Classic Red Sangria Recipe

Nothing quite beats a classic red sangria, especially during the holiday season.  I made this when my cousin came over for some much needed girl time last weekend.  Serve this over ice, just in case you can't wait overnight.  But, the marinated fruit really is quite delicious! 

1 bottle of chianti wine (750 mL)

1 bottle of spumante sparkling wine

2 cups of pomegranate juice

1/3 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of marashinco cherries

2 granny smith apples, cut into chunks

1 orange, sliced

1.  In a large picture add all the above ingredients together.  Place in the refrigerator and allow it to chill overnight.  Optional- add ice!

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe

Homemade goodies make for some of the best and most thoughtful holiday presents.  And when they are simple and affordable to make I love them even more. Bring the kids into the kitchen and have them help!  This recipe makes about 100 pretzels.  

1 jar of pretzel rods

16 oz of milk chocolate, melted

2/3 cup of peanut butter

Holiday covered sprinkles or chopped nuts

1.  Place wax paper on a sheet pan, so the chocolate won't stick.

2.  In a glass bowl, add the chocolate and peanut butter into the microwave for 30 seconds, remove and briefly stir with a rubber spoon.  Place it back into the microwave and continue to heat in increments of 30 seconds until all the chocolate mixture is melted.  Stir until it is completely smooth and incorporated. 

3.  Dip one end of the pretzel into the chocolate so there is only 1-2 inches (where you are holding it) uncovered.  Lightly shake excess chocolate back into the bowl.

4.  Dip into sprinkles or chopped nuts and then place on waxed sheet pan.   Place in the fridge for 5-10 to allow the chocolate to harden. 

White Chocolate Christmas Lollipops Recipe

This is a simple holiday treat that is a perfect way to show friends, neighbors and co-workers that you are thinking about them during the holiday season.  It's wonderful to give as gifts or even at your holiday party.  The colors are unbeatable and are fun, easy thing to do with the kids in the kitchen.  I love the flavors in this delectable lollipop, sweet creamy chocolate, tart cranberries and salty pistachios!  Yum!

16 oz of white chocolate, melted

1/2 cup of dried cranberries (I used Crasins that had been soaked in blueberry juice, but the regular kind will do) 

1/2 cup of pistachios, diced

Lollipop sticks

1.  Place wax paper on a sheet pan, so the chocolate won't stick.

2.  In a glass bowl, add the white chocolate and put in the microwave for 30 seconds, remove and briefly stir with a rubber spoon.  Place it back into the microwave and continue to heat in increments of 30 seconds until all the chocolate is melted.  Stir chocolate until it is completely smooth. 

3.  Grab a tablespoon and pour the melted chocolate onto the wax paper into circular rounds.  You can use the back of the spoon to help shape the lollipops.  Put the lollipop stick in the middle of each of the chocolates, and then give each stick a twist, so that the stick has been full covered with all the chocolate.

4.  Sprinkle the tops with the dried cranberries and pistachios.  Place in the fridge for 5-10 to allow the chocolate to harden.  

Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookie Brownies Recipe

Calling all chocoholics, my Peppermint Bark Chocolate Bars are rich, gooey and a perfect treat for the holidays.  There never seems like there is enough time during this time of year, so you will be glad to know that these cookie bars use refrigerated cookie dough, but nobody will ever know!  So, if you haven't already, give into your sweet tooth this and head to the kitchen!  Beware, make sure to pour a tall glass of ice cold milk to accompany this perfect holiday treat!  Also, the recipe for the chocolate crumb crust is very versatile and can be used again and again.  Next time pour brownie mix on top or even use this as your base for an ice cream cake! 

Chocolate Crumb Crust

2 cups of finely crushed vanilla wafers

1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

2/3 cup of powdered sugar

6 tablespoons of butter, melted

1 1/4 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips

1 tube of Pillsbury refrigerated peppermint sugar cookie

1/3 cup of crushed peppermint candy canes

1.  Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Grease a 11x7 glassware pan.  In a medium sized bowl combine the vanilla wafers, cocoa powder, sugar and butter and stir until well combined.  Add the chocolate mixture to the bottom pan and then firmly press down until it forms the chocolate crust.

