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Showing posts with label monday munchies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label monday munchies. Show all posts

Monday, July 25

monday munchies. - scones.

now y'all there's something you should know about me ... I am obsessed with baking. not so great for the waistline, but man do I love fresh-baked ... well, freshly baked anything! :) 

one of my favs .... scones. I love how they're a little sweet, a little salty and perfect for an easy breakfast! 

I'm putting together a breakfast basket for B's grandmother's birthday present and scones are definitely going to the be 'star' of the basket! now if I can only decide what kind ... 





sweet or savory scones?! that is the question! 

happy monday y'all! 
xo, L.

Monday, July 18

monday munchies. - summer cocktails.

ok, ok so I know that cocktails aren't necessarily 'munchies' but who doesn't love a cocktail on a warm summer evening?! especially some of these pretty ones. :) 

there's a little something for everyone ... hey, some are even non-alcoholic! 





how refreshing do these look?! 
what's your favorite summer cocktail?
xo, L.



Monday, June 27

monday munchies. - July 4th edition.

I'm so excited about the 4th y'all! It's definitely one of my favorite holidays of the year and this year we'll be at the beach with friends and family! Sounds pretty perfect, right?! 

There will definitely be some all American cookout action happening ... now the decision is ... burgers? chicken? or ribs? 

And what would a cookout be without some July 4th themed sweets?!

Or without some super cute red, white & blue decor?!

What are your plans for the 4th? What's your favorite way to celebrate Independence Day?! 
xo, L.

Monday, June 13

monday munchies. - burgers.

Just as soon as the weather warms up here in NC, B & I do A LOT of grilling 
{though I have been known to have him out there in the dead of winter}. 

There are few things I love more than a juicy burger off the grill ... Even when I had cut out red meat, we came close to perfecting the turkey burger. 

Now I love the standard lettuce, tomato, ketchup burger as much as anyone else but I am queen of trying to create a 'different' burger ... After all, they are the perfect blank slate to add LOADS of yummy toppings! 

Here's 3 recipes I found that I'm dying to try! And with beef, turkey & bean ... there's something for everyone! :) 


Blue-rugula Burgers

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Splash water
1/4 cup spicy brown mustard
1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
2 cloves garlic, grated
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
A handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 pound Cambazola blue cheese, thinly sliced
4 crusty rolls, split, lightly toasted
2 handfuls arugula leaves, coarsely chopped

Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onions, season with salt and pepper and cook until caramelized and sweet, about 20 minutes. Stir sugar and water into onions then add mustard, combine and turn off heat.
Combine meat with garlic, Worcestershire, parsley, salt and pepper, form 4 patties thinner at the center and thicker at the edges for even cooking. Also, the burgers will bulge as they cook, this will give the cooked burgers an even thickness. Cook patties 8 minutes turning once for medium doneness, 1 to 2 minutes less for rare patties, 1 to 2 minutes more for burgers that are medium well. In the last minute of cooking time, top burgers with a few slices of Cambozola blue.
Place burgers on bun bottoms and top with some arugula and mustard glazed onions, set tops in place.{via}

Turkey Bacon Double Cheeseburger

Ingredients
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling plus 1 tablespoon
8 slices turkey bacon
2 1/2 pounds ground turkey breast
2 green onions, finely chopped
A handful cilantro, leaves finely chopped
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked sweet paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons zest and the juice of 2 limes
1 red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, lightly drained
2 rounded tablespoon grainy mustard
8 slices pepper jack cheese, from the deli counter
4 large sandwich size English muffins, lightly toasted

Directions
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add the turkey bacon. Cook until crisp, 3 minutes on each side, remove to plate.
While the bacon cooks, combine the turkey breast, green onions, cilantro, chipotle, paprika, salt and pepper, lime zest and juice. Mix the turkey breast with seasonings and form 4 sections, from each, 2 patties. Place the first 4 patties in the pan; cook 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet and place onto a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm
While the first batch of burgers cook heat 1 tablespoon oil in a sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and soften 3 to 4 minutes, season with salt and pepper and then add Worcestershire, brown sugar, tomatoes, and mustard. Let the sauce cook on low.
Add the second batch of burgers to the skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Top with a slice of cheese and 2 pieces bacon. Tent skillet with foil and cook on low to moderate heat to melt cheese, about 1 minute.
Place burgers on muffin bottoms. Top with bacon double cheese burgers, fire roasted tomato sauce and English muffin top.{via}

Bean Burgers with Guac

Ingredients
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed (see Note)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups cooked pinto beans, well drained (see Tip)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground toasted cumin seeds (see Tip)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons cornmeal, plus 1/3 cup for coating burgers
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
6 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted
6 lettuce leaves
6 tomato slices                       
Directions
Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add quinoa and return to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer, cover and cook until the water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Uncover and let stand.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add beans, paprika and ground cumin and mash the beans to a smooth paste with a potato masher or fork. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let cool slightly. Add the quinoa, 3 tablespoons cilantro, 3 tablespoons cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper; stir to combine.
Form the bean mash into 6 patties. Coat them evenly with the remaining 1/3 cup cornmeal and transfer to a baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
To prepare guacamole: Mash avocado with a potato masher or fork. Stir in 2 tablespoons cilantro, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons onion, garlic, cayenne and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
Preheat oven to 200°F.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron (or similar heavy) skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook 3 burgers until heated through and brown and crisp on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to the oven to keep warm. Cook the remaining 3 burgers with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, reducing the heat as necessary to prevent overbrowning. Serve the burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato and the guacamole. {via}




Don't they ALL look delish?! So glad we're having burgers for dinner tonight ... Because it's ALL I'm thinking about now! :) 

Happy Monday Y'all! 

