Fried {Mini} Chocolate Hazelnut Pies

I've never deep fried anything before. I'd been afraid. 1-will it be messy? 2-Gah that's a lot of wasted oil. 3-Oh man...that sounds like a dangerous thing to be able to do at home. But, now I've deep fried some stuff and I can say--it's not that messy. But yes to the rest of the above. However? Still so worth it. For these little pies alone.

I got it into my head that I wanted fried little pies filled with chocolate hazelnut spread (which most people know by the most common brand name, "nutella", but I love to use PB & Co's Chocmeister Dark Chocolatey Hazelnut Spread). This idea was so pervasive (but not in a preggo-craving kind of way, more in a oooh that's a good idea kind of way) that I finally decided to do it. I used my favorite all butter pie crust recipe (which always gives me super buttery and flaky crust), filled it with the chocolate hazelnut spread, folded it over and sealed it, fried it, topped it with powdered sugar and....HOLY MOLY.

The pie crust was all flaky and fried with just enough sweetness, thanks to the powdered sugar, and then when you bite into it and get that rich and warm chocolate hazelnutty deliciousness....it's like an experience. I feel like they'd totally be served in some hip cafe or restaurant. I got myself downright addicted and ate probably more than I'd care to admit. They were so good. I think everyone should try them at least once-that's my official recommendation. :P

Monthly Meal Plan-September (Tailgaiting)

TODAY IS MY BABY SHOWER! But, while I'm enjoying that, I've also got you covered for all your September recipe needs with this month's round up.

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

Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck | Kelly Lynn's Sweets & Treats | Savory Moments | The Pajama Chef | The Cooking Actress | Pies and Plots | The Spiffy Cookie

Something Saturdays (8/26/17)

Well this week was fairly boring-I've spent the whole time getting prepared for my baby shower tomorrow. Today I'll be doing lots more prepping (and baking) and tomorrow is the big day. I'm so excited!

Posts from this week 
Homemade Mocha Pudding

Recipes from the blog that I made this week
Extra Flaky Biscuits

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Creamy Chicken and Biscuits

 

Salted Caramel Sauce

Recent links bookmarked (visit my Pinterest for more)

Fluffy Whole Wheat Waffles (Sally's Baking Addiction)

Movies/TV Talk (assume there'll be spoilers)
Game of Thrones-I'm so bored with everything at Winterfell right now. But omigosh poor little (not so little) Viserion! At least Dany and Jon just keep getting cuter and cuter (forgetthatsheshisauntforgetthatsheshisaunt).

Younger-Gahhh Liza don't listen to anyone, you and Charles are clearly meant to be together!

Homemade Mocha Pudding

Michael asked me to buy him pudding cups for work. I groaned and asked if I had to and he asked why and I told him how unhealthy they are and can't I just make you pudding instead??

"...Oh. Yeah. You can do that."

"OOOOOH can you make me mocha pudding?"

So here we are.

Fun fact: homemade pudding really isn't tough to make. And this one in particular is ultra easy-there aren't even any egg yolks involved! And actually...I mean...in the scheme of desserts...it's not that bad for you. Really. Could be way worse-and it's definitely sooo much better than all the junk they put in the processed stuff. I'm totally gonna be "that mom" guys. #sorrynotsorry

Also, I can personally attest that this makes really delicious just chocolate pudding as well-you just need to omit the espresso/coffee powder portion of it. Then it's yummalicious chocolate pudding! It's thick and comforting and tasty. And hilarious how you can serve it in a little cup or bowl with a spoon and think of being a child, or all fancied up in little glasses with whipped cream and feel sophisticated. Life's all about perspective, ya know?

Homemade Mocha Pudding

Adapted from Foodie with Family

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 and 1/2 tsp. instant espresso or coffee granules
• 3 cups milk (any kind you prefer)
• 5 oz. dark, semisweet, or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Optional-whipped cream and grated or shaved chocolate, for serving

Preparation:

• In a dry, heavy bottomed, 2 quart saucepan whisk together the cornstarch, sugar, cocoa powder, kosher salt, and coffee granules-making sure to get any big lumps worked out.
• Slowly add a little bit of the milk at a time, whisking after each addition until combined, until it is all thoroughly incorporated and smooth. 
• Turn of medium heat and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Once it boils, still whisk constantly and boil for about 2 minutes or until thickened. 
• Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate and vanilla extract, whisking slowly until everything is fully melted and combined-when it has darkened and turned glossy.
• Pour immediately into serving containers or storage container(s). You can serve hot or lay a piece of plastic directly on the surface of the pudding and transfer carefully to the refrigerator (it will be hot!). Chill for at least 2 hours or store for up to 4 days (pudding may start to separate a bit in the fridge, just give it a good stir before serving). 
• If desired, serve with whipped cream and chocolate garnish. 

