Lightened-Up Egg Salad Sandwich

Every year, my adult siblings and I dye Easter eggs. Yes, I said adult siblings. We still enjoy doing this and have convinced our spouses to join in on the colorful creations as well.

Naturally, this tradition leaves us with lots and lots of hard-boiled eggs. The quintessential Easter leftover dish is an egg salad sandwich. But with the common ingredient of mayonnaise, I am sorry to say, such a sandwich makes for a calorie-laden lunch.

To health it up, I swapped Greek yogurt for the mayo. The result, the same great flavor but without the excess calories and fat.

Lightened-Up Cookie Dough Cheesecake

The hubs has a sweet tooth. This is an understatement! He has a mouth full of them! And his favorite treat is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake, to which, I make for him this time every year.

Valentine Treats

The day for LOVE is nearly here! What sweet treat are you making for your Sweet?

This conversation heart inspired treat is both festive and easy. And the possibilities are endless - adapting words for love of all kinds. A 'Cutie Pie' treat for my niece and a 'Kiss' treat for the hubs.

Ringing in 2012

A New Year's celebration, a tale in pictures....

Once a year, this "treat" makes an appearance at our house.
For Dan of course.

This is how I really feel about said "treat". Yuck!

On to the good stuff...

Hot cocoa bar
for our preggo friends and chocolate lovers alike

Sweet toppings

More sweet eats - gooey brownies

Savory eats - meats and cheeses

Blue cheese pretzels

White bean dip

Libation station

Some party goers turned in early.
Here's the ball drop countdown group.

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays

Watching a classic holiday movie while sipping on a glass of port. The holiday season is upon us...

Cheers!

Peppermint Cocoa

It's snowing outside. I'm staying warm by drinking my dessert - holiday style.

Ingredients: Serves 2

2 c. water or non-fat milk
Hot cocoa mix*
1/4 tsp. peppermint flavoring
2 peppermint candy canes

1/4 c. whipping cream
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

In small pot, heat milk on medium until hot. Stir in cocoa mix. *Use quantity as specified by serving instruction. (I use 365 Organics Hot Cocoa Mix from Whole Foods.) Stir in peppermint flavoring. Reduce heat to low.

Pour cream, sugar and vanilla into medium bowl. Using hand mixer, beat until fluffy and soft peaks are formed.

Break off end of candy canes and roughly chop. Set pieces and remainder of candy canes aside.

Pour prepared hot cocoa into mugs. Top with generous dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with peppermint pieces and serve with peppermint stick.

Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving...

to you and yours. Wishing you a day filled with good eats, drink and abundant blessings.

Cheers!

Holiday Baking

I love the time of year when the sugary results of an afternoon holiday baking session outweigh the nutritious options in the fridge and cupboards. Tis the season...