Who doesn’t love a good, fluffy, sweet, and aromatic cinnamon roll? How about cinnamon bun bites where every single bite is covered in that ooey gooey sweet cinnamon-sugar butter concoction that makes everything smell and taste like heaven. That’s what I’m talking about. Plus, bite-sized pieces limit portion control (at least a little – promise!) so you don’t end up going into a diabetic coma like when you eat at Cinnabon at the mall. You are going to love these fun and mouthwatering cinnamon bun bites!

While on the topic of sweet cinnamon scents, I couldn’t help but think about Ikea. We have A LOT of Ikea furniture in our house. It’s been a great resource to have while furnishing our first house as a young couple since furniture can be outrageously expensive. Of course it comes with the headache of attempting to assemble pieces yourself and everything in your home will be made from weird particleboard and other strange veneered substances but hey, it’s not that bad. I mean, it will feel bad while you’re midway through trying to assemble a huge dresser. You may experience side effects which include uncontrollable rage and even depression but they will dissipate once you relish in the joy of having (sort-of) built something on your own.

I’ll never forget when Jared and I bought a piece of furniture from Ikea for our first apartment. We had to borrow a truck to haul the humungous box back to our place where we then had to lug it up the stairs. This was of course after dealing with the inside of Ikea itself, which gets incresingly worse after you first enter and are set into a shopping trance by that sweet cinnamon aroma. After all that we opened the packaging and found the “directions” and the hardware package in a clear plastic wrapping. Jared, who can sometimes be a stereotypical impatient man, decided to use his bare hands to tear through the plastic instead of waiting for me to find the scissors. Oh, he tore through it alright. He ripped the plastic so violently that all the crucial little hardware pieces went flying everywhere with the majority of them falling right down the kitchen sink. I can’t even tell you how long it took to fish all those tiny pieces out of the sink. There were flashlights and tweezers involved. But hey, at least now we have a kitchen table.

Recipe Rundown
Taste: Is there anything better than the aroma and taste of cinnamon sugary goodness?
Texture: The bites are slightly firm on the outside and fluffy inside. The best part is that each piece is just doused in butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
Ease: Definitely an all-day baking project but completely doable.
Appearance: I love how fun the presentation of these cinnamon bun bites is.
Pros: This recipe makes your house smell like Ikea and tastes even better.
Cons: Paula Deen amounts of butter here.
Would I make this again? Yes, but probably not for a long time.

Continue reading: Cinnamon Bun Bites

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How was everyone’s week?? Are you looking forward to celebrating Father’s Day this Sunday? I wanted to post a recipe that could be enjoyed for Father’s Day and I think this grilled corn on the cob would be a hit at any summer table alongside grilled steak, burgers, hot dogs, or whatever else your family likes to eat on a warm summer day. Do you have any Father’s Day traditions?

Unrelated to Father’s Day, I was talking to a coworker yesterday about pet peeves and we discovered we have many of the same irritations. It’s always nice to realize you’re not the only one to get wildly annoyed when people do particular things. I want to talk about loves and hates.

LOVE.
When you’re waiting at the grocery store checkout line with just a few items and the person ahead with a cart full of stuff lets you cut in line. Even if I see this happen with other people in another checkout line it still makes me smile to think there are still people with decency and courtesy. However, this situation can quickly turn into a hate when someone ASKS if they can cut you in line, especially when you have a similar amount of items.

HATE.
When you’re driving and someone cuts you off to enter your lane then makes you miss a green light while they make it through. Baaaad things come out of my mouth when that happens. Inconsiderate driving in general makes me mad and I find there’s nothing worse than when someone endangers the safety of others because he or she made an error. Like when people suddenly realize, after at least a mile of signage, that they are in the exit lane on the freeway so they violently break then change lanes, nearly causing multiple crashes, instead of DEALING with their mistake and waiting for another exit to turn around safely. UGH.

