Pumpkin Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

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Welcome Fall and fill your home with the fragrance of it with these spiced pumpkin muffins, they are moist and flavorful!

Ice Cream Bombe!

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I thought since we are getting to the last days of Summer, lets get this one last Summer recipe in! Fall is almost here and in Seattle we have an "Indian Summer" which will give us a dry September and October...... most of the time! The phrase "Indian Summer" -- most common along the eastern U.S. -- has come to mean a period of very warm and dry weather that occurs after the first frost of the autumn season.
Everyone should have a great recipe for Vanilla Ice Cream in their repertoire. I had the opportunity to take a class from David Lebovitz a few years ago. If you are not familiar with him, I have a bit about him at the end of this blog. Here’s my favorite recipe for Vanilla ice cream, which you can serve with anything, from a freshly-baked fruit pie, a warm berry crisp, or simply smothered with dark chocolate sauce or caramel sauce and toasted nuts. Today, I have made the ice cream and combined with my favorite Fudge Sauce, then put into my Bombe mold. This is one of my favorite desserts to make during Summer months, an ice cream bombe. They are so easy and make a great presentation for all your Summer parties. Plus, there is NO baking involved, so you don’t have to worry about a hot kitchen! So, heh, let's make this!!

Huckleberry Sauce! Mmmmm so good!

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I love huckleberries, and get a kick out of people who may be golfing or hiking with me and say, " You're not going to eat that are you?" As if I'm about to commit suicide! I grew up in the country, riding horses and picking the huckleberries, as we rode through the woods. When I am on the golf course, I have all my favorite bushes and head right for them! They make a nice treat mid round!

Garlic Chive Sea Shells with Sauteed Mushrooms

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My husband (TT) and I visited a local farmer's market over the weekend and picked up some flavor infused pasta from a local vendor. They had so many cool varieties that made your mouth water! We bought a few different kinds of fettuccine such as, garlic parsley, lemon pepper and spicy Thai. We also bought garlic chive sea shells which I made last night for dinner with sauteed mushrooms. It was fantastic! They sell such a wide assortment of pasta, sauces, fresh-frozen pastas and oils -it's amazing and a bit overwhelming because you want to buy them all! They sell their pasta creations online and can ship to you, they can be found at http://www.pappardellesonline.com/servlet/StoreFront.

When we picked up our pasta from them at the farmer's market, they include a recipe with each one. We thought that was a nice touch as the recipe highlights that specific pasta. I changed this recipe a bit for the garlic chive sea shells by incorporating sauteed chicken for added protein. It made it a more heartier meal. TT was out tractoring in the late afternoon so he was hungry and looking forward to this meal, which only takes about 30 minutes to make, ideal for a weeknight.

JJ's Gooey delicious Mud pie!

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Sweet One decided to have another dinner party a week or so ago, and we were bantering back and forth on what to serve. Wee Bear and TT unanimously said, "MUD PIE" for dessert!! I thought that's easy, I'll do that!!  

This Mud Pie recipe has all the sinfully delicious favorites in one pie. Chocolate, coffee, almonds and cream together create a tantalizing frozen confection. This pie is quick and is so so delicious! This is the type of dessert I'd bring to a friend's house for a dinner party. It's fancy enough for a special occasion, but its little imperfections give it a casual, homemade vibe. It's subtle enough that even non-coffee lovers will enjoy it.

Stuffed Bell Peppers! Quinoa Update!

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I remember eating stuffed green bell peppers when I was young. Mom was an amazing cook and would use what ever was in the vegetable drawer for filling, but always there was ground beef, rice and corn. Love childhood memories!

Update to 2012! take a moment to consider these Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers an updated version of that classic recipe, that so many of us love. Swap out the rice for nutrient rich quinoa and add some extra vegetables you may have in your garden or refrigerator for color, flavor and texture. These peppers have so much flavor and color. I just love them!! With fresh vegetables, protein and a little heat from the jalapeno and seeds! Also, it can be vegetarian, just leave out the meat and add more quinoa, you will prove meatless doesn't have to be boring!

Easy Breezy Antipasto Kabobs + Mini Kabobs!

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As summer comes to an end, we are all trying to squeeze in the last couple get-togethers and BBQ's. Today I am offering a couple of really easy appetizers for your next gathering! Everything to create these little bites can be bought at your local grocery store. I just love these things! The ingredients and assembly are simple and it's also nutritious. I made these twice in the past couple weeks and each time they were gobbled up. My husband and I went to a neighbors for a BBQ and we all ended up talking about ways in which you could make these different by adding other unique ingredients. Love food that is not only yummy but also a great conversation piece, haha. 

FIRST UP....Antipasto Kabobs!