Monthly Meal Plan-May (BBQ/Memorial Day)

It's already almost May! Yay! And we have some recipes that are perfect for summer weather and barbecues. ALSO if you scroll past the food, you'll find a giveaway (that is perfect for Father's Day!)

Something Saturdays (4/29/17)

Hey guys, sorry for being pretty absent. I've not been feeling too well lately and I've been somewhat busy as well. Forgive me?

Last week's wedding went well! Today I have another one at a vineyard nearby that should be lovely (although I'm hoping it doesn't rain all day). The rest of the week I got things done and worked. Tuesday was a monthly meeting of creative professionals that I attended with my wedding planning boss, and then we had tacos afterward (well I had fried ice cream but you get the idea)! Fun fun fun. 

What was the best part of your week?

6th Blogiversary

6 years ago today I started this little blog!!! It's hard to believe it's already been that long, but it also feels like I've been blogging forever lol.

All I can say is THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you who are reading this, and anyone who has ever read this blog or come to it for a good recipe or a laugh. I hope to continue to provide the tasty and the fun for a long long time. <3

Something Saturdays (4/22/17)

First off--sorry no recipe this week. Things have been crazy. So sorry!

Anyway, if you celebrate--how was your Easter weekend? Saturday Michael and I met up with a few of his cousins and hung out and played games, which is always fun. Sunday we had lunch with his stepmom's side of the family then dinner with his mom's. It was nice, as always :) Michael had Monday off from work so we kind of just relaxed and hung out. Then I just did stuff around the house and ran a couple errands on Tuesday. On Wednesday, my boss and I had a meeting with our July 1st bride. Thursday I worked. Friday I babysat my cousin's baby all day. Today is the official beginning of wedding season for Perfectly Planned this year--we have our first wedding! I'm so excited :) And tomorrow we are having belated Easter with my mom's side of the family. Funsies funsies. 

Something Saturdays (4/15/17)

It's Easter weekend (for those of you who celebrate)! Doing anything fun??

Tomorrow we're having 2 Easter meals, one with Michael's stepmom's family and one with his mom. My mom's side of the family is doing theirs next weekend (my grandma and mom are both in the Bahamas right now and coming back next week).

Last weekend the weather finally got nice and stayed that way, so Michael and I got some dinner at Main Street Grille again, which was really nice. Sunday we spent a bit of time with Michael's mom and siblings. Other than that I've pretty much been just dealing with some stuff and working this week :) We did have dinner with Michael's dad and stepmom on Tuesday (they left for Florida on Thursday so we won't be seeing them tomorrow) which was super nice. But yeah...that's pretty much it lol.

Sweet & Salty Kitchen Sink Cookies {Panera Copycat}

These are the best cookies I've made in awhile. Like...can't get enough of them. Which makes sense because they're modeled after another cookie I couldn't get out of my head: the kitchen sink cookies at Panera.

At one of our meetings with a bride, my boss and I had a couple kitchen sink cookies at Panera. And I knew I needed to recreate them. They were HUGE (like...bigger than these ones. For the first time in my life I struggled with making cookies big enough!) And had pretzels and little bits of caramel and chocolate chips and...of course...there was sea salt on top. So-pretty simple to recreate actually. I amped up the flavor an extra notch by using one of my favorite browned butter cookie bases, because--why wouldn't I?

I think my version might be even better. They're sturdy but chewy and full of so many fantastic textures-crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, melty chocolate. They're so so good. Addictive to the max. They also freeze really well if you-like me-can't be trusted with an entire batch. I froze some and then just pulled out when I needed a special treat ;). 

They're also great for sharing with new friends to endear yourself to them-hence why I brought along some for my "girl-date" with my boss/friend, Val and our new friend, Evie. They both loved them. Of course!

Something Saturdays (4/8/17)

My obsession with the new Beauty and the Beast movie is still going strong, in case you were wondering. Particularly with Dan Stevens (who plays Beast) and I keep listening to Evermore on loop (but without the Beast voice effects, because I enjoy Dan Stevens) and crying.

Then to lift my spirits I just watch the transformation scene and swoon. Then, on Tuesday, I went and saw it again. I had to.

LOOK AT THE EXPRESSION ON HIS FACE

Anyway...

This week Michael went back to work and school-boo. But, while still on break, on Saturday we had a nice dinner out with my boss, Val, and her husband, Darrin, at Table 6-which was SO GOOD. As always. Monday-Wednesday mostly I just wallowed in my BATB obsession, although I did meet up with one of the brides whose weddings is this month at her venue with some other vendors. Other than that this week has just been boringness and work. And BATB obsessing. 

