oreo truffles

It's no secret I am addicted to pinterest. So, when I found this recipe and my work Christmas party was coming up, I knew I had to try it. Oreo truffles are super easy, and no baking is required. The only thing hard about them is eating just a few...

PS- They were a huge hit! Everyone loved them. 

culinary school

My first quarter in culinary school has gone by so fast! I'm learning a lot. It's fun to actually like going to school because you are doing what you love. Here's a few things I've done this quarter... I'm totally becoming wife material ;-)

{sauteed beef, rice pilaf, brussle sprouts,glazed carrots}

{roast beef, tomato duxelle, broccoli, mashed potatoes}

{roasted chicken, glazed carrots, green beans, wild rice}

{pan fried pork, risotto, glazed carrots, broccoli}

m.i.a

I have totally been M.I.A lately, but with good reason! I'm getting ready for a move, and everything is packed up. My new kitchen is so perfect, and I can't wait to start baking/cooking in there. Since I am about to move, I have been finding things on the internet and creating a wish list of everything. Right now, my current obsession is Anthropolgie.

{cute assorted bowls}

{adorable ramekins}

{sparkly shower curtain} 

{measuring spoons}

This is just a fraction of my wish list... Is it Christmas yet?? 

salted caramel cookies

It is 109 degrees in Dallas, Texas today, and I'm baking... I must be out of my mind! I have found a new love for salted caramel. It is so delicious, I can't get enough. I'm pretty late on the trend it seems, but that doesn't make me love it any less. I found an easy recipe for salted caramel cookies, and headed straight for the kitchen to whip them up. I mainly followed the recipe (a few adaptions here and there and minus the walnuts), and found it to be pretty dang simple!

easy toffee

Culinary school has officially begun! I'm going crazy already, stressing out over everything. Obviously, I haven't had much time to bake/cook. Yesterday I found this recipe and it was super easy and quick. I had most of the ingredients at home (minus the saltines), and I'm sure you do too. I can't get over how easy this candy was to make. Not to mention how delicious it is. I can't stop eating it! (Not that I want to. Ever.) 

{can be made with or without nuts}

williams-sonoma wish list

I want everything from Williams-Sonoma. Every. Thing.

Especially these things:

{breville pie maker}

{stainless-steel measuring cups}

{classic white plates}

{turntable cake stand}

{red pie dish}

And oh how the list goes on.... And on. And on. 

Anyone else in loooove with Williams-Sonoma?

I can't be the only one.

chocolate macaroons, first attempt

Before today, I had never tasted a macaroon. I have always been obsessed with how adorable macaroons are. Cookies sandwiched together with a yummy filling, what could be cuter? Though mine didn't turn out perfect looking, they still tasted good. (that counts for something right!?) I used this recipe, and it was relatively easy. I had everything at the house except the almond meal, which ran me $11 at the grocery store, yikes! I didn't let the macaroon batter set out for two hours before baking, however. Maybe that would have made them better looking? I'm not sure.

{my next attempt at macaroons will be colorful}

s'mores pudding

I found a mini trifle set at Bed Bath & Beyond this weekend, and obviouslyyyy had to find the perfect recipe to fill them. I've had this recipe bookmarked for a while, and it worked out perfectly in my mini trifle dishes. The perfect twist on your classic s'more. Nothing beats a s'more.... Except maybe, s'mores pudding.

{o.m.g.}

fourth of july layer cake

Happy Fourth of July weekend! I have been anxiously awaiting this weekend so I could bake this cake. I didn't follow the recipe at all, but I adapted the idea from her blog. I'm not a fan of buttercream frosting, so I substituted cream cheese frosting. I have never made a four layer cake, and this required sooooo much patience, which was tough on me. But, overall, I'm pretty happy with my end results!