Might I entice you to try a bite? 

Something Saturdays (8/19/17)

The wedding I did last weekend with Perfectly Planned was awesome (two words: S'MORES BAR. With homemade marshmallows!) Then, Sunday, Michael and I just got stuff done at home (which included some setting up of the nursery which was so exciting). I had a photo shoot on Monday (uh hi apparently it's been a minute since I modeled because I feel like I look so old-and huge but I know I know I'm preggo-in the pics I saw. But, c'est la vie! Tuesday I had a dentist appointment and other than that I just worked on getting some cleaning and baking and such worked on to prepare for the baby shower (WHICH IS ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW!) which is also what I did the rest of the week.

Today I'm working and then going to a dinner with a bunch of family! What are you plans?

Additionally, Tina Fey in this clip is me. I am her. Get yo'self some cake.

Extra Crispy Baked French Fries

I meeeean....we all love french fries, right?? But generally frying them is a messy and unhealthy thing we don't wanna mess with at home. That's why baked fries are so awesome--but I feel like they're never quite crispy and flavorful enough...

until now!

The two things that really help crisp these fries up is soaking them in water (this helps get some of the starch out, which gets a crispier result) and making sure to dry them after that. As far as flavor goes that's on you: salt the heck out of 'em. Put some truffle oil and parmesan cheese on them (that's what I diiiid!). Do garlic or a spice blend. Whatever makes your french fry loving heart happy.

Have I told you all my french fry shame? The kind of gross way I used to eat (specifically McDonald's) french fries as a kid? I used to....*deep breath* suck off the salt and then dip them in ketchup. They were soggy and gross and I don't know what was wrong with me....I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I was a weird kid with weird food habits.

I'm a changed lady, now, and am in fact a bit of a french fry snob. These were definitely the best fries I've ever baked at home and they will be getting made again (so that Michael can actually try them because I maaaay have eaten them all before he got home. Oops!)

Something Saturdays (8/12/17)

I got a lot of stuff done this week-some cooking and making phone calls, stuff like that. But I had lots else happen too! Last weekend Michael and I traded in his dying 2003 Honda for a new Subaru Forester that we're leasing (aka I got a mom car lol). I love it so much and spent so much time playing around with it, Michael's enjoying getting my Elantra to himself now (since it's 2015 it's still so much nicer than what he was driving). The wedding I worked afterwards went great and I have another one today, yay! On Sunday, Michael had to study for his big comprehensive exam (he needed to pass in order to graduate from his master's program in December) but we also ran an errand, grabbed dinner with friends, annnnnd wandered into Target and bought our baby 6 adorable outfits. I did some maternity clothes shopping and got some super cute stuff on Monday (Michael also took his exam and passed! Woo!). Tuesday we had a pre-baptism class at our church and it was actually surprisingly nice. Friday I bought some more stuff for baby (who can resist!?) and then had a girls night with my boss, Val, and our mutual friend Evie. It was so nice!

Did you have a good week?

Baby Update -- 20/21 Weeks

How far along: Currently 21 (and a half) weeks

Due Date: December 15, 2017

Baby's Size: According to my app, about 10.5 inches and 12.7 oz.

Total weight gain/loss: I've gained about 5 pounds.

Maternity clothes: Still wearing some normal clothes, but it's getting more difficult. Still liking these jeans from Target and I have a newfound love for stuff from Wren and Ivory. I also went on a mini shopping spree and got some tops, a dress, and a bra from Motherhood Maternity.

Stretch marks: Not yet!

Sleep: Pretty good.

