twice baked potato with philly chive & onion cream cheese

Twice Baked Potatoes with Philly Chive and Onion Cream Cheese

Twice baked potatoes are so easy. I salt and pepper the potato skins for extra flavor. The filling is mixed with chive and onion cream cheese spread, sharp cheddar cheese, a tad of butter and a bit of salt. It's fluffy and creamy with just the right amount of tang from the cream cheese and savoriness from the chives and onions. It's an easy side dish to put together that is full of flavor.
chocolate chip cookie butter cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookie Butter Cookies

Delicate chocolate chip cookie butter cookies made with Trader Joes' Speculoos Cookie Butter and laced with chocolate chips and coarse sea salt. If you haven't had cookie butter you are missing out on something wonderfully decadent. Imagine spreading a layer of creamy spread made from gingerbread cookies and crushed biscuits onto a warm piece of toast. Actually, you don't even need the toast it's great straight out of the jar! The cookie butter has hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and cardamom. It's warm, cozy and very addicting.
pear & vanilla bean jam

Pear and Vanilla Bean Jam

Pear and vanilla go so well together creating a jam that is fragrant and sweet. The little specks of vanilla is gorgeously dispersed throughout the jam which packs a lot of flavor. This pear and vanilla bean jam is great on toast, mixed into Greek yogurt and even warmed up and drizzled over vanilla ice cream. I've also have enjoyed it straight out of the jar with a spoon. It's pretty darn good!
cilantro lime rice

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is simple one pot dish that is full of robust flavors. Sauteed onions, garlic and ginger adds an aromatic and savory touch to the rice. The rice is then lightly toasted in butter, cooked in chicken broth and infused with lime zest to add flavor and a refreshing twist. The rice is then fluffed with chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice to brighten up the dish. It's a decadent way to dress up rice and wonderful served with sauteed shrimp.
roasted tomato soup

Roasted Tomato Soup inspired by Panera Bread

It's the perfect weather to cozy up with a warm and comforting bowl of tomato soup and a hot grilled cheese sandwich. This is exactly what I did last week for lunch. I headed to Panera Bread for a bowl of vegetarian creamy tomato soup and a "big kid grilled cheese". I was inspired to make this comforting meal for Derrick this week. I've always wanted to make my own tomato soup. It's a good feeling knowing exactly what you're eating and that you made it with good fresh ingredients.