This is one of those dishes that I just always assumed was super hard. So let me be the first to say, I was totally wrong. It’s so easy to make. And it’s great to have in the winter, when you could use a little warming up and the smell of rosemary filling the kitchen.
Bourbon and Orange Pecan Pie
So in honor of Thanksgiving, which is right around the corner, I wanted to share a pecan pie recipe with you. But not just your average pecan pie. I chose to make one with a few extra special flavors – orange and bourbon. This pie will make a great addition to the dessert course on Thanksgiving! So if you feel like impressing your family, volunteer to bring a dessert. No really, I know what you’re thinking, ugh the last thing I want to do on Thanksgiving is bake. I just want to watch my parents do all the hard work, and sit around working up my appetite. But this is really REALLY easy. Yes, even for you novice bakers. I PROMISE!
My Favorite Meal of the Week – Chicken Farro Soup
In the winter, you really can’t have enough recipes for hearty soups. Hearty soups and warm breads are about all I want to eat when the temperature drops. This soup takes a bit to cook (probably 1.5 hours on the stove), but it involves very little involvement. So if you have time this weekend, cook up a big batch to get you through next week!
Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting
Who doesn’t love chocolate? No, really, who doesn’t? I may have been guilty of growing up without an appreciation for chocolate, but I’ve come around and now truly appreciate all that is holy about chocolate. So when I see chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting, my brain gets excited.
I don’t normally participate in the cupcake craze. I judge the people I see waiting hours in line for a Georgetown Cupcake in DC. But sometimes, for parties, cupcakes are kind of handy because people can just grab one and eat it while standing without any silverware. Plus, sometimes I think people are intimidated by cake, but not cupcakes. So anyways, I made these double chocolate cupcakes for the June birthday party I threw, and well, all I can tell you is I only got to taste the dough and frosting because these were gone before I even got to eat one. So I’m hoping that means they were good. Plus they are super fun to decorate if you go the extra mile and create the chocolate toppings (it’s a lot easier than it seems, I promise!!).
My Favorite Meal of the Week – Crockpot Minestrone
So it’s that time of year where we really have to accept that winter is upon us and we won’t see sun for quite some time. And how do we cope with this? We eat warm, hearty foods sitting in front of the fire. This is a really easy crock pot dish that is perfect to come home to after a long day at work or school and then a commute back home in the rain. I actually doubled the recipe and have an additional 4 servings sitting in the freezer to get me through finals in the coming weeks.
English Muffins
So Dave and my original life partner, Kelsey, have eaten enough of my baked goods over the years to no longer be impressed. I mean they always compliment things, but it takes something truly amazing to impress them these days. And for some reason, it was something as simple as an English muffin that got their attention recently. I think it comes down to the fact that these actually looked just like an English muffin should, as in what the Thomas brand ones look like. I’ve loved having these around. I immediately froze them, and have just been randomly defrosting them and toasting them when I feel like a little something extra in the morning.
My Favorite Meal of the Week – Open Faced Turkey Sandwich
For lunch, I love something fast. On weekdays, I need something I can easily take with me to work/school, and on the weekends, I’m normally busy and grabbing lunch in between errands or after getting back from a workout class. It doesn’t get much easier than an open faced turkey sandwich. No really. Here I’ll prove it. Place a yummy piece of bread on a plate (I recommend some sort of artisan bread, not just your typical loaf of sandwich bread). Place a few pieces of turkey on top, followed by cheese if you want it, but not necessary. Top with a handful of arugula, a few spoonfuls of salsa and slices of avocado. And that’s it. Fresh, delicious, and took less than five minutes to prepare.
Pretzel Rolls
I love pretzels (see here for proof). So what’s better than turning them into a roll that you can combine with other things?? I actually made these back in the summer, and used a couple as hamburger buns. I froze the rest and have slowly been defrosting them to use as sides to all the hearty soups we’ve been having. Amazing.
My Favorite Meal of the Week – Broccoli and White Bean Soup
Have any of you tried the broccoli pasta recipe I posted a few months ago? Well if you have, and you liked it, but want a healthy alternative, try this. It’s basically the same sauce turned into a soup and with white beans subbed in for dairy. So good!
Happy Anniversary to The Petite Croissant!
So I just wanted to announce that the blog has hit both its one year anniversary (next Monday) and its 100th post (this post), all within a week of each other. I started this whole crazy adventure in October of 2012, and I have enjoyed every moment since. Thank you to all of my followers! I hope to keep providing you a little extra motivation to do some baking and cooking.
Thanks again!!
–Amelia
the petite croissant 