Tempean Treats

Spicy Hot Fudge Brownies!

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:21:00 -0400

I was inspired to make this from a recipe I saw recently on Twitter. However, it didn’t seem NEARLY chocolatey enough for my taste. So, here’s my spin.
Light and airy, spicy and seductive! ooh! and JUST over 100 calories :) Enjoy!

Ingredients

2/3 cup Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons Smucker’s hot fudge
1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ancho chile powder* or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional)
1 cup sugar

1/3 cup water
2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir until fully combined.
Grease baking dish to avoid your brownies sticking to the pan upon removal.
Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Home-Style Meatloaf (adapted from WholeFoods.com) Meatloaf is...

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:02:00 -0400

Home-Style Meatloaf (adapted from WholeFoods.com)

Meatloaf is one of my husband’s FAVORITE things to eat. I, on the other hand, don’t really care for it. But, since today was spring cleaning day at my house, I knew I wasn’t going to have a lot of time to prepare a fancy dinner.

I found this recipe on the whole foods app for my iPhone. Whole foods is pretty much one of my fave places to grocery shop, but since the one here isn’t opening up until May, I made due with similar ingredients that I already had in my cupboards.
This is one meatloaf I will recommend again and again!

Ingredients

Cooking spray
2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup multi-grain cracker crumbs
1 yellow onion, 1/2 chopped, 1/2 thinly sliced, divided
1 cup grated carrots
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, divided
2 to 3 teaspoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons brown sugar

Method

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine beef, cracker crumbs, chopped onion, carrots, egg, 1/4 cup tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire, salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to prepared pan. In a small bowl, combine remaining tomato sauce with sugar. Pour sauce over the meatloaf and scatter sliced onions over the top, if desired.
Arrange pan on a small baking sheet and bake until cooked through and deep golden brown, about 1 hour. Set aside to let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Per serving: 250 calories (120 from fat), 13g total fat, 5g saturated fat, 95mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 10g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 22g protein

Photo: courtesy of wholefoods.com/recipes

Rotisroni (When You're Out of Groceries...And Options)

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:08:02 -0500

So this soup sounds like a chef boyardee meal, BUT it’s all original from my kitchen :)

I am feeling much better these days and since we’ve been out of town in Vegas (hence, the lack of new recipes) and eating out for the last week, I’ve had a yearning for some good, healthy, home-cooked meal choices. However, the lack of food-stuffs in the house make it a little difficult. Not to mention, hubby has another sinus infection and little man is getting the sniffles. I never know when either of them will be hungry or what they will be in the mood to eat.

I post a lot of soups because they are easy, healthy, and my husband LOVES soup. And esp since we are getting into the fickle, in-between weather of spring…Our time for soups are limited. I’m not one to eat a lot of hot lunches and such in the heat of summer. But maybe I’ll try a cold cucumber soup this year, ey?

Anyway, I made this recipe up as I went, based on left overs from our fridge and staples from the pantry. It smells super good and although the prep time might take more than just a few minutes, it’s way worth it. Like your grandma’s Sunday dinner all mixed up in one pot of goodness!

Ingredients:

1-1.5 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups water

4.5 cups organic chicken stock

1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts

7 large collard green leaves, shredded (thick)

1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes, partially drained

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium yellow onion

1/4-1/2 rotisserie chicken, no skin

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp basil

1 tsp Montreal chicken seasoning

2 tbsp Roman basil vinaigrette dressing (Wishbone), or your favorite italian vinaigrette

1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Precook macaroni until it is JUST underdone, drain and set aside.

2. Sautee onion and garlic in olive oil until onion is soft.

3. Add vinaigrette dressing and cook for approx 1 minute. (stirring often)

4. Pour in chicken stock, water, and collard greens- bring to boil and cooking until greens are soft all the way through. Do not let liquids diminish.

5. Add artichoke hearts, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes; cook until well blended. Stirring occasionally.

6. Mix in spices and salt/pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.

7. Next, gradually add rotisserie chicken and simmer for 8-10 more minutes.

8. Last, add macaroni to the soup mixture. Cook until noodles are thoroughly heated and serve. Add parmesan cheese, if desired.

Do YOU Speak Danish???

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:16:00 -0500

I love CHEESE in any form! I don’t know to many people that hate it lol

Recently, I was given the assignment to make dessert (one of many) for a very large crowd; a crowd of 58 to be exact. But the fact that the group I am doing this with is also assigned to serve a breakfast the next day, so I decided cheese danish would be a good neutral.