Creamy Chicken Pasta

I've been doing a lot more experimenting in the kitchen these days when it comes to cooking. Less recipes and more throwing things together. It's a little bit freeing! But...when you throw together the same recipe again and again and you love it and you realize...this recipe must be shared....then you write it down. And take pictures. And share it on your blog. This is what everyone does, right?

Naming recipes is hard. I'm not sure if you're aware of it, but it is. Trying to succinctly but accurately sum up what the recipe is like is SUPER tough! Like this...you pan fry chicken. Then you add the sauce ingredients into the same skillet (thusly using the delicious flavor left over from the chicken) and make a creamy sauce. And you eat it with the cooked pasta and chicken. And it's like...what do you call it? I feel pretty good about Creamy Chicken Pasta, but I don't know-what do you think?

It's really just comfort food. Like super flavorful creamy pasta and crisp chicken...it's a feel-good kind of meal. And I mean...feel free to mix some veggies in if you are so inclined. Personally that sounds terrible to me but I have an unfortunately strained relationship with the vegetables, and if you are one of the lucky people who likes them then I am envious and encourage you to enjoy them in this. Or not. Either way (as long as you like chicken) make it. It's gonna become a new favorite of yours like it is a new favorite of mine!

Something Saturdays (4/1/17)

Happy April Fool's Day! Michael's favorite day and the day I am suspicious of everything lol.

This week has been SO NICE. I love having Michael home!

Last weekend we enjoyed the beautiful weather on Saturday by checking out the patio on a new-to-us restaurant nearby, The Main Street Grille--we loved it and will definitely be back! Then we watched Moana and spent the rest of this week having all the songs in our head.

Monday and Tuesday we went down to Marietta, OH (the oldest city in the state, a super cute small river town). Michael was helping with some trainings for work so I spent my days exploring. I spent most of my time at Front Street, Marietta's downtown. I started with lunch at Boathouse BBQ, a spot right on the river-it was pretty tasty but the view was definitely the selling point. Then I checked out some local shops (SP Curated and The Cook's Shop are a blogger's DREAM!) I also grabbed dessert at The Buckley House and had a chocolate caramel mousse that was TO DIE FOR. When Michael was done with work we had dinner, and he had a beer, at Marietta Brewing Co. (Michael loved their milk stout and grilled chicken sandwich, and I really liked the Brewhouse pizza-it had braised ribs, turkey, bacon, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, and bruschetta...OMG). The next day I had a few chocolates from Putnam Chocolates (I actually wasn't a fan), did some more shopping (Whit & Whimsy was my favorite of the day!), enjoyed the park and saw some steamboats. Before we headed home we got dinner at The Levee House where we both loved our appetizer (fried ravioli and spinach artichoke dip that came with salsa) but were both meh about our entrees (burger and root beer pork). Wednesday, back home, Michael and I spent the whole day shopping/running errands and then had dinner with his family. Thursday his friend David came over and they hung out and also hung up some paintings in our living room. Friday we saw Beauty and the Beast (EEEE!) and did some more shopping. Today we're having dinner with my boss Val and her hubby, and then showing them our house! Fun fun!

Also....we're attempting to decorate and are terrible at it. We like simple, clean, modern decor and it's ridiculously difficult to find what we want apparently. If you have places to shop let me know!

Raspberry Pie

Michael loves pie. Like...on ultimate Pi day, a couple years ago, he was sincerely upset that I hadn't made him pie (oops). He particularly likes fruit pies...which is tricky because I don't really dig fruit pies. So I only make them for him on occasion. Thusly, it's a special event when I do.

Sometimes Michael sits around and questions why certain pies don't exist...and then I tell him they do exist. One time that was grape pie (although admittedly it sounds weird, it apparently exists). And then another time he questioned raspberry pie. Before looking it up, I knew that it wouldn't be difficult-it should be the same premise as blueberry or blackberry pie, and of course I was right and I found various recipes online. So I was a nice lady and made him some raspberry pie. And right before this year's Pi day, so he finally got his Pi day pie. 

It's actually fitting that I share this recipe today, because I'm spending the whole week with Michael while he's on spring break (and he took off from work today-Friday). I so rarely get to spend this much time with him, between work and school (and the fact that on the weekends I am usually working) so this is a special treat! Just like pie :D

Anyway, more about this actual pie. It's my first time making a lattice top crust-I thought it turned out pretty well! You do not have to do a lattice, you can kind of do whatever you'd like. The lattice is so evocative of a classic berry pie though, you know? And I used my favorite butter pie crust recipe which was flaky and delicious. The filling has a pleasant tartness and lots of pure raspberry flavor-I mean the ingredient list for the filling is beautifully short. It's essentially just raspberries, sugar, and cornstarch. I love that, it really let's the raspberries true flavor shine through. Michael was super super happy about this pie, and I bet you will too!