I want to hear your loves and hates! Please tell me I’m not the only one!

Recipe Rundown
Taste: Bursting with flavor! Spicy, sweet, smokey, fresh, and slightly floral from the honey.
Texture: Corn on the cob has such a refreshing texture and I love the slightly charred sections when it’s grilled corn on the cob.
Ease: Very easy! This recipe would be perfect for a summer cookout.
Appearance: Don’t these just look like summer?
Pros: Delicious and simple.
Cons: Might be too spicy for children or even some adults.
Would I make this again? Yes!

Continue reading: Grilled Corn on the Cob with Jalapeno Butter

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The average turkey sandwich can be pretty darn boring. To be honest, I’m pretty much worn out on sandwiches for lunch and have been for years. There’s only so many thousands of dull sandwiches a person can eat in a lifetime. I want something hot and fulfilling with lots of flavor and texture. This turkey sandwich has it all – hearty 12-grain bread, crisp and smokey bacon, sweet and tangy caramelized onion, meaty deli turkey, melted cheese, and tart apple slices for an enhanced depth of flavor and texture to satisfy me mid-day. The idea for the sandwich actually came from two local joints here in the Phoenix metro area. One is in Tempe and is called Ncounter, where they serve the Natie Bomb sandwich pretty much exactly like I’ve written the recipe. The other place is called T.C. Eggington’s and is in Mesa. They serve the sandwich with a sun-dried tomato mayonnaise. Both sandwiches are delicious and I knew I had to recreate them at home to share the recipe. You will love this spin on turkey sandwiches!!

Recipe Rundown
Taste: So, so, so much better than your average turkey sandwich. I love the combination of savory, sweet, tart, smokey, earthy, and cheesy.
Texture: Toasted, crunchy, meaty, cheesy, and crisp. This sandwich really gives you a great mouth feel.
Ease: Super easy. You can make a bunch of caramelized onion (in the slow cooker is my favorite) and bacon (in the oven is my favorite) ahead of time and make this sandwich throughout the week for a crazy good lunch.
Appearance: I love that you can see how many goodies are hidden inside this sandwich.
Pros: Not your boring lunch.
Cons: Nothing!!
Would I make this again? Yes’m.

Continue reading: Natie Bomb Turkey Sandwich

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The other day I was on the elliptical machine at the gym and a woman started running on the treadmill in front of me and it took all my effort to not laugh out loud at her running form. I’m sure I run like an idiot, too, but it just reminded me of that episode of Friends where we all discover that Phoebe runs like a maniac. Then I got to thinking about TV shows that have really stood the test of time. You can reference a scene in Friends or Seinfeld and most people will still know what you’re talking about, even a decade later. That’s excellent writing! Those shows are still in syndication all the time. It seems like now TV networks are so quick to cancel shows in the first season before they’ve been given time to develop a fan base. I wonder if any of the shows that are the air now will end up having as big of an impact on popular culture as Friends or Seinfeld, or if the networks are so concerned about immediate numbers and profits that we won’t remember any entertainment from the 2010s. I think The Office is a good contender but that show was on for a long time.

What show could you watch over and over again?

Recipe Rundown
Taste: Like your favorite childhood flavors and textures but a little more grown-up. The sweetness is tamed by the bittersweet chocolate in the pudding filling.
Texture: Crunchy, thick, rich, luscious, gooey, toasted. I just love the texture of the chocolate pudding filling.
Ease: This recipe does require some work and a little baking know-how but it’s nothing unmanageable.
Appearance: So cute! I love individual tarts.
Pros: Fun and delicious dessert. I did use low-fat milk in the pudding but this is still a fairly indulgent treat.
Cons: The completely assembled tarts don’t keep well and should be served right after finishing.
Would I make this again? Yes. If you wanted more of a s’mores flavor you could use graham crackers instead of Oreos too.

