Grizzly Peak

Yesterday I came across a recipe that instantly transported me to my college days in Ann Arbor:

 Peanut Butter-Toffee Cheesecake Brownies

(It's no wonder I gained the Freshman 15)

Although these brownies aren't the same as the 'black and tan dessert' offered at the Grizzly Peak, one of my favorite Ann Arbor establishments, the core elements of brownies and cheesecake are the same and have a lasting effect.  (Mentally and physically if you don't work out).

They are my new fav.

PC: Pillsbury

Wildfire, Where art thou?

New York boasts some of the greatest restaurants in the world but one thing it lacks is my favorite chain of all time-Wildfire.  Wildfire is one of those restaurants where everyone knows your name (or at least my name, because I'm on their wall of fame). Is anyone out there (Lettuce Entertain You)? Will you please open shop in NYC, preferably downtown on the West side? I will become your best customer.

Since I have a feeling that it's not opening anytime soon, [sigh], I often recreate their chopped salad (roasted chicken, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, bacon, scallions, corn, tortillas strips with a side of citrus lime vinaigrette and ranch and a baked sweet potato) at home and even though it holds me over, it's nothing like the real thing. 

Here's the salad:

Luckily they sell their citrus dressing online. Buy it here.

And here's a similar bowl/chopper that they use at the restaurant for your own use:

Tree Spirit Bowl and Chopper:

PC: Lasplash, Lettuce Entertain You, Bed Bath & Beyond

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a Bee" -Muhammad Ali

PC: Porter House Designs, confetti.uk, Housetohome.com, Martha Stewart,  Nancy J Ciralsky Designs

Winter Wonderland

PC: Jessica Claire

My kind of shooters:

PC: My Sweet and Saucy

DIY Inspiration

PC:

1, 2, 3, 4, 9: Martha Stewart Weddings, 5: Wedding Style Guide, 6: Country Living, 7: Corbin Gurkin via Duet Wedding, 8: Kate Headley  

When life throws you (leftover) cookie dough...

Make Chocolate Chip Ravioli!

How to make it:

Start by rolling leftover sugar cookie dough into circular pieces.  Add about a teaspoon of your leftover cookie dough to the center.  Brush the sides with water with a pastry brush.

Top with an additional circle:

And seal with a fork:

Bake at 350 degrees until done. 

And serve with chocolate sauce!

PC: Clumbsy Cookie