Monthly Meal Plan-April (Easter/Spring)

Wheeeere did March go?? How is it almost gone?! It's already time to prepare for April, which is exciting because April means SPRING! I am so ready and these recipes are here to get us all even more ready!

This month's recipe round up was brought to you by:

The Pajama Chef | Ninja Baker | The Cooking Actress | Pies and Plots | The Spiffy Cookie | Foodtastic Mom | Kelly Lynn's Sweets & Treats | Savory Moments

Something Saturdays (3/25/17)

HOORAY! Today marks the first day of Michael's spring break! I'm so excited to spend lots and lots of time together and hopefully get some stuff done. Yippee! But today I just want to enjoy the nice weather that we're having :)

Rewinding, what did you guys do this week? Monday I took our taxes to Michael's friend (who is also an accountant). Tuesday I got some stuff done and then had a meeting with my boss Val and a wedding photographer whose work we love. Then I had dinner with my mom, which was nice. Wednesday I had another girl date with my boss Val and our friend/fellow wedding professional, Evie--which is way too much fun, always! Everything else this week was fairly chill. 

Half-Fried Chicken and Gravy

The original title of this post was Fried Chicken and Gravy. BUT...it's only kind of fried. It's fried and then baked. And it doesn't taste exactly like straight up fried chicken so...I changed the name to better represent what we're working with here.

Whatever you call it, I will admit that it wasn't quite as crisp as I wanted and...I don't know. The chicken itself wasn't my favorite (but that's just me, goodness knows I'm particular)--but the GRAVY. Oh mama the gravy is goooood.

The gravy is rich, and creamy, and so perfectly flavorful. And when you serve it with chicken and over some mashed potatoes, you are in comfort food heaven. Rainy or cold day? Make some of this. Had a fight with someone you care about? Make some of this. A beloved character on a TV show you love dies? DEFINITELY make some of this!

Something Saturdays (3/18/17)

Happy day after Saint Patty's day! Are you all feeling ok? I hope so! 

I don't really do St. Patrick's Day, but power to all you green-wearing peeps.

So, I did a good amount of work this week-blah. But I also was in the kitchen a fair amount-yay! Michael was out of town for a work conference for a couple days (he left Wednesday night and got back last night) so I missed him a bunch :( To keep my mind off it, on Wednesday I had lunch with my boss/friend, Val, and our new friend and fellow wedding professional (she's an amazing calligrapher-check out Pine Calligraphy on etsy!), Evie, at Sarah's Vineyard. We ate deeeelicious food and had so much fun chatting. Then I went to my friend Kevin's house and played with his sweet spaniel puppers, Tali and Atlas (Tali is a couple years old, Atlas is a new little pup!) Thursday and Friday I just worked, and then I got to be reunited with my Michael on Friday night! Today I'm working and tomorrow I'm also working, but then we're going to a 2 year old's birthday party, yay!

Whole Wheat Burger Buns

I'm going to start off by saying...mmm...these aren't the bestest burger buns. They're delicious bread and they'll work as buns but Michael will attest that they're not very...bun-like. If that makes sense? But he's picky. I know I'd love to eat a sammie on these, and I think you should consider them!

In the scheme of bread recipes, this is pretty standard-not terribly difficult, and not too much rise time. The whole thing should take less than 3 hours. And the rolls are lovely and have a nice balance of whole wheat flavor, without being overwhelming, and a perfect, chewy texture.

I mean...Michael said it was tasty bread. He just wants processed store-bought white buns. *sigh*

Send help.

I want to hear from the masses--what do you think? Would you want to serve your burgers on these buns? If you make them, tell me what you think!

Something Saturdays (3/11/17)

Hiya! It's been a pretty great week. Let's chit chat.

Last Saturday's charity event went great, it was a lot of work but everything went well! Sunday I worked, Monday I got some things done around the house. Also, over the weekend, my brother finally announced (I've been keeping this a secret for nearly 2 months) THAT HE GOT MARRIED. Yepp, my little brother and new sister-in-law eloped on the beach in Hawaii. It was super fast but they're adorable and great for each other and I'm so happy for them. <3 Plus they promised I could plan them a wedding here in October, so, that helps.

