Lemon Strawberry Pie

This beautiful Lemon Strawberry Pie is the perfect dessert to serve for any party or 

special occasion! It's light and airy, full of flavor, and so simple to make!

It may only be February, but I'm already dreaming of spring. It's hard to believe this month is almost half over, and before we know it March will be here. I can't wait to see green grass, green tree buds, and hear the birds singing. Surprisingly enough, this winter has been pretty mild here in Michigan (knock on wood!) and I've been lucky to hear some birds chirping lately. Maybe it was the birds that got me in the spring mood and pushed me to make this Lemon Strawberry Pie. Or maybe I just wanted pie....

Triple Ginger Cookies

These crunchy Triple Ginger Cookies are light and crispy and packed with flavor. 

Three types of ginger inside - fresh, ground, and crystallized - gives these cookies the perfect little kick! 

While most people think Valentine's Day is synonymous with chocolate, I believe there are many more sweet treats to enjoy that aren't of the chocolate variety. Pies, fruit tarts, cute little cakes, there is so much one can make to show their love. These Triple Ginger Cookies happen to be one of my favorite things to share with family and friends not only on Valentine's Day, but all year round! 

Simple Chocolate Truffles

These decadent Simple Chocolate Truffles are smooth and creamy and so simple to make. 
These beautiful candies would make a delightful addition to your dessert tray!

Happy February! I can't believe I actually just said that. Where did January go? It seems like just yesterday that we celebrated the New Year! Anyway, now that February is in fact here, there is one thing that's on my mind...Valentine's Day! I love Valentine's Day because of the treats. Does that surprise you? You can always count me in when there is food involved, especially sweets! To get you ready for the big day, I'll be sharing some simple desserts with you over the next week or so. First up are these decadent chocolate truffles! 

Ham & Cheddar Cheese Ball

A perfect snack to serve at any party or family gathering, this Ham & Cheddar Cheese Ball 

is a crowd-pleaser. Bonus, it's super simple to make!

Let's be honest here, who doesn't love a good cheese ball? Truthfully, it's been years since I made a cheese ball myself. Now that I have, I'm questioning my life choices and wondering why I didn't do it sooner! It's really the perfect appetizer for any occasion, and I think it fits in nicely at family gatherings and summer BBQ's. Plus, it's super simple to make!

If you've been reading my blog for awhile then you know I've been a partner of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan for a few years now. I absolutely love the organization and what they represent, and I love my partnership with them. Plus, my family consumes a lot of dairy. Milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, we love it all! In honor of June Dairy Month, I was partnered with a Michigan dairy farmer to interview, and then create a recipe inspired by her. I was really excited to be partnered with Cathy McCune of the McCune Centennial Farm as I've actually had the opportunity to meet Cathy in person! I really enjoyed getting to know more about her, her family, and her farm. Plus, this delicious Ham & Cheddar Cheese Ball was inspired by her!

Berry Breakfast Flatbreads

Up your breakfast game with these scrumptious Berry Breakfast Flatbreads! A light and fluffy flatbread is topped with sweet cinnamon cream cheese, a beautiful fresh berry mixture, then dusted with just a bit of powdered sugar. 

There's deliciousness in every bite!

I've been visiting my local farmers market quite regularly lately and am loving all the beautiful produce coming in. From bright green asparagus to colorful zucchini and of course, gorgeous fruit, it's like paradise to me. I literally could spend hours walking through and looking at every single thing. Just ask my kids, they'll tell you exactly how long I'm there.

One of my absolute favorite things right now is fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, I love them all. And luckily, so do my kids! Whether I'm making a fruit salad or baking them into a scrumptious dessert, I'm always happy to have berries around. 

Breakfast Chilaquiles with Eggs

For those of you that like savory breakfast dishes, these chilaquiles are for you! This hearty and delicious Mexican dish combines homemade tortilla chips, salsa verde, cheese, eggs and fun toppings to make one mouthwatering breakfast or brunch!

You all know how much I love breakfast. Especially weekend breakfast, when I have more time to make something special for my family. It's also a known fact that I'm obsessed with Mexican food. I literally could eat it every night for dinner. Enchiladas, burritos, nachos, I love it all!

With that being said, I decided to combine two of my favorite things into one delicious dish. A Mexican breakfast, you ask? Yes my friends. An amazing Mexican breakfast made with homemade tortilla chips, salsa verde, cheese, and eggs. And of course some other toppings, but you get where this is going. 

These Breakfast Chiliquiles with Eggs are so flavorful, it's like a party in your mouth. I mean it! They are seriously THAT good. And they're quite simple to make, too! 

You can use jarred salsa verde, or homemade, whatever is easiest for you. I have a salsa verde recipe that I love to make and store in the frig for dishes like this, or enchiladas, or even just to go along with tortilla chips. Either way, this dish is delish!

Breakfast Chilaquiles with Eggs

Author: Sarah Bates | The Chef Next Door

Serves 4

Print this recipe

Ingredients:

12 corn tortillas, cut into 8 wedges

Vegetable oil

Salt

2 cups salsa verde (store bought or homemade)

Queso fresco cheese

Finely chopped red onion

Finely chopped cilantro

4 eggs

To a large skillet, add about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and turn the heat to medium high. When the oil is hot, add the tortillas in batches and fry until golden brown. Using a spider, or a slotted metal spoon, remove the tortillas to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet so that the oil can drip off. Sprinkle with salt. 

Strain off any tortilla bits from the pan, then add the salsa. Let it cook until it's nice and hot, then add all of the fried tortillas to the pan. Carefully stir the tortillas into the sauce, making sure they are all well coated. Let them cook for a few minutes, then remove from the heat and keep warm. 

Cook the eggs, either fried or sunny side up. In four individual serving bowls, place a good amount of the tortillas and salsa verde. Top the tortillas with a heavy sprinkle of the queso fresco cheese, then top with an egg. Sprinkle each dish with a bit of the chopped onion and cilantro, then serve.

Bon Appétit!

I'm honored to be a Milk Means More Ambassador and I thank them for sponsoring this post! I was compensated for developing a "Let's Do Brunch" recipe, however all opinions, as always, are my own. 

The United Dairy Industry of Michigan, branded as Milk Means More, is the umbrella organization for the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Michigan. Their goal is to promote Michigan’s locally produced dairy products and reconnect consumers with the people behind their food. For more great dairy recipes, follow Milk Means More on Pinterest. To learn more about nutrition, animal care/well-being and on-farm practices related to dairy products and the dairy industry, you may want to follow Milk Means More on Facebook. You can also follow them on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube!

Vanilla Cardamom Crème