Rainbow Cookie Cupcakes

I added raspberry jelly to my version of these and decorated them for Easter. They were so good and disappeared quickly. These were a lot easier and less time consuming then a regular rainbow cookie so I loved this recipe since I was making it after working a late night at work. Here's the link to the recipe
http://www.the350degreeoven.com/2011/02/cake/italian-rainbow-cupcakes/

Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Muffins

I love coffee and recently while at a local bakery I saw these coffee muffins, they were so delicious I couldn't wait to find a recipe on pinterest and make it. These were so amazing and I will make them again. Here's the link to the recipe
http://www.thekitchykitchen.com/?recipes=/cappuccino-chocolate-chip-muffins/

Fluffy Waffles

I love waffles and definitely don't make them as often as I should. So when we have a morning we're both off and have no plans I take out the waffle iron and try a new recipe. I love just a little butter on mine. I made some turkey bacon with these and served with an over easy egg. Here's the link for these delicious waffles
http://www.somethingswanky.com/easy-and-fluffy-belgian-waffles/

Rustic Chicken With Garlic Gravy

This was delicious, I made some red potatoes with this and it was the perfect dinner. I used boneless, skinless chicken with this because that's what I prefer, but use whatever cut you prefer. Here' the link to the recipe
http://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/rustic-chicken-garlic-gravy/

Eggplant Parm Sliders

I served these on wheat slider rolls. I love eggplant and made these for a girls night in. Used my favorite sauce recipe for the topping under the mozzarella. This was a great filling dinner and would be great in the summer with grilled egglant also. Here's the link to the recipe
http://www.justataste.com/2011/10/eggplant-parmesan-sliders/

Scrapbook Pages and Card

Made this for a challenge that you had to make a simple card for

I love my princess and how crazy she sleeps

A favorite jewish deli that serves amazing food

My brother that I love so much

Wine from a local winery

Sausage Gnocchi

I love pasta, especially gnocchi. This was a delicious dinner and lunch for the next day at work. Love that this doesn't take to make. Here's the link to the recipe
http://reluctantentertainer.com/2015/03/sausage-gnocchi-with-tomato-alfredo-sauce/

Dirty Shirley

I have such wonderful memories of having a shirley temple when I was younger. So when I saw this grown up version on pinterest I had to try it. Here's the link to this wonderful drink
http://www.food.com/recipe/dirty-shirley-188391

Guilt Free Truffles

These are perfect for when you're having a chocolate craving, They are rich and filling and really hit that chocolate craving spot. Here's the link to the recipe
http://mayihavethatrecipe.com/2013/02/03/guilt-free-chocolate-truffles/

Scrapbook Pages

 I love baking so figured I'd document my job as the baker for all our family events

My little brother Aaron

 Princess waiting for papa at the door and sleeping in her toybox

I love visiting the wineries on Long Island and this was one of the ones we visited last year.

Mushroom Marsala Pasta Bake

I used egg noodles with mine, but feel free to use your favorite cut of pasta with this. I've had chicken and veal marsala, but never made it with just mushrooms and pasta. Even though there was no meat this was a really filling meal. Here's the link to the recipe
http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2015/01/mushroom-marsala-pasta-bake/

One Pot Lemon Pasta

I love easy one pot meals after a long day at work. This was delicious and didn't take long to make at all. Plus easy clean up afterwards. Here's the link to make this for your next dinner
http://diethood.com/creamy-lemon-one-pot-pasta/

Chicken Francese

This is probably one of my favorite chicken dishes, probably because I love lemons. This recipe was wonderful and went great with rice I made to go with it. Since I used bigger pieces of chicken I seared mine in the pan and finished cooking them in the oven. Here's the link to the recipe
http://www.comfycook.com/2012/12/favorite-chef-dishes-for-sundaysupper.html

Apple Crisp Stuffed Apple

Not really apple season around here, but I was in a mood for apples so I picked up a few to make these. I added some french vanilla ice cream on top. These were delicious and a perfect dessert. I only used half the sugar the recipe called for and they were amazing. Here's the link to the recipe
http://lecremedelacrumb.com/2014/09/apple-crisp-stuffed-apples.html

Scrapbook Pages

I love going to Fire Island, from climbing the lighthouse, going to local restaurants or just relaxing on the beach. It always feels like you're a million miles away even though it's a short trip from home

 I love supporting local restaurants and stores. Had to scrapbook two of my favorites.

An amazing trip to London for Will and George's wedding in January

Can't wait for time outside relaxing and working in my garden.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

I love corned beef and cabbage even though I only seem to make it this time of year. This recipe was delicious and Kyle loved it. Here's the link to the recipe
http://thenymelrosefamily.com/2015/02/corned-beef-and-cabbage.html#_a5y_p=3421595

Mac and Cheese with Bacon

We love Macaroni and Cheese I clipped this recipe from the April 2014 Rachael Ray Magazine. You can either put this in small ramekins or a larger countainer like I did.