Never made it before, but lord! did this turn out lovvvvvley! It is soooo delish and rich and just the right texture with a HINT of citrus. This will please anybody; the big breakfast eaters or for a mid-night snack. And SO simple!

Ingredients

2 (10 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, diced
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons sour cream
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 tablespoon of water (microwave shortly if needed for desired thickness)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Line bottom of baking pan with 1 can of crescent rolls. Pinch all seams together to seal.
In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, white sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract and sour cream. Spread filling on top of rolls. Place second can of rolls on top of filling.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together confectioners’ sugar, milk and butter. After Danish has cooled, drizzle with icing.

Simple Soup For The "Dentally" Wounded

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:46:25 -0500

I was in a hurry tonight…
It’s been a long day; I was so wrapped up with errands and FINALLY got word from the doctor as to what the heck is going on with me. I’ve been so stressed and tired and SO ready for our vacation next week. I have a million things to do, but really wanted to make a nice meal tonight. Especially since my poor hubby had to go to the dentist and get 3 cavities filled this afternoon… With 2 more to be filled in a few weeks.

He is sittin’ around the house with “duck lips” (as I like to call them), all numb and groggy while the sky outside is black and stormy looking. And, although this is one of the warmest days of the winter we have had so far, I figured that I couldn’t go wrong with soup ;)

I chose a tortellini soup, but this one is much lighter and quicker to cook than the last one I posted. Very different taste quality too, but very yummy. :) Feel free to improvise with other ingredients you may have in the house that need used up too!

Ingredients:
1 tbsp. olive oil
½ cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp. dried oregano
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes, with juices
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
9 oz. tortellini, any variety (fresh or frozen)
3 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed

2 links of italian sausage or .5 cup ground

Salt and pepper

Grated Parmesan, for serving

Directions:

In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions to the pan and cook until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Mix in the oregano and diced tomatoes. Add the broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Meanwhile, cook the italian sausage in a large pan. Once finished at it to soup mixture.Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package directions. One minute before the tortellini is fully cooked, stir in the spinach. Remove from the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with grated Parmesan as desired.

I have been very sick for a few weeks and not able to do much...

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:31:00 -0500

I have been very sick for a few weeks and not able to do much around the house. My husband has been fending for himself for dinner or cooking something simple for the whole family, even though my appetite is in the crapper.
My husband travels for work a lot so when he comes home I like to have a nice meal prepared…Tonight he is coming home from Virginia and even though I am still feeling very ill, I wanted to make something we could both enjoy.
I opted for tacos because they are so easy! BUT, you can make them with so much variety. {Soon I’ll be making tilapia tacos with kiwi salsa!} The ones I decided to make tonight are good ol’ fashion buffalo chicken! This recipe makes enough for 10 tacos but don’t be afraid to double or triple the ingredients for a party or put your own spin on it…etc. Also, the picture shows MILD buffalo sauce, but I like mine spicy so I’m just using the regular. Feel free to switch it up! Bon appetit!

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
⅓ cup flour
3 tablespoon cornstarch
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
⅓ cup buffalo wing sauce, plus extra for garnishment
1 Tablespoon olive oil
10 6-inch flour tortillas

Toppings:

Shredded Lettuce
Diced onions
Avocado slices
Ranch dressing
Green onions, sliced thinly (optional)

Directions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. In a large bowl combine cornstarch, flour, cayenne, and garlic powder. Season the chicken pieces with pepper, then dredge in the flour mixture.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the Dutch oven and once it gets hot, add chicken and cook on both sides – about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once the chicken is done, set it aside in a bowl and toss with ⅓ cup buffalo wing sauce.

4. Assemble 10 tacos, dividing the toppings evenly among each taco.

Credit to: navywifecook.com

DIY FACIALS! How Could I Resist?! AND foodie friendly! I’ve...

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:07:00 -0500

DIY FACIALS! How Could I Resist?! AND foodie friendly!

I’ve always been a strong believer in skin care, especially the occasional clay mask. But with everything nowadays going more green and organic, I found these awesome, hippie friendly masks that smell and work great! (Click the pic to access all of the facials and info)

I have always had a problem with my skin being TOO oily. I ‘ve tried a number of different products and, no matter what, at the end of the day I always felt like I could bake a chicken breast on my face. As I get older and my hormones change, I find that although this is less of a problem, it is not completely resolved. That’s why, every blue moon, I still take a few minutes to pamper myself with a facial. At home or salon style.

