Miniature Doughnuts

I had another post all lined up and pictures taken for chocolate & caramel thumbprint cookies then decided I didn't deem them postable because I had messed around with the recipe and the caramel filling was to stiff and dry after a few hours. I will be working on that recipe a little more before I share it with you. But this one...this one is so so yummy and it doesn't require doughnut pan but they're baked!

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Peter Rabbit Cupcakes

This post is sort of unusual because 1. I used a box mix, 2. I used a can of frosting, 3. because I used a box mix there were about 24 cupcakes. I usually try to make no more than 6 or 10 cupcakes. I'm pretty sure I have a recipe on the site that makes four. :) But I thought this would be a fun idea for an Easter dessert with the "carrot" in the middle of the "garden". Also, what's my favorite thing about a recipe? It's customizable! Yay!

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Meatless Monday! Baked Potato Nachos

Don't these look fun? We actually served them with a salad to round out the meal and it was delicious! Baked potatoes are so versatile and this recipe is no exception. You could definitely change it to a sweet potato if you want too or take off or add something, of course. This is also a great recipe to make for kids to get them to eat more vegetables. 

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Fauxreos

I have the same memories as most people of dipping Oreos in milk then eating them when I was younger. I'm also a big fan of eating the outside cookie then the filling. I'm a methodical eater though. You can always tell what I like the best because I eat save some of it for last. It's also true when it comes to candy, I eat the colors I like the least first. Oreos is in their 100th year and they came out with birthday Oreos. Have you tried them?

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French Pistachio Buttercreams

These buttercreams remind of macaroons. I've never actually made them, but I've always wanted too. I suppose I could, I just need to take the time. On the site where I found this recipe, the reviews are mixed but mostly positive. I find that with most recipe there are a few people that dislike it because you can't please everyone. So, I decided to give it a try and I'm glad I did.

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Cranberry & Pecan Granola Bites

Cranberries and pecans go together like peanut butter and jelly in my mind. They just work so well in every dish, whether it's pancakes, bread, a salad, or granola bars. I recently tried Trader Joe's cranberries and they had a great flavor and were really plump. I didn't use those in these bars though, but I bet they would be really good. If you feel like you need a snack that's not so bad for you that fits in a small container in your purse they may be it. They're filled with cranberries, pecans, flax seed, and oatmeal.

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Meatless Monday! Quinoa & Potato Croquettes

Salsa is one of my favorite condiments ever! I'm calling it a condiment because it's not healthy to call it a side dish but that's how I like it :). I picked up a jar of Renfro's salsa at the grocery store and was so excited I was absentmindedly talking to the salsa about how good it was going to be in everything I put it on. Yup,  love it. So, I made these pretty little croquettes then happily topped them with some sour cream and salsa. Want to know how I made them?

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Have leftover bananas? Banana Creme Brulee is your answer.

I love creme brulee in any flavor. I also make a mean espresso creme brulee. But I had some leftover bananas and although banana bread was enticing I decided to make this instead. I don't remember ever experiencing this dessert until college and when I did I loved it. You know everyone's favorite part is the crunchy, sweet topping that they can crack with a spoon. Yup, that's mine too! Of course, in combination with the creamy, not quite as sweet dessert itself.

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Pistachio Profiteroles

Most people are leaning towards mint or green dye for St. Patrick's Day desserts but I thought pistachios would be fun since they're naturally green too! A profiterole is basically a small cream puff but it's fun to say and it looks fancy :). These take some time (mostly waiting time between tasks) but it's worth it. My sister will be so sad when she sees these because she doesn't get to try any because they don't mail well :( , profiteroles are one of her favorite desserts. I also made these in Shamrock shapes (see picture below) and they were pretty fun too, although I now know why it's not common to see them in that shape :) (hint: I can make beautiful profiterole flowers in the spring)

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Cinnamon Doughnuts with Hot Chocolate Sauce

Sometimes you just feel like eating a doughnut. Me? I usually feel like eating a doughnut. They are so soft and sweet and delicious, why would you not want to. And...what makes doughnuts better? Sauce, chocolate sauce that is in particular. This reasoning is similar to bacon makes everything better except since I don't eat bacon then chocolate makes everything better. It makes sense to me. :)

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Meatless Mondays! Spicy Tofu Hotpot

Spicy Tofu Hotpot has been a menu staple in our house for years. It's good the first day and better the second day and we have it every few weeks. We have been planning a weekly menu for years so that we only go shopping once week. Part of that was out of necessity because we had to drive 30 minutes for a decent grocery store and part of it was to save money. Now we live close to a variety of stores but we still try to maintain the once a week shopping and of course still make our menus each week. There are a few dishes that are in the rotation and this is one of them.

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Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are a basic cookie, almost a sugar cookie, but just a little bit more. Growing up they were a favorite with my whole family and we made them a lot. It must be the soft and fluffy inside and the crisp outside that makes everyone love them, and the light cinnamon flavor of course. I haven't made them in what might be a month of Sundays but recently I decided I really had a taste for them. 

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Peanut Butter & Banana Brownie Bites

As you can tell lately I've been on a peanut butter kick. I'm a pretty big fan. I keep buying small jars though because as soon as I buy a large one then I won't want it anymore. It always happens that way. We also pretty much always have bananas around the house and so I decided to make these. They're pretty easy and make a nice presentation for a small party. The recipe only makes 10 but you could always double it if you wanted too :).

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Oatmeal Monster Cookie Bars

My husband is a huge fan of Monster Mix or really any trail mix in general. I like some types more than others but I really do enjoy Monster Mix. Coincidentally I do not like M&M's, at least until I tried the dark chocolate ones...His favorite M&M's are the dark chocolate peanut ones. That was my first introduction to the dark ones and I kinda liked them. Then I found the regular ones and although you won't see me popping a handful in my mouth I really enjoy them in baked goods or trail mix (of course).

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