{amateur frosting skills + new cake stand}

chocolate lava cake, take two

My first chocolate lava cake attempt was an epic fail. My cakes turned to mush in a matter of seconds, and I was so depressed. Today I decided I was going to be optimistic and try again. I used a different recipe, and it was very simple. I'm so happy I tried these again, because this time they came out close to perfect.

madeleines

Finallllly, I bought a Madeleine pan! I actually bought it tonight. Then rushed home to make the Madeleines. Simple, easy, light and delicious. Madeleines are now my go-to dessert when I'm in the mood for something sweet and easy to make. Next time I'm going to try the chocolate version! Yum.

quinoa & black bean salad

Anyone ever cooked with quinoa? This was my first time, and I couldn't be happier with the results. This is an easy, vegetarian/vegan dish. I adapted the idea from this recipe, and I substituted red peppers for the green ones. You could add any vegetables you want to this salad, and it would be just as good. The lime dressing for this salad is amaaazing. This is a very healthy dish full of whole grain and protein, and it doesn't taste like your average, boring healthy meal. Don't you just love healthy, guilt-free dishes that are packed with flavor!? I know I do.

{before mixing}

{not so pretty, but SO tasty}

fruit pizza

My boyfriend actually introduced me to this recipe a of couple years ago. Very shocking, considering he doesn't even like to bake/cook! I'm not sure where he got the idea, but he made it for me (yes, he made it!) and I have loved it ever since. It's very simple, and not too much work is required. The most work you will do is rolling the cookie dough out, and cutting the fruit. 

Ingredients:

• 1 box Krusteaz sugar cookie mix
• 1 egg
• 1 stick of butter
• 1 package cream cheese (8 oz)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Fruit(s) of your choice, however much you want.

Follow directions on cookie mix box, roll out cookie dough onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 10-13 minutes. Add 1 tsp sugar to cream cheese and mix together. Let cookie cool completely then spread cream cheese on top. Then add your fruit, as little or as much as you desire! Yum!

{This cookie is amazing after it has been sitting in the refrigerator for a while!}

chocolate lava cake... or not

I should rename this post chocolate mush cake. This weekend I found a four set of ramekins for $11! Talk about a steal. I've been needing some, and sale prices are always the best. Now, I could eat chocolate all day long. Literally. So I figured I'd try out this chocolate lava cake. Let's just consider this recipe a big fat fail on my part, I'm actually pretty sad (and embarrassed) over it. Though it tasted amazing, I could not get the cakes out of the ramekins to save my life. They ended up flattened and mushy. Maybe if I let them cool off completely, but I was far too impatient for that. There's gotta be some trial and error in baking, right? Let's all have a laugh now.

{my failed attempt of removing the cake.. wommmp, tried to take it out too early?}

{what it was supposed to look like via cupcakesandcashmere}

Anybody have tips on how to remove these cakes!? I'd love to know.

baked zucchini fries

I have never been a huge fan of french fries. Mainly because they are always so over-salted, that I just can't stand it. I hate salty foods. I love sweet potato fries, and had actually been thinking about making some until I found this recipe, and quickly changed my mind. I didn't have italian-style Panko bread crumbs, so I used what I had on hand (plain, original Panko), and seasoned with salt, pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. These fries are so easy to make, and way healthier than your everyday over-salted french fry. (Yes, I watch what I eat, though this blog probably doesn't make it appear that way). It's probably un-American to say this, but I hate ketchup. For the dipping sauce, I used plain goat cheese. It might sound weird, but goat cheese and zucchini go amazingly together. Pretty a much guilt-free fry!

{I'm really wanting a better quality camera!}

s'mores pie

Forget camping, I've got all I need for campfire treats right here in my kitchen. S'mores have always been one of my favorites, and I'm always using the microwave to create make-shift s'mores when the craving for one hits. I found this recipe here, and followed it how it reads. The only difference was, when baking the chocolate, mine required about 25 minutes. I don't want to toot my own horn here, but I think mine turned out pretty close to perfect ;). I will definitely be going back for seconds!