Tuesday was a BIG day. I drove down to Columbus to spend the day exploring and eating with my food blog pal Erin of The Spiffy Cookie. She, brilliantly, started off the fun at Katalina's with NUTELLA STUFFED PANCAKE BALLS. Which also came with delicious bacon. This was maybe my favorite thing we ate all day, they were so perfect. Our next stop was an adorable VEGAN (yes, vegan!) bakery called Pattycake Bakery where we shared a cookie and Erin brought home a slice of French toast strawberry stuffed cake. Everything looked and tasted fantastic. After that we did a little walking around/shopping to re-build our appetites, we checked out Elm & Iron, Wholly Craft and Global Gallery. Then, of course, we combined the two by visiting the North Market. I ate a tasty cocoa nib macaron from Pistacia Vera, bought some delicious salsa from a salsa/hot sauce vendor, and Erin and I shared the BeetleCat Coconut Pie Sundae from Jeni's (with the Salty Caramel ice cream) and it was looooovely. Oh and then Erin got $2 taco-tuesday taco from Dos Hermanos and I tried a bite and it was the best taco I've had since Mexico. Amazing. Then we went back to shopping to once again try to rebuild our appetites, but this time in German village, which I'm obsessed with. We started at Helen Winnemore's and then checked out Vernacular (where Erin got a super cool dress and I bought an industrial vase that looked like it was right up my boss' alley so I had to get it for her!) Then we laid eyes on Lindey's, one of Erin's favorite restaurants, and decided to just drop in and share an appetizer of perfect arancini. I absolutely love that restaurant and intend to come back and fully enjoy a meal there on a less food-filled day. Then we spent quite a while exploring ALL of the ABSOLUTELY GIANT Book Loft. I was in awe. We both bought some books (she bought Carrie Fisher's, I bought a 6 pack of Olivia books for a friend's daughter's birthday lol). By the time we finally found our way out of there we were hungry again and finished out the day with burgers and truffle fries from The Crest. It was a perfect day full of so much fun and food! Erin was an amazing guide. (And scroll down to the Instagram highlights to see some pics from the day.)

The rest of the week I just got stuff done at home and worked. And I'm working more this weekend. Blah blah blah.

Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sometimes you eat a delicious (browned butter) chocolate chip cookie (with sea salt on top) and think...you know what could make this better? If there was a salted caramel inside.

And sometimes you get a bag of soft salted caramels for your housewarming. And you know what you have to do.

Now....in a perfect world....there would just be an even layer of caramel in the middle of the entire cookie. In my opinion. But there is something fun about the surprise of a gooey salted caramel right in the middle of your seemingly standard(ish) chocolate chip cookie.

And you impress people when you give them as gifts. I love bringing little treats to my boss and my brides when I'm doing the wedding planning thing-these cookies had the honor of being a shared treat. And everyone who was gifted with them was VERYYY happy :D

They're a fairly sturdy, yet chewy, browned butter chocolate chip cookie with yummy bites of chocolate and sea salt on top (NECESSARY!) and then you get a bit of that chewy, gooey, sweet and salty caramel. When they're warm? TOTAL MAGIC. Messy. But magical!

Something Saturdays (3/4/17)

Hi hi everybody! Happy March! This past week was fairly uneventful for me-I spent a little time doing some work with Perfectly Planned/hanging with my boss. AND we finally got the pictures back from the styled shoot we did. It turned out beaaautifully. You can see some highlights from the gorgeous day here. But here's a little sample:

Vendor credits for this photo: Austin & Rachel: Photographers, Perfectly Planned Wedding and Event Planning, Ashley's Floral LLC, Sitting Pretty Linens, Miller's Party Rental, The Pine Needle Calligraphy, Studio 526 

Last night Michael and I also got dinner after we were both done with work, and I always love our little dates so that was fun :) Today I'm helping my boss out with a charity event for the new Akron Children's Museum so hopefully that goes well! 

What are you up to this weekend? 

Spinach & Artichoke Quesadillas

I adore spinach artichoke dip. Seriously, I'm a big fan. My best friend, Alex, can claim credit for my love since she sort of forced it upon me. We used to go to TGI Friday's and she would insist that we share the spinach artichoke dip, even if I told her I wasn't a fan. She said, "No. You like it and will share with me." And I did like it, and I did share it with her. BUT I do not like to eat it with tortilla chips-I need some sort of bread or flatbread or some such to dip in it, or I'm just not about that life.

Which is the beautiful thing about these quesadillas--you can skip the whole step of dipping. The spinach artichoke yumminess is sandwiched between 2 tortillas and it's all warm and cheesy and tortilla-y and I am a BIG FAN.

The spinach and artichoke dip is super creamy and rich, and comes together on the stove crazy quickly. Then it's just about spreading some on a tortilla, topping with another tortilla, and heating in a skillet until everything is warm and crisp and happy-wonderful. Michael and I both give our seal of approval!

Monthly Meal Plan-March (St. Patrick's Day)

So, we're gonna change up the whole meal plan thing. Up until now we've been giving you weekly meal plans. But now, we're going to do super fun (semi-themed) monthly meal plans!! Yay!

This month's recipe round up was brought to you by:

Savory Moments | The Pajama Chef | Ninja Baker | The Cooking Actress | Pies and Plots | The Spiffy Cookie | Foodtastic Mom | Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats