Friday, February 7, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes for the week!


Graham Cracker Chocolate Chip Cookies
Buns in My Oven
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 egg
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips


Directions
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until creamy.
Beat in the vanilla and egg until well combined.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until just combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips.
Using a medium cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes. Cookies will look slightly underdone, but should set up nicely as they cool.


Baked Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Skinny Taste
Ingredients
  • olive oil spray
  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
  • 8 oz fat-free ricotta
  • 8 oz part-skim mozzarella, shredded
  • 14 oz uncooked sweet Italian chicken sausage, removed from casing
  • 12 oz high-fiber or low carb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves smashed garlic, roughly chopped
  • 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess liquid
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°. Spray a 9- x13-inch baking dish with olive oil spray. 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, 6 tablespoons of the Pecorino Romano cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet, brown the sausage breaking up into small bits until cooked through; set aside. Add the oil to the skillet and sauté garlic about a minute, careful not to burn. Add spinach and season with a little salt and pepper and cook another minute. Return the sausage to the skillet and add the marinara sauce; cookon low about 2-3 minutes.

When the pasta water comes to a boil, cook pasta according to instructions for al dente, but undercook them by 4 minutes less; drain and return to pot.

Put half of the cooked pasta into the prepared baking dish and top with half of the meat sauce. Spoon the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce in an even layer. Coverwith the remaining pasta and the remaining sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 6-7 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and the edges are lightly browned.

Southwest Pepper Turkey Egg Cups
Ingredients
8 oz. deli pepper turkey, cubed
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup diced onion
3 large eggs
5 large egg whites
salt & pepper, to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12 muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium nonstick skillet, spray with a little nonstick cooking spray and sauté peppers and onions until browned and tender, 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
In large bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites together with salt and pepper. Stir in turkey and cooked veggies. Using 1/4 cup measure, pour into prepared muffin tins.
Bake 12-15 minutes or until egg is cooked completely. Cool 5 minutes then remove all egg cups from warm pan.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Belt Beauty

Another great way to spruce up your sweater collection is to add on a fancy belt. Not your standard leather number I mean something pretty. Take a look at these pieces.

Anthropologie, Jeweled Scalloped Belt, $58
Detailed is an understatement here. This Anthro collaboration with Deepa Gurnani is very special. Deepa started as a beading designer for Alexander McQueen.

Add this to a cardigan or a LBD. Understated yet dressy.

Neiman Marcus, Three Row Beaded Belt, $19
These longer metallic beads add a little hipster Aztec to this belt. Yes, hipster Aztec is totally a thing.


On super sale right now, this belt is perfect for all four seasons. Throw this on a simple cotton dress in the summer and now with an open cardigan.

Belts as jewelry can add a special something to your outfit. I know its that time of year when we get a little tired of the sweater drawer. Spice it up with these belts!

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

I've Got it Handled

A clutch is one of my favorite types of bags. I don't carry a lot with me, especially when I'm out for the night. So I'm really loving the hand strap trend on the clutch. Easy to carry and an extra detail!

Colorblocking, quilted, hands trap clutch? Triple threat.

Vince Camuto, Billy Clutch, $59
Oh Vince. You get me. And you're on sale.

Don't let this bright turquoise fool you, the opposite side is a fabulous zebra print. 

Neiman Marcus Last Call, Betsey Johnson Stud Muffin Clutch, $70
Heavens to Betsey you guys, this clutch is sleek for days.

The hand strap clutch is such a unique way to carry your things. A little stud action, or just leather. Add your own flair.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Jump On In

Hello lovebugs! Happy Tuesday to you! Winter got you down? Feeling bored with your go to sweaters and jeans? Well today I'm feeling adventurous. Let's go a little wild. Let's look at some jumpsuits. Yes, you heard me.

My good friend Lacey inspired me recently with this look which looks so easy and so chic. Whether you layer a jumpsuit with a blazer or jacket or go in alone, these pieces are a one punch knockout.

Forever 21, Retro Lace Jumpsuit, $22
You don't have to break the bank when trying this trend. Try this fantastic blue number and add on a chunky cream oversized sweater.

Sleek is the only word I would use to describe this outfit. It's not trying too hard but it wild demand attention when you walk into the room. Change the look from rocker to feminine with accessories.

Piperlime, Tinley Road Ashley Jumper, $74
As I said earlier, this is a great piece to add a long blazer. I love the merlot color.

Still not convinced? Try a jumpsuit that looks like two pieces! This one if just fabulous and ready for the party. Especially with this high waist and ruffle back!

Jumpsuits can sometimes remind me of Jenny from the Block, but with the right materials, fit, and color, you can absolutely try this trend and look fabulous.

Be fabulous today!