mini bbq tempeh tacos

These adorable mini tacos have been my go to summer appetizer; I can recall at least 5 gatherings this summer where they have made their appearance. Way cute, simple to make & easy to eat; totally meeting all the requirements for the perfect party food. I really cannot get enough of these mini tacos, not only because they are mini, but I also have a thing for tacos- they are my second love.

za'atar crusted eggplant // tomato basil naan flat bread's

If you are not a fan of eggplant these just might change your mind; mind blowing good. Homemade garlic naan, vine ripened tomatoes, za'atar crusted eggplant, pesto & fresh basil, super simple and amazingly good - they were a huge hit at our book club meeting last week, of all the people, my gram loved them the most and let me tell you, she can be finicky lady when it comes to food.

peanut butter + jelly birthday cake

For my sister's birthday I decided to bake her a birthday cake- a birthday cake to top all birthday cakes. You know when you have an amazing idea in your head and you think it will be as easy as 1,2,3? All four cakes turned out beautiful, the type of cake that bakes up beautifully and slides out of the pan effortlessly. Needless to say half the cake remained beautiful and well, the lower tiers look as if they survived the Texas chain saw massacre. I had this brilliant idea to square off the sides of the cake, instead it turned into a hack job - I should have left it alone, the attempt at squaring off was a total fail. 

roasted rainbow carrot salad

After one bite of this salad I had expletives shooting out of my mouth- so much so I immediately thought to myself, this is what Chris from Keepin' it Kind must feel like after he devours incredible vegan food (if you follow Kristy's Blog you will know that Chris tends to swear while eating super delish vegan food).

My inspiration, once again, came from a bundle of beautiful rainbow carrots from Sanborn Mills Farm. I am sure going to miss them once the farmer's market season comes to an end. They have a way with the vegetables they grow, always so breathtakingly beautiful - a beauty that draws you in. Yes, I am obsessed with beautiful food- call me crazy or call me full 'cause that's what I was after eating this salad.

individual crudités // white bean basil hummus

I hosted our bi-monthly book club gathering last week. If you know me, you are well aware how much I love hosting parties; amazing food, cocktails, music and conversation. The best part about entertaining is being able to see to it your guests go home happy and full with a big smile on their faces & leave talking about when the next gathering will be. Our book club gatherings not only focus on the book content and conversation surrounding the book but also the good food that goes along with the meeting. Easy to eat, conversation friendly food is a must for book club - these individual crudites with white bean basil hummus is the perfect fit for any gathering, plus you totally bypass the double dippers out there!

blackberry peach parfaits

The garden and yard has been mulched- finally. It is only the end of summer, a project scheduled for the start of summer that was continuously pushed back to due busy summer weekends and obligations (fun obligations!). We were so blessed to have the opportunity to help out an outstanding young man named Martin, who was looking to earn extra money for an online theology course. I have never met someone quite like Martin, a Senior in High School he is wise beyond his years. Martin and I worked side by side on Saturday accomplishing a long list of to do's in the yard. You know how some people simply make you want to be a better person and you can't help but smile when you are in their company? Martin is this type of person, it fills my heart with happiness knowing that he is on a mission to brighten and be a positive influence in each persons life that he meets. I see big things for Martin in the future.

blueberry crumb tart

I love all the beautiful fruits available to us in the Northeast this time of year- it is the start of blueberry season and I couldn't be happier. You can find these blue beauties everywhere from farmers markets, road side stands to mountain sides. Each year Justin and I make a special trip up one of the local mountains for early morning blueberry picking complete with a morning sunrise.