Shortbead and Raspberry Linzer Cookies [Valentine's Day 2014]

Nothing says Valentine's Day like sweet treats. Cookies, chocolate, cakes whatever. I decided to go with fairly light tasting cookies because let's be serious, chocolate cake stuck in your teeth is not sexy. But you know what is? Ina Garten. Well, Ina's shortbread cookie recipe, with that much butter 'How bad can that be?' hahaha I'm a loser, but these cookies are not!

Chardonnay Braised Chicken Thighs [Valentine's Day 2014]

I'm really sorry about the silence the last few days. I've had some issues with Blogger and I'm taking actions on the back end to move to Wordpress in the next month or so.

To pick up where I left off last week, today's post is the perfect main course for Valentine's Day dinner. Dinner for two, or dinner for the whole family It's a perfect one-pot meal, although paired with chunky mashed potatoes and a lemon vinaigrette salad is how I serve it.

A Note

Seriously blogger, you suck. I've been having an issue since last week where I haven't been able to upload photos or publish posts, I think I have it figured out now. Be back to tomorrow!

Jalapeno and Cotija Cheese Crisps [Valentine's Day 2014]

Like most new parents, ever since having Emma we don't really get out for date night very often. But when we do, I really love squeezing every last minute of our time together. Drinks and appetizers are almost as good if not better than a full dinner sometimes. I think it allows you to slow down, talk and take small bites. drinks and appetizers also say the night has just begun instead of the rush halfway through dinner panicking that you've been out too late and you have to relieve the babysitter. We do not go out to a restaurant for Valentine's Day, ever. 

Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons [Valentine's Day 2014]

Come back every day this week for a different recipe or idea to help you celebrate Valentine's Day. Today's recipe is also perfect for meatless Mondays.

As a kid, valentine's day was not just celebrated between my parents, my mom always made it a point to make it fun and sweet for me too. For years, I would anticipate coming home from school to a little red tin filled with foil-wrapped chocolate hearts from See's. In the years since I've left college and have been in the working world, on the 14th day of February, a little bouquet of flowers has always been delivered to my office. As a mom myself now, I want to follow in my own mother's footstep in creating special little traditions that will be our own.

Weekly Wrap-Up 01.24.14

I can't believe January is almost over. I remember when I was a kid the days, weeks, months and years all seemed to go by so slow; and now, I will them to slow down. This week has been great, we've had amazing sunny and warm weather, I've made a few little purchases for our home and have been indulging in weekly fresh flowers to brighten up a few places throughout the house. There's something about waking up and seeing a few beautiful (and fragrant) blooms bedside to start the day in a good mood. This weekend I hope to do some grilling, and I'd like to take a little walk through our downtown farmer's market in the hopes of finding some really good seasonal produce.

Have a great weekend friends, and come back everyday next week for recipes and ideas that will be perfect for valentine's day!


photo of Julia Child by her husband, Paul via. Graphic by me

Crispy Potato Tacos



If there is any food that can get you to overeat it's these crispy potato tacos. And I don't mean over eat like you had one too many slices of pizza, or you ate an entire bag of chips during an episode of Downton. I'm talking about I just ate 7 tacos in one sitting and I'm thinking of a way to sneak another one after Emma's bath kind of overeating.