{Willa Jean – New Orleans newest bakery and brunch spot}
{DIY Cuff Bracelets – From a recent class at The Bead Shop}
{A beach hat turned personal – DIY monogram}
{Cold cocktails – For HOT summer days from Bouligny Tavern}
Eataly: The Best of Italy in Chicago
A few months back I was able to visit Chicago not once, but twice for work; it was my first time to the city and I still can’t believe it took me so long to visit! What an amazing place! On my first stay one of my Uber drivers recommended that I check out Eataly. I went in thinking it was an Italian restaurant and once I got there my mind was blown! For those of you who haven’t heard of Eataly it is the most amazing culinary experience. The location is set up similar to a Whole Foods, but way bigger. With three restaurants, many tasting areas {think cheese, meats, pizzas}, a market and dessert and coffee area; with food selections straight from Italy! I was SO impressed I made it a priority to head back on my second trip as well. The food was absolutely amazing and being able to wonder the aisles; looking at any thing and everything you could image from Italy, with a glass of wine in hand made the experience one I won’t forget.
*I bought the cookbook when I got home and have already marked a few recipes I can’t wait to try!
{All photos my own}
To Make, To Buy, To DIY
savory summer
How is today August 1? I feel like Memorial day was last week. My summer to-do list is pretty lengthy for the end of summer to be quickly approaching. I still have a few seasonal recipes I must try. I better start now, because with how fast time is flying by Christmas will be here before we know it.
*all image link to recipes
*Side note: H&M launched US online shopping over night! Happy Shopping!
friday finds {fall favorites}
fall in the kitchen
Ever year at this time, I anxiously await the cooler weather, pumpkin patches and cozy sweaters. I couldn’t wait any longer for my first taste of fall {no pun intended} and had to try out this recipe immediately. Baked apple chips are perfect for this time of year and bring a wonderful scent of fall throughout the house.
the sweetest of them all
Keeping with the cooking theme of yesterdays post {here}, I have to share this recipe I recently came across. “Vanilla Bean, Cheesecake, Fudge Brownies, with Salted Caramel” Well if that isn’t all my favorite sweets wrapped up in one, I don’t know what is! I have to give you a disclaimer, this is hands down the most decadent dessert I have yet to make. I substituted regular brownie mix with gluten-free brownie mix, and used vanilla extract, instead of the bean, but besides that I followed the recipe exactly. I think next time, I will pour the caramel after the brownie is sliced, it was super rich and soaked in caramel sauce. Looking for a super sweet treat? This is an easy recipe to try!
cake batter blondies {gluten-free}
At the beach this past weekend I was all about relaxing and baking. I recently pinned this recipe for cake batter blondies and had to try! However, I wanted to make a gluten-free version, and it was easy enough that only one substitution was needed, the cake mix. This gluten-free treat turned out great! Ingredients and directions for gluten-free cake batter blondies below:
- 1 box gluten-free yellow cake mix
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour mix into a square baking pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Let cool for at least 30 minutes.
simply made
It’s been a while since I have had some free time to spend in the kitchen, and this past weekend I took advantage of the rainy days to stay inside. I have been eyeing the new Philadelphia Indulgence line since it was introduced. I came up with something extremely simple and very quick to put together. What is also nice, you can make one at a time, which is perfect for those of us with very small households. Or you can make a whole batch to share at your next get together! Simply spread the Philadelphia indulgence onto the cookie {I chose great butter,crisp, waffle cookies} and add strawberries and blueberries on top!
friday finds {made}
The summer heat is slowly kicking up down South, and there is nothing better than a refreshing beverage to cool you off. I made my first batch of lemon ice cubes this week and I know more are to come. I’m sure you seen this all over, but it’s worth sharing! And don’t be afraid to experiment with fruit. I’ve used oranges, blueberries and strawberries. Always a great flavor addition to water, tea, lemonade and specialty cocktails too.
