Memorial Day is fast approaching and I thought you might enjoy a simple and delish salad that you can whip together faster than you can snap your fingers,(hence the reason why I call it my Snappy Salad). I make this salad on repeat and have served it time and time again for friends and family. The verdict is always the same-EVERYONE LOVES it! So I feel pretty confident in sharing the recipe because it’s my fail safe-fast easy and yummy!

* All items are purchased at my neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Full Disclosure: I don’t really measure anything but eyeball how much of each item I prefer…because I’m a believer that when it comes to this Snappy Salad:

“Do as you wish and I promise it will be delish!”

Ingredients

*Use as little or as much of each item as you wish. 

• 3 Organic Persian Cucumbers
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup Organic Sugar Plum Tomatoes
• 1 Large Beet cut up *OR (I use Trader Joe’s Beets in Vinaigrette -It’s fantastic and I take about 5 larger pieces from  the jar and cut them into smaller  pieces then  I add to salad)
• 1/4 cup feta
• Sprinkle with  Traders Joe’s Roasted and Unsalted Sunflower Seeds

Dressing: 2 options:

1. Lightly dress with  the juice contained in the Beet jar and lightly drizzle with honey OR
2. Lightly dress with EVOO and drizzle with honey

You can serve immediately or cover and chill in fridge for later.

ENJOY!

Today was National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Were you aware that  THIS was today,because truth be told-.I had no idea that the Chocolate Chip Cookie  had it’s own holiday.

Just about everyone has their own “go to”  chocolate chip cookie recipe BUT let’s face it we’re always one the lookout for the absolute BEST  version .

Years ago I came across a recipe in my local newspaper  ( The St. Louis Post Dispatch) posted in the FOOD section and provided by a reader in the area.  Pre Google and Pinterest, I clipped this little ditty out of the paper and have had it in my recipe box (Yes..I STILL have a recipe box-no judging) since then.  I am here to tell you that this little baby is THE ABSOLUTE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPE EVER! There-I said it and now I’ll post it, so you too can give it and go and let me know if you feel the same after baking a batch or two or ten. I’ve given this recipe to many a friend and they all stand by it today. I hope you enjoy and have a fabulous National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. If it’s to late to bake today ,remember there’s always tomorrow because let’s face it -every day  is a good day to have a homemade cookie.

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup salted butter, slightly melted
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (don’t ask why-just put it in-promise this is a winner)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• Coarse sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl mix together the flour, baking soda and the salt: Set aside.
3. In a large bowl beat together the butter, sugars, vanilla extract and the vinegar until smooth. Beat in the egg just until combined.
4. Mix the flour mixture into the wet mixture just until combined. Stir in the chips.
5. Using a large cookie scoop (about 2 rounded tablespoons) drop about 3 inches apart onto cookie sheet.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, they will look light brown around the edges and will look underdone in the center. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle each cookie with a little sea salt. Allow to sit on the sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a rack to cool.

Repost Go To Glamour Girl August 4, 2020

Tick Tock….St. Patrick’s Day is 2 (count um) 2 days away.  Bearing in mind that we are still taking things in a much more mellow manner, I thought you might enjoy these 2 SNACK boards that are not only healthy BUT fun and easy to put together should you be staying home for this happy holiday. Enjoy!!!!

Option #1

Recipe Courtesy of eatingbyelaine.com

St. Patrick’s Day Snack Board (Recipe Courtesy of thebakermama.com)

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 10

• Trader Joe’s Havarti Dill
• Kerrygold Dubliner (cut into chunks)
• Irish Porter Cheddar
• Tintern Cheddar with chives and shallots
• Rye Bread (cut into strips)
• Trader Joe’s Irish Soda Bread (cut into strips)
• Thousand Island Dressing
• Trader Joe’s Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
• Pastrami
• Andouille Sausage, cut into slices
• Cucumber
• 2 Green Bell Peppers
• Carrot Chips
• Trader Joe’s ready-to-eat Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Green Grapes
• Pistachios
• Candied Pecans
• Rye Pretzel Sticks
• Trader Joe’s Cheddar Cheese Stick Crackers
• Whole Grain Mustard
• Rolo Candies

Today is….ta dah dah dah National Pancake Day, one of the all time favorite comfort foods. I mean who doesn’t love pancakes? I have such happy memories of enjoying this delish dish growing up. Every Sunday my Dad would be at the griddle helm and make pancakes for the family. This was a major bonus for Mom as she could sit and relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while waiting for Dad to flip and serve his delicious pancakes. As  I scoured the web for the best of the best pancake recipes you can make at home, I have uncovered not one but 2 that should quell your pancake cravings.