• 6oz bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4'' thick strips
• 1 small leek, haled lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp four
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated aged gouda
• 1/2 cup grated fontina
• 1/2 cup grated extra sharp cheddar
• 2 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley
• 8oz elbow macaroni

1. Preheat oven to 350, in a large saucepan cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring often until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 tbsp of the drippings. Add the leek and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the butter, stir to melt, add the flour, salt and season with pepper and stir for a minute. Whisk in the milk, cream and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl combine the cheeses. Stir 1 cup of the cheese mixture, the reserved bacon and parsley into the sauce. 
4. Divide the macaroni among six 8oz ramekins or pour into an 8x8 baking dish.
5. Top with the saue, and stir to coat the pasta. Sprinkle with the remaining 1.2 cup cheese. Bake until sauce bubblesand pasta is tender, 20-25 minutes for ramekin and 25-30 minutes for baking dish. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Pan Fried Pork Chops

Kyle loves pork chops so I try to make them different ways to mix it up. This was quick and easy and tasted delicious. Mine were a little thicker so I finished them off in the oven. Here's the link to the recipe
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/simple-pan-fried-pork-chops/

Rosemary Cheddar Irish Soda Bread

This was my first savory Irish Soda Bread and I loved it. So delicious and I love rosemary and cheese so this was great for me. Here's the link to the recipe
http://foodnessgracious.com/2015/03/rosemary-cheddar-irish-soda-bread/

Greek Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made mine a little bigger, but they were still delicious. I took these to work and they were a hit. I love the addition of greek yogurt to a cookie. Here's the link to these cookies
http://www.heathersfrenchpress.com/2013/05/greek-yogurt-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

Marsala Risotto with Shrimp

This is perfect for a meatless Friday during lent. This was delicious and such a filling dinner. Here's the link to a wonderful dinner
http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/marsala-risotto-with-herbed-shrimp/

Guiness Brownies

As an Irish girl March is my favorite month with St Patrick's Day. I have so many wonderful memories of the holiday growing up because it was also my grandparents anniversary. Which is part of the reason I picked a wedding near St Pat's to honor my grandparents. Here's the link to these wonderful brownies
http://heatherchristo.com/cooks/2012/03/13/guinness-brownies/

Frenagel

I saw an article in the local paper of a bakery not that far from us serving these new items called a Frenagel, it's a mix of a french donut and a bagel, filled with cream cheese (this one had scallion cream cheese). These are one of the best things I've ever ate (maybe they should be on food network). So delicious I can't wait to go back for another. We also had wonderful rainbow cookies and an eclair that was also amazing. Can't wait to check out more treats from this bakery. If you ever find yourself on Long Island check out Fiorello Dolce in Huntington.

Irish Soda Bread

I love Irish Soda Bread, takes me back to being a kid and my grandma making this for me. I was only 10 when I lost my grandma so while I don't have her recipes I love to find recipes that remind me of her.  This one was delicious and it makes 2 loaves so it's perfect to bring an extra to a neighbor. I do also have a savory Irish Soda Bread recipe I want to try out before St Patrick's Day. Even Kyle loved this recipe and I call him my food critic because he can be a little picky sometimes. Here's the link to the recipe
http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/easy-irish-soda-bread/#_a5y_p=3416900

Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls

We eat a lot of chicken so I like to try new recipes to make it a little different. This was really good and the perfect use for the fresh mozzarella and ricotta I picked up at the local Italian market. Here's the link to the recipe
http://pinchofyum.com/baked-mozzarella-chicken-rolls

Lemon Ricotta Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Chicken

I didn't grill my chicken only because it's still cold and snowy here, but I will grill this when I make again. This was amazing and such a filling dinner. Here's the link to make this wonderful dinner
http://www.cookingclassy.com/2015/03/lemon-ricotta-parmesan-pasta-with-spinach-grilled-chicken/

Yellow Cupcakes with Nutella Frosting

I added edible gold glitter and heart sprinkles to my cupcakes. These were delicious and I love the nutella in the icing. Here's the link to the recipe
http://bakerbynature.com/yellow-cupcakes-nutella-buttercream-frosting/

Loaded Sweet Potato Skins

I love sweet potatoes and after picking some up at the Winter Farmers Market I knew this recipe was perfect. Since I was already making bacon for Kyle's brussel sprouts I figured this would be great for me since I'm not a fan of brussel sprouts. So delicious and I think I may make these on the grill this year. Here's the link to the recipe
http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/09/15/loaded-sweet-potato-skins/

Scrapbook Pages

Long Island Adventure Race was so much fun, can't wait to go again. I did the obstacle course race in mud with my awesome sister in law George

I can't wait for warm weather to drive the jeep with the top off to enjoy the sun.

My little Shamrock, yes I'm nuts but she puts up with it and lets me dress her up

Shamrock Shake

I love Shamrock Shakes, but prefer making them myself. This was delicious and so much better then the McDonalds version. So easy to make on your own and you can enjoy them any time of year. Here's the link to the recipe
http://backtoherroots.com/2011/03/17/thirsty-thursday-shamrock-shake/

Irish Stout Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

It's March 1st and almost St Patrick's Day, being Irish I had to start off the month with a festive recipe. The recipe I used for this made these with Guinness, I used a local beer - Brooklyn Brewery Irish Stout. These cupcakes were amazing and will be making another appearance in my kitchen soon. I used gold sprinkles and shamrock icing decos I picked up at Michaels. Here's the link to make these wonderful cupcakes
http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/guinness-chocolate-cupcakes-with-cinnamon-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/

 The local beer I used