Beef and Vegetable Coconut Curry

This recipe is so good and it was really quick to make. My kids ate it with rice, but I had it in a bowl as is. This was so good and the leftovers tasted just like the first night.

Balsamic Steak, Potato, and Mushroom Kebabs

My pictures are lacking, a lot. These days snapping a phone pic before dinner is all I can manage. At least I can guarantee this recipe will make your taste buds happy. This kebab recipe is good. The marinade comes together really quickly. Then skewer your meat and veggies and throw them on the grill.

I've been trying to make more gluten-free meals and this was one of the really, really good ones. I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as my family did.

Chicken Lettuce Wrap Salad

The pictures don't do justice to this yummy salad. But, I didn't have time to set up a photo shoot, I just took a couple pictures with my phone and posted the delicious recipe. I hope you all try it and like it as much as we did.

There are a lot of ingredients, but this really comes together super quick. I made the salad dressing and the sauce for the chicken while Bean was at school. Once dinner time rolled around I had dinner on the table in under 15 minutes.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

I've made several crinkle cookie recipe. This is the BEST recipe so far. Rolling the cookies in granulated sugar before rolling them in confectioners' sugar makes a difference. My favorite part is that the cookies are still crispy on the edges and gooey/chewy in the middle....even on the second day.

Hopefully, you like it as much as we did.

Strawberry Shortcake Dessert

I love this cake because it is so easy to make. It has basic ingredients and it makes a large sheet cake so it is great to take to pot lucks and parties…..or you can eat it all yourself.  This cake is easy to make, cool and refreshing. I hope you like it as much as we do.

Roasted Smashed Potatoes

These potatoes make a perfect potato side dish. They are crunch and creamy, easy to make and full of flavor without much fat. I love them plain with sea salt, fresh cracked pepper and a bit of olive oil. I enjoy them with chopped rosemary and I've also made them with chives and thyme.

It seems like a recipe repertoire always needs another good potato side dish. You cook red potatoes until they are fork tender and then mash them flat onto a rimmed baking sheet. Brush them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs to taste. Pop them into a hot oven and allow them to become crispy. I hope you enjoy these potatoes as much as we do.

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Spring is just around the corner and I can't think of a better way to embrace it than by baking up a batch of these cookies.  They are pale and the bottoms are a beautiful golden color. They remind me of daffodils with the bright yellow flecks of lemon zest in the glaze. The cookies themselves are soft and pillowy, almost the same texture as a cupcake top. More like tiny glazed cakes than glazed cookies. They are full of lemon flavor.

The cookies themselves aren't super sweet, but the glaze walks the line between tart and sweet. These are the perfect little afternoon nibble, the cookies just beg to be devoured. 

Vanilla Bean Egg Cream

Old fashioned soda fountain drinks are fun and nostalgic. An egg cream is a beverage consisting of milk, and soda water  and vanilla or chocolate syrup.  It is associated with Brooklyn, New York. Most modern versions of the drink contain neither eggs nor cream. 

This is a mildly sweet drink, that isn't super rich, but tastes strongly of vanilla. It is a classic soda fountain drink. It doesn't include eggs, but it might be fun for Easter since it is called an Egg Cream.

Vanilla Bean Vinaigrette

I created a vanilla bean vinaigrette and simple salad to complement it. Like any salad you can substitute or omit any ingredients that you might not like or have on hand. This is a simple idea that really allows the vanilla to shine without being overly sweet like syrup.

Cream Puff Dessert aka Eclair Dessert

I grew up eating this dessert. It is inspired by classic cream puffs, however, because of the chocolate on the top, my family always called it eclair dessert. This is a wonderful treat and is well received at birthday parties, holiday get-togethers and gatherings. This dessert is definitely a favorite.

When Cale and I were dating, he asked my mom to make this constantly. He loves it. I don't make it very often for two reasons: 1) It makes a large half-sheet pan (I don't want to be tempted to nibble on it all day).  2) It uses instant pudding and Cool Whip (items that I don't have in my house and rarely buy).

This dessert has a light, soft and puffy bottom layer. It is basically a Pâte a choux [paht ah shoo], or a dough similar to the base for cream puffs and eclairs. The next layer is followed by a smooth and creamy pudding layer and topped with whipped cream or Cool Whip. It is then drizzled with a homemade chocolate syrup that sets up ever so slightly. This dessert really is delicious.

I only got a quick picture of this before I took it to a party. There are multiple layers, but I didn't get any pictures because there wasn't any left after the gathering. If you have a pot-luck or large get-together -- make sure you think of this dessert, you will get plenty of raves and recipe requests.

Ranch Dip

I haven't posted in a looong time. I haven't been cooking a lot lately and I found lots of other things to do with my time. However, when I get multiple requests for a recipe it seems more simple to just post a recipe on the blog than to continue to type up emails for multiple people. Also, as good as that Butternut Squash Lasagna is, I'm tired of looking at it.

I'm a big hummus fan. I love the smooth, creamy texture of hummus. However, I feel ranch dip does a better job appeasing the masses. More adults and kids like ranch than hummus, so this is a simple ranch dip that brightens a veggie tray and tastes great too.  This dip is a crowd pleaser, which is a good thing because it makes a TON.

This ranch dip is super simple it really doesn't even need a recipe, but since people keep asking me for it, I'll post the ingredients. It doesn't seem like a recipe, when all you need to do is dump a few ingredients and mix.

This dip will stay good in the refrigerator for a week, but please be prepared to serve it for a crowd because it makes a lot.