Best moment of this week: Finding out the gender-everything feels so much more concrete! And seeing it on the ultrasound-at one point I could feel and see it jerking around at the same time, so surreal <3 I also had fun shopping at Motherhood Maternity, hehe. Oh! And a bunch of stuff off our registry is starting to get purchased so that's fun!

Miss anything: Not having to essentially buy a whole new wardrobe lol. So I miss money.

Movement: Yepp! Started feeling it a couple weeks ago. He's getting pretty active lately.

Food cravings: Nothing in particular.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really! Just the normal stuff I've never liked lol.

Have you started to show yet: Yepp I am definitively showing now! It feels like all of a sudden I got huge lol--in fact, since that picture above was taken I'm pretty sure I'm already bigger.

Gender: 

IT'S A BOY! Even though I was in no way sure, there was a part of me (and Michael) that felt like we were having a girl, and the vast majority of friends family felt the same so we were a little shocked when the tech told us that we're having a boy! And apparently he was quite proud to show that he is, in fact, a boy lol. We're so excited!

Labor signs: Noooo.

Belly button in or out: Still an innie!

Wedding rings on or off: On, but I can feel it getting a bit more snug.

Happy or moody most of the time: Mostly happy happy happy!

Looking forward to: More movement and the baby shower-it's in about 2 and a half weeks!

Something Saturdays (8/5/17)

Woo! This week feels like it's been so busy! Last weekend was my family's family reunion, which is always lots of fun-and there were a couple babies there to play with this year so Michael and I were extra happy. Monday I got some stuff done at home and then also hung out a little with Michael's mom and sister (and her friend, Allie). Tuesday I, again, just got some stuff done. Wednesday was exciting because my friend Kevin took me along with him to the Shawn Mendes concert in Cleveland (with Charlie Puth as the opening act). We were in the fourth row and it was AMAZING. It was both of our first concerts and it was an awesome experience. They were both great, the music wasn't overly loud, my only complaint was how old I felt surrounded my squealing teenaged fangirls lol. Thursday I got more stuff done and then spent some time with Michael's mom, grandparents, and aunt. This was all to help keep my mind off how anxious I was for FRIDAYYY--when we learned the baby's gender!!! Check back for a pregnancy update on Wednesday for more about that lol. But then I ended up spending time with Michael's dad and stepmom and having dinner with them, which was super nice.

And today I'm working a wedding-so all good things!

Butterfinger Oatmeal Cookies

I don't hate these pictures! It's a miracle!! I've been sort of ho hum on my food photography lately-as I'm sure you can probably tell. But I had a bit of inspiration with the styling for this one and the light decided to cooperate so I can show you these cookies in all their glory.

Chewy oatmeal cookies full of crunchy bites of Butterfinger=perfection!! I made these for Michael to bring to work one day for some sort of party or something that they were having. I will admit that I think my oats may have been stale and thusly I wasn't in love with the cookie I sampled before sending them off, which made me super worried. But Michael insisted they were tasty and all his coworkers raved about them soooo....I have no idea. I'm sure the recipe is still great--but just for safety, make sure your oats aren't expired...ha.

Seriously, these are an ideal cookie for bringing to parties or mailing in care packages since they're pretty sturdy and the nature of the oats and butterfinger bits means they're super delish at room temperature (as opposed to my own personal preference of cookies being warm and gooey, usually). Plus-almost everyone loves butterfingers. Can you say "crowd pleaser"??

Monthly Meal Plan-August (Back to School)

Say it ain't so!! It's almost August, which means summer is almost over! But don't worry-we have you set with simple recipes that should be perfect for all the busy days ahead.

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

The Spiffy Cookie | Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck | Kelly Lynn's Sweets & Treats | Savory Moments | The Pajama Chef | The Cooking Actress | Pies and Plots

Something Saturdays (7/29/17)

Hello hello, another work-less week passed for me. The baby is getting bigger, though, and I've been feeling it move more and more-Michael was even able to feel it move once earlier this week.

Last weekend we had a pool party at my Grandma's, which is always fun. Monday I visited my cousin and her baby (the sweetest, happiest little girl, I swear!) Tuesday I didn't do much but I did visit a bit with my little sister-in-law when I went to pick up a pie from Michael's mom's house. Wednesday I spent the day with my friend Jenna in Hudson, walking around and shopping. We also had a DELISH lunch/dinner at Peachtree Southern Kitchen. I had fried chicken and biscuits with gravy, she had chicken and waffles, and then we shared beignets for dessert.

