Ode to Fall

Apple & Rum Anyone? 

Fall fashion color palette please.

Fall entertaining - Farm tables, greens and festive pumpkins!

Fall comfort food, like chili. Yum! See recipes here.

The changing of the leaves. Especially in Napa. So beautiful. 

Fall picnics and tailgating at football games. Check out this tailgate guide.

Yummy apple cider donuts - and really any baking, see recipes here!

I created an ode to fall to kick off the last weekend of September. I must create a list of things I would like to do before it's over! On that list would be everything above, and a few more...

Fall Baking Plans

Hubby and I had a craving for homemade cookies the other eve. This goes one of two ways, you either have the ingredients or you don't - have you ever gotten through taking everything out of the cabinet to realize the brown sugar is hard as a rock? Well luckily, this time we were only short one egg, so we made half the recipe (for half the calories). Win-win:) Practically a diet right? Kidding! With more indoors time this fall, I look forward to more baking. Here are 10 recipes for the season:

Banana Bread // Blueberry Chocolate Strussel Bread // Pound Cake // Pumpkin Doughnuts // Chai Latte Cupcakes // Apple Bread Pudding with Raisins // Pumpkin Bread Pudding // Ginger Cookies // Blueberry Scones // Cinnamon Bun Ebelskivers

Don't worry, I wouldn't dare leave out my favorite dessert category - S'mores. There will be a whole post related to that treat coming soon. Enjoy!

Summer Party Inspiration

This summer, my husband and I get to celebrate with friends and family back east. We had a small intimate family wedding in December (just a few months ago;).  And in non-traditional fashion, we are casually sharing the love with friends via a weekend of gatherings in August. I've been pulling inspiration since last summer when we got engaged...It's not easy to do from afar, but I plan on being extra organized. Here are a few ideas for outdoor entertaining via Pinterest.

{Strawberry Vodka Lemonade}

Perfect summer refreshment...{found via Rue}

{Smoothie Luv}

My husband and I went on a smoothie kick recently and it has continued to be an exploration of the best ingredients. It has also spawned debate on what the best blender is...we got the Ninja, but it's been said the Vitamix really is that much better, so we'll save up;) Kale is an ingredient we use in many morning smoothies, mixing in different fruits like mango, orange, banana, pineapples, strawberries...I love adding a pinch of cinnamon and a tsp of honey as well. But, we want to mix it up (literally), so I have been scanning recipes and spotted a few that we will have to try!

Coconut Blueberry Smoothie // Cocoa Banana Almond Smoothie // Raspberry Orange Smoothie // Strawberry Banana Smoothie // Peanut Butter Banana Flax Seed Smoothie

Recipe Box...

So you saw last week's Recipe Box? I'm adding a few new things each week. And I always put my own spin on things. This week, we already cooked up the following: 


Turkey Burgers - My Spin: I added 1 small chopped white onion and 2 T of oregano to the mix. The bf added american cheese to his and cooked them on the grill with sesame seed buns. Mine - bun-less. 


To go with it we cut up squash and zucchini length-wise and put them on a cookie sheet with olive oil, salt, pepper and grilled (perfectly - nice job bf). Last but not least sweet potato fries, nothing fancy...just the frozen kind;) 


Aloha Pizza - Hawaiian style pizzas are my fave. My Spin: We took this one and used whole wheat pizza dough and also cooked it on the grill. To grill follow these steps.

Next up: Seared Scallops and Parmesan Risotto!

Pretty & Tasty...

Don't you just love whipping up cocktails that are delicious and lovely to serve? I found a few recipes that are perfect for your next outdoor dining soiree. 

Lillet Rose Cocktail // Peachy Vodka Cocktail // Raspberry Lemonade Drink // Greyhound with Rosemary Sugar // Riesling Strawberry Slushie // Raspberry Beer Cocktail // Watermelon Mimosa

Recipe Box...