2.  Sprinkle the chocolate chip chips on top of the chocolate crumb crust.  Now carefully spread the peppermint sugar cookie dough on the top.  Allow this to bake for about 18 mintues and then carefully sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes and allow it bake for another 5-7 minutes. 

3.  Allow your dessert to fully cool and then cut into bars.  

Turkey Gumbo

Like everyone else right after Thanksgiving, you are looking for something to do with all of that turkey you have leftover!  This gumbo is very filling and just perfect for a cold winter's night!  It has a little bit of a kick to it!  I like to throw in some fresh parsley right at the end for the bright color and fresh revitalizing flavor.

1 cup of flour

1/2 cup of canola oil

1 yellow onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

3 whole carrots peeled, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 longneck bottle of Corona beer

5 cups of chicken broth

1 6 oz can of tomato paste

1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of celery seed

1/4 teaspoon of thyme

3 cups of cooked turkey, cut into 1 inch chunks

2 cups of cooked brown rice

1/4 cup of flat leaf parsley

1.  In a large pot, over medium heat, add the flour and oil.  Keep stirring slowly for about 20 minutes until you make a dark brown roux.  

2.  Now add the onions, peppers and carrots and stir for about 2 minutes.  Now add the garlic and beer and cook for another 3 minutes.  Mixture will start to become very thick at this point.  Add in the stock, tomato paste, seasonings and stir until the veggies and roux are combined.  

3.  Cook for about 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.  Add in the cooked turkey and cook for about another hour.  

4.  Meanwhile prepare the rice according to the package instructions. 

4.  Add the parsley to the gumbo and stir.  Serve in bowls with a scoop of rice in it.  

Maple Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Honey Frosting Topped With Graham Cracker Crumbs Recipe

If you want a professional looking cupcake that tastes, well amazing, well here you go with my Maple Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Honey Frosting, topped with graham cracker crumbs! It's perfect to make for the holidays, and all the kids at your Thanksgiving table will love these fun desserts. I actually made a batch of these for my best friend's birthday earlier this fall and they were a hit everyone! I topped mine with roasted pumpkin seeds, but pecans would be a great alternative!

Maple Pumpkin Cupcakes

3 cups of flour

2 teaspoons of baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of brown sugar

3 cups of pumpkin puree (or one large can)

4 large eggs

1 cup of canola oil

1/2 cup of maple syrup

Cinnamon Honey Frosting

3 cups of powdered sugar

2 sticks of butter at room temperature

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 1/2 tablespoons of honey

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl add all your dry ingredients, including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and sugars.

2. Make a well in the middle and add in the remaining ingredients- pumpkin, eggs, oil and maple syrup. Whisk the ingredients together until a smooth batter forms.

3. Add cupcake liners to a cupcake tin and divide the batter evenly among them (fill about 3/4 of the way full). Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted in the center and it comes out clean.

4. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium sized bowl add all of the ingredients including the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, honey and cinnamon. Using a hand mixer mix until the mixture because creamy (about 2 minutes).

5. Once the cupcakes are fully cool, pipe the frosting on top of the cupcake. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top. Top with pumpkin or pecans and enjoy!

Turkey Panini with a Spinach Artichoke Spread Recipe

Everyone loves those fancy paninis at cafe's but not so much when it comes to price.  Here is my version of a popular favorite- a Turkey Panini with a Spinach Artichoke Spread.  Imagine a creamy, cheesy, artichoke spread with a slight kick, between two warm pieces of crispy soft bread.  I love adding the spinach, not only for the extra nutrients, but it looks so beautiful layered on top of the bright red tomatoes.  Also, with Thanksgiving coming up, here is a great idea what to do with all those leftovers!

