it.

It’s been quite some time since I headed back to school, myself. But I still use this time of year as an excuse to organize my life and stock up for the busy months ahead. It’s just a lot more fun now. Because these days, I celebrate back-to-baking instead of back-to-school. And it’s much yummier.   

Of course, it’s the perfect time of year to recreate some of the recipes my mom used to make as special after-school treats for my sister and me. As a working mother, back-to-school season was extra hectic for my mom. But she always took the time to make delicious casseroles and a few unforgettable desserts during those first weeks back to school, just to give us a little something to look forward to at the end of the day. Like her easy Lemon Blueberry Tube Cake (recipe below), which is one of my favorites, to this day.

These are all the memories swirling around my head as I get ready for this week’s Cooking on Q: Comfort Cooking event. And you’ll see it on air, too. Because we’re whipping up lots of fun fall foods with the help of brand new temp-tations designed to help make your fall cooking and baking so much easier.

When we first debuted our temp-tations Bake Set, the rolling pin was the very heart of the collection. It’s such an iconic symbol of everything cozy and comforting about the kitchen…and it’s tied to so many kitchen memories. Every time I reach for my rolling pin, I remember tagging around after my grandmother in the kitchen, sneaking tastes and nibbles of her yummy family recipes whenever she’d let me. And learning them by heart without even realizing it.  

From the very start, so many people have shared similar memories, so I decided to design a stand-alone rolling pin set…and now it’s here! Our temp-tations Ceramic Rolling Pin with Stand is now available on its own in your favorite patterns and colors. Plus, it’s available in seasonal patterns and colors, too. So ready to get rolling on yummy pies, cookies, biscuits and making brand new cozy memories in the kitchen. 

Our Set of 4 Scoop and Measure Spoons are so pretty and versatile, you may just decide to keep them on display all the time. I know I reach for them so many times a day, I’ve lost count. And they’re a fun way to add a pop of color to your kitchen décor. 

Then, of course, there’s our beautiful Floral Lace Set of 2 9" Deep Dish Pie Plates. You won’t believe just how easy it is to make – and present – your favorite family recipes with this versatile set. And, here’s my favorite idea: Keep a dish for yourself, then bake something in the second pie plate and gift it to a dear friend or family member. Such a heartwarming gift!

In the mood to bake yet? Just wait until you see all the goodies we have prepped for Cooking on Q! Here’s a taste of my mom’s recipe, to get you started.

BLUEBERRY LEMON TUBE CAKE

Cake

2 boxes yellow cake mix

1 ½ cups fresh blueberries

¼ cup flour

4 Tablespoons lemon zest

Icing

2 cups powdered sugar

⅔ cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Lightly spray your temp-tations fluted tube pan with non-stick spray.


2. In a large mixing bowl prepare cake mix according to package instructions.  Stir in lemon zest.


3. Toss blueberries and flour in a small bowl.


4. Place half of the batter in the pan. Sprinkle with half of the blueberries.


5. Top with remaining batter and then the rest of the blueberries.


6. Bake for 45 – 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.


7. Remove from oven and cool completely before serving.  Turn out onto serving plate.


8. For the icing, whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth.  Drizzle over cake and serve.

See? Looks like Wednesday is shaping up to be a delicious day. And chock full of savings, too. QVC is offering Easy Pay on select temp-tations until 11:59 ET 9/12.

Hope you’ll tune in (and chime in – click here to join the Live Chat with Lisa at 11:00 am ET) to let us know what cozy comfort foods you’re looking forward to this fall!

XOXO

Tara