Enjoy and  have a Happy National Pancake Day.

Best Pancake Recipe  EVER

(Secret ingredient & 5 Star Reviews…)

(Courtesy of TheWholesomeDish.com)

Ingredients

Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes

Ingredients

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I have sourced 4 easy peasy desserts that are sure to quell your sweet cravings.  Enjoy to your hearts content.

Chocolate Raspberry Hearts.

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet

 1/3 cup hazelnut spread with cocoa

 24 raspberries

 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips

 1 egg, beaten

 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Easy step by step

Step One

Heat oven to 375°F. Line large cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper.

Step 2

 Unroll dough sheet; cut into 8 squares. Place squares on cookie sheet.

Step  3

Spoon 2 teaspoons of the hazelnut spread onto 1 side of each square. Top each with 3 raspberries and 4 chocolate chips. Fold dough over filling; press edges to seal. Form each into heart shape as shown by pressing indentation in center to form top of heart while rounding sides of heart with hands. Brush with egg.

Step  4

Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until hearts are golden brown.

 Step 5

 In small microwavable bowl, mix remaining 1 tablespoon hazelnut spread and remaining 1 tablespoon chocolate chips. Microwave uncovered on High 45 to 60 seconds or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Spoon into resealable food-storage plastic bag. Seal bag; cut off tiny corner of bag. Sprinkle hearts with powdered sugar. Squeeze bag to drizzle each with chocolate mixture.

Recipe courtesy of Pillsbury.com

Two easy ways that you can cut the cake.   

Strawberry Delights

Valentine’s  Day is fast approaching! If you’re in the market to add to your bakeware collection with a little heart shape inspiration or looking to upgrade your table presentation with some LOVE-ly dishware… I have sourced a bevy of beautiful  items from 2 of my favorite resources:

Williams & Sonoma

Sur La Table.

Emile Henry Ruffled Heart Dish $49.95 @Williams & Sonoma

Emily Henry Ruffled Heart Dish comes in Red or Pink

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Shallow Heart 1 1/4 Qt. $150.00@ Williams & Sonoma

Valentines Day Measuring Cup St $29.95 to $59.95 @Williams & Sonoma

Heart Linzer Cookie Cutter Set $14.95 (new & Exclusive @Williams & Sonoma

Amour Heart Ikat Dinnerware Collection $29.95-$39.95 @ Williams & Sonoma

Valentines Day Red Heart Dinnerware $8.95 to $51.95 @Williams & Sonoma

Below are my favorite offerings from Sur La Table 

*Click on the image  below and view all the Valentine inspired items on the site.

Le Creuset Eiffel Tower Petite Cocotte $25.95 SALE $19.96 *Comes in Red & Blue.

Figural Heart Appetizer Plates Set of 4 $35.00

Nordic Ware Heart Cakelet Pan $39.95

Copper Pated Heart Cookie Cutter $5.00

When it’s chilly outside there’s no better time to make a hearty and yummy chili to warm you on the inside.

I make this Chili in the colder months in LA -(please don’t hate me for saying colder months and LA in the same sentence if you reside  in a cold wintery climate). This recipe  has been a family and friend favorite for years, and I’ve included the complete 411 on all  I do and the products I use to make this a fan favorite.  Enjoy!

