So Smooth

Pregnancy brings on all kinds of cravings like two of my favorites, ice cream and fruit.  Since a daily ice cream can't be good for my non-existent waistline, I found the perfect solution to get my fix: Yoplait's Frozen Smoothie, available in several delicious flavors like strawberry banana.  Located in the freezer section of most markets, all you need to add is milk which makes it a great source of calcium.  And, when I'm extra hungry, I add a small scoop of almond flour and it tastes even more like a milkshake (which is the entire point of the snack).  

Here's the almond flour I use:

Enjoy!

PC: Yoplait, Amazon

Happily Ever After

Cheese Plate (for two) with Heart-Shaped Figs:

(Cut the figs in half and shape into hearts)

Beet-heart Salad:

Filet Mignon with Herb-and-Cheese Potatoes

OR

Rack of Lamb with Herb Crust

Chocolate Fondue (include your favorite dippers):

If you prefer milk chocolate (rather than bittersweet chocolate) try this sauce from Betty Crocker

Can't celebrate on Monday? Surprise your loved one with Breakfast in Bed over the weekend:

Classic French Toast:

OR

Heart-Shaped Eggs and Toast

PC: Martha Stewart

Edible Snowmen

Get them while they're ... cold!

Learn how to make them here.

PC: The Family Kitchen, Babble 

Tupperware to love

If you're an avid baker and enjoy being part of potlucks and parties, be sure to invest in one of these nifty covered baking pans.  They can be used to bake, serve, and  store your goodies and best of all, the snap-on lid preserves freshness.  Au revoir aluminum foil.

Covered Aluminum Cookie Sheet

Covered Muffin Pan

Covered Aluminum Brownie & Cake Pan

PC: Williams-Sonoma

Spaghetti and Spicy Turkey Meat Sauce

I think everyone at some point or other has made spaghetti with meat sauce. It's easy, comforting, and a staple in most homes.  After trying dozens of recipes, I finally found one that I love. It has the perfect amount of heat and flavor that turkey meat usually lacks, and as Rachel Ray promises can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.    

Spaghetti and Spicy Turkey Meat Sauce

-Rachel Ray

Serves: 4

1 pound whole wheat spaghetti

2 tbsp EVOO

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 pound lean ground turkey

salt/black pepper

One 28 oz can San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes (or you can use diced tomatoes)

1 tsp crushed red pepper

1/4 cup chopped parsley (I used about 1/2 tsp dried parsley)

I also added a dash of oregano

2 tbsp grated parmesan, plus more for serving

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water.  Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat; add the onion and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Increase the heat to medium-high, crumble in the turkey, season with salt and black pepper and cook until the turkey is just no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in the parsley and cheese. Toss the pasta with the sauce and 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water, adding more water to thin the consistency, if desired. Serve immediately with more cheese.

 PC: Food Network

Superbowl 2011

Easy Take Along Appetizers:

7 Layer Dip:

Reuben Dip with Rye:

Homemade Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing

Salads (believe it or not people appreciate a nice salad)

Ina's Chinese Chicken Salad

-I add half a head of chopped iceberg lettuce, half a head of chopped napa cabbage, & Chinese noodles

Salad on a Stick

Desserts:

Outrageous Brownies:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

S'mores Bars: (What would be a Superbowl party without them)?

Recipe for S'mores Bars

Servings: 12

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/3 cups flour

4 ½ sheets crumbled graham crackers (broken into small chunks)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

5 (1.5 ounce) milk chocolate candy bars (I use Hershey's)

3 cups miniature marshmallows

Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease an 8 inch square baking pan. Beat butter and sugar together until well blended in a large bowl. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.

In another bowl stir together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Press half the dough into the prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes.

Unwrap chocolate bars; arrange over baked layer. They may not quite all fit, you may be forced to eat a couple pieces. Sprinkle with marshmallows. Scatter remaining dough over the marshmallows, forming a top layer.

Bake 10- 15 minutes or until just lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting.

