February 6, 2013

Chocolate Heart Sandwich Cookies

I have an on-going list of recipes that I want to make but then I flip through a magazine and something new and bold trumps the list and gets made right away. That’s the case for these Chocolate Heart Sandwich Cookies. They were too cute to pass up since I’m a sucker for heart shaped cookies.

I made them while Cooper was taking a nap over the weekend and I think I blew is MIND when he woke up and saw these on the counter. It’s amazing how something so little, cute and charming can have such a big impact (these might be his spirit cookies). I don’t doubt an adult/loved one would have the same reaction. The only difference is that they don’t have to incessantly beg me for another one…cuz they’re grown. They do what they please and have control over their own sugar rush (I hope).

Anything that’s made with love is void of calories & fat….or so I tell myself. Homemade Oreos are like diet food 😉

recipes

February 4, 2013

Honey Banana Smoothie

I’m always trying to add MORE and MORE stuff into my smoothies. Kale, spinach, protein powder, flaxseed oil, chia seeds–YOU NAME IT. And while that’s all good, sometimes I just want something simple and uncomplicated. Sometimes I just want to make a smoothie that isn’t trying to deceive anyone (ahem, COOPER).

I want something that reminds me of my childhood– when my dad used to make us smoothies called Orange Cows (just orange juice, malt powder & milk). And here it is, grown up a bit because Greek Yogurt was never a thing when I was young.

And when all is said and done, go ahead and put some flaxmeal, oats, cocoa nibs, kale and whey powder up in this smoothie. It’s your life! But if you want to reboot your smoothie sensibilities, I feel it’s always best to go back to your roots!

my everyday life, Photography, Uncategorized

February 3, 2013

My Everyday Life: Week 5

Here’s what this past week looked like:

OPEN.

Uncategorized

February 1, 2013

I love lists, Friday!

YOLO. Just. YOLO.
I love seeing how Victoria has transformed her new place.
This winter picnic is charming as heck!!
That cuddly cat of your is a killer!
Frida Kahlo’s clothes are on display. Have you seen this? I want to see it in person!
I love a face mask I can buy in the produce section.
These slow cooker tips are good. Especially the last one (d’oh!)
I’m so impressed by this picture of lemon zest, I want to punch my screen.
I love seeing how people plan dinner parties. Dana does it well!
Buffalo CAULIFLOWER?! My mouth wants IN at this party.
Who loves glittery nail polish? THIS GIRL.
21 Life Lessons a la Liz LEMON! Also look at this 30-Rock joke info-graphics!
What a clever/magical way to present a cookie recipe.
Casey and I are guilty of watching Dance Party on a random weeknight…
These 5 minute espresso walnut brownies are on my TO-DO list.
If you need a PEP TALK, this one is FOR YOU.

Apocalypse Meow is the name of the latest Joy the Baker Podcast. Episode 82 is filled with cat puns, Vine talk, 90s references & questions!

A big THANK YOU to the Marin IJ for featuring me in their newspaper this week. You can read the article/interview here.

My Bites Around the Net:

The Frosted Vegan made my Candied Citrus Peel & added them to a cocktail!

Snacking Sassy Steph Paleo-fied my Baked Crispy Chicken Wings.

Pies & Plots made my Vanilla Walnut “Shortbread” Cookies

recipes, Uncategorized

January 30, 2013

Asian Slaw w/ Wasabi Soy Dressing

It’s SLAAAAAW time. Well….it’s balance all the sweets you’ve been enjoying cuz you need to wear a bathing suit in a few weeks (TRACY), time! If you’ve been around these parts for awhile, you already know that I’m a BIG fan of slaws. I’ve made all kinds of slaws! One that’s cool, one that’s full of kale, one that’s rainbow, one with apples & pecans, one with mango, one that’s from the carnival of my childhood. To say that I’m obsessed would be an understatement. I simply cannot pass up a good slaw. Except when it’s got mayo in it…

This slaw from Steamy Kitchen’s Healthy Asian Favorites caught my eye. Everything in this slaw is julienned (which delights me!) and mixed with a wasabi (spicy!) soy dressing.

Do you find it therapeutic to cut things into matchsticks & line them up into nice little piles? Do you also love going through your purse and organizing all the pockets? Really?! We’re gonna get along just fiiiiine.

And if you’re looking to fall in love with jicama again, this slaw is for you. Jicama is going back in the rotation. How could I forget about you, jicama? Your crispy/crunch is a thing of beauty! Especially with that wasabi-soy dressing that you’re coated in.

recipes, Uncategorized

January 28, 2013

Turkey Broccoli Cheddar Panini

I had the idea to make this sandwich for weeeeeeeeks. In my head I was thinking of the beauty of roasted broccoli & melted cheddar mixed with the crispy crunch grilled foccacia. It had to be mine. Oh yes, it had to be mine. I can’t begin to tell you how much brain energy went into thinking about this sandwich. #ALOT.

And when I went to execute it, my husband suggested I put turkey up in it. WHAAAT?! My food fantasy went screeching to a halt. Turkey? Hmmm. I think he wanted me to recreate his favorite hot pocket flavor… You know, to maybe reminisce on his bachelorhood.

Those were the days! <— (we need a font that connotes sarcasm)