Butternut Squash Lasagna

This butternut squash lasagna recipe is a little different than others I have tried because of the basil-white sauce. The basil pairs perfectly with the butternut squash. I was really surprised by how colorful this dish was, but I really liked it. It was easy to throw together and came out warm and delicious. Also, the leftovers reheated perfectly. I made the full recipe, but I baked it in two 9-inch square pans. I took one pan to a friend and we ate the other for dinner and lunches during the week.

If you enjoy basil, butternut squash or are looking for a delicious vegetarian main dish make this recipe.

Fresh Cranberry Salsa

This salsa is beautiful! It  is the perfect appetizer for the holidays because it uses cranberries. It also is fresh tasting, sweet, tangy and delicious. If you enjoy cilantro or cranberries I think you will love this.


I feel that this dish gets better as it sits, but not for so long that the cilantro goes soggy. Really, if you have extra cranberries or need an impressive, simple and tasty appetizer for a holiday party--this salsa should be your new best friend.

Quick Chocolate Pudding

Cool. Smooth. Chocolatey comfort. Wow, aren't those the same words they use to describe heaven?

This quick homemade chocolate pudding comes together in a flash (about 15 minutes without chilling time), has real ingredients in it, satisfies intense chocolate cravings and reminds you that sometimes the simple things are life's greatest pleasures. Seriously, if you have any fond memories of chocolate pudding as a kid or an adult...make this. You owe it to yourself.

Greek Cucumber Bites

          Greek cucumber bites are the perfect appetizer when you need something flavorful, fresh and only want to use your fingers. These are little Greek salads that you can eat without a fork and knife. These are a delicious gluten-free finger food. These little bites are crunchy, savory and have all the flavors of my Layered Greek Dip without needing pita chips and other items to dip.


          If you are a fan of Greek flavors, fresh healthy appetizers or you are looking for a different item to bring to a holiday party. You might find yourself in luck with these delicious salad bites.

Stir-Fried Beef with Peas and Peppers

 

 Stir-fry is a go-to meal for me. Protein - Check. Veggies - Check. Quick - Check. 


My family likes stir-fry and I usually have the ingredients on hand for a quick Asian-style sauce. I recently saw this recipe on America's Test Kitchen and decided to try it. I'm really glad I did, because it was easy and really tasty. Plus it made enough food for dinner and lunch the next day. I love it when a recipe can feed the whole family twice. Budget friendly is always a 'good thing'.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

This bread pudding is up there with bright copper kettles, warm woolen mittens and brown paper packages. Seriously, this is one of my favorite dishes. I love it. I made it for the first time a couple of years ago and now make it every single autumn. It is like a rite of passage in my mind and on my taste buds. I cannot fathom harvest time, leaves changing and wind blowing without eating this warm dessert at least once.

This bread pudding isn't super wet. It provides ample moistness for the bread, but it is not sloppy. I like bread pudding that isn't mush. I like it to have texture. As I type this I wish I had a bowl in front of me, instead of fond memories from a few weeks ago.


One of the only words that comes to mind with this sweet, but not-too-sweet, spiced dessert is ideal. If the pictures haven't convinced you yet let me just say that on rainy, windy Sunday (or any day) afternoons this dessert is unparalleled. It is like going home after being away for too long.

Come join the fun at the My Baking Addiction and GoodLife Eats Holiday Recipe Swap sponsored by Chicago Metallic in your blog post.

Spaghetti Squash with Jalapeno Cream Sauce

Spaghetti Squash with Jalapeno Cream Sauce is delicious, creamy and zippy. It tastes like jalapenos without the heat. It sounds different, but the flavors combine perfectly. You are probably thinking this dish is loaded with cheese and fat. But, you would be wrong. This dish is actually pretty light. It doesn't have any cream and I used 1% milk to make the "cream" sauce. 

If you like spaghetti squash try this. If you don't care for spaghetti squash TRY THIS. This dish reminds me of a 'Mexican' flavored Mac 'n Cheese without the white-flour pasta. It was warm and satisfying and makes a delicious and different side dish to any dinner, be it holiday or weekday.

Come join the fun at the My Baking Addiction and GoodLife Eats Holiday Recipe Swap sponsored by OXO.

Pumpkin Smoothie - Healthy Enough for Breakfast

Pumpkin has been a large part of our diet this month. Pumpkins are loaded with vitamin A, beta-carotene and fiber. They are also low in calories. This pumpkin smoothie is healthy, satisfying and packed with protein. It is great on-the-go and keeps you full for hours. Don't be deceived: it tastes great. Bean loves this and Cale pounds it as if it were a milkshake. If you enjoy pumpkin, you may find yourself wanting to start every morning off with this glorious, nutritious smoothie.

One note before you make this...this isn't a pumpkin milkshake. You won't find tons of sugar and ice cream in this smoothie. It is more breakfast than dessert, but I  wouldn't say no to it for dessert either.

Green Bean Salad/Side Dish

This dish is a little different. In some cases, such as this recipe, different can be very, very good. The recipe starts out in traditional form by caramelizing the onions and then adding fresh rosemary and garlic while cooking the green beans. It changes from traditional at the end, while finishing the dish you add sliced peaches and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.


Peaches are hard to come by right now, but if you find a bumper crop somewhere be sure to make this side dish. It was so different and really tasty. The peaches add sweetness and the lime gives the dish a zip. I love sweet/savory dishes and this side dish doesn't disappoint. It also looks gorgeous on the dinner table.