Mint Mocha Frappuccino

“I feel the need”…”the need for speed.”  Can you guess what movie those lines are from?  I love playing this game.     😉  (See below for the answer).  I’m furiously decorating the tree and the house for Christmas.  (Yes, we are one of those who got our tree the weekend before Thanksgiving since it’s so late this year.  Don’t judge us.     😉 )  I needed a little pick-me up.  Coffee to the rescue!  I wanted a coffee with some holiday flair to it, to match my festive mood, more than the standard Cafe Frappe (aka Greek iced coffee). Candy …

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Pasta With Tomato Cream Sauce

I can’t believe it’s Thanksgiving this week.  Where did the year go?  If you’re like me, you’re running around trying to get things ready around the house, whether you’re hosting or visiting for the holiday.  My husband and I are going to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving day and to my husband’s mom’s house the day after.  I’m in charge of bringing dessert so I’ve been baking my heart away this past weekend. Since I’m short on time (more than usual) I needed to whip up dinner quickly and I wanted something that didn’t resemble turkey and trimmings (because I …

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Maple Cake

Last month my husband and I had a lovely vacation in Quebec City, Quebec.  Most of the bakeries and patisseries there have a great selection of maple flavored cookies, chocolate, and candy. Since we’ve been back, I’ve been craving maple flavored desserts so this maple cake is just want I wanted. This maple cake is a lightly sweetened maple cake covered with a sweet layer of maple icing. Maple Cake Recipe (Makes 16 servings) Ingredients for Cake: 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1 cup (equivalent to 2 sticks) …

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Italian Tortellini Soup

What is your favorite food to whip up when you have a hungry crowd?  Lately, my go-to quick fix is some kind of soup.  It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on these cold days.  I mentioned the other day that my dad was visiting to help me and my husband with a few household chores.  I don’t know about you, but I tend to procrastinate on the house chores.  These chores weren’t fun by any means (not that they ever are), but my awesome dad is always happy to assist, even if it’s something as mundane as re potting a ginormous jade plant! …

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Tomato Chickpeas Over Dried Fig Infused Rice

I enjoy eating a variety of ethnic foods and I love cooking them in my kitchen because it’s a way for me to feel like I’m traveling around the world while remaining in the comfort of my own home.  If you’re not familiar with my blog, just take a peak at my recipe index and you’ll see what I mean.  I haven’t made many middle eastern recipes (although I have made the same Hummus a bazillion times) so I thought I’d venture out and try something new. This sweet and savory meal is warm and comforting, ideal for this time of year.  The …

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