Apple Walnut Pasta...

Well hello...It's a treat to see you again. I'm sorry I've been away for so long. I moved...houses that is, and let me tell you...I have a lot of stuff! My moving crew will tell you the same thing!! Before I moved, I was determined to not buy any groceries and use up as much as I could in my fridge as possible. Ummm, it got pretty weird. But here I am, moved and mostly settled and cooking yummy things again. This recipe is another Real Simple. It was a cinch and would be a quick go-to meal if you're in a pinch for time. I don't have a link for the recipe, but it's super simple.

Cook up some of that tasty-already-to-go ravioli in the refrigerator section of the grocery store; toast some delicious chopped walnuts; slice up a red apple (a juicy sweet kind) and throw some lemon juice on it so it doesn't get brown; chop some fresh parsley, and boom, you're done! Mix everything but the pasta together; spoon it over the cooked pasta and top with some parmesan. Delicious and fancy-looking! Actually makes great leftovers too!! Enjoy!

Vegetable Summer Rolls...

The Challenge: Make something fun with Napa Cabbage!...The Outcome: One of the prettiest things I think I've ever made!! These Summer Rolls were so pretty and colorful and fabulous to eat on a hot day.

 

Though the technique took some practice, they really were simple to make! I felt so fancy too! I've never made anything like this before, and I'm going to let you in on a little secret! The rice wrappers that you need to make these are in the Asian foods aisle of the grocery store. That took me a while! Also, parchment paper works better than paper towels, and I substituted chili sauce for tomato paste for a sweeter flavor! If you tackle these and they don't roll up nicely on your first try, Don't give up!!! You can do it!! And if they don't look pretty, it doesn't matter! They're delicious anyways:-) Have fun!

Summer Mango Salsa...

Happy Summer everyone!! I hope your 4th of July was lazy and lovely like mine. I think the final grill-out count was 4 times for me! I love to grill...and eat outside....and drink yummy tea when it's hot out...and be lazy....all while surrounded by amazing people! This recipe is not made on the grill, but it's a great snack while you're waiting for your tasty burgers to get done!! This recipe is just a jumping off point. I think there is lots of room for improvisation! Like, next time I make it, I'm going to make it spicy by adding some hot peppers! But that's just me, I like spicy food. I hope you'll make it...and eat it...and love it....and then tell me what fabulous detours you took with the recipe!! Happy Summer to ya!

Mango Salsa

2 cups diced Roma Tomatoes
1 1/2 cups diced mango

1/2 cup diced Red Onion

1/2 cup chopped Fresh Cilantro

2 Tbls fresh lime juice

1 Tbls Cider Vinegar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

Mix it all up and let it get acquainted in the fridge for an hour, and then make it disappear!

Black and Blue-Berry Cookies...

I'm not usually a baker, but extra special occasions call for extra special deserts! This was a fun, summer treat for a tradition some of my friends and I started about 3 years ago. We're all spread out across the state as growing up does to good friends, and we don't get to see each other often, but a good drive-in movie with a schmorgishboard of snacks will definitely do the trick!

 

 It's a cake-cookie with blueberries baked in and two different kinds of frosting! Joy the Baker thought this one up. Check out her recipe here. 

It's Just Peachy...

Hello friends! Sorry to have kept you waiting for more delicious things to drool over. I want you to prepare yourselves for this post, though. It's awfully tasty and definitely worth the gap in yummy recipes. I thought this recipe would be delicious in the fall when peaches are so juicy and can be found everywhere, but I just couldn't wait! And guess what? It's delicious in the spring too!! I should tell you what it is so you know what in the world I'm slobbering over! Glazed Chicken and Peaches with Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits, and mashed sweet potatoes! Rachael Ray paired the chicken, peaches, and biscuits. I added the sweet potatoes because they're sweet and orange! I love orange! I don't know what else to say about this one. It's a cinch, it's hearty, you'll get great leftovers, and it tastes like a fiesta of flavors in your mouth. Try it! I'm sure you'll love it:-) 

Here Comes the Sun...

The sunshine makes me so happy! I especially love hot days, and now that we're getting some hot, sunny days, it feels like summer. And what is more refreshing on a hot day than homemade sun tea? Well, maybe an ice cream cone, but iced tea is a close second! I have never made my own before. I was always the tear the packet open and stir kind of gal, but I decided to take it on for real this time. I dug up some recipes, and then I felt silly! It was so easy; who knew?! Throw some tea bags in some water and put it out in the sun!!

It's the ultimate set it and forget it! Anyways it was refreshing, and I felt so sophisticated drinking it with my stir fry for dinner. So, there's no recipe for today, just an idea. Take it and run! Enjoy these lazy days with an ice cold cup of tea!

I love Mangos!...

 

 Banana bread...eh.

Banana bread with chocolate chips...yum.

Zucchini bread with chocolate chips...Yuumm.

Mango bread...YUUUUMMMMM!!!!!!!!

So that's my pyramid of preference when it comes to sweet sugary breads; you can decide for yourself. However, I must warn you! This bread is delicious and unexpected and moist and sweet and fruity and disappears quickly! I am not a big baker, but I got the baking bug and this is what came out the oven! I might have to do that more often! This is another shout out to Joy the Baker and her yummy Mango Bread!