Ingredients:
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup oatmeal

The oatmeal and egg yolk fight oily skin, while the honey and olive oil moisturize. Mix ingredients together, apply and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water, dry and follow with your usual moisturizer.

After rinsing this recipe, my face felt so soft and my skin felt like it was able to breath again! I’d even recommend these facials for guys, especially ones that consider themselves to manly to buy a lot of product. Have fun! <3

I am a huge sucker for ANYTHING pumpkin. I don’t think it...

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:21:00 -0500

I am a huge sucker for ANYTHING pumpkin. I don’t think it can EVER taste bad. Muffins, lattes, cheesecakes, and yes, oatmeal! A friend of mine in Delaware put on Facebook that she was making this one day and I just couldn’t wait to try it and while cans of pumpkin are staring you in the face each time you walk into Walmart during the fall and winter, that was all the excuse I needed. There are MANY variations of this recipe that you can find on the web. This one is fiber filled and packed with flavor! Enjoy on a brisk morning with a cup of coffee or tea <3 {I didn’t make this this morning (hence the borrowed photo), but woke up craving it!}

Pumpkin Oatmeal with Walnuts and Maple Syrup - Serves 2-3

1 cup milk

1 cup water

1 small can of pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups thick cut rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, plus more for serving

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds

Maple Syrup

In a medium sized pot combine the milk, water, pumpkin puree, spices, salt and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the mixture is boiling add in the rolled oats and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for about 15- 20 minutes or until the oatmeal is thick. Divide into bowls and sprinkle with some brown sugar, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds and finish with some maple syrup.

Photo courtesy of Natalie @ thehungerstruck.com

laughinglark: Better known as an Usher song (Hot Tottie), Hot...

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:03:03 -0500

laughinglark:

Better known as an Usher song (Hot Tottie), Hot Toddy’s, have been around for years as an at home treatment for the common cold and flu. I’ve always been a little skeptical about trying this method, but this week I was/am desperate.

I hardly ever get sick, but of all weeks, of course, last would be the one. Sunday I felt fine, just like any other day. I’ve always had bouts of not feeling well, especially with my stomach aches that occur almost daily. However, after I finished the maternity photos I was scheduled to shoot that afternoon and ran a few errands with my husband, I started having a sore throat, sore and watery eyes, and my nose was really stuffy. My husband attributed it to my being overly tired since I’d been running myself ragged all last week, but it didn’t just feel like exhaustion.

Monday, I woke up and felt absolutely horrible! I could barely breathe at all and the nasal dripping has caused my throat to feel thick and scratchy. I was determined to try everything because I HAVE to be better by Wednesday; I’m picking a friend up from the airport and a 2 hour drive there and back might just kill me if I don’t get some kind of relief. So I looked online at all the different remedies for colds… Of course, I ran across the usual chicken noodle soup, juice, tea, sauna/humidifier..etc and was naturally going to do ALL of those. But then, I came to a recipe for a Hot Toddy.

As I read about it’s ingredients and the soothing power of the drink, I decided to give it a try. I make a big mug full, drank it in a nice hot bath, and crawled right into bed for a nap. Two hours later I felt like a new person. I wasn’t 100% and I’m still not today (which is why I intend to do the same thing today) but it greatly improved my symptoms. After that, I went to the sauna to “sweat out” my cold, took a mucinex and climbed in bed. Today I feel 70% improved from yesterday and I’m hoping that by following the same routine this afternoon, tomorrow I will be back to normal. Just thought I’d share the recipe :)

Ingredients

1 oversized mug

8 ounces of boiling water

1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger

3 whole cloves

Cinnamon stick

2 green tea or orange pekoe tea bags

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and/or a splash of apple cider vinegar

1 to 2 ounces of Jack Daniels whiskey

Slice of lemon

Instructions

Boil the water, stir in the ginger, cloves and cinnamon stick; add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the bags. Zap in the microwave for 1 minute to get it back real hot, then stir in the honey, lemon juice and last, the whiskey. Drop in lemon slice. Drink it while it is still very hot, take a warm bath with some essential oils and crawl up in the bed.

If you’re not really accustomed to the liquor taste, you can add extra honey, or even sugar to help sweeten it more and mask it a bit, but don’t skip the honey. Taste before adding the sugar, then add a little, taste, etc.

