Chocolate Cream Cheese S’Mores
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(Disclaimer: I have been selected by Kraft Foods to be an ambassador for PHILADELPHIA cream cheese. While I have been compensated for my time, my opinions are my own.)
What’s not to love about a s’more right? Chocolate. Graham Crcakers. TOASTED marshmallows. All coming together to form one ooey gooey cohesive delicious fantastic mess. Wet wipes would come in handy here. There’s not just for babies you know. They’re completely and totally delightful.
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Farmstand Ravioli with Zucchini
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(Disclaimer: I am working in partnership with the KRAFT brand and I am receiving compensation for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own)
I love this time of year when my local farm stands are open on road sides around my little water-tower town. Little pop up markets here and there. I stop in as much as possible. A) I love supporting my local farmers when I can B) I know where the food comes from and that’s is going to be fresh and freshly picked. Plus ehem have you seen farmers lately? Not to mention they’re incredibly knowledgeable. Go ahead ask them about their food. They love it.
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Moscato Mojitos
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I have wild mint growing uncontrollably in my yard. If you happen to live nearby and need mint just let me know. I have an UNLIMITED supply and you’re welcome to come pluck some up. I’m not kidding when I tell you it grows like weeds. There’s no taming it. It comes back every. single.year. And while it used to aggravate me at first, now I’ve grown to embrace and respect it’s persistence. Not to mention besides smelling amazing I can have all the mojitos I could possibly want. Silver lining.
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Raisin and Nut Agrodolce
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Raisin and nut wha? Agrodolce. Agrodolce is Italian for sweet (dolce) and sour (agro). It happens to be one of my favorite combinations and is a lot like me depending on how my day is going. What don’t tell me you’re never moody? This sauce, and it’s actually more salsa or compote than sauce but let’s not split hairs I have enough of those, is something I could eat directly out the jar. But better not, it’s amazing topped on chicken, pork, lamb, OR even mixed into pasta. You know how much I like options.
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Caramelized Grilled Asparagus
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Have you noticed a grilling theme going on? Gold star for you if so. As soon as it warms up I’m all about throwing anything and just about everything on the grill. Including vegetables. Sometimes I even get a little crazy and sprinkle them with sugar. Glorious I tell you. Glorious caramelized crunchy outsides. Pass the plate please.
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Drunken Pasta with Pancetta
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I know you’ve all heard of drunken pasta. Typically, it’s pasta that has been boiled in red wine. In theory it’s a good idea right, wine, pasta. Yes please. Well it’s yes until the plate arrives in front of you (at least for me). We eat with our eyes first, and red wine turns the pasta in this deathly looking greyish purple hue that’s completely unappetizing. Unless you use WHITE wine. Ding ding ding. Do you hear the bell going off in your head?
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Grilled Mini Meatball Subs
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Do you like to get your grill on? As in bbq grill not dental grill (which I have never ever understood – How do you clean those things? I mean just buy a ring or a bracelet already). IF you do, and you think you have what it takes my friends at Dole are hosting their Dole California Cook-Off and you should honestly consider entering. Besides glory there’s a whole lotta gumbo cash at stake. Like $25,000. All you have to do is come up with a killer recipe (some rules and regulations apply see contest page for full details – did that come across in my announcer voice?) and submit it.
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Keurig Office Pro Coffee Maker
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Do you love coffee as much as I do? If you know me you how much I HAVE to have coffee. I have a HARD time starting my day without it and it’s probably best for everyone if I do have it and immediately after I wake up. The stronger the better too. I’m a dark roasted bean kind of girl. Italian roast please.
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Grilled Nutella MousseTarts
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You know grilling isn’t just for meats and veggies (and fruits, can’t leave out fruits, have you tried grilled peaches? Oh sweet drippy goodness do it!). Why let them have all the fun? You can make desserts on the grill too! Sure can. In fact you can make an entire meal on the grill. Besides having all that gorgeous grill flavor you’re not messing up the kitchen. That’s happy happy happy in my book. Anyone else hate doing dishes?
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Grilled Ribeye with Balsamic Butter Sauce
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Finally grilling season is here. I’m just a tad bit excited about this after a VERY long winter. I love the smells that waft through the neighborhood as soon as the weather has heated up (and the pollen has past ugh). People are out walking the neighborhood (and gasp actually smiling and waving), flowers are blooming, the trees are filling in and grills are going strong. It’s a good thing.
We (and when I say we I mean my husband) like to grill a lot. It’s typically, chicken, ribs, with the occasional steak thrown in. It’s not that I have anything against steak, quite the contrary, bring on a hunk of perfectly cooked (for me) medium steak any day of the week if you’re paying ; ) If I’m paying it’s more of a special occasion meal. But guess what? Now it doesn’t have to be.