I've also been getting my hands on baby photos to use for a baby shower game-which led to me making this collage of my mom, brother, and I as babies. Too funny!

Thursday was uneventful, then Friday I went and visited with Michael's mom and sister for his mom's birthday (and he joined when he got home from work). Today we're just getting stuff done at home, pretty uneventful! What are you doing?

Peanut Butter S'mores Skillet Brownie

So this was supposed to be a Peanut Butter S'mores Pizookie--which is a copycat from a place called BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse. However...this didn't exactly end up being close enough for me to call it that--I made a slight mistake and did a skillet brownie instead of cookie. So-it's not the same. BUT it is YUMALICIOUS and perfectly deserving of its own title. So PB S'mores Skillet Brownie, here we are!

Essentially we have a super fudgy and dense and chocolatey brownie (with chocolate chips/chunks) baked in a skillet. THEN there's a layer of peanut butter. THEN we put some marshmallows on top and get 'em all toasty. And the result is gooey and rich and really just awesome.

Michael would've liked this better if it had just been the brownie and peanut butter without the toasted marshmallows...because I've married a weirdo. BUT-more for me!!! Even though this is a medium sized skillet brownie...and even though I'm pregnant (although honestly my appetite has gone down if anything so far)-I did not finish the whole thing in one sitting! I cut off little wedges to eat over the course of a few days. But if you eat it all at once I will do nothing but love and admire you.

I mean...it's messy. And gooey. As all the tastiest things are!

Something Saturdays (7/22/17)

Last Saturday's wedding with Perfectly Planned was beautiful and went flawlessly!! And, on the topic, the styled shoot we did a few months back has been featured on Cake and Lace (if you like prettiness you should check it out!) 

Sunday Michael had a paper to write but every one of his aunts and uncles from his mom's side of the family were in town and at his grandpa's house (his mom has 10 siblings and their pretty scattered, so it's a big deal when everyone is in one place at one time)--largely because his aunt and new baby cousin were in town so everyone wanted to see the baby. So-I went without him, and it was so nice to see everybody (and get some baby cuddles)! 

My Barefoot wine work schedule is "currently on hold" (ask me how annoyed I am by that) so I'm currently not able to work until that's taken care of, so I spent most of the week just getting some stuff around the house done, making a few recipes for this blog (yay!), and generally relaxing and being lazy lol. Tuesday I did get to spend some time with our friend and his 3 daughters (the twins were a couple of our flower girls) because he had them for the week. And Thursday I got to spend a little time with my friend Molly and check out her amazing new dance/performing arts studio that she opened (if you're in the Canton area, I hiiighly recommend Inspire Performing Arts Center!) Today is a rare Saturday where...I'm doing nothing! So I'm going to enjoy it!

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here it is--my first recipe that I've made and photographed for the blog since that darned first trimester fatigue/nausea hit me. And-of course-the lighting was not my friend. So...sorry about the pictures. Bear with me.

Now the important thing here is HOW GOSH DARN TASTY these are. They're are super duper peanut buttery, very very flavorful-and there's no flour or butter. Lots of winning. Full disclosure, though--forming the dough into balls was THE BIGGEST PAIN IN MY BUTT. They were so crumbly and it was rough. Now-this may be partly because I used PB & Co peanut butter which I thought wouldn't count as natural peanut butter but...maybe it did and affected the texture. I couldn't tell you. But but but seriously they're so yummy.

Michael was a giant fan of these cookies-they got sent in his lunches every day (I love that I'm already well versed in packing lunches before even having given birth) and they were perfect for my occasional peanut butter cravings (which I'm attributing to the fact that I haven't been eating a ton of meat since getting pregnant so I probably needed the protein.) Whatever reason you may have for wanting them, you won't be sorry you made these cookies. Even if you're cursing their existence when you're scooping and shaping them :P

Something Saturdays (7/15/17)

This has been a pretty good week, actually! Busy but not overwhelmingly so-the perfect balance :).