Can substitute other alcohol in a pinch such as Wild Turkey, rum, scotch, or brandy. Can also omit the water and use hot apple cider.

Lemon is high in Vitamin C, and may help to fight infection, and bring down fever. Lemon is soothing to the throat, may help sooth symptoms of tonsillitis and may help to cut mucus and phlegm.It also acts as a tonic to the liver.

Honey is soothing for the throat, helps sooth the sinuses and may calm coughs.

The hot steam and the whiskey helps to open up airways and seems to create a rise in body heat, allegedly helping to “sweat out” the cold/flu symptoms.

Green tea is rich in natural antioxidants called polyphenols that appear to have more antioxidant affects than even Vitamin C. Green tea has the highest polyphenol content of all the teas, and chemicals found in green tea may be effective in treating symptoms of colds and the flu.

Cinnamon is an antioxidant powerhouse, having one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice – and even more than many foods. You’ll find as many antioxidants in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon as a full cup of pomegranate juice or 1/2 cup of blueberries. It is also rich in polyphenols. These compounds appear to act like insulin in our body and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Ginger has as many antioxidants as a cup of spinach, as has a long history of other comforting properties. For centuries, ginger was used as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions, especially soothing distressed stomachs. The potential benefits appear to be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of gingerol – one of the active ingredients in ginger. Some studies suggest gingerol may work like certain anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) by inhibiting an enzyme that causes inflammation. Research indicates that ginger may offer pain relief for everything from arthritis to nausea and migraines.

Cloves are a mild anesthetic and anti-bacterial agent. High levels of eugenol act as an anti-inflammatory which may help with sore throats and it may also help the digestive system. They are also an excellent source of manganese, and a good source of vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and dietary fiber.

A lot of people don’t cook spaghetti squash because they...

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:35:00 -0500

A lot of people don’t cook spaghetti squash because they don’t know how to. But with health benefits like a wide range of vitamins ( vitamin C, A, B-6, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid and vitamin K ), minerals, fiber how could you pass it up?

It’s so simple that you actually should be afraid to do TOO much to it, for fear that you’d ruin the already buttery, natural taste. Below is a really simple recipe for “spaghetti” and meatballs, plus one serving (1 cup of squash with butter) 105 is only calories!

ingredients:

1 small spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)

2 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup finely minced parsley (or basil)

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste, if desired)

1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Pierce squash a few times with sharp paring knife (to let steam escape). Bake spaghetti squash for 60 minutes, or until a paring knife pierces easily through skin with little resistance. Let squash cool for 10 minutes.

2. Cut squash in half, lengthwise. Use a fork to remove and discard the seeds. Continue using fork to scrape the squash to get long, lovely strands. If the squash seem difficult to scrape, return the squash to bake for an additional 10 minutes.

3. Heat a large saute pan with the butter and the garlic over medium-low heat. When garlic becomes fragrant, add parsley, salt and spaghetti squash strands. Toss well, sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and taste to see if you need additional salt. The spaghetti squash should have a slight crunch (i.e. not mushy) - but if you like it softer, cover the pan and cook 2 more minutes.

You can use store-bought meatballs or follow the recipe below. I like to make mine a little more italian by using italian style breadcrumbs and adding parmesan cheese to the mixture before cooking.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (we also use ground turkey)

½-2⁄3; cup dry breadcrumbs (can also use seasoned crumbs)

¼ cup milk

¼-¾ teaspoon salt (optional)

1/2 teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 small onion , chopped (approx 1/4 c)

1 egg

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients and shape into 20-24 meatballs (1 to 1-1/2 inches each).

2. To oven bake: Place in ungreased 9x13 pan (you may want to line it with foil for easier clean-up).

3 . Bake 20-25 min or until light brown and cooked through; turn meatballs halfway through, if desired, to help maintain a round shape.

To pan fry: Cook in skillet on medium heat, turning as needed, until brown (approx 20 min).