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Strawberry Jelly Filled Doughnuts + {GIVEAWAY}
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I am a sucker for sweets. Always have been. I wish I was one of those “no thank you” dessert people, but I’m not. Sigh. I’m more of a you order this one and I’ll order that one so we can share. What, y’all don’t do that? Okay, seriously moderation is my motto but that is REALLY hard when you have a plate of these strawberry jelly filled doughnuts in front of you. I should know. I had to do a lot of taste testing research for you loverly readers. I’m such a giver. Don’t forget it.
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Pear Prosciutto and Arugula Flatbread Pizza
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I am a sucker for pizza. Thin crust please. I might be in the minority but thick crust or deep dish just isn’t for me. Thin it is and the crispier the better. Pizzas are fantastic because lets face it you can honestly top them with anything you like. Some combinations are way better than others. I’ve had a few oh yeah um moments. But luckily you can usually salvage that carb-y cheesy goodness by picking off whatever isn’t working for you and press on.
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Explore and Create with dio Creator Lounge
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This post brought to you by dio. All opinions are 100% mine.
Have you heard of dio.com? dio is a new creative and social experience that allows anyone to make and explore unique places based on anything. Food, Travel, Photography, Design. Cork collections. You name it.
dio places are public (or private if needed) spaces filled with pictures, video, text and even interactive objects. Places are arranged spatially so users (that’s us) can travel and explore streets, buildings, houses and cities — just like they can in the real world! Neat right?
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Lemon Crepes with Blueberries
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Weekends are perfect for brunch. You know that wonderful cross section of a meal between breakfast and lunch where you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can mix and match your dishes at will. It’s a beautiful thing. If you’re looking to have a week-end get together, brunch is perfect and definitely budget friendly (well as long as you’re not wanting to serve caviar or truffles with your eggs and if you are let me know what time to be there).
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Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Pasta
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You might not think that avocados and pasta go together but surprise they do! Once you’ve twirled your fork around these creamy fettucine noodles that have been slathered in avocado awesome-sauce you’ll be a believer. Avocados are something I can’t ever seem to get enough of. I’m pretty obsessed with them but not nearly as much as my friend GABY. She’s absolutely avo-obsessed (in the best way possible!). In fact, she’s just published her first cookbook called “Absolutely Avocados”.
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Grilled Chicken Caprese Wraps
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The countdown to summer is on like Donkey Kong AND yeah yeah I’m on the workout wagon. And by working out I mean walking. We have to start somewhere right. In addition to moving moving it I’m lightening my plate and eating healthier. We’re not talking or mentioning the D word because that doesn’t work for me. Ever. Instead I’m making better choices without cutting out everything I love. Moderation people, moderation.
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Boozy Berry Granitas
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Granitas are pretty much an adult version of a snow cone and what’s not to love about that. This version is made up of freshly pureed strawberries and my bubbly beverage of choice – Prosecco. Hence the name boozy berry granitas. I’m very smart like that. They’re perfect for a lazy afternoon on the deck under the umbrella shopping on Amazon (is that only me?). Or for a get together with the girls, or just because. Really you don’t need a special occasion. I am just a social butterfly and company is nice. Especially when they bring more Prosecco. Ehem.
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Bruschetta Chicken Skillet Pasta
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Brushetta is one of my most favorite foods on the planet. It’s also one of the top 10 most mispronounced Italian words in my book. It is pronounced: brew-SKet-ta! I’ve actually had waiters in restaurants argue with me over this. Argue. Don’t get me started on that. Sideeye. Brushetta is an appetizer (or anytime all time snack for me) that is made up of grilled bread, garlic, chopped fresh tomatoes, and basil. It’s one of the reasons I grow my own tomatoes and basil (I told you I’m obsessed with it). Those flavors are so perfect it’s easy to transform them into other dishes including this bruschetta chicken skillet. It takes 20 minutes to pull this together. Not kidding. It’s definitely a weeknight wonder.
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Swordfish with Brown Butter Balsamic Sauce
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If I’m being honest, I have to admit that this whole having to wear shorts soon (let’s not even discuss the b word) is kind of freaking me out. It gets HAWT in Carolina people. So shorts are a necessity. One good thing about the weather is the fact that I don’t want to heat up the kitchen or the house for that matter. Cooking lighter meals is just easier for me in the spring/summer time. So what’s a girl to make besides salads? Seafood. I’ve always been a seafood fan. Fish, crab, mussels, shrimp, oysters, lobster. I’m in. The answer is always I’m in.
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Springtime Cooking Inspiration
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Now that spring has finally sprung we can turn our attention from casseroles, stews, soups and such to lighter spring time fares. As much as I love Love LOVE things like lasagna, I don’t love having the oven on for extended periods of time. It heats up the house and drives up my heating bill ; ) Now if you’d like to bring me a lasagna that’s a different story! Springtime and sunshine has me longing to spend more time outdoors vs. indoors. A way I can do that is making meals that are quicker and lighter like the Southwestern Inspired Ranch Chicken Salad pictured above.
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