• Food

    Everything Bagel Dip

    I’m constantly looking for quick recipes that are easy to share at a party, potluck, or any sort of get together with friends and family. Homemade dip is always a crowd pleasing go-to, whether it is sweet and served with wafers and fruit, or it is savory and served with crackers and vegetables. The everything bagel seasoning is very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. I like to especially use it to make my own spread. The everything bagel dip can be used solely for a cracker and vegetable dip, or it can be used as a spread for sandwiches, bagels, or wraps. While the everything…

  • Food

    Thumb Print Cookies

    One holiday baked good I remember my mom making often was the thumb print cookie. She would vary in the jam flavors from year to year, but the dough and technique was always the same. Whenever I make thumb print cookies, I always think of the first time my mom taught me how to make them. I was not an easy child to convince to learn the art of cooking and baking. I just wanted to eat the food, I didn’t want to put forth the work. Little did I know how much I would later enjoy the culinary arts. This year I knew I needed to recreate the thumb…

  • Food

    Holiday Spritz Cookies

    I am back at you all with 12 Days of Holiday Baking. Last year was my first year of taking on the project, 12 different recipes, 12 different blog posts, 12 different baked goodies, and lots…lots…LOTS of kitchen messes, flour, sugar, and fun with my kiddos. One request I had for this year’s holiday baking was to add in some recipes that are simple and quick, so here is my first baked goodie that falls into that category. Spritz cookies are like if sugar cut out cookies and shortbread cookies had a baby. They have the flavors of both, and they are in fun shapes; BUT the hassle of making…

  • Food

    Cran-Apple Harvest Salad

    Fall season maybe just around the corner, but here in Las Vegas the 100º+ weather doesn’t agree. Finding recipes that fill my need for harvest season foods while not overheating myself spending too much time in front of a hot stove. This quinoa fruit and vegetable filled salad definitely fits that harvest food spot. Add in some grilled chicken and it goes from being a side salad to a main dish. If you aren’t a fan of some of the fruits or vegetables I have added to my salad, then exchange them for some in-season produce that you love. Orange slices, dried apricots, raisins, pears, carrots…all of these would be…

  • Food

    Meatloaf Zucchini Melts

    As much as I love to create healthy, yet tasty foods, zucchini is definitely not one of my favorite vegetables. Just like Brussels sprouts, I have to force myself to create food with zucchini. While I do love the flavor of zucchini, it is the texture I have a hard time with. However I prepare it, it must always have a crisp bite to it. If it is mushy in any way, I cannot eat it. That being said, I have snuck zucchini in many recipes, grated into the ground meat or into the sauce. For this recipe though, I thought it would be fun to add one of my…

  • Food

    Green Chili and Chicken Enchiladas

    Enchiladas are easily one of my most favorite Mexican meals. I have so many variations of enchiladas in my meal arsenal that I could easily make a different type every night for a whole month. So it was surprising to me when I realized I had never done a green chili version. I almost always used red enchilada sauce, but when I realized I had a bunch of green enchilada sauce in my pantry, I knew I needed to make a green chili version. I have to say, that this recipe is easily one of my top favorites. I love the slightly spicy flavors and the prominence of the green…

  • Food

    Chocolate Strawberry Truffle

    There are many gifts that are given for Valentine’s Day, and chocolate covered strawberries are definitely a popular one. I decided I wanted to put a spin on the classic chocolate covered strawberry. While this takes more time than just dipping fresh strawberries in melted chocolate, it does have an element of whimsy. My boys love these truffles and watching them smile over the taste, brings so much joy to my heart. Additionally, if you are not a strawberry lover, you can definitely use raspberries or even blueberries instead. Do you love chocolate and strawberries together? You could experiment with the chocolate and use milk or white chocolate instead of…