Lemon, Almond, Ricotta Muffins

Almonds, lemons, ricotta cheese in mini muffin form. It does not get any better than that. And believe me these muffins sing!! Really they do!!

They sing a song called "put me in your mouth and smile!" I know you have heard it.. It is a hit... I swear!

Toasted Oat Granola Bars

Granola bars remind me of Brownie Day Camp... I hated Brownie Day Camp. (Sorry Mom) Well, I liked the idea of being outdoors, running,crafting and singing, but for some reason I was always stuck in the boring group...Really I was.  So, I have always thought of Granola bars and Brownie Day Camp being a bit boring and a bit... hmm "dry."

Nope, not these little beauties... they are full of flavor and you can say good bye to the boring granola of yesterday.  One big secret is that they are more of a cookie then granola... oops I forgot to mention that one.

Toasting the oats in butter adds a great amount of flavor... so did the cranberries and raisins. You could also add toasted nuts.

 One other real great surprise was the use of honey, molasses and brown sugar. It made a thick gooey syrup that was mixed with the oats and flax meal before baking. Just pure goodness..I swear!

These bars are good for a breakfast treat, packed up for a snack on your next hike, or just because you want to remind yourself of good ol' Brownie Day Camp on a hot summer day.

Baked Kale Chips

I know, I know... I am late to the party. Been there done and done that!  You snooze you loose...

Alright, alright... I get it. I really do!!  Earlier this year these chips were all over the web and have become quite popular.  I have been dying to try them so here it goes. 

Baked Kale chips are really a fun way to create something that is crispy like a chip with a lot of flavor and almost no fat. Warning... the nutty flavor and crispy goodness will make you want to eat them all. I'm just saying.

Chocolate Chunk Cookie Cupcakes... Yes!!!

So, not to be too "mediocre" I made something simple and easy for a work meeting. Yes, I know work meetings are very uninspiring. However, when you add some dark chocolate, sugar and butter together....

it can make for a very inspirational, thought provoking event.

As well as a delightful, just for fun, and enjoyable morning.

These chocolate chunk cookie cupcakes are really something to smile about... That is  why we do this???? Right???

Roasted Garlic Artichoke & Olive Focaccia

Focaccia....kind of like pizza's lonely step-child....sometimes forgotten in the world of yeasty doughs. My kind of lonely pal.... easy to please, does not complain and leaves a smile on your face.

Add some roasted garlic and you have yourself the beginning of a very good friendship.

A very good friendship indeed!

Cataplana

Cata... Cata...Cataplana??... Cataplana??? Hmmmm... I know what you are thinking... What the heck is this?

Well, it's a "cooking vessel" from Southern Portugal that was originally used to cook up seafood. It is the ideal way to steam shellfish to perfection. Whatever main ingredients you add it is often cooked with veggies and wine.

OK enough facts... it is an awesome fun, freaky, flavorful way to cook food and it is and down right easy as could be to make a fabulous dinner.

Red Pepper Salad

Hot damn.... who knew that peppers, some onions and feta could meet, mingle and make the most fresh lovely salad for the summer..... Summer love??

They really wanted to hang out and get acquainted... and low and behold they did. Here they are with their tops off!

This salad combines all of my favorite veggies with a bit of salty feta for some flare. (Who does not love salty flare... Come on...who???)

It is crunchy, sweet, salty, and can I say it??...can I??...good for you!!!

Blueberry Bars and Lemon Frozen Yogurt

I always forget how easy crumb bars are to make.  These bars are so simple when you are pressed for time or have a lot to do. For example, hosting a BBQ for family and good friends while taking care of a giggly baby, and most importantly, trying to watch as much World Cup Soccer as you possibly can. An easy dessert like a crumb bar can save the day. These bars require simple fresh ingredients and they go well with any type of frozen delight.

I made the frozen yogurt the night before using a Greek style yogurt, fresh lemon juice and agave syrup. Tart and tangy to go along with the sweet buttery bars.

I also got to use my handy dandy ice cream maker... (Dear ice cream maker, I am so sorry I always forget about you... thank you for doing such a good job!!!)

Blueberry Lemon Cake

Yes, Yes I know what you are thinking... lemons again!! What the heck is her deal? She adds them to cookies, muffins and salad dressing. Um...yes...I am fully aware that I have been on a lemon kick lately... I do love me some lemons.

Especially in this cake with big ol' plump blueberries. 

See how happy they are... floating in a sea of yogurt lemon batter. They are smiling.. can't you tell. 

You will smile too after taking a bite out of this easy Lemon Cake.