Welcome to the weekend, my friends! Good morning, good morning, good morning!! The weather has been glorious this week with another 70 degree day here in Ohio. I realize it’s a false reference to spring, but I’ll bask in it while I can.
It won’t be nearly as warm today but no rain is forecast so I’m hoping for a long walk or hike. Local friends, where are your favorite hikes and easy hikes in the Columbus area?
ON THE BLOG this week: Fresh strawberries in fluffy pancakes make the prettiest strawberry pancakes imaginable. If you happen to have a few berries on hand, you have the potential for a breakfast that’s sure to make you grin today.
Tender chicken and sweetcorn are combined in a creamy chicken corn soup with just enough heat to warm your mouth without setting it on fire.
Steaming hot cookies with melted butter have proven irresistible to every member of my family. I’ve made this easy drop biscuit recipe at least half a dozen times over the past few months. It just doesn’t get old.
Crispy, roasted, and yet so slightly cheesy, I can make a whole meal out of this Roasted Broccoli with Garlic Parmesan.
Spicy BBQ pork in melted cheese in a crunchy butter tortilla? It’s something I can’t possibly resist. This pulled pork quesadilla is a quick and easy way to put a hearty meal on the table on even the busiest of weekdays.
Crunchy, tart, slightly sweet and always fragrant, the classic mojito is a cocktail I never tire of sipping.
Bite-sized potatoes and Brussels sprouts are roasted with flavorful sausage and lots of cheese to create an irresistible dinner.
Sticky Asian Meatballs are sweet and a bit spicy. I usually serve these meatballs over rice, with some steamed or roasted veggies on the side. However, they are also great as a party appetizer.
Have you tried the kale salad at Costco? It starts with shredded kale, thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, and a generous handful of broccoli matches. The veggies are topped with sweet cranberries and salty pepitas before tossing in a tangy, sweet poppy seed dressing. The awesomeness of the salad cannot be overstated and now you can make it at home!
What I crave: Have you tried peanut butter broccoli? (I was such a skeptic and even pestered my friend Lynne for the super weird sounding combination!) I’ll eat those words happily now. This is so damn good! Roasted broccoli + peanut butter = a HUGE win with my whole family. I will do it again this weekend.
my favorite thing This week is this Enamelled Cast Iron Skillet. It’s the perfect size for so many recipes! I’ve used it at least six times this week and have been more thrilled each time. It’s oven safe, love the lid that makes it a non-stick casserole, and it cleans like a dream.
What I hear: Big bad voodoo daddy. If you’re new to them (although I assume most of you already love them as much as we do), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is a contemporary swing revival band. Their music is most often described as pumped up swing or dancefloor jazz, and to me it’s pure fun.
“Above all, love one another deeply, for love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Have a great week full of little things that make you smile!
Maria