Terri’s Turkey Chili

Stir together in a Large Dutch Oven or Pot: 

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin oil
• 1 package turkey meat (I use 85%  or 93% Jenni O Turkey Meat)
• 4 Tablespoons dark chili powder
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• 2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 to 3 tablespoon hot sauce   (medium to extra spicy)
• 1-2 teaspoons Tabasco Chipotle Sauce

• 1 large onion diced
• 2 large bell pepper  diced (I use one red and one yellow or orange)

Cook Covered for 10 minutes at medium heat.

• ½ bottle beer (I use a whole bottle)
• 1 (28 ounce diced tomato) (I often use a oven roasted diced tomatoes in a can) 
• ½ cup smoky barbecue sauce (I use TJ’s Organic Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce)
• 1 can organic kidney beans (15 oz.) I use  Trader Joe’s Organic Kidney Beans **Drain liquid and rinse with cold water before adding)

Directions:

Heat a pot over medium heat. Add extra virgin olive oil and turkey meat. Season the meat with chili powder, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and chipotle sauce. Break up meat with back of a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Brown meat 5 minutes until cooked through.

Chop onion and bell pepper(s) add to turkey mixture and cook covered for 10 minutes.

Add beer and deglaze bottom of pan, scrapping the drippings and cooking off the alcohol. Add diced tomatoes, BBQ sauce and kidney beans. (*you can also add corn kernels here if you wish)

Cook another 10 15 minutes and then turn off heat and serve.

*Optional: corn kernels  can be mixed in after adding tomato sauce 

*Top with cheddar cheese or onions if you desire…

Double UP Tip 

*To make a double batch, heat 2 pots and make 1 batch in each pot rather than using 1 massive pot ….for whatever reason it just tastes a whole lot better.

Most of us LOVE a good brownie and if per chance that brownie is served in an Oh SO Fun and festive way sayyyyyyy for Halloween per chance then I think  we are talking a basic win win sweet situation.

Today’s blog is featuring some  yummy brownie recipes that should do the TRICK  to make everyone in your home Halloween Happy and maybe even get you some extra “brownie points!”

Each recipe is easy and oh so doable. I’ve also included the number of ingredients needed in each – just to give you a little heads up on how much stirring you’re going to be doing.

Click on the image  to be directed to the  complete recipe and baking instructions.

*Added bonus: I’ve included a  Vegan option-see the recipe listed below that only takes 2  YES 2 ingredients.

Enjoy!

Hocus Pocus Spell book Brownies (13 Ingredients)

Marshmallow Ghost Brownies (15 Ingredients)

Pumpkin Brownies (2 Ingredients)

Pumpkin Brownies (Vegan)

1 (18 oz.) package Brownie Mix

1 (15 oz .) can Pumpkin Puree

Preheat oven to 350°F, or according to your brownie package directions.

Combine brownie mix and pumpkin puree and mix well to integrate.

Transfer batter to a pan sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake according to brownie package directions for your chosen pan.

Allow to cool before cutting and enjoying or decorating!

Spiderweb Brownies (9 Ingredients)

Mummy Brownies (13 ingredients)

My Morning Ritual…

If you haven’t started this morning ritual of drinking warm water with a squirt of lemon yet, perhaps it’s time to “give it a go.” It’s the perfect way to start your day and has oodles of health benefits, not to mention the whole process of heating up some water and squeezing some fresh (preferably organic) lemon  takes a whole 2 minutes. How easy is that?!

A Tuesday  tip:

Drink it first thing in the morning and before  anything else.

Warm water and lemon has a bevy of health benefits including:

• Promotes hydration.
• It’s a good source of vitamin C.
• Supports weight loss.
• Improves your skin quality.
• Aids digestion.
• Freshens breath. .
• Helps prevent kidney stones.

If you’re looking for the perfect social distancing activity for the weekend, I may have the perfect solution.

Smores @ 6 feet.

Smores can be enjoyed by a small group at the required OUTDOOR social distancing and bring a little happy to all who partake. Just put together some individual packets with all the required Smores ingredients,light a little bonfire or have a warming area aka outdoor burners and whal-lah instant Smores party.

All and all- it’s an easy peasy, yummy and FUN solution for some social gathering-and let’s be frank, after 7 months in quarantine I think we could all use a little more FUN!!!! ENJOY!!