Baked Hot Chocolate

Just might have to make this Baked Hot Chocolate recipe this weekend.

{Framed Cooks}

Enjoy your sweet selves this weekend!

Ham Delights

There are only a few things that I make in the kitchen that are fabulous.  These ham delights are fabulous.  To further persuade you, I got this recipe a few years ago from my brother and sister in law who just so happen to own my favorite restaurant {shout out to the Mill House!}.  They know good food.  You've likely seen (or even made) a version of these sandwiches before.  I assure you these are worth trying.  They get requested for every party.

Ham Delights

Ingredients:

2 dozen King Hawaiian bread rolls

3/4 lb American cheese

1 lb Shaved ham

1.5 Tbsp Poppy seeds

1 Stick Butter

2 Tbsp Dried Onion

1.5 tsp Worstershire Sauce

Slice the rolls in half.

 

Line up the roll bottoms on a cookie sheet and then top each with ham and then cheese.

Next, combine the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.

Spoon a little of the mixture on top of each slice of cheese.

Now place the tops on each sandwich and spread more of the butter mixture on top of each.

Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes (just until cheese melts) aaaaand eat.

Happy Independence Day

Here in the US everyone is celebrating America's birthday.  Our weekend has consisited of the pool, beach, farmer's market, shopping, bike riding, watching sunsets, fireworks, and A LOT of eating.  Tonight we're grilling bacon wrapped scallops, burgers, & corn on the cob.  And I'll be making this Strawberry Pie for dessert.  I've made it before, and can 100% tell you, it's wonderful.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Monday!

Sweet Tooth?

Has anyone else noticed the outrageous number of drool worthy desserts on Pinterest lately?  It's getting a little ridiculous.  Ya'll need to just cut it out.  It is beach season after all...

Monkey Muffins

Oreo Truffles

Oreo Fudge Brownies

Malaysian Sweet Potato Doughnuts

Hi-Hat Cupcakes

I know you're probably mad at me for sharing these.  But if I'm acting naughty you should be too.

{via Your ECards}

What's For Breakfast?



I was recently turned on to avocado toast. And frankly, there's no turning back now.  It's that good.  I've always struggled with breakfast.  I much prefer a slice of pizza over eggs anyday.  And after so many consecutive days, everything bagels get (gasp!) boring.  This avocado toast recipe posted by Lisa from With Style & Grace is where it's at.  Trust me.

{Originally spotted at Pink Wallpaper.}

Lilly even likes it too.  But she's much more into her cinammon toast, bananas, and greek yogurt. 

And speaking of bananas... did you see this adorable Harry Allen designed banana bowl that Margaret over at Accessories Please shared this week? I really want this. 



Because our bananas are always just laying around on our counter... it's bananas....

Images via With Style & Grace Accessories Please.

Celebration Doughnut Cake

Like doughnuts?  Rose petals?  Love a pretty presentation?  Of course you do.  I think I let out a giant "Guh!" when I came across this guest post over at Mowielicious.  Because that is one hell of a celebration doughnut cake.

And the post even includes a detailed recipe and tutorial.



Though I have to admit that I'd totally just break out the Krispy Kremes on this one. 

Anyway, how perfect would this doughnut cake be for Valentine's day morning with the family??!  So special.  Or for a shower held during brunch hours?  I'm telling you, bookmark this one.  You'll be glad you did.

Images by Souvlaki for the Soul via Mowielicious.

A Game Day Snack

Photography by Pamela Hanson via Design Darling



Oh, hey there! I'm just cooking up a little something special for game day.  While I couldn't care less about the actual Superbowl, I do care a lot about the snacks (are you surprised?).  And tomorrow I'm whipping up a batch of these to nibble on. 

bacon wrapped potato bites

I don't think we can go wrong here.  Just saying...

Pretty Mommy Has Me Cooking Again

Okay, so I have actually cooked since my last recipe post.  And I'm still getting messages from you about that one, so I'd say that my white chicken chili is world famous now- wink wink.  Considering that it will be pretty hard to top, this time I'm sharing a dessert.  I only make these once a year...because I have no self control when they're around.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bon Bons

2 cups creamy peanut butter

1 cup butter (unsalted)

2 lbs (or so) powdered sugar

24 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips

3/4 bar paraffin wax

Load up the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar into an electric mixer.

Combine until smooth.  You may need to add more butter or powdered sugar depending on consistency.  Go ahead and taste test (you know you want to!).

