• Thankful in 2020

    Ok… so this year has been one for the record books… in EVERY way shape and form. Even though I am super ready for 2021… there are still several things I am so, so thankful for and honestly this really has been one of the best years of my life.   Check back often for my updated thankful list… a few might surprise you.   #1…2020!!  YES… 2020! I have to say as CRAZY as this year has been there have also been some pretty amazing things.   It started with my birthday (way back in February) and has included unforgettable memories with family, friends and those who I cherish…

  • Pumpkin Cranberry Pistachios Bread

    I am a BIG fan of pumpkin (as I am sure you know), pistachios and cranberries… but I am an even bigger fan of pumpkin bread and this pumpkin bread is AMAZING!!  It is loaded with tons of yum and each bite is like a party in your mouth. PISTACHIOS & CRANBERRIES GALORE! I am all about a traditional pumpkin bread but this loaded pumpkin bread is just so, so good.   I have always loved cranberries with pumpkin but for some extra fun I wanted to add in some pistachios.  Pistachios are a favorite for me with cranberries, as in these cookies.  The cookies are SO GOOD I knew…

  • Chicken & Gnocchi Bake

    I have a gnocchi confession… I am secretly obsessed with it!  I like it all sorts of ways, with all sorts of things but this bake is a perfect option for a yummy, comforting weeknight dinner.  A LITTLE CHICKEN TALK I have recently become a BIG, BIG fan of chicken thighs.  I am literally using them every week.  Sometimes I just roast them up and pair them with a quick salad and veggie and sometimes I use them in a  casserole… LIEK THIS ONE! I always sear them in a pan.  This not only adds some great color to the dish but also a TON of flavor.  I also make…

  • Monster Cookies – The Halloween Version

    Monster Cookies are my new favorite Halloween treat.  I mean just how adorable are these little yummies?? SPRINKLES & MORE SPRINKLES I am all about a fun sprinkle for any and all occasion.  I have an entire section in my pantry dedicated to my sprinkle obsession.  My niece and nephew love them as well and want to decorate cookies almost every time they come over just so they can use them. For these cookies I went with a variety.  As seen above a traditional halloween blend of orange, green, black, purple and white and then a pink, green and white version as well for the purple cookies.  I also did…

  • Boo Bark – It is BOOLICIOUS

    It is Boo Season and this Boo Bark is the perfect Boolicious treat.  It is colorful, loaded with yummy and so darn cute (and maybe a little scary too). BOO BARK FUN! This bark is loaded with everything yummy.  There are Oreo’s, M&M’s, Pretzels, chocolate, sprinkles and more sprinkles.  You can also add in some peanut butter cups, caramel candies, butterscotch chips or candy corn.   Really you can add in almost anything you wanted, the possibilities are endless. EASY PEASY This bark is so easy, all you need are a few ingredients and about 10 minutes and you are good to go. First is all about the stars of…

  • PUMPKIN SPICE POPCORN – A FALL MUST

    Are you a popcorn fan?  A pumpkin spice fan? A snack fan?  If you answered yes to any of  these question you have to try this Pumpkin Spice Popcorn!!  NOW!!! NOT TOO PUMPKIN-Y … I PROMISE I know that it says pumpkin spice in the title but don’t worry it is not too much.  There is a just a hint of spice paired with the sweetness of of the brown sugar and the richness of the butter.  I am seriously trying to think of other things I use this combo on… so stay tuned. With the addition of brown sugar it really mellows the pumpkin spice and makes this a…

  • Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

    Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Pumpkin everything is where I am right now.  Pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cake, pumpkin creamer, pumpkin latte and now Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta!   One of my most favorite places to find everything pumpkin is Trader Joes and as you can see from the pic below I am all about it!!  If you can go… GO NOW! There was also a pumpkin kringle in there.  I just CANNOT get enough pumpkin!! Really in Pasta? So I am a BIG, BIG pumpkin and pasta fan.  My first experience with it was in a ravioli (similar to the ones I got from Trader Joe’s) and then I had it with butternut squash…

  • Pumpkin Dream Dessert Delight

    Your Pumpkin Dream is made of this dessert and you need it NOW!  Layers, Layer & Layers of Pumpkin Dream Delights! It all starts with a buttery and delicious graham cracker crust, baked to perfection.  Next bring on a rich and creamy cheesecake layer, with just a bit of tang in each bite.  Third is the pumpkin “mousse/pudding” layer.  This light pumpkin layer brings everything together to make this the perfect fall treat.  To finish it everything is topped with fresh whipped cream, like this All Day Whipped Cream and some toasted pecans or walnuts.   These layers are everything!   It is not just for Fall… I know, I…

  • Pumpkin Butter

    OK… I have a sad story about pumpkin butter.  As I am sure you know by now I am a BIG, BIG pumpkin fan.  One of my most favorite pumpkin treats is pumpkin butter, but when I went to buy some the other day at Trader Joes they were out!  There was none to be found… NONE!! MY Pumpkin Butter Obsession So it all started back 10+ years a go when I was aimlessly wondering through Williams Sonoma one October day.  This very sweet lady came up to me and asked if I would like to try some pumpkin butter.  I mean she had me at the word pumpkin but…

  • Cheesy Garlic Chicken

    Cheesy Garlic Chicken is your new go to weeknight dinner. I love this recipe even more because it only uses a few ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand…cannot get much easier than that. Cheesy Garlic LOVE This chicken dish is SOOOO good.  The chicken is nice and tender cooked under a delicious layer of a creamy garlic mixture that gives this dish a TON of flavor. The base of the garlic goodness is cream cheese.  I used a whole brick (8 oz) of cream cheese mixed with a little sour cream and minced garlic…lots of garlic.  The fresh garlic is what makes this chicken stand out.  It…