• turning everyone into a sprout lover

    OK, I know not everyone loves Brussels Sprouts, but I think I can change their minds with these sprouts.  They are tender, crispy and loaded with tons of flavor that will make everyone love them. Just a little crisp The beauty of these brussels sprouts is that they have just a bit of crunch and it is from baking them…no frying involved.  I don’t know why but I just love a little crunch on my side dish. To make these just the right amount of crispy…it is all about the panko bread crumbs.  I have always been a fan of these super crunchy breadcrumbs but using them with brussels sprouts…

  • A-Z … what inspires you and those around you?

    Do you remember back in grade school you would make lists based on the alphabet…well I have a challenge for you.  Lets make a list, based on the alphabet, of what inspires us. A…..Z Yes you read that right…lets list what inspires us A to Z.      A – Admiration      B – Beauty      C – Creativity  …..      S – Smarts …..      Z – Zebras (yes… Zebras)  This is your list and you can be inspired by anything…even Zebras. Make it a game Use this as a challenge with your family and friends.  Maybe for family game night (kinda like a scrabble…

  • Salted Caramel Makes Everything YUMMY

    In my opinion Salted Caramel can anything and everything yummy…especially brownies.  Yes…Salted Caramel Brownies, I mean how good does that sound?  To me it sounds AMAZING! Hello Goodness… I have always been a big, big fan of caramel but salted caramel, well that is taking my like to love.  The balance of sweet and salty makes it a perfect bite and when you add it with chocolate…it doesn’t get any better. I usually make my own salted caramel sauce but for these brownies I used this Salted Caramel Sauce.  I love it because it is thick and super creamy, and holds up well as it is baked.  You can use…

  • grilling fun all summer long

    One of my favorite things about summer is grilling.  I will grill pretty much anything in the summer…I mean it.  This summer we have already grilled burger, steaks, veggies, peaches and even bread…yes I said bread.    Trust me grilled bread is AMAZING!!  Even better than grilled bread is this Grilled Pork. Quick & Easy  Not only is this pork delicious but it is also CRAZY easy.  So easy it is only 3 ingredients.  Yes only 3 ingredients.  All you need is the pork tenderloins, olive oil and course seasoning salt.  Thats it and then onto the grill it goes. Before you know it you have dinner done. It is…

  • All about YOU (at least for 30 days)

    OK, I know it is hard to sometimes make time for you.  Your busy with work, family, friends, housework, kids, church…the list goes on and on.  I understand I have been there, but I have learned just recently how important it is to take some time for yourself.  Trust me and in 30 days you will see what I am talking about. Don’t worry I am not talking about a ton of time, I am talking about 10-15 minutes a day…that’s all. Step 1….Grab a Journal Confession time…I am I am journal junkie.  I use them for work, personal, in my car…and the more I have the happier I am.…

  • Get what you NEED…not just what you WANT

    Do you ever find yourself wandering around the grocery store not 100% sure what you NEED but 1000% sure of what you WANT?  Well, I know I have many times and that is why now I am all about making lists… and I love this one. A good list… Lists are a must for me not only for the grocery store but for life in general.  Stay tuned as there will be some fun ones coming your way here at Sparkles n Sprouts.   For this grocery list I use this on a weekly basis.  I make my meal plan (using this plan) and then I inventory the pantry and…

  • bring on the honey…and lots of it

    It is no secret that I love to bake…I mean I really love cooking in general but baking is just so fun!   Recently I have been looking for some ways to have all my yummy baked goodies but maybe with a little less sugar.  Honey is the answer and it is so YUMMY!   It is all about the sweet… My favorite way to replace traditional granulated sugar is with honey.  It is sweet and way better for you in the long run.  Now that sounds like a win win. Local is my favorite  My favorite honey is local.  I love finding different vendors at the local farmers markets.…

  • a little added summer fun

    Are the kids bored yet?  Out of ideas to make this summer something to remember?  Too much data being used from iPads and iPhones? It is time to take this summer to next level. Give each day a FOCUS By giving each day a theme you can get everyone excited for something new each day.  It all starts with making it memorable and ends with fun for all and that sounds like a summer I could excited about. Each day…something new Monday starts the week off by making something that will last.  Maybe a music video, or a TV show.  Create a storybook with illustrations or family photos.  Create a…

  • Weeknight Grilling Goodness

    I am all about the grill in the summer.  I will do anything to not have the oven on heating up the house.  So whether it is pork, steak or chicken I want it cooked on the grill as often as possible.  I love it even more if the sides can be cooked on the grill as well. With this Grilled Veggie recipe, my kitchen may get a 3 month break. SO many options As I was walking through the farmers market a few weekends ago I was blown away by all the great produce.  There was summer squash, zucchini, baby eggplants, peppers, onions…and so much more.  I couldn’t pick…

  • perfect for any celebration!!

    I love chocolate chip cookies!  I mean I L.O.V.E chocolate chip cookies and have been on the hunt for the perfect one for a long time. In the meantime I have a found a M&M Cookie Bar that is pretty amazing and SO EASY…much easier than any traditional cookie recipe I have found and OH SO GOOD! Bring on the fun The beauty of these bars is you can really add anything you want to them.  You can use the M&M’s like I did, or add in oreo cookies, or your favorite candy chopped up a bit.  You could also add in nuts, or butterscotch or peanut butter chips.  Some…