MLK Day

image source

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
My mom and sister will be visiting this weekend and I cannot wait to see them! In the meantime, some great recipes.

Blackberry Irish Whiskey Sour
c/o Fogged in Lounge

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey (Paddy)
• 3/4 oz blackberry brandy
• 1/2 oz lemon juice

Directions

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Orange twist.

Butternut Squash and Bean Tamale Bake

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

1 Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed

1/2 cup Onions, chopped

1 Red or Green Bell Pepper, diced

1/2 pound Chorizo sausage

1 can Black Beans, rinsed and rained

1 can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) Tomato Sauce

1/2 cup Salsa

2 tsp Cumin

3 cloves Garlic, minced

1 package Cornbread Mix

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large saute pan,  cook chorizo sausage, breaking into small pieces and cook through. Drain on paper towel lined plate and set aside. In the same pan, sprayed with non stick spray, cook bell pepper and onion, butternut squash until softened and squash is fork tender. Add the chorizo back into the saute pan, and add in the black beans and kidney beans. Stir in the tomato sauce and salsa, along with cumin and garlic. Stir to combine.

Pour all ingredients into the baking dish. Create small wells into the mixture. Prepare cornbread mix according to package direction, and pour into wells in the bean and squash mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.

Remove from oven and serve with cilantro on top.

Combine squash/onion mixture, chorizo, and all beans into the saute pan along

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients

1 stick unsalted butter
1/3 heaping cup peanut butter 
1 large egg
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. This should take about 1 minute on high power. You may need more or less time depending on your microwave. Let cool for 2 minutes. 

Add the peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, vanilla to the butter and whisk until smooth. Add the flour and stir until just combined. Don't over mix. Stir in 1 cup of the chocolate chips.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips. 

Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until done. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter. Mine took 30 minutes. 

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. 

Bars will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Pack In Pattern

We're coming up on a couple of long weekends so I thought what better time to replace your weekender bag than right now? I love the idea of a weekender bag because it's has a spontaneous feel to it. It's not your standard wheely bag. It's got character and it can be a lot of fun. Today, we're looking at patterned weekender bags.

Sole Society, Daphnee, $64

A strong stripe that is perfectly accented by some gold hardware.

Target, Leaf Print Weekender Bag, $34

This bag looks way more expensive than it is, and I can't say no to go a bag with good pockets and compartments.

Modcloth, Design Your Itinerary Weekender, $59

A great Aztec print makes this bag super laid back and casual.

Urban Outfitters, Ecote Woven Texture Weekender Bag, $79

Looking for texture? Look no further than this beautiful weave.

So have some fun with your weekender bag and look for a sassy pattern that grabs some attention.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

These Boots are Made for History

Booties are not anything new these days. In fact, they're a style trend that has turned into a four season option. Today I'm going to narrow the focus and look at the Chelsea boot. Who knew these boots had such a history? I love these boots because they're easy to slip on and off plus they are pure comfort.

Nordstrom, Topshop Blighty, $75

I trust a British company when it comes to these boots. Simple and understated, perfect for jeans.

Missguided, Patsy Flexi Sole Chelsea Boot, $47

These are really getting back to the basic 'paddock' style of the Chelsea boot. 

Steve Madden, Brown & Black Chelsea Boots, $99

A slight stacked heel is a great compliment to this beautiful burgundy.

Dorothy Perkins, Black Chelsea Ankle Boots, $44

These boots are motorcycle chic and they look so comfortable.

The chelsea boot is a special trend that features a slip on with a vertical elastic. These boots come in a variety of color options and now in leather, suede, and other oh so soft materials.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post