Dessert for Two

A dessert in the oven is one of my favorite things, but when both parties are working all day it's not the fairest expectation to have during the week. With some leftover cans of pie filling (cherry and apple) and pre-made crust in the refrigerator, I compiled some mini-pies in just minutes and popped them in the oven until the crust was flaky and golden. The ramekins were the perfect individual portion size, and I can't wait to make some chicken pot pies with them next.

Eat Up: Pumpkin Brownies

You know you've found a yummy dessert when you can't stop yourself from licking the remaining batter from the mixing bowls. Yes, I'm guilty as charged. These pumpkin brownies (recipe here) have been my go-to treat for the past couple nights, along with an ice cold glass of milk. While you can't go wrong with a traditional brownie, this recipe has the added perk of pumpkin puree with a little kick from spices cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Fall has officially found it's brownie, and I've found another guilty pleasure to add to the mix.

Indoor S'mores

As my boyfriend plans an upcoming camping trip with his brother, the only thing that sounds appealing is the thought of making s'mores by a campfire. Lucky for me, my fondue pot serves as a more appealing option considering it means no bug spray, summer humidity and the whole sleeping in a tent thing. In addition to graham cracker and marshmallow dippers, crisp "pink lady" and "golden delicious" apple slices and whole strawberries were dunked into my blend of marshmallow fluff and chocolate sauce. My mind kept thinking of other items to dip, and I'm sure just about anything would taste great dipped into that mix.

Ole, Ole!

There are a few certain recipes that I always remember being prepared in my grandparent's kitchen, and ceviche was one of those dishes. Most kids would put their nose up to any fish dish, especially one prepared in such a way as ceviche, but I was never a picky eater. In fact, there are certain stories that involve me scarfing down oysters on the half shell as if they were chicken nuggets. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, I put together this recipe last night (with the addition of shrimp). All the components have been marinating and cooking in the fridge, and I can't wait to devour and enjoy after my work day.

Eat Up: Mango Parfait

Fruit Loops seemed unappealing yesterday morning for breakfast, so I turned to this recipe as an alternative to the sugary O's. The presentation may look fancy, but the steps are as simple as you can get. Parfait combinations are endless, and I keep drumming up more versions for later in the week. I've even got my sights set on a dessert adaptation with Oreos+whipped cream or maybe peanut butter cups+marshmallow fluff. It all evens itself out when you have a healthy and classic strawberry+granola .

toasted coconut sprinkled over cut mango cubes

plain yogurt mixed with pure maple syrup

layer until complete

I Love You Berry Much

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I think a dessert recipe is in order. Whether you plan on spending the day gushing over your other half or pretending the Hallmark holiday doesn't even exist, everyone can agree a sugary treat is a benefit of the day. This Cream Cheese and Pecan Stuffed Berries recipe gives you the taste of strawberry cheesecake without the cooking time. Who doesn't like that?

Happy Valentine's Day blog buddies!

Food For Thought

I can easily partner bananas and peanut butter on a piece of white bread any day of the week (as mentioned in this post), but that doesn't exactly say "I'm a grown up" now does it? This chicken and roquefort sandwich combines flavors of blue cheese and arugula on a fresh baguette bringing me one step closer to becoming a great home chef.

*Recipe found in Cooking Light Magazine & online here*

Have a wonderful weekend, and be sure to eat something equally as delicious!

Like Mom Used To Make

There's nothing like a homemade chicken soup to aid a cold, and that's exactly what I needed with all my sniffling and sneezing these past few days. Without the luxury of a Mom at home, I had to venture out on my own with this one. This particular recipe is Caldo de Pollo, a Mexican style chicken soup with an assortment of veggies, chicken, cilantro and a spritz of lime. It's hearty, delicious, and simple to make, even while on cold medicine.

I used a mix of a family recipe and this one for the specific cooking instructions.

*Start off by bringing your chicken to a boil. I used 6 drumsticks. Make sure there is enough water to cover the chicken. Add more, if needed, to keep it covered.
*Add a quartered onion and a couple pieces of garlic to the water.
*When chicken is cooked, remove onion and garlic.
*Add all chopped veggies. Carrots, zucchini, potatoes, and corn. Add any that you love. Cabbage is traditionally used, but I left it out of mine.
* Add 1/4 cup of rice.
* Add Knorr Caldo de Pollo seasoning & salt to taste.
*Bring to boil then simmer for 15 minutes (or until veggies are cooked).
* Add cilantro in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
* Squeeze some lime on top.
* Eat and enjoy!

In other news, congratulations nfmgirl! You are the winner of my first giveaway! I'll be emailing you to get your address so we can get the item out to you a.s.a.p! Last but not least, special thanks to AllModern.com.