Just Putzing Around the Kitchen

Bacon, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich

You know how some people really, really love McDonald’s? I’m not one of them. The burgers are boring, the fries are uninspired, and frankly, the inexplicably boneless yet rib-shaped McRib meat patty freaks me out. Seriously guys, what is in those things? Nevermind, I don’t want to know. Clearly, I am not McDonald’s target audience….read more »

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches

The great thing about being able to bake is that there’s never a chance that our sugar cravings will go unsatisfied. In the mood for chocolate chip cookies? Gimme 30 minutes. Want some brownies? Let me see if there’s cocoa in the pantry. Feel like going to the store for a package of coffee cake?…read more »

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Buttermilk Biscuits

Since starting my pre-wedding diet a few weeks ago, I’ve been pretty good about eating healthy. Lots of fruits/vegetables and lean proteins, limited carb intake, etc. And, any desserts I make get pawned off on other people. Most days, it’s actually not so bad. I’ve almost gotten used to eating right and exercising. But this morning…read more »

Easy Chicken Cacciatore

A few weeks ago the good folks at Progresso asked me if they could send me a pack of their new Recipe Starters to try. Ummm, could they send me a whole bunch of free, yummy, pre-made cooking sauces that will give my dinners oomph and save me from slaving over the stove for hours? Obviously yes….read more »

Cinnamon Apple Crunch Pie

Isn’t it amazing how you can always tell when fall has arrived? Even before the leaves start changing color, you can smell it in the air, and suddenly all you want is fuzzy sweaters and hot apple cider. I love VA in the fall. Summers here tend to be too hot/humid, and the winters have…read more »

Spicy Honey Roasted Peanuts

Guys, can I be honest? I’m not really a big fan of peanuts. Salted peanuts? Bo-ring. Peanut M&M’s? Mehhhh. Peanut butter? No thanks, pass the Nutella. But you know what I can do some serious damage to? Honey roasted peanuts. I loves me some crunchy, sticky, salty-sweet peanuts. These things are like Pringles — once…read more »

Homemade Hot Pockets

Now that I’m working and living on my own, I have a new appreciation for my mom’s ability to put together amazing meals for us every night when I was a kid. Despite juggling grad school, lab, and later, a full time job and my extracurricular activities, she always managed to throw together the most…read more »

S’mores Brownies

Hello hello! Did you guys have a good weekend? Dan and I did! We rented a cabin in Shenandoah Valley for my dad’s birthday, and it was awesome! We fished, we canoed, we hot-tubbed, and we demolished many many bottles of wine. The views were gorgeous, the air was crisp, and a fabulous time was had by…read more »

Chicken Club Egg Rolls with Avocado Ranch Dip

Much to Dan’s despair, I have a deep, deep love for chain restaurants. Applebee’s, Chili’s, TGI Fridays, Cheesecake Factory, CPK — I’m a fan. Of all of them. I mean…cheap, greasy bar food and fruity blended cocktails…what’s not to love, right? Sadly, Dan does not share my sophisticated tastes. It takes serious wheedling and cajoling before…read more »

Prosciutto-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Another day, another football viewing snack recipe. And guys? These are the bomb. Sorry to get all ’90s on you, but it’s true. These poppers are amazingly tasty, and super addictive. These pictures don’t really capture all of the deliciousness — I got my eyes dilated an hour before I started cooking, and in case…read more »