**Update: After a full day in the refrigerator, this pie is ten times more ah-mazing!**

chocolate covered oreos

More Oreos? Yup. After work today I was craving something sweet! (as if the Oreo stuffed cookies from last night weren't enough). I decided to make simple use of the leftover Oreos. I've never tried milk (or semi-sweet) chocolate covered Oreos, though I did see a commercial for these. Naturally, I couldn't stop thinking about trying them. I melted semi-sweet morsels, in 30 second intervals, then dipped the Oreos in the melted chocolate, added sprinkles, chilled in refrigerator, and wa la! For a simple, quick, and fun dessert... Try these! I suggest, tonight. Maybe my next recipe will be healthy... Maybe not.

{chocolate}

oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies

I have been eyeing this recipe for quite a while now. Oreos just so happen to be one of my favorite store bought cookies, so making these cookies was a no brainer. I love sweets so much, and these will definitely fulfill any sweet tooth. The cookies are so sweet, I could only eat one. (Shocking, I know!) Because this was my very first attempt at these cookies, I cheated and used Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix. I didn't see the trouble in baking something from scratch, when I wasn't sure how the final result would turn out. So, sue me.

{calorie bombbb!}

birthday cupcakes

Sunday was my nephew, Jett's 9th birthday! We had his birthday party at our house, and had lots of fun with family and friends. Since he's just a little kid, I didn't stress too much over making a cupcake recipe from scratch. I cheated and used Betty Crocker Funfetti Cake mix, always a child pleaser. (Note: add in a tsp of vanilla for extra flavor!) I used the matching Betty Crocker Funfetti frosting, then went the extra mile and put even more sprinkles on the cupcakes. I think they turned out pretty cute! Fact: sprinkles make everything better!

{jett & his cupcakes}

dipped pretzels

I found this adorable recipe today on one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere. Definitely couldn't wait until the weekend to try these, and thankfully I had everything but the pretzels laying around the house. These dipped pretzels are extremely easy, and quick, which I love. (My boyfriend even decorated one!) Though it is a very simple recipe, the results are adorable (and fun!), and there's no real way to mess it up. This yummy treat will make a great favor for any party you attend this summer, and not to mention, amazing (cheap!) gifts when the holidays roll around. I used semi-sweet milk chocolate morsels for the dipping, and multi-colored sprinkles for decoration. After decorating, I let them chill in the refrigerator for a little bit so that the chocolate and sprinkles could set, not necessary, but definitely helps.

{sweet & salty}

goat cheese & asparagus

I am in love with goat cheese, and asparagus is my favorite vegetable. Add in some pasta, and the combo is instantly even better. Being the avid recipe blog stalker that I am, I came across this recipe, and obviously had to try it. I made one single serving for myself, so my measurements were smaller, but I pretty much followed the recipe as it reads. I added a little extra goat cheese, just because I love it soooo much, but really you could add as little, or as much as you desire. 

{photo & recipe by smitten kitchen}

chocolate covered graham crackers

Chocolate and graham crackers. Uh, yum. I was inspired by this recipe, and it was so easy. Smear peanut butter in between two graham crackers, and dip in melted semi-sweet chocolate morsels until completely covered in chocolate. Put in refrigerator until chocolate has hardened, about 15-30 minutes. I don't have a picture for this recipe, but they pretty much look like this. Such an easy little treat, and it will also make great, easy gifts when the holidays are approaching.

overnight oats

I have been dying to try this recipe, and I just couldn't wait any longer. Overnight oats are a breakfast food (or in my case, dinner tonight) that is healthy and very filling, not to mention full of protein. I am guilty of not always eating breakfast, even though it is the most important meal of the day. Overnight oats should solve that problem, whip them up the night before and top them as you please the next morning. So simple and quick if you're on the go in the mornings. I slightly altered the recipe to my likings. Be sure to check out the original recipe, her blog has tons of healthy breakfasts and other foods!