1/4 cup of Hellman's mayonnaise

1/4 cup of ricotta cheese

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/4 cup of parmesan cheese

1/4 cup of fresh baby spinach

1/2 cup of artichoke hearts

Few Dashes of hot sauce

8 ounces of turkey, sliced

1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

4-6 tomato slices

1 loaf of focaccia bread

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

Salt and Ground Pepper

1.  Combine the mayo, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts and hot sauce in a food processor and combine until the ingredients turn into a spread.  

2.  Preheat your panini maker, or you can use a frying pan and then use another frying pan to push down on the sandwiches to "flatten"  it.  

3.  Slice the focaccia bread in half.  Spread the cheesy spinach-artichoke mixture on both sides of the bread.  Layer the turkey and then add the tomato slices.  Drizzle balsamic vinegar on top of the tomatoes and desired amount of salt and ground pepper.   Top with the other half of bread. 

4.  Brush both sides of the bread with the oil and grill until golden brown.  Slice into individual sandwiches and enjoy!

Pasta and Lentil Soup in a Parsley Tomato Broth Recipe

This is a super easy recipe to make if you are craving pasta, but you don't want full out Italian for the night.  It's hearty, salty and very fulling for a fall dinner.  I made a huge pot of it and put the remaining in the freezer for another night when I am short on time to make supper.  

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

3 cloves of garlic, diced

1 can of tomato paste

10 cups of water

1 1/4 cup of dried lentils 

1 16 oz package of orecchiette pasta

1 can of sweet corn

3 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 cup of parsley, chopped

3/4 cup of parmesan romano cheese

Salt and Ground Pepper to Taste

1.  Heat tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot under medium heat.  Add in the onions and garlic and saute for about three minutes.  Add the can of tomato paste and stir with the garlic and onion.  

2.  Add the water and allow it to turn to a full boil.  Turn the heat down to medium low, add the lentils and then cover with a lid.  Cook for about 10 minutes and then turn the temperature up to medium high.  Once it reaches a boil add the pasta and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.

3.  Stir corn, lemon juice, parsley and parmesan romano cheese.  Add the salt and pepper.  Top with additional cheese and parsley.  

Raspberry, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Waffles Recipe

I invited my little cousin over for a sleepover this weekend.  She started the 7th grade not too long ago and we needed some serious girl talk about the year so far!  We stayed up all night watching movies, eating lots of popcorn and of course gossiping!  In the morning I decided to make breakfast, I was scared I was going to wake her up, but nope, she was passed out on the couch.  I made my raspberry, cinnamon and brown sugar waffles and she loved them.  They are made with quick-cooking oats and fresh fruit so they are super healthy and keeps you full!  

1/2 cup of quick-cooking oats

1 cup of all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of cinnamom

1/3 cup of brown sugar

1 egg

3 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 1/3 cup of milk

1/3 cup of raspberries, thawed

Maple Syrup

Butter (optional)
Powdered Sugar (optional)

1.  Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions from the manufacturer's.

2.  In a medium size bowl whisk together all the dry ingredients.  Then add the wet ingredients, excluding the raspberries.  Stir until well combined.  Now gently fold in the raspberries.

3.  Now spoon the recommended amount of waffle batter (my waffles take about 1/3 cup of batter).  Be careful not to  overfill the waffle iron.  Close the top and then cook until the waffles is golden on both sides.  Remove add to serving plate and then top with maple syrup and butter.  

Easy Sicilian Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe

I love stuffed tomatoes and this is probably one of the easiest ways to prepare them.  Baking the tomatoes make the tomatoes extra sweet and paring it with a constrasting bold goat cheese totally hits the spot!  Great for a side when having a dinner party or actually whenever!

4 large tomatoes, tops sliced off

1/2 yellow onion, diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

3/4 cup of Italian Style Bread Crumbs

1 Handful of parsley, roughly chopped

1/4 crumbled goat cheese

Salt And Pepper

1.  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  In a medium sized bowl, combine the onion, garlic and bread crumbs.  Stuff the breading in each tomato.  Add a few shakes of salt and pepper to each tomato. 

