February5

These Chocolate Almond Meringue Cookies are light as air and so very sweet… just like being in love!
Deliciously rich chocolate blended with almond butter holds the two cloud-like meringue cookies together. Oh, and they are gluten-free!

If you’ve never made meringue before here are a few important things to remember:
- Make this recipe when it’s not humid or rainy. Moisture makes meringues sticky.
- The egg whites should be at room temperature so you get more volume.
- Use superfine sugar so it dissolves easily into the egg whites.
- Make sure the beaters and bowls are grease free.
- Always beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together before adding the sugar.
- Add the sugar slowly… very slowly… so the meringue fluffs up.
- Use parchment paper when baking the meringues so they don’t stick to the sheet pan.

I tinted the meringue for the Chocolate Almond Meringue Cookies with food coloring and added raspberry flavoring. Cherry, strawberry or even vanilla would pair nicely with the chocolate almond filling.
You’ll fall in love with these little bites of heaven. Get the recipe here!

November28
This is a great idea for when you have a lot of leftovers:
Set up the BEST BAKED POTATO BAR EVER.
A lot of us (especially kids) love a good Baked Potato Bar… and with leftovers in your fridge, dinner is almost ready.
Pull out leftover taco meat and the steamed veggies. Chop up the remaining rotisserie chicken and warm it up. Got some salsa? Add that, too.
I’ve never tried leftover pie on a baked potato, but, heck, why not? Don’t forget the whipped cream!
Here are a few more suggestions for your potato bar buffet:
- Chopped crispy bacon, feta cheese, steamed broccoli
- Shredded rotisserie chicken, salsa, cilantro, sliced jalapenos
- Taco-seasoned ground beef, Monterrey Jack cheese, chopped tomatoes,
- Canned chili (or homemade, if you’ve got it!), shredded Cheddar cheese, diced onions
- Pepperoni slices, pasta sauce, Mozzarella cheese, shredded basil leaves
So think: Thanksgiving Leftovers = Baked Potato Bar
For more ideas on how to achieve Baked Potato Perfection, click here!
November24
Making Monday’s evening meal meatless is a great way to feel a little less guilty for any weekend over-indulgence.

Using what you’ve already got in the fridge makes it a double bonus… it helps you get rid of those leftovers!
I came up with this recipe for Baked Quinoa and Carrot Fritters using leftover quinoa and sautéed carrots. I’ve also made something similar with leftover brown rice. It makes a great vegetarian dinner or a side dish.
And even thought I’ve called these “fritters,” technically they’re not because they’re baked not fried.
Click here to see the rest of my post and get the recipe!
November21

Chermoula is the most delicious sauce you’ve never tasted.
Born in Morocco, this somewhat spicy, lemony sauce goes well with everything: fish, chicken, grilled meats… even veggies. Learn more about this delicious condiment and, of course, how to make Chermoula. Click here to get the recipe!