You Will Need:

• 1/2 C old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 C greek yogurt
• 1/2 C almond milk (or any other milk you prefer)
• 1/2 banana sliced thinly
• 1 TSP chia seeds
• 1 TSP vanilla
• 1 TBS applesauce
• 1 TBS brown sugar

Combine all into a bowl and mix until everything is evenly distributed. Store in plastic/glass container overnight. The next morning, add about 1/4 a cup (more/less depending on how liquidy you want oats) almond milk to your oats. Top the oats!

My Toppings:

• 1 1/2 TBS Carob Chips (vegan "chocolate")
• Frozen strawberries & blueberries
• 1 1/2 TBS almonds
• 1 TBS coconut
• 1 TSP sprinkled brown sugar

nutella croissants

Croissants... amazing. Nutella... amazing. Put the two together, and you have the most delicious combination EVER. I found this simple recipe here, and I just had to try it. Not only is it soooo delicious, it's a very quick dessert option. I will definitely be making these again, very soon! :) Careful though, they are dangerous! Try not to eat too many ;)

You Will Need:

• 1 package Pilsbury Crescent Rolls
• Nutella

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread croissant dough out on a flat surface, and cut out dough following pre-cut lines. Place one tablespoon Nutella (or however much you desire) on the croissant rolls. Loosely roll croissants in to the crescent shape. Bake for about 11 minutes, or until golden brown.

I had two, too many of these nutella croissants... I could have eaten every last one of them. So yummy, you should definitely try them!

baked caprese

Lately, I'm obsessed with MAC lipstick/lipglass (colors: gotta dash, ultra darling, and pink lemonade), rose gold colored watches, Essie Nail Polish (colors: fiji, french affair, and van d' go), Kate Spade, and this amazing recipe for Baked Caprese Salad by Giada. Giada is definitely one of my favorites, and when I saw this recipe I knew I had to try it. Italian food is by far my favorite, which is probably the reason I love Giada so much. This recipe is super easy and quick, and not to mention... delicious. It's the perfect appetizer!

Next time I'm going to substitute goat cheese for the mozzarella. I'm a huge fan of goat cheese and I am positive it will be just as amazing.

You Will Need:
1 loaf baguette (french bread also works), cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/4 c olive oil
5 roma tomatoes, sliced
1 1/4 pounds mozzarella, sliced
1 bunch fresh basil leaves, stemmed (optional)
salt and pepper for seasoning

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brush baguette slices with olive oil, sprinkle with salt (as desired). Bake for about 5 minutes or until bread is golden. Top each slice with tomato and a mozzarella slice. Place back in oven until mozzarella and tomato are warmed, about another 5 minutes. For garnish, top each loaf with basil and sprinkle with a little more olive oil. Enjoy!

Find the original recipe here!

cinnamon apple galette!

To me, apples and cinnamon go perfectly together, add a homemade crust, and it's heaven. I baked a cinnamon apple galette tonight, and it was sooo good! I was inspired by Chef Chloe's peach galette... I did a little bit of tweaking to make the recipe my own. By the way, this recipe is completely vegan!

Homemade Crust:

1 1/4 C flour

2 tbs sugar

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 (or more) tsp cinnamon

1/3 C margarine (I used refined coconut oil)

1 tbs vanilla extract

1/3 C ice cold water

Apple Cinnamon Filling:

1/4 C sugar

2 tbs flour

1/4 (or more) tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2-2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

For the crust, add your dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Blend in your margarine (or coconut oil) until mixture has a crumbly texture. Add your vanilla and water. For best results, add in water 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together. Put dough in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. To speed up the cooling process, put in freezer. Roll out dough until about 1/8 inch thick.

For the filling, whisk together your sugar, flour, vanilla, and cinnamon, then add apples. 

**Hint: if preparing filling first, squeeze a little bit of lemon juice on the apples so they won't start browning!**

Place apples in the middle of the dough leaving about an inch for the border. Fold dough over apples, then refrigerate for about 15 minutes, again to speed this up, use your freezer.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.... enjoy!