Continue reading: Chocolate Pudding & Toasted Marshmallow Tarts

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It’s still spring for a little while longer, though it feels like summer already here in Phoenix. I really can’t complain, though, since I live in a state with virtually zero natural disaster possibility. No tornadoes, hurricanes, landslides, earthquakes, or volcanoes. Though we do have forest fires that cause property and land damage, they rarely take lives. Nothing like the recent deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma. We had the Discovery channel on last night and a special turned on that paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the storm. When I heard the tornado had hit a school I had to tune out of the news for a few days because it was too upsetting. The immense destruction recently caused by severe weather is something I can’t even begin to fathom. How does anyone handle suddenly having everything literally ripped up from the ground in a matter of moments? The television special, though probably controversial, certainly put my little life problems and complaints into perspective.

Phew… now onto lighter things (literally). This fresh and healthy recipe is a great way to say goodbye to spring and hello to summer. What summer food are you most looking forward to?

Recipe Rundown
Taste: Fresh and savory. These are the flavors you know and love.
Texture: This pasta is a serious meal full all sorts of satisfying textures.
Ease: Quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal plus the meatballs can be formed ahead of time.
Appearance: The pops of green in this dish just scream “fresh.”
Pros: Healthy, quick, tasty.
Cons: None.
Would I make this again? Mhmmmm.

Continue reading: Spring Pesto Pasta with Turkey Meatballs

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I know what you’re thinking… cheesecake cupcakes for breakfast?? She’s lost it.

I assure you, I haven’t! These cupcakes are basically a twist on the standard and often boring parfait. They are comprised of a crunchy granola crust, low-fat cream cheese and yogurt filling, and topped with fresh berries. There’s not much sugar, either. See, can have your cake and eat it (for breakfast) too! The idea for these babies actually came to me when Jared and I went to Sedona a few weeks ago. I had a breakfast parfait that had a fantastic cinnamon granola layer. Our breakfast view was of some beautiful red rock mountains and as I ate my parfait the idea to turn it into a cheesecake cupcake popped into my head. My most popular post, much to my continued surprise, is for Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Cupcakes. Sometimes I’ll think of fun twists on the cheesecake cupcake idea since you guys seem to love them so much. I think you’ll like this particular variation too – who wouldn’t want a breakfast cheesecake cupcake?!

Recipe Rundown
Taste: Slightly sweet, floral, and fresh, with a little kick of warmth from the cinnamon.
Texture: The granola crust is crunchy while the filling is thick and luscious. I love the burst of freshness from the berries on top.
Ease: Very easy. You make make these, pop them in a container in the fridge, and pull them out for breakfast throughout the week.
Appearance: I just love anything with fresh berries – they’re like little gems.
Pros: Easy twist on a parfait to make for a delicious breakfast. Plus I cut a lot of fat and sugar so you wouldn’t have to feel guilty for eating cupcakes for breakfast.
Cons: None.
Would I make this again? Yes!

Continue reading: Breakfast Cheesecake Cupcakes

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You guys, summer is practically here. We’ve been steadily climbing into the 100s temperature wise meaning I go outside less and less unfortunately. You know what else is unfortunate about summer? All my TV shows are on hiatus!! I need some recommendations for summer TV watching, please. Sure, sure summer is filled with things like sangria, burgers, ice cream sandwiches, beaches, colorful clothes, and suntans. Well, your summer might include these things if you’re lucky. But here in Phoenix it’s basically a house arrest sentence. But hey, at least it’s a dry heat… right?

These chicken thighs would make an excellent weeknight summer meal because they’re fast, don’t require you to crank your oven, and are full of bright flavor. What’s your favorite, or least favorite, part of summer?

Recipe Rundown
Taste: Sweet, spicy, fruity, smokey, savory. A lot of flavor in just a few ingredients.
Texture: I love how moist and tender chicken thighs are.
Ease: Absurdly easy and fast.
Appearance: Thighs probably won’t win any beauty awards (unless they’re Beyonce’s) but this dish doesn’t look half bad after the bright sauce is poured on top.
Pros: Fast, flavorful, healthy – great for a weeknight meal. You can cut back on the chipotle if your family can’t handle much spice.
Cons: None.
Would I make this again? Yes!