2.  Bake for about 15 minutes.  Take tomatoes out, and then crumble goat cheese on top.

Spiced Basmati Rice with Carrots and Peas Recipe

This is a super easy recipe and packed with yummy veggies.  The colors and unique spices are paired perfectly with fall.  

1 1/2 cups of basmati rice (soaked for at least 30 minutes)

3 tablespoons of olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 carrots, chopped 

1 pinch of cinnamon

1 pinch of ground cloves

1 steam-able bag of frozen peas

Salt and Pepper to Taste

1.  In a pot, heat extra virgin olive oil and saute the garlic and onion for about 3 minutes or until soft.

2.  Add the rice and stir until the olive oil is fully coated.  Add the carrots and 2 1/2 cups of water.  Cover pot and simmer under medium heat.  If you are using frozen peas use about a 1-1 1/2 cups and toss them in the pot.  If not steam the peas according to the package directions.  Simmer for about 15 minutes, covered.

3.  Once rice is tender remove from heat.  Add the green peas, if steaming in the microwave and then serve. 

Hot and Salty Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

Yay!  Another pumpkin seed recipe.  I still had a bunch of pumpkin seeds to do something with after my sister came to visit for the week and we decided to carve pumpkins!  These pumpkins are simple, but perfect if you are craving a healthy alternative to something salty.  

3 Cups of Pumpkin Seeds, washed 

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon (or more to taste) of season all salt

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Several dashes of hot sauce (I used Texas Pete)

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Take a spoon and scrape out the pumpkin seeds into a bowl.  Separate the seeds from the stringy pumpkin innards. Rinse seeds in a colander.  Place pumpkin seeds back into a bowl. 

2.  Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the seeds.  Add the above ingredients to the bowl and then toss until everything is evenly distributed. 

3.  Add wax paper to your cookie sheet and then spread the seeds out on the pan in an even layer.  Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring once every 15 minutes so the seeds do not stick.  

Spaghetti Squash with Italian Sweet Sausage, Fresh Tomatoes and Mushrooms Ragout Recipe

Oh man do I ever have a new obsession this fall with spaghetti squash.  This dish is wholesome, packed with lots of fresh ingredients including tomatoes, mushrooms and of course the bulk of it squash!  It's filled with earthy aromas of rosemary and chilies, yet guided by a sweet and acidity.  Shave off about an hour of your time by cooking the squash in the microwave.  You know I am down for anything that requires the majority of the cooking in the microwave.   For a vegetarian dish ditch the sausage and enjoy!  

1 spaghetti squash, cleaned and halved lengthwise

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, roughly minced

2 links of Italian sweet sausage

1 very large tomato, diced

1 cup of sliced mushrooms

1 pinch of crushed rosemary

1 pinch of nutmeg

1 teaspoon of chili powder

1/4 teaspoon of chili pepper flakes

4 tablespoons of red wine vinegar

1 tablespoons brown sugar

5-8 leaves of basil shredded

1/4 cup of romano cheese (optional)

1.  Place 1/4 inch of water in a microwave safe dish and place squash in the dish, with cut sides down in the dish.   Cover with plastic wrap and then microwave on high for 13-15 minutes.

2.  While the squash is cooking,  heat a skillet.  Add the extra virgin olive oil, garlic and sausage for about 3-5 minutes under medium heat.  Now add the tomatoes, mushrooms, rosemary, nutmeg, chili powder, chili pepper flakes and cook for about 10 minutes or until the mixture starts to thicken.  Now add the remaining ingredients and cook for another 5 minutes.  Take the sausage out on a cutting board and slice thinly, add the meat back to the pan and stir.

3.  In a large bowl shred the squash  and then add about 1/2 cup of the water that the squash was cooked in stir carefully.  Add sausage and tomato mixture on top of the squash.  Top with additional romano cheese.    

Sweet and Smoky Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

Halloween is less than a week away and that means it's time to start carving pumpkins.  So bust out those cookie pans because it's time to roast some pumpkin seeds!  These seeds are my absolute favorite, they are sweet and smoky and ohhhhh so yummy.  Seriously I am addicted!  Oh, and learn from my mistakes and actually use the wax paper, if not have fun cleaning baked on brown sugar.  

3 Cups of Pumpkin Seeds, washed 

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup of brown sugar ( I used Splenda Brown Sugar)

2 teaspoons of chili powder

1 pinch of nutmeg

Wax paper

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Take a spoon and scrape out the pumpkin seeds into a bowl.  Separate the seeds from the stringy pumpkin innards. Rinse seeds in a colander.  Place pumpkin seeds back into a bowl. 

2.  Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the seeds.  Add the above ingredients to the bowl and then toss until everything is evenly distributed. 

3.  Add wax paper to your cookie sheet and then spread the seeds out on the pan in an even layer.  Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring once every 15 minutes so the seeds do not stick.  

Balsamic Strawberry Preserves Recipe

I went to Whole Foods yesterday and I love their pecan-encrusted tilapia!  It tastes so simple and yummy and the price is very affordable too.  I served the fish with my super easy Balsamic Strawberry Jam Recipe.  I know what you must be thinking, strawberry preserves on fish?  Trust me it's so good!  It's sweet, but slightly acidic from the vinager, which enhances the delicate fish flavor.  It would also be wonderful if paired with chicken or pork chops!

1/4 cup of strawberry preserves

4 strawberries chopped up

1 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar

1.  In a small bowl combine the above ingredients.  Whisk until well combined.  Serve with chicken, fish or pork chops.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with New York State Maple Syrup and Rosemary Recipe

I had some free time before I had a freelance photography event I had to cover so I thought hey, why don't I head to my favorite produce stand up the road!  I bought a whole case of yams for only 3 bucks.  I really don't know what I am going to do with all these sweet potatoes, so if you are curious why the next few weeks there are so many yam recipes on here, it now should make sense.  Once starting to bake, the syrup starts to caramelize, which further enhances the sweet, earthy flavor of the roasted veggies and intensifies the rosemary.  Am I painting an aromatic dining experience yet?   

5 large sweet potatoes, cubed

2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup of maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary

Salt and Ground Pepper to Taste

1.  Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.  Spread the sweet potatoes in an even layer on a baking sheet.  Drizzle olive oil and maple syrup on top.  Sprinkle the dried rosemary.  Mix so that everything is incorporated.  

2.  Place into the oven for about 30 minutes or until tender.  

Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes Recipe

Key Lime Cheesecake is one of my all time favorite desserts and hits the spot really anytime!  Imagine deliciously tart and sweet and yummy all rolled out into one cute little cheesecake!  I usually make this recipe using a springform pan (so that is always an option just bake for about 50-60 minutes instead), but I thought they would be cute to bring to a BBQ individually sized. I actually made two batches of this recipe this weekend- one using sugar and the other using Splenda (same measurements).  So anyone who is diabetic, this will surely hit their sweet tooth! It makes a total of 12 tarts.

Crust

1 1/4 cup of graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 dash of cinnamon 

Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup of sugar

2 1/2 tablespoons of flour

2 eggs

1/2 cup of key lime juice

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 drop of green food coloring

Whipped Cream For The Topping

1.  Mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar with the melted butter.  Grease a cupcake tin.  Scoop a little bit out of the graham cracker mixture and then press onto the bottom.  Bake at 375 degrees for 3 minutes.  Allow this to cool while preparing your filling. 

2.  Set your oven down to 325 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and flour until it is fully smooth.  Add your wet ingredients next including the eggs, juice, vanilla and food coloring (seriously only one drop guys 2 honestly puts it over the top.)  Stir until mixed (be careful not to over beat your batter). 

3.  Scoop mixture into the individually sized tins.  There will be enough to make 12.  Pop in your oven for 20 minutes and then allow the cheesecakes to cool.  Run a knife around the edges to allow it to loosen.  Allow the cheesecakes to cool for over an hour and then place in the fridge over night or for several hours.  Top with whip cream and enjoy!

Paprika Roasted Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter Recipe

Roasted corn on the cob is super easy to make and is always fun to eat!  Cooking it in their husks, over an open flame brings out the natural, sweet smokiness of corn.  It's always a hit and a MUST to order at any fair!

6 ears of corn on the cob

4 tablespoons of butter, melted

1 tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley

1 teaspoon of paprika

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

Salt and Ground Pepper to Taste

1.  Light your barbeque and allow for it to heat up for about 15 minutes while you prepare the corn

2.  Pull the husks back from the corn, but do not completely remove them.  Make sure you remove only the silk from the corn.

3.  In a small to medium sized bowl add the butter, parsley, paprika garlic, salt and pepper.  Mix ingredients until well combined.  Brush the butter mixture evenly among the 6 ears of corn.  Pull the husks back up so it is protecting the corn kernels from the heat of the grill.  

4.  Place on grill and turn every 5 minutes for about roughly 20 minutes.  Pull husks back to display corn and then serve.

Harvest Romaine Salad with Creamy Thyme Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

So despite me refusing to believe that summer is over, I broke down and decided to start concocting a few recipes that create the perfect balance between warm temperatures and fall, starting to creep in.  Blame it on my latest trip to Panera, I got inspired after having one their newest salads.  Well, here is my spin on it!

2 heads of romaine lettuce

1 cucumber sliced

1/4 of dried cherries

1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese

5 slices of bacon cooked until crumbled, and then crumbled

3 spoonfuls of chopped candied pecans

1.  In a bowl, add the lettuce, cucumbers, dried cherries, cheese, bacon and pecans.  Serve with my Creamy Thyme Balsamic Vinaigrette, recipe is as follows.  

Creamy Thyme Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons of no fat mayo

1/4 teaspoon of ground mustard

1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

3 sprigs of thyme, minced

Salt and Ground Pepper to Taste

2.  In a small bowl, add the above ingredients and whisk until fully combined.  Drizzle dressing on top of the salad and then serve!

Bacon and Blue, Red Potatoes Recipe

I had a few of my guy friends over and they were hungry after helping to work on my car!  So, I wanted to treat them right by making them some din din.  Let's just say a steak paired with my Bacon and Blue, Red Potatoes were a huge hit!  If you don't like the taste of strong blue cheese, these may be right up your alley.  The  heavy cream makes for a creamier texture and helps to thin out the strong cheese flavor, leaving an irresistible rich flavor!

1 pound of red potatoes, scrubbed and cooked until tender
2 tablespoons of butter
1 onion sliced
1/4 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup of blue cheese crumbles
5 Slices of bacon
Salt and Ground Pepper To Taste

1.  In a medium sized skillet cook the bacon until crispy.  I used turkey bacon, but I think it would have been better just to use the good stuff instead of trying to be healthy!  Cook until golden brown and crispy.  Place cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.  Let cool and then crumble with your hands. 

2.  In the same skillet add the butter and allow it to melt.  Add the onion and cook for about 4 minutes.  Add in the heavy cream and blue cheese crumbles.  Cook until the sauce thickens. 

3.  Place the potatoes on a platter.  Sprinkle some Drizzle the onion and blue cheese sauce on top of the potatoes.  Add the bacon  and then serve.

Cherry Limeade Cupcakes Recipe

My aunt and little cousin's birthday happen to be on the same day.  We were already having a Justin Bieber themed party for the little one and I still wanted to do a little something special for my aunt; enter Cherry Limeade Cupcakes, since this drink is her favorite during the summertime!  I needed some inspiration so I based my recipe off the one I found on Annie's Eats!  The cake portion is moist, tart and limey, which is balanced out by the creamy sweet Whipped Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting!  I brought the extras into work and they were a huge hit!