I realized something recently, I've been holding out on all of you! Once in awhile I post a recipe, but that's not as often as we hit the internet to search for our weekly meals. Every Sunday I'll visit pinterest or foodgawker and try to make a list for the week so we don't have go back and forth to the store, we typically pick 2 recipes that we have never cooked before and then one or two nights of something 'easy'. We adore cooking together and are a great team in the kitchen, but when we work everyday, we do want to keep it fairly simple, so choosing 3 hour meals is not an option. It's funny too, because I remember living alone thinking a bowl of cereal or crackers and hummus was a viable dinner;) So...here is a little recipe box of things we have cooked and are going to try this week. I'll try to share 2 or 3 each week. Enjoy! 

Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad
Beet Salad Pizza
Thai Red Curry (go heavy on the ginger - it makes such a difference in the taste)
Chicken Piccata
Asparagus Risotto (I like to add sauteed mushrooms for flavor)
Skillet Roast Pork Loin
Baked Sole (I bake it for 15 min then pan fry for 5 minutes in butter, add more lemon and capers!)
Chicken Meatball Soup (you can do this without noodles too, just add extra spinach)
Linguine & Shrimp Scampi (had to add this one last minute since we're cooking it up tonight)

Spring Margaritas...

Pink Grapefruit Margaritas anyone? It's the perfect cocktail for spring!! 

Lemonade Stand...

Such a fun idea...I love these lemonade recipes, and the idea of adding mint, limes, blackberry etc. Perfect for spring and summer refreshments. 

On the Grill...

We are so excited that it is getting warmer in Chicago - we kicked off our week last night with cooking yummy chicken on the grill. This recipe was a hit!

Chicken Pot Pie Empanadas...

I'm always looking for things to cook during the week. This recipe looks simple and delicious.

Something Sweet...

Valentine's day makes me think of anything heart-shaped, flowers, sappy cards and sweets! Here are a few great easy recipes you can whip up for someone you love. xx


Red Velvet Macaroons // Heart Cookies // Black and White Cookies // Chocolate dipped Strawberries // Chocolate Fondue // Black Bottom Pie //  Brownie Heart Cupcakes // Fudge Hearts // Pear Raspberry Pie

Recipes for Superbowl 2012...

I may live in Chicago, but I grew up in RI...so I'm thrilled that the Patriots will be representing in the Superbowl this year. The rivalry of NY and New England teams will make for an exciting game. We are hosting friends this year and I put together the perfect menu of easy comfort food to please the guys and gals. 


Bacon Horseradish Onion Dip
Deviled Eggs
Turkey Chili
Ham & Cheese Sliders
Fried Chicken
Oreo Fudge Brownies
Donuts

Moscow Mule...

My favorite cocktail lately is the Moscow Mule...here is a recipe {vodka, Goslings Ginger Beer and Limes}. Mix it up in these cute copper mugs. 

Homemade Somoas...

Lara made these delish cookies that are like the girl scout favorite...Somoas!! Can't wait to try. 

Festive Tablesetting...

While the holidays near and guests are days away from arriving there is much to do! Well, I'm not hosting - but I can imagine. I collected a few beautiful images for entertaining with style. Cut some greens, light a few candles and don't forget the sparkle. {images via pinterest} x

Crack Pie...

This pie recipe looks too good not to try. Get in my belly!

Cinnamon Buns + Pumpkin Lattes...

I'm picturing a perfectly cozy holiday, sitting by the fire, baking, sipping on lattes. Yum...


I found this delicious recipe on Cupcakes & Cashmere for Cinnamon rolls and an easy way to whip up Pumpkin Spice Lattes at home.

Thanksgiving Menu: Two Ways...

This Friday night I'll be hosting 14 friends for a pre-Thanksgiving feast. Since I don't want us to all get too stuffed on turkey before the holiday, I've put together a menu with a twist and included a traditional menu for next week's festivities too! 

Menu 1: 

Appetizers

Shrimp Dip

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Main Course

Pork Tenderloin

Side Dishes

Scalloped Potatoes

Lobster Mac & Cheese

Sauteed Brussel Sprouts

Maple Butternut Squash

Desserts

Pumpkin Chocolate Tiramisu

Apple Cranberry Crumble

Menu 2: 

Appetizers

Deviled Eggs

Stuffed Mushrooms

Salad

Caramelized Pancetta and Fennel Salad

Main Course

Deep Fried Turkey

Side Dishes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamed Spinach

Roasted Root Vegetables

Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing

Desserts

Pumpkin Cake

Pecan Pie