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January 25, 2011

Peanut Butter Granola Balls

peanut butter granola balls

When you’re searching for a healthy snack for a toddler, it’s important to find one that YOU will enjoy yourself. Why? Because there’s a good chance it won’t get eaten. Trust me. When I spied this recipe in one of my Everyday Food magazines during the great Magazine Hoard Organizing Marathon, I was totally intrigued. The recipe was simple and the ingredients were easily found in my pantry & fridge. I always appreciate not having to make a special trip to the market–another great ordeal with an active 2 year old.

little fingers

I quickly whipped up these granola balls while Cooper ate his breakfast this morning and caught myself digging into a few of them. They aren’t overwhelmingly peanut buttery; they have a nice little crunch from the crispy rice cereal & the perfect amount of sweetness. I also love the tang of the dried cranberries and raisins. They’re a nice little snack for Cooper and I to share. He loved picking out the dried fruit and playing with the wrapper while he ate one for his mid-morning snack. I like to think they help improve his motor skills! They’re definitely going in the Toddler/Parent food rotation because after all, I do love my snack time too.
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Girls Weekend!

This past weekend, one of my best friends flew down from Portland, Oregon for a visit. The second Jessica got off the plane, we figured out our food plans for the next few days. Our get-togethers always revolve around food, which is why I love her so much! We are really good eating buddies.

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January 21, 2011

365- Week 3

A food related photo every day til 2012. Here’s week 3:

21/365 Makeshift Chilaquiles

makeshift chilaquiles
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January 20, 2011

Arugula Fennel & Orange Salad

Latest Food Craving: Arugula Fennel & Orange Salad.

I had my first taste of this salad last Saturday at my friend Danielle’s Champagne Tasting party. I kept a steady eye on the big glass salad bowl throughout the party. Between sips of bubbly, I monitored how much was left in the bowl. After my third helping, I dropped my napkin (on purpose) near the bowl and scooped up yet ANOTHER helping onto my plate. Did anybody notice that this was my fourth helping? It’s salad! Who cares? When I came back from the party, Casey asked me about the different champagnes I tasted and all I could tell him was how blown away I was with this salad. It distracted me;  I just KNEW I had to recreate it. Like…I couldn’t sleep until I made plans to recreate it the next day.

When we had friends over for lunch on Sunday, I started with this salad as a feature and created a whole Antipasti Party around it. The surprisingly thing is that I’ve never much cared for shaved fennel, but now I adore it— especially when it’s combined with peppery arugula and juicy orange segments! The salad is light, crunchy, juicy, peppery and tangy. I love everything about it.
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January 18, 2011

Orange Ricotta Pancakes

Did you know that I’ve always wanted to participate in an eating contest? I’m totally being serious here. Over the past few years I’ve been trying to figure out what would be a good item to compete with. You know what would be terrible? Pancakes. I could eat about 3 and then I’d be down for the count. Pancakes wouldn’t get me far; they always seem like a good idea until the moment they start expanding in my stomach. Lead weights, I tell ya. LEAD WEIGHTS.  Although now that I’ve made these Orange Ricotta Pancakes, I’m reconsidering. Light fluffy ricotta pancakes speckled with orange zest and a little drizzle of syrup….I could seriously eat all 12 that this recipe makes. They might be on the my list next to competitive tater tot eating. I don’t know…I’m still thinking about it…
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January 16, 2011

Antipasti Party

the spread

We had a little impromptu Antipasti Party this afternoon at our house. The last time our friends were over, we were eating Panettone French Toast, my friend was pregnant, and it was raining cats & dogs. Today the sun was shining and we were able to meet their brand new baby while devouring a nice little selection of Italian cheeses and cured meats!
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January 15, 2011

Project Magazine Hoard = COMPLETE!

Confession: I’m a magazine hoarder.

I have stacks of magazines spread throughout our house. When I don’t make time to read AND sort my magazines, they quickly start piling up. You can imagine how many stacks I have since I have about 8 different subscriptions. My magazine hoard usually rests on my side of the bed, on the coffee table, or on my computer desk (see above). I also have a problem with not putting my cookbooks back in my bookcase! Yes–I’m bad. When I got out of bed this morning and knocked a stack of books on the floor, I knew it was time to tackle my hoard. Today was the day!
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