Ranch Party Mix
Hi. Remember me? Stephen. The blogger who hasn’t blogged recently? Yeah, me. Now you remember. Sorry I disappeared for a while. Blame the craziness of everyday life, depressing cold weather, juggling multiple jobs, and laziness for keeping me away. But I’m back now and have some fun recipes to share with you…if...
Drunken Date Bars (with nuts)
I totally laughed out loud when I came up with the name of this recipe. Drunken date bars. With nuts. Too awesome for words. Anywaayy (getting my mind out of the gutter) – it’s important to note that these bars are tasty, healthy, and definitely provide a slight buzz for an after...
Chocolate Covered Bananas with Hazelnuts
I think I may watch too much television. But in my defense, I don’t watch it every hour of the day…instead I flip on a show or two before bed (almost always online). But even if that wasn’t the case, and I actually just zonked out in front of the TV every day,...
Waldorf Salad
After my horrible attempt at channeling Don Drapper during the Mad Men premier last Sunday, I begrudgingly came to the realization that instead of suave Don, I relate more to Betty right now. Yay me. Haha. In the later seasons of the show, Betty’s story arch swirls around her struggles with weight...
Mom’s Almond Soy Fruit Smoothie
Although I do most of the cooking for my family, my mom insists she makes the best smoothies. She blends together three different kinds of berries, almonds, and soy milk. Toss in a splash of vanilla and you’re good to go! I usually make my smoothies with juice, but her recipe is...
Pesto
This recipe is so fragrant and so deliciously green that you will seriously want to eat it by the spoonful! It’s great to toss into pasta, pizza, lather on sandwiches, or even as a marinade. I love to just dollop a spoonful of it onto grilled chicken or fish. Whenever I make...
Peanut Butter Popcorn
My best friend came up with this idea – peanut butter (both of us are obsessed), maple syrup, and popcorn. After trying out various measurements, I discovered the amazing combo you’ll see below. It’s a great inexpensive snack to have out at parties that impresses your guests. My mom usually doesn’t like...
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Baby spinach is a staple at my house – maybe I’m a wannabe Popeye the Sailor Man, who knows. Anyway, no sailor ever ate this salad while saving the world or he might have just stayed home to eat! The strawberries are fresh, onions spicy, and pine nuts slightly crunchy…when you drizzle...
Coconut Almond Lace Cookies
Although lace cookies are pretty popular, not many people make them. I was inspired to make these delicate treats while watching Giada DeLaurentiis’ show the other day. She used vanilla extract…but to make them my own, I switched it for almond flavoring and tossed in some more coconut. I even added an...
Candied Walnuts
When you’re craving something sweet, what’s better than a sugary smoky crunch?! A candied nut is a great way to up the elegance factor for any of your dinner parties. Toss into salads or keep on hand to munch on…you definitely will not have leftovers for long! 1 cup walnuts ½ cup...
Pistachio Parmesan Crisps
For some reason my mom likes to snack on parmesan cheese…so I figured she would love it if I made her some “chips”. It’s really tasty. The rosemary is subtle and brings an earthy taste to the salty cheese, and then you get a nice crunch from the pistachio. The balance of...