Monday, June 6

monday munchies. - strawberry delight.

This is definitely one of my favorite times of the year! The weather is perfect - not too hot, not too cold. And the produce ... the best! 
Now I love root veggies, but after a winter full of them I'm ready for some juicy fruits! :) 
And strawberries are one of my faves!

So this week's monday munchies is dedicated to those perfect red berries!

Strawberry Chocolate Chip bread


Ingredients:
2 cups fresh strawberries, divided
3/4 cup white sugar
1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
    Directions:

    ~ Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom and sides of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan; dust with flour, tapping out excess.
    ~Puree 1 cup of strawberries in a blender. Transfer to a medium bowl. Slice remaining 1 cup of strawberries and place in the medium bowl with the strawberry puree. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup sugar; set aside.
    ~In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add oil, eggs and vanilla extract to the strawberry mixture, stir to combine. Add strawberry mixture to flour mixture, blending until dry ingredients are just moistened. Fold in chocolate chips. Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth surface with a rubber spatula.
    ~Bake until top is golden and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 to 50 minutes.  Let cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Turn out onto the wire rack, and cool completely.{via}



      Strawberry & Avocado Salsa

      Ingredients:
      • 1 cup finely chopped strawberries
      • 1/4 cup finely chopped peeled avocado
      • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
      • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
      • 1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
      • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
      • 2 teaspoons finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper
      • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
      Directions:

      • 1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; toss gently. Serve immediately.{via}


      Strawberry Layer Cake
      Ingredients:

      Cake:

      1 1/4 cups sliced strawberries
      10 ounce all-purpose flour (about 2 1/4 cups)
      2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
      1/8 teaspoon salt
      1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
      1/2 cup butter, softened
      2 large eggs
      2 large egg whites
      1 cup low-fat buttermilk
      1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
      Cooking spray
      Frosting:
      1/3 cup (3 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
      1/3 cup butter, softened
      2 tablespoons Grand Marnier (orange-flavored liqueur)
      3 cups powdered sugar
      12 whole strawberries (optional)

      • Directions:
        • 1. Preheat oven to 350°.
        • 2. To prepare cake, place sliced strawberries in a food processor; process until smooth.
        • 3. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Place granulated sugar and 1/2 cup butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in egg whites. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Add pureed strawberries and food coloring; beat just until blended.
        • 4. Divide batter between 2 (8-inch) round cake pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.
        • 5. To prepare frosting, place cream cheese, 1/3 cup butter, and liqueur in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until blended. Gradually add powdered sugar, and beat just until blended.
        • 6. Place 1 cake layer on a plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Cut 1 whole strawberry into thin slices, cutting to, but not through, the stem end. Fan strawberry on top of cake just before serving, if desired. Cut remaining 11 strawberries in half. Garnish cake with strawberry halves, if desired.{via}


      Don't these just make your mouth water?!?! 
      I need them ALL right now!!! :) 
      What's your favorite Spring/Summer produce?! 
      Happy Monday Y'all! 



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      Monday, May 23

      monday munchies.

      So since B has demanded asked that we cut out carbs at dinner our menus have become QUITE boring ... 
      However, I still LOVE to find and try {and post} new recipes ... 
      So "Menu Monday" my ladyfriends is becoming "Monday Munchies" ... K? K. 

      This week is ALL about sweet treats for Memorial Day weekend! 

      Stars & Stripes Cookies 

      Ingredients

      • 1 cup butter, softened
      • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
      • 2 cups sugar
      • 4 eggs
      • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
      • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
      • 5 cups all-purpose flour
      • 2 teaspoons baking powder
      • 1 teaspoon salt
      • Decorating icing and/or colored sugars

      Directions

      - In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.

      - On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2- to 3-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugars as desired.

      - Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until set. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Decorate with icing and additional sugars if desired. Yield: 10 dozen. 



      American Flag Berry Pie

      Ingredients

      Pastry for a double-crust pie (9 inches)

      • 2-1/2 cups pitted dark sweet cherries
      • 2-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
      • 3/4 cup sugar
      • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
      • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
      • 1 tablespoon butter
      • Additional sugar

      Directions

      - Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom crust; trim pastry even with edge. Set aside.

      - In a large bowl, gently combine cherries and blueberries. Combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon; stir into fruit. Let stand for 10 minutes. Pour into crust; dot with butter.

      - Roll out remaining pastry into a 10-in. circle. Cut into four wedges. Using a 1-in. star cookie cutter, cut out stars from one wedge. Place cutout pastry wedge over filling. Discard cutout stars.

      - Cut remaining wedges into 1/2-in.-wide strips; position over filling to resemble a flag. Seal and flute edges. Sprinkle pastry with additional sugar. Cover edges with foil.

      - Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°; bake 35-40 minutes longer or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 8 servings.


      And of course we couldn't forget about Martha ... Check out these TOO cutie cupcakes!! 



      We're heading to the beach this weekend and I'm sure there will be some baking going on before and during our trip! 
      But I may make those adorbs cookies for the neighbors before we leave! :) 

      Happy Baking Lovelies! 


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