Continue reading: Chipotle Raspberry Chicken Thighs

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I always get slightly panicky when I run out of peanut butter. I am not exaggerating when I say I eat the stuff practically every day. It feels like something is missing in my life when I run out so I usually buy the biggest jars I can find. Recently I ran out and couldn’t get to the store immediately so I felt like I was going through peanut butter withdrawals. As soon as I got my gigantic container of PB I knew I had to bake something with it to satisfy my craving. I turned to my new favorite baking book from King Arthur and found this recipe which completely satisfied my peanut butter lust.

Is there one food that you just can’t live without? I could never completely exclude chocolate, peanut butter, bread, or seafood from my diet unless I became severely allergic. Even then…

Recipe Rundown
Taste: Sweet, rich, and like a giant peanut butter cup but better.
Texture: Firm, chewy, smooth, and luscious.
Ease: Easy. Flattening the crust onto the baking pan was the only part that caused a little bit of trouble.
Appearance: I think all bar desserts are pretty cute and scrumptious looking.
Pros: Fun way to enjoy the chocolate and peanut butter flavor combination.
Cons: Lots of sugar but you only need a small piece to enjoy.
Would I make this again? Yes.

Continue reading: Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

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I’ve made challah bread way more times than I care to admit after learning how to make it in culinary school. It’s such a gorgeous and complicated looking bread that I was never really confident enough to try it. This recipe is actually pretty easy, even if you’re not a super experienced bread baker. I wanted to make a video about challah because I feel that once you see how easy it really is your at-home challah baking will be much more successful. Be sure to save some day-old challah because it makes killer French toast.

*Please note: I am not Jewish so I am not claiming this is traditional or authentic challah.

Recipe Rundown
Taste: Rich, ever so slightly sweet, and perfect with dinner or as French toast in the morning.
Texture: Moist and tender yet firm.
Ease: The steps are relatively easy they just require some patience. I always thought challah was extremely difficult to make but after watching someone do it in school I realized it shouldn’t be that intimidating.
Appearance: Challah is one of the most beautiful loaves of bread and this recipe creates a fantastic but uncomplicated braid.
Pros: So much better than store-bought challah and much more satisfying (both in terms of taste and accomplishment).
Cons: Requires pretty much a whole day to make,
Would I make this again? I’ve made challah probably 5 times at home already.

Continue reading: How to Make Challah Bread (video)

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Happy Monday/Memorial Day everyone! If you follow me or my blog at all, you know I’ve written a book called Cookies & Cream all about homemade ice cream sandwiches which released earlier this month. Today I’d like to thank all my readers for helping me become a published author (!!!) by having a little giveaway so you can start making some ice cream sandwiches!

If you follow me on Instagram, you might remember me posting some of these pictures last summer when we were doing the photoshoot for the book at my house. My agent and photographer came to my house in Phoenix where I had prepared all the ice cream sandwiches to be photographed. I had to buy a freestanding freezer just to store everything and by the end of the first day it was literally room temperature inside that thing because we had been opening and closing it so much. But that wasn’t the only issue we ran into photographing ice cream in the middle of the Arizona summer. My air conditioning unit broke right in the middle of the photoshoot. After over ten years of functioning just fine it decided then would be a good time to completely go out. Within hours my house was 90 degrees inside. Now I can look back and laugh at the whole situation but at the time I was not too happy. SOMEHOW thanks to the perseverance of our little team (and an amazing A/C repair man) we managed to shoot all but one of the sandwiches from our shot list.

A little peek into some of the props used for the book photoshoot. We emptied out our entire formal living room to shoot there.

Continue reading: Cookies & Cream GIVEAWAY

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