Spinkle Shower

Ok, this is only semi-food related but I'm so happy with how everything turned out, I had to share! I organized my first ever, Sprinkle Shower for a co-worker expecting baby #2. I made rice crispy treat pops, dipped in pink chocolate and topped with sprinkles. They turned about AMAZING and so did the whole party. Love when you have a vision of how it will look and you make it happen. And it could only happen with amazing co-workers helping! Mark was in charge of signage and the "Ready to Pop" sucker tags. Daos brought in the BEST cupcakes from Yummy cupcakes and to die for popcorn from Chicago. Nan brought in sugar sprinkled sugar cookies. Yes, it was a SUGAR fest.  We also had super cute heart shaped jelly beans from another Stephanie that I'm actually eating right now. Guess I didn't have enough sugar yesterday!
The table was decorated with bottles filled with sprinkles and flowers. I used Snapple bottles, labels removed and a ribbon covering the mouth of the bottle!
We did "Late Night Diapers" as our activity/game. Nadia brought in diapers and everyone wrote a little message to Alanna for those middle of the night diaper changes. When you're up for the 4th time, you need something to make you laugh.
I LOVE doing this kind of stuff.....need to find a way to make money doing this. :)

Chicken Piccata

Best part about this blog, it's making me try new recipes I've been sitting on! Why have I been sitting on this so long??? To avoid having dry chicken breast cutlets, I pan seared them and then finished cooking them in the oven. I also had to reduce the sauce longer than it instructed in order to have the appropriate consistency.

Probably didn't need to serve it with an additional veggie but Sophia loves green beans and I had them in the fridge. 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chicken-piccata-recipe/index.html

Lemon Chicken Thighs

Surprise, surprise, I substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this meal. Thighs just tend to have more flavor and are so much juicier! The best thing about this recipe is the braising of the chicken meat and the crispy skin. I usually have to cook mine at 425 for a bit longer to get the crispy skin. And don't be scared of all the garlic.....garlic is tasty and so good for you!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-chicken-breasts-recipe/index.html

Capellini With Spicy Zucchini-Tomato Sauce

I'm really liking these Meatless Monday recipes!  This is a great light and flavorful summer meal.  I eased up on the spices for Sophia. I'm sure a red pepper flake on a 2 year old's tongue would be a 5 alarm fire.  Even without the spicy factor, it was still delicious.  And did I mention how happy I am to have cheese back in my life?? Special thanks to the little boy in my belly for giving me back dairy, even if it is only for a short time.  (Fingers crossed that its permanent!)

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/capellini-with-spicy-zucchini-tomato-sauce-recipe/index.html

Pasta Primavera

After such a decadent Father's Day dinner of red meat and bacon, I had to take part in Meatless Monday's. This recipe was so delicious and perfect!  Prep took a little bit of time but every bite was worth it.  I purchased all of the veggies at the local farmers market like always. Try and find your local farmers market because it makes a WORLD of difference in your cooking. Even potatoes taste better! I'm really looking forward to making this one again!!!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/pasta-primavera-recipe/index.html

Chocolate Brownie Cookies

I hadn't baked in years but decided to give these a try. OMG! These are amazing!!! A few lucky co-workers were able to get a taste today and word spread fast.  I might have to make these again. :)

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/chocolate-brownie-cookies

Red Wine-Braised Shortribs

Last nights shortribs were the best I've EVER made. Even the leftovers I just had were AMAZING! If you are planning on making these, give yourself 4-5 hours from start to finish. For the recipe, I do make a few adjustments.  Instead of chopping the onion, carrot and celery, I purchase 2 containers of mirepoix from Trader Joe's.  Also, it says to use 1 tbls of tomato paste, I use more like 4oz.  But try it as is first and then decide if you want to add more next time.

Since it was Father's Day, I also made bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Coat asparagus in olive oil
Sprinkle with pepper
Take 5-6 stocks of asparagus and wrap with a slice of bacon
Place on foil lined baking sheet
Bake 15 minutes at 400.

Enjoy!!

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Red-Wine-Braised-Shortribs-367736