Saturday night, Michael and I ended up checking out a new restaurant that just opened near us (Walther's Twin Tavern) and had a  super nice evening. Sunday we slept in and then got some things done around the house-such as putting together our new end table. Monday I checked out a sale and bought a ton of cloth diapering things before coming home and cooking. Tuesday and Wednesday I just got some stuff done (although I also, briefly, saw Michael's cousin for a bit on Wednesday). Thursday I hung out a little with my cousin before cleaning the kitchen (which I despise because of how quickly it gets dirty again). Friday I worked. Today I have a wedding-the better kind of work! 

Baby Update -- 17 Weeks

How far along: 17 Weeks (I'll be 18 weeks on Friday, though)

Due Date: December 15, 2017

Baby's Size: 5.1 inches, 5 oz. (According to my app, it's the size of a white onion.)

Total weight gain/loss: Nothing, so far!

Maternity clothes: Mostly still in normal clothes, but I do have a pair of maternity jeans from Target that I LOOOVE.

Stretch marks: So far, none. Still early, though!

Sleep: Pretty great currently, although I have to wake up A LOT to pee-which is concerning considering I know it's going to get worse lol.

Best moment of this week: Going to the doctor's on Friday and hearing the baby's heartbeat with Michael. And buying pretty much everything I need for cloth diapering (although I did not love the price tag attached...I have to keep reminding myself that I would've spent that in a few months of disposable diapers!) I also found a pediatrician for the baby so that's a relief to have taken off my to-do list!

Miss anything: Being able to just eat stuff and not wondering about if I'm actually going to want it--I'm closer to normal now than I was in my 1st trimester but still not the same. Mainly meat has been tricky.

Movement: Nothing yet *sigh*

Food cravings: Meh nothing in particular. No more than usual, anyway haha.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not right now!

Have you started to show yet: Just got a little bump in the last couple weeks.

Gender: Gahh don't know yet.

Labor signs: Nononooo

Belly button in or out: Still in.

Wedding rings on or off: On at the moment.

Happy or moody most of the time: I've been lucky-I'm pretty happy and calm for the most part!

Looking forward to: Baby shower planning stuff, eventually feeling the baby move, and finding out the baby's gender next month!

Something Saturdays (7/8/17)

Holiday weeks are fun weeks. Holiday weeks are exhausting weeks. Saturday I was the head coordinator for a wedding that was lovely, but far away lol. Sunday I went to church with Michael and his cousin and her husband who are visiting from out of town, and then we all got brunch before coming home for me to be tired and Michael to write a paper for school. Monday I worked. Tuesday we celebrated the 4th with a pool party at my grandma's, which was fun! Wednesday I spent the day hanging with Michael's aforementioned cousin, and we had an awesome time. Thursday I just got some stuff done at home, and yesterday I had a doctor's appointment (baby is doing well!) and then I worked. Today is more work and then, *shrug*. We'll see! How did you all spend your holiday?

Something Saturdays (7/1/17)

Hi hi hi! It's July July July!

I've had a pretty cool weekend. Last weekend was nice, I did a little shopping with the hubby hubs (got a few things we needed-an end table, a drill, a patio umbrella...stuff like that). Then Sunday we spent the whole day together: we went to church, breakfast, got Michael a new phone, got ice cream, then came home and watched a movie and hung out. On Monday I ran a couple errands (and found this amazing place called The Breastfeeding Center that has SO MUCH information and amazing products, I just wish I didn't live 30 minutes away from it!) and then hung out in the evening with Michael's mom and sister and then later on he joined us, as did his aunt and cousin. Tuesday my boss and I got dinner and then went to our monthly collaborative networking group. Wednesday Michael's stepmom took me out to Chagrin Falls for a day of fun, burgers, and Jeni's ice cream. Then we hung out with Michael's dad for a bit before getting some wood fired pizza. Thursday I just did boring work. Yesterday I went to the rehearsal for today's wedding-of which I'm the head coordinator! So it's gonna be a cuhraaaazy day. But tomorrow I get to just recover :)

What are your weekend plans?

Monthly Meal Plan-July (Patriotic/Cookout)

We are deep into summer and I am HAPPYYYY. This is a time for fun! And these recipes are for those fun times <3

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

Pies and Plots | The Spiffy Cookie | Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck | Kelly Lynn's Sweets & Treats | Savory Moments | The Pajama Chef | The Cooking Actress