PC: IVillage, Strawman3125, Martha Stewart, Stockfood, Ina Garten, BakeorBreak, Baking Bites



Rainbow Bright Tutorial

Tools Needed:

Serrated floral knife, pruners/garden clippers, 20-24 gauge floral wire, paper scissors, and 2 6" square glass vases

Flowers: Pink Gerbera Daisies, Dark Pink Roses, Red Pixie Carnations, Orange Tulips, Yellow Ranunculus, Yellow Mums, Kermit Poms, Bear Grass, Blue Hydrangeas, and Purple Liatris.

A few tips from the florist:

Keep the flowers in cold water until you are ready to use them. Strip the stems of excess foliage. Secure smaller bundles of flowers with a rubber band or floral wire. Trim the ends at an angle. You can tweak the flowers as you go until you get the right look. Have fun!

The bunches of flowers are in rainbow order in the vases.

PC: Nicole Gerulet.  Flowers by Megan Dunford of Persimmon Floral

Gumball Necklaces!

Snow days call for art projects and here is one that will have you DIY enthusiasts chomping at the bit. 

Glamorous (and oh-so-perfect for Valentine's day) Gumball Necklaces!

Directions:

1. Using a metal skewer, pierce one side of the gumball. Hold the top of the gumball steady as you guide the skewer (see photo). This will prevent the skewer from slipping off the slick surface of the gumball.

2. Flip the gumball over and pierce another hole directly opposite to the first hole. If you try to poke a hole straight through both sides at once, the gumball will crack.

3. The hardest part is stringing the ribbon. Use a large needle to thread the ribbon through the gumballs. Thinner ribbon is easier to string. Tie a knot between each gumball as you string it.

Tip: Look for bags of single colored gumballs at your local party supply store.

PC: One Charming Party, Sarah Westbrook



Kabob Night

I grew up loving kabobs.  We used to make them year-round on our outdoor and indoor grill and to this day not a week goes by when I don't crave them.  When yesterday's craving set in, I made Chicken and Veggie Skewers with Homemade Tzatziki and Peanut Sauce from Bibby's Backyard BBQ and it was absolutely delightful.   The meal is hearty, delicious, and comforting and is perfect for a weeknight meal or else entertaining guests.  I served mine with whole wheat couscous and grilled pita on the side and my only regret is that I didn't make extra for leftovers.
  

Chicken and Veggie Skewers with Homemade Peanut and Tzatziki Sauce:

Serves 4:

Chicken Kabobs:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces

1/2 cup olive oil

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp oregano

salt/pepper

Whisk together all of the ingredients, besides the chicken, in a large bowl.  Add the chicken and toss to coat. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours before grilling.

*If you're using wooden or bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.  When ready to grill, place on a pre-heated grill and cook for about 7-10 minutes per side until done. 

Veggie Kabobs:

1 cup chopped peppers

1 cup chopped red onion chunks

1 cup button mushrooms

1 cup zucchini chunks

1 cup cherry tomatoes

Thread veggies on skewers.  Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Cook on a grill until all veggies are lightly charred all over, about 10 minutes.  Serve alongside chicken kabobs.

Tzatziki Sauce:

1 1/2 cups greek yogurt

1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped

1 heaping tsp minced garlic

1 tsp lemon

1 green onion, sliced thinly

1 tsp oregano

salt/pepper to taste

Feta-optional

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl and refrigerate for 2-8 hours before serving

Peanut Sauce:

1 cup chunky peanut butter

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 tsp garlic

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 cup-1/2 cup warm water

Whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl.  Add the water last to thin out the sauce.  You may not need all of it.  Serve at room temperature.

Serve with couscous and grilled pita

If you're like me and don't have access to an outdoor grill, be sure to invest in this Calphalon Nonstick Grill Pan.  I use it for everything!

Whole Foods, ILoveChickenWings.com, Foodnetwork.com, Cookingwithsugar.com, gettyimages.com, amazon