Unreal Monster Cookies

When I logged on to write this post today, I was feeling like it had been forever since I published something new. And guess what? It has been forever! Clearly my mind has been elsewhere, and I can’t say that today that sentiment is much different. In addition to planning a wedding (which is fast approaching), Kevin and I have decided to tackle the task of buying our first home… before our lease runs out August 1st. Add in typical spring/summer activities, a smattering of wedding events (mine and others), baby events (including the birth of my maid of honor’s first little girl!), and the regular 9-5, and it’s all I can do to sleep 6 hours every night and not lose my head when I’m awake. I’m happy, and there are a lot of big, exciting, life-altering events coming up, but this blog? It’s taking a backseat again. (more…)

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

I’ve said it before  but I’ll say it again – I love springtime desserts. They’re so bright and zesty, and they usher in a certain hopefulness that we didn’t allow ourselves to feel through those bitterly cold months when it seemed like  the warmth would never return. Lemon is a prominent flavor and ingredient in many of those recipes that I love so much, so it was no wonder that I settled on a lemony recipe for Easter (again) this year. No need to remind me that Easter was a month ago now… I’m playing some serious catch-up around here! As usual, I hope you’ll bear with me. This recipe is worth it! (more…)

Land O’Lakes Grilled Cheese, Two Ways

I bet if you went out and polled 100 people you’d be hard pressed to find more than a handful that don’t love grilled cheese. It’s something many of us fell in love with as children, and still indulge in from time to time as adults. If you’re like me, your grilled cheese tastes have evolved over time – now a basic white bread grilled cheese sandwich isn’t as exciting as a more gourmet creation, featuring specialty cheeses and exciting add-ins. I don’t make grilled cheeses on a regular basis, but from time to time I get a hankering for one, and it can’t be satisfied by anything less. (more…)

Fig Corn Muffins

This past week was a tough one. I haven’t posted since early in the morning on Marathon Monday, I haven’t been able to gather thoughts in an appropriate manner, and it wasn’t the time for fun new recipe posts anyway. For those of you also in the Boston area, I hope you made it through the week safe and sound, and that you are gradually getting back into the swing of things. I can definitely say it’s a relief to be returning to normal, though I wish we’d never had to endure that week and those horrific events in the first place. (more…)

Lamb Meatball Multigrain Flatbread

**UPDATE:  Thanks to all of your votes, I am moving on to round 2 of the Lamb Pro Am competition! I’ll pair up with Chef Dante de Magistris of Restaurant dante , and together we’ll serve my flatbread recipe to Lamb Pro am event attendees on May 19th! If you’re free and in the Boston area, please come and check it out!!! You can get tickets here. **

I think it’s only fair if I get this off my chest up front: I don’t like lamb. That’s probably an awful admission to make when I’m about to tell you all about the 9-pound leg of lamb I battled to create this recipe, or the reason I did it. But it’s the truth – and I always tell you exactly how it is here! (more…)