Limeade Cake 

6 cups of cake flour, sifted

1/2 teaspoon of salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

4 sticks of butter, at room temperature

2 cups of sugar

2 limes (zest one and use the juice of both)

1 can of frozen limeade concentrate, thawed

1 teaspoon of vanilla

6 eggs

1 cup of milk

3/4 cup of lemon-lime soda (I happened to have cherry 7 up on hand so I used that)

Lime Syrup

1/4 cup limeade concentrate, thawed

1/4 cup of sugar

Whipped Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting

3 sticks of butter, at room temperature

9 cups of powdered sugar

1/2 cup of Maraschino cherry juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream

Red Food Dye

Garnish

Maraschino cherries

Lime slices, quartered

Straws (Instead of buying special straws, I just cut mine down to size)

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl add the cake flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda together.  Mix until combined.  

2.  In a separate bowl cream the butter until it is light and fluffy.  Add in the sugar and blend.  Now add the lime zest juice, limeade concentrate and vanilla.  Using a mixer, start to blend the ingredients and then add the eggs, one by one.  

3.  Add half the flour mixture and half of the milk and continue to mix the ingredients.  Add the remaining flour and milk to the batter and mix until everything is incorporated.  Fold in the lemon-lime soda. 

4.  Using an ice cream scoop, spoon the batter into lined cupcake tins.  Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  This recipe will make almost 4 dozen cupcakes, it came out to baking 42 cupcakes for me.  Make sure you bake the cupcakes in two batches, so the cupcakes will bake evenly.

5.  Once the cupcakes have cooled, take a fork and poke 3 times on the top of the cupcakes.  Prepare the lime syrup by whisking the two ingredients together.  Take a spoon and drizzle this on top of all the cupcakes.  This is what gives the cupcake the extra tanginess and fresh limeade flavor!

6.   In another bowl beat the butter until it is light and fluffy.  Add the powdered sugar, juice, vanilla and whipping cream together until it is the desired consistency.  Add the red food coloring and blend until smooth.  Frost on the top of cupcakes.  

7.  Garnish with cherries, lime wedges and straws!  

Italian Style Pizza with Tomatoes, Green Peppers and Pepperoni Recipe

Next Friday night you won't be calling to order a pizza.  Instead, try this perfect go-to recipe if you want to make amazing pizza for your family, every time.  I like to saute my green peppers before actually baking them because they start to develop a sweet and smoky flavor.    Also, I use turkey pepperoni in this recipe.  I figure if I can cut the fat, without sacrificing the taste, let's do it!  

1 1/2 cups of my Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce (recipe follows)

1 lb. of fresh pizza dough (I go to the bakery section of my grocery store and ask for a thing of their fresh dough)

1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

1 green bell pepper, diced and then sautéed

Turkey pepperoni

1.  Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.  Spray nonstick cooking spray on a round baking sheet and then roll out pizza crust on it.  

Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

10 ripe tomatoes, diced

1/3 cup of white wine

1 teaspoon of chili pepper flakes

20 leaves of basil, cut into long strips

1 can of tomato paste

In a large pot, add the olive oil, onion and garlic.  Saute for a few minutes, or until the onions begin to get soft.  Stir in the tomatoes, wine, chili flakes and fresh basil.  Bring up to a boil and then turn down under low.  Cook for about 20 minutes, then add in the can of tomato paste to thicken.  Cook for about another 20 minutes and then serve.  If desired you can add up too a 1/4 cup of water to sauce for a less thick sauce.  

2. Spread the red tomato sauce on top.  Sprinkle cheese.  Place pepperoni evenly in rows on top of the pie.  After sauteing the green peppers with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil add to the pizza.  

3.  Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and dough is light brown.