Below is a menu for a Halloween Cocktail Party to go with yesterday's inspiration board! I opted for just yummy food as opposed to anything ghoul or mummy themed, since this is an adult-only affair. Keep a look out on Monday for some free printables to go with your soiree! sangria - gaspacho - apricots - tart - risotto cakes . . .
Halloween Party Inspiration Board
Minted is hosting a Halloween Inspiration Board contest, and here is my submission. I love Halloween, but I am definitely drawn to a moodier color palette as opposed to the typical black and bright orange. This board is perfect for the traditional...and grown up...October soiree. I chose Smudge Design's Halloween Spirits invitation as my inspiration because I love the type-heavy, clean design. The invitation is spooky and fun, and still perfect for a sophisticated . . .
Back to Basics: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Oh, how I love a good creamy, rich mac and cheese, but it is not the easiest thing to master in the kitchen. If you don't cook your roux long enough, the creamy cheese sauce can separate and become grainy. I promise this recipe has a lot of depth and will be perfectly creamy...all without Velveeta (not that I am knocking Velveeta!). This makes quite a bit (a full 9" x 12" casserole dish), but cutting it in half is very easy. Recipe: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese 3/4 . . .
They say it’s your birthday!
Yep. Today, I am 35. Wow. I have so much to be thankful for, and I am so blessed and proud of the life that I have...especially these two. I am spending the day with my little one (his school is closed for Columbus Day, lucky me!), and Mat is cooking me dinner tonight. Perfect birthday for me! . . .
Beef Butcher Chart
In August, I created a pork butcher chart that can be found here. Today, I bring the beef version. Investing in good quality ingredients is critical to the success of any meal, but I think it is especially critical with meat. Like I have said before, I think it is beneficial for home cooks to know where their ingredients are coming from. In addition, you want to be able to discuss your needs and wants with your butcher, so you should be on the same page and should know . . .
Rex’s Puppy 2nd Birthday!
My sweet baby boy turned two last week. I have no idea where the time goes. We definitely celebrated his second year, with two of his favorite things...dogs and balloons. We served hot dogs, panzanella salad, potato chips, fruit salad, and Whataburger french fries. All of Rex's favorites (well, minus the panzanella...)! We didn't go overboard on decor, but we had plenty of fun paper goodies hanging around. As far as all the paper goods, they were all a product of Fig . . .
21 Delicious Winter Squash Recipes
Winter squash season is upon us! I love them all...butternut, pumpkin, acorn, spaghetti. Many winter squash varieties are available year-round, but their natural season runs from late summer to mid-winter. Their sweet flesh is a perfect fall side, but it can easily be transformed into a beautiful main dish. Below are 21 creative ways to use beautiful winter squash as home. (1) - (2) - (3) - (4) - (5) - (6) - (7) - (8) - (9) - (10)(11) - (12) - (13) - (14) - (15) - (16) - . . .
Caprese Panzanella Salad
This recipe is a crowd pleaser. Beautiful tomatoes, basil, marinated mozzarella, and delicious bread make this version of a panzanella salad very special. I don't know if I think any produce is as beautiful as multi-colored, fresh cherry tomatoes. This salad puts them on display. This recipe, which the idea actually comes from my beautiful friend, Megan, pairs a traditional panzanella bread salad with a much-loved caprese salad. Your friends and family will love this . . .
Menu: Street Taco Bar
Happy Wednesday! With cooler weather in the forecast, an outdoor soiree should be in the works for you and your family. What better than a yummy taco bar? Not much. beef tacos - chicken tacos - corn - beans - cupcakes . . .
Recipe: Slowcooker Pot Roast
I feel like I have a very volatile relationship with my Crock Pot. I go on long streaks of usage, then I quit on him for a while. Regardless, I have found that he is my working mom/wife savior for busy weeknights…IF you find the right recipes. I am actually making this one for my in-laws tonight. Now, I understand why the Crock Pot gets a bad rap. One-pot meals can be less than appetizing (to be nice), but there are so many wonderful ideas around the Internet to . . .