Crumb Carrot Cake

As many of you may know, I’m half Greek and half Italian, and I was baptized Greek Orthodox.  Sometimes the Eastern Orthodox Easter falls on a different day than what my family calls the “American Easter.”  Do you know how confusing that was for me as a kid?  “Mom, why does the Easter bunny come at a different time for me?”  I actually don’t remember how she used to answer that. My husband isn’t Greek so it’s great when the Easters (yes, it’s weird to make that plural for me too) fall on different days because we can just visit both …

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Blueberry Basil Smoothie

I finally bought a new blender!  After A LOT of debate, I splurged on a Vitamix Blender.  I can’t even begin to list all the brands and models that I studied and deliberated over.  In the end it was a battle between price and quality (as usual) and in this case the price was worth it. I christened it with… what else… a coffee beverage, a double Cafe Frappe for me and my sister.  (We do love our coffee!)  Then I made this healthy smoothie for lunch.  I know what you might be thinking.  Blueberries and basil together?  I know!  But it works. This tasty …

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Flourless Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwiches

Last week I posted about these delicious Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies.  I made them for our neighborhood Easter potluck dinner.  While I knew they’d be a huge hit with the adults I wanted to do something a bit more fun for the kids so I turned some of those cookies into these cookie sandwiches.  Who am I kidding, these were fun for us adults too.     😉  You know what the best part about these cookie sandwiches is?  Well, aside from the fact that they are awe-sooooome, they are still gluten-free! These flourless peanut butter cookies are filled with a layer …

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Galaktoboureko (Greek Creamy Custard Pastry)

This post almost didn’t happen.  Galaktoboureko, or a creamy custard pastry, is my favorite Greek dessert of all time.  It’s my husband’s favorite too.  I figured it was high time to try to make it so I found a recipe, busted out the ingredients, and… well, let’s just say that the day ended in tears.  (By the way, that one is NOT this recipe).  I don’t know if I was more upset about throwing away most of the ingredients or all that time that I wasted.  I called my husband and told him that I was so annoyed and that I would never try …

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Turkey And Spinach Taquitos

I love to try new food but sometimes I get into a rut and I end up eating the same thing over and over again.  There’s something to be said for a routine.  It’s easy and familiar and comfortable.  Who’s with me?  I can get my grocery shopping done quickly because I know where every item is located.  Plus, I can whip up the meals like Speedy Gonzales with my eyes closed.  (My inner lawyer says “Please don’t attempt to cook with your eyes closed.”) However, sometimes it’s refreshing to step away from my ordinary food patterns.  Over the weekend I tried mascarpone for the first time.  Since …

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