Roll into one inch balls and place on waxed paper.  I recommend putting a toothpick into each one to help with dipping in chocolate later.  Refrigerate for about 2 hours.



Melt the chocolate chips and paraffin until smooth in a double broiler (I don't have one so I made my own).  I wouldn't recommend using your best cookware for this because as you can see it is messy! 



While keeping the mixture warm, dip all but the very top of each ball into the chocolate.  Return to wax paper.

They should look something like this.  Mmmmm.

Chill the bon bons until the chocolate hardens.  Then transfer into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer.  They're ready to serve.

These babies are so ridiculously good, consider yourself warned.  I've already served them at 3 get togethers this week (because one batch makes 100+) and they're always a big hit! 

They would also make a lovely gift for friends and family.  Just package them in pretty boxes tied with ribbon.

If you want to see more recipes, check out the rest of Pretty Mommy's Holiday Recipe Exchange schedule!  Also, today I'm sharing my want/need/read/wear list on Michelle's blog.  Go see.

Dining Alfresco

With the dip in temperature and humidity here in Charleston, I am trying to seize every opportunity I have to enjoy my meals outdoors.  It is the perfect setting, no?

via World in a Paper Cup

via Lonny

All you need are some beautiful linens...

John Robshaw

Festive dishes...

Anthropologie



 A little mood lighting...

Arches Lanterns

A vino pouring...

Jaqk Wine



Some good tunes ...

Ray Charles

And for the love of all that is good, would someone please make these and report back?

recipe via



Happy dining, friends.

I'm Cooking Something GOOD In My Kitchen

I'm thrilled to take part in Pretty Mommy's Fall Recipe Exchange.  I've already gathered some great recipes, and today I'm happy to share my own. 
This past weekend I got busy in my kitchen whipping up our family favorite, white chicken chili.  This is no ordinary white chicken chili.  This is the best white chicken chili you will ever have.  Trust me.  Make this.  Your family and guests will love you all the more for it. 

Before we begin, gather your ingredients:

1 T olive oil
4-5 cloves garlic
1 t ground cumin
1 1/2 t dried oregano
1/4 t cayenne
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
(2) 4 ounce cans chopped green chilis
(2) 16 ounce cans great northern beans
6 cups chicken stock (I like the low sodium version)
2-3 cups shredded monterey jack cheese

Let the goodness begin.

In a large pot, heat oil to med/high.  Then get to grating your garlic and add it in.

 (Note: I can't believe I'm posting a photo of my profile.  I must really love you all.  Or the soup.)

Next, add the chilis, chicken, oregano, cayenne, and cumin.

(That's my husband's arm.  Mine are not that hairy.)

(You can certainly boil up your own chicken and broth, but I like to use a rotisserie from the deli.)

Now you'll want to let this saute and get all lovey in the pot, about 2 minutes.  You wish your screen had scratch-n-sniff capabilites right now.

(Mmmm.)

Next, grab your beans and give them a good rinse.

Add 'em to the pot.

Let the stock join in on the fun too.

Give it all a good stir.  Bring to a boil and then simmer covered for about 1.5 - 2 hours.  All the magic is happening here.  Good things.

(Nevermind that the lid isn't on the pot here.)

It'll begin to look something like this.

When you've decided it has cooked long enough and you must have a bowl, turn off the heat and stir in about 2 cups of cheese (if you dare).

Babies will eagerly eat it up.  Husbands will declare you a better cook than your mother-in-law (maybe not).  Guests will throw galas in your honor (probably not).

Garnish with more cheese and serve with garlic herb buttered toasts.  Dig in.

You can stop here.  Or, if you're really daring, you'll try these bacon chocolate chip cookies.  Yes, bacon chocolate chip cookies. 

Grab some pre-packaged chocolate chip cookie dough and form your cookies.  Fry up some bacon.  The trick is to get it really, really crispy.  You'll probably need to dry it out a little in the oven.  Crumble the bacon into tiny pieces and place on a plate.  Dip one side of the cookies in the bacon and lay on a cookie sheet (bacon side down).

Bake them per your cookie label's instructions.

Sweet and salty goodness, folks!

Thanks for joining me today.  You really can't go wrong with the chicken chili.  It'll warm your pretty tootsies this fall.  Also, be sure to check out Rebecca's blog tomorrow for another tasty dish!