1. To microwave: Place in micro-proof 12x7 pan and cover loosely.

2. Micro on high for 3 minutes; rearrange meatballs.

3. Cover again loosely and micro until brown inside, approx 5-7 min more.

4. Let stand covered for 3 minutes.

Put it all together and cover with your favorite “red” sauce :)

{Serves approx 3. Calories per serving: Approx 268, without sauce or cheese;)

Squash photos courtesy of steamykitchen.com

French Onion Soup & Soft No-Yeast Breadsticks

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:58:00 -0500

French Onion Soup:

3 pounds yellow onions, cut into 1/8-inch pieces

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

7 beef boullion cubes

1 pinch sugar

8 cups water , plus more as needed

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 sprig fresh thyme

1/4 cup dry red wine

8 ounces Gruyère cheese-I sliced it thick and placed it over the top of the crock

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.

Add the onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and sugar. Toss to evenly coat.

Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Take the cover off, and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are lightly browned.

At this point, stir every 5 minutes and add water (a tablespoon at a time to loosen up the dark brown stuff that forms on the bottom of the pan).

Continue to cook until the onions are an even dark brown color.

Add the flour and stir for two minutes.

Add 8 cups water and thyme to the onions and bring to a boil.

Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add red wine and simmer 10 minutes longer.

After placing the Gruyere cheese on top of the crock, sprinkle a small amount of parsley on top

Soft No-Yeast Breadsticks

1 ¼ cups flour

2 tsp sugar

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

⅔ cup milk

3 Tbsp butter or margarine, melted

minced garlic

dried oregano

Combine dry ingredients and gradually add milk to form a soft dough.

Knead gently 3 or 4 times on a floured surface.

Roll out into a rectangle and cut into 12 sticks.

Put the melted butter into a large baking dish and turn the breadsticks to coat them with the butter. Halfway through cooking pull the breadsticks out and put a small amount of minced garlic and oregano (if desired) and continue baking until finished.

Bake at 450°F for 14 to 18 minutes.

Serve warm.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich w/ a Twist

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:24:38 -0500

BBQ Chicken Sandwich w/ a Twist:

The description is right! Quick and healthy and definitely tasty. The carrots gave this an unusual twist I wouldn’t have thought of myself and instead of using ranch I used caesar which gave this sandwich a little extra ‘bite’. I also put baby spinach on the sandwhich instead of lettuce. Loved the ending result and will be making again!

Lemon Garlic Tuna Burgers; Sound Strange? Try it!

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:22:59 -0500

Lemon Garlic Tuna Burgers; Sound Strange? Try it!:

As my husband put it, these are “different”. And that they are! The taste is neither bland or overpowering; the burger neither moist or dry. There is something about the combo of flavors that is just right. I made these for dinner, but I like them better as lunch the next day. Also, I subbed the english muffins for sandwich thins.

Tortellini Soup; Can you really say no to that?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:20:00 -0500

Tortellini Soup; Can you really say no to that?:

Possibly one of my favorite soups that I’ve ever made. I did not put celery in it, because at the time I didn’t have any, but I assure you, it didn’t put off the taste at all! I will definitely be making this again soon ♥ Good for fall or rainy spring evenings

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:18:48 -0500

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna:

I didn’t have all the ingredients in time to put this in the slow cooker so I put it in the oven for 55 minutes covered in foil, then added cheese and put it back in for 15. And I subbed the eggplant for zucchini ‘cause hubby doesn’t like it… It was delish!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cheesecake... Need I Say More?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:16:00 -0500

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cheesecake... Need I Say More?:

I’m a fiend for anything pumpkin! And when I saw that this involved espresso too, I just couldn’t pass it up. Check out the after picture in my photos!

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup- Sensational!

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:12:23 -0500

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup- Sensational!:

A really great “grown-up” twist on chicken and noodle soup! Thick and creamy with a robust flavor ♥ This didn’t last long in my house

Cabbage Soup; A Rustic Classic

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:08:43 -0500

Cabbage Soup; A Rustic Classic:

I love cabbage! I think that it’s an absolutely wonderful veggie, with tons of health benefits such as fiber and vitamin c; not mention it tastes great! This soup is phenomenal, especially in the fall and winter.

Cranberry Hootycreeks... (What'd you call me?!!)

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:03:29 -0500

Cranberry Hootycreeks... (What'd you call me?!!):

Made these for my son’s kindergarten class and they turned out great! I was surprised because I don’t even really like dried fruit, but these are a pretty healthy, yummy, sweet treat! And make a great gift (refer to link) if you don’t have time to bake them.

Ground Beef Gyros

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:01:06 -0500

Ground Beef Gyros:

These are absolutely delish! And after making your own tzatziki sauce, you will feel SO accomplished. It also tastes good on salads and other meats.