Recipes - Measuring Cups, Optional

Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Soup

You know what goes perfectly with tomato soup? Cheese. Usually grilled cheese sandwiches. But really, any cheese will do. You know what goes great with roasted tomato soup? Goat cheese.

Believe it or not, there are people out there who don’t like cheese at all! Lactose intolerance I can understand. Dislike of cheese, on the other hand, I just can’t wrap my head around. If I could, I would live on bread and cheese for the rest of my life. My mom used to be one of those people. She’s told me a few times that if it weren’t for my dad (and his love for cheese) she probably wouldn’t be a cheese eater at all. Shocking. (more…)

How to Host a Hot Chocolate Night

categories: Beverages, Posts, Recipes

Give me a theme and I will plan a party! I hosted my first hot chocolate night last winter. Since it was so much of a hit, I’m continuing on with the tradition this year. How do you host the perfect hot chocolate night? There are a few key elements. (more…)

Winter Pomegranate Spice Cake

categories: Desserts, Posts, Recipes

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There’s nothing more gratifying or satisfying than using seasonal fruits in your baking. I think it goes hand-in-hand with my theme obsession. I think of seasonal fruit like seasonal themes. You enjoy them while they’re ripe and fresh, and then move on to the next new and fun fruit in the next season. That’s why I’m so excited about this Winter Pomegranate Spice Cake. (more…)

Crockpot Lentil Lamb Stew

categories: Lamb, Posts, Recipes

Turning up the cozy level here with Crockpot Lentil Lamb Stew and a side of couscous. Anyone else trying to hibernate this winter? I sure am. Something about not as many sun hours and cold weather makes me want to cozy up with my favorite blanket and Netflix. Netflix is a blessing and a curse. Why? For one, I love being able to watch shows without commercial interruptions. I’m also the type of person that loses interest in a show if I have to wait an entire week for the next episode. My dreams have come true because now I can watch entire seasons. Yes, I know, welcome to 2018. The negative? I usually watch entire seasons in one sitting. And without commercials, I don’t really do much else, other than binge on whatever latest and greatest series I’ve decided to commit to. I know I’m not the only one who gets the dreaded “Are you still watching?” notice on the screen. Yes, I’m still here, 4pm, in the same PJs I had on since last night snacking and watching. Thanks for the reminder that I’ve accomplished next to nothing today. (more…)

Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Slab Pie

categories: Recipes, Vegetables & Sides

I can’t believe we’re coming up on the end of 2018. How is it December already?! While I figure out how to get everything I need to get accomplished by the end of the year, let me tell you a little bit about one of my favorite ingredients; Puff Pastry.

You can find frozen Puff Pastry in the freezer section of your grocery store, and it is an absolute godsend. Puff Pastry is a buttery flaky dough used for savory appetizers and desserts alike. When you bake puff pastry it rises, because of the water used to make the pastry sheets. The water, mixed with heat makes the dough puff up. Frozen puff pastry comes in sheets [usually two in a box], which requires defrosting. The best way to defrost is overnight in the fridge. However, as we all know, I’m very impatient, so I defrost my puff pastry at room temperature, and slowly open up the folded sheets as they defrost, making sure not to break them.

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One Pan Parmesan Sage Chicken and Butternut Squash

categories: Chicken, Posts, Recipes

We made it through Thanksgiving! I’m sure everyone is poultry-ed out, but I couldn’t help share this One Pan Parmesan Sage Chicken and Butternut Squash. Not only is it super easy to throw together (#winning), it’s also super cozy on a chilly winter night. So if you haven’t had enough poultry to last you through the end of the year, you have got to try this One Pan Chicken and Squash dish. (more…)