Phyllo Potato Pastries

Truth be told everyone...I've been having a hard time getting back into the swing of things in the kitchen and with the blog post-holidays. Does anybody else feel somewhat adrift? ...No? Just me?

Ok that's cool. I'll do better y'all, pinky promise!

Now...this is a pretty classic Kayle recipe--there's potatoes...and there's carbs. But it's fun and different and kinda classy (I think) because flaky and delicious phyllo dough is wrapped around shredded and seasoned potatoes and onions and it's all baked to tasty perfection.

I think these are great especially as an entertaining food--because the recipe makes a lot, and there's something about phyllo dough that just screams "I'M FOR GUESTS!" to me *shrug*. Unfortunately we were not having any company when I made these so it was up to Michael and I to eat them all. And if any eaters were ever up to the task...it was us. 

They're quite delicious and I'm definitely keeping them in mind next time I need something to bring to a party!

Spinach and Artichoke Hummus

I love spinach artichoke dip, I love hummus. So...really...it just makes sense to combine the two! They're both delicious dips. They're both crowd pleasers. They both took some time for me to warm up to.

Yepp. When I first tried spinach and artichoke dip I was not sold. However, my best friend insisted we share it every time we went to Friday's together so I eventually grew to love it. And hummus I wasn't sold on, until I had my 10th bite. Then I couldn't get enough. Which is exactly what happened with this hybrid. At first I was all, "Ohhh...hmmm...I dunno."

And now I can't stop shoveling it into my face. Same thing with Michael. He was like "Eh, it's ok." 20 minutes later he yelled, "TAKE THIS AWAY FROM ME I CANNOT STOP EATING IT!"

Thank goodness we got to the point of being unable to stop eating it becaaause...I totally should have waited to make this until there was a party, because it definitely makes a large party-sized amount. I was a little overwhelmed when I realized how much hummus I had just made. So--be prepared for that. If you're not planning on bringing it someplace, halve the recipe. You'll still have plenty. Not that any that I made went to waste. Oh nooo-I ate it right up. Yes yes yes!

And the taste? Honestly...it's exactly what you'd expect. It's like hummus merged with spinach and artichoke dip. 

So, yeah. That's the story of how Kayle got some veggies into her system thanks to hummus!

#MrsTsPierogies for Girl's Night! #MC

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Millennial Central for Mrs. T’s Pierogies. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

I'm not the kind of person who goes out. I'm a stay in kind of gal, and one of my FAVORITE things is to have a big slumber party!! I do NOT have them enough (and I'm really pushing for that to be my bachelorette party main premise :P). They're always the best: you just need your girls, some great movies (preferably of the chick flick variety or--if you were me and my bestie in high school--old movies from the 40's and 50's), and good FOOD!

You may recall a previous blog post where I talked about one of my favorite quick meal/appetizer/snack/I'm hungry/ solutions: Mrs. T's Pierogies! They are the PERFECT addition to any get-together (whether you're the kind of person who is going to watch the game, or have a fancy dinner party, or enjoy a big slumber party, or just a Tuesday!) I always have at least 1 box in my freezer, guys. For emergencies.

And no matter your group, Mrs. T's is sure to have something for everyone! I mean...we're talking delicious whipped potatoes inside a perfect pasta shell. They have 11 varieties (including whole grain and mini sizes) with different additions-such as different cheeses, onions, etc. You can prepare them in SO many different ways, and the serving possibilities are endless-you can serve them as is, or with a sauce, or as a part of a recipe! My current favorite is the 4 cheese blend Pierogies with a dipping sauce of melted butter mixed with a little garlic powder and some scallions. Mmmmm....

So, my girls came over, we pajama'd up, I brought out 3 of my fave slumber party movies (27 Dresses, 13 Going on 30, and 10 Things I Hate About You), and brought out the food! We had a big assortment of Mrs. T's Pierogies, some popcorn, some cookies, some drinks (water for me, and whatever adult beverages my ladies brought for themselves :P) and settled in to laugh, girl talk, and half watch/half mock/half ignore our movies. All while chomping on food and pigging out. It was a GOOD. NIGHT!

If you want to have your own amazing night, I definitely recommend some Mrs. T's Pierogies. They could NOT be simpler to prepare, and they're always a hit! And check out Mrs. T's Facebook and Twitter pages too, let them know how YOU'RE eating your pierogies!

Guest Post at The Messy Baker-Nutella Molten Lava Cake

I know, everything is topsy turvy this week!! I'm currently extremely busy (oh hey dealing with going to Ohio for 2 weddings that were 2 weeks apart, and tons of work, and starting filming a short film tomorrow....*deep breath*), so please stay with me this week with only two posts (today's and Friday's). I know it'll be hard, but I believe we can work through this. :P

Anyway, today I am guest posting over at one of my bestest friends in bloggingdom: Jennie from The Messy Baker! Her and her hubby are having a vacation, so I, of course, leaped at the chance to help out. You guys should know by now how much I adore her. She's funny, and sweet, and fun, and seriously bakes up some AMAZING stuff, you guys! You should def. browse around her blog for awhile, there is so much yumminess to find!

For the guest post I am sharing a recipe for Nutella Molten Lava Cake. Oh yeah, I went there. And even better-I used homemade nutella. Seriously, such a delicious hazelnut/chocolate flavor and so warm and ooey and gooey and perfect (and you should also know how I feel about lava cakes)!!!

Head on over to The Messy Baker for the recipe!

(and I'll see you all again on Friday! smooches!)

Guest Post at Whipped Baking--Peanut Butter Pretzel Truffles!

Today I'm guest posting at the FABULOUS Whipped Baking! The writer, Kristina, and I have become fast friends and I was thrilled when she asked me to guest post on her gorgeous blog while she is visiting NYC (here!). She features tempting treats-but with a healthier edge, you guys should absolutely look around and check her stuff out when you go over there. It's one of my favorites, and I am so excited that I am lucky enough to be guest posting. So, if you want to check out her wonderful blog, and the recipe for those delicious peanut butter pretzel truffles (so addicting--you will seriously eat 10 before you even realize what you're doing), hop on over there! Tell her I say hi! :)

Cheesy Chicken Dip (A Continuation of The Worst Housewarming Party Ever)

If you've read this previous post, you know I had a very anticipated and quite disappointing housewarming party. But c'est la vie, what's done is done! Anywhozzle, I made this chicken dip to serve as well. It's one of Michael's favorites, and honestly...just about anyone else who has had it. My mother was given this recipe by an old co-worker, and it's been a family favorite ever since. She now routinely brings it to big get-togethers. Speaking of which, I just returned home from a blissful (yet busy) 5 day visit home in Ohio. Michael's cousin, Jimmy, got married (CONGRATS JIMMY AND DIANA!), and we were visiting for the wedding. And I figured, I might as well make it a little longer of a stay so I can see some people! I haven't been home since Christmas, so it was so nice to see everyone :). As always there were people I didn't get to see, and that's always sad. But on my last day in Ohio, my mom's whole family came together at my Grandma Jo's house for the last Sunday at her pool, and to see me. It was just wonderful. I got to see my cousins, play with their adorable babies (so weird...other than Farrah I'm the next one in line to have a baby! Chill out all, not for a few years.), and just visit with loved ones I don't get to see often enough! Oh yeah, and there was food. I made some amazing cookies. And, my mother made her Cheesy Chicken Dip! As always, it was beloved. And now I shall share it with you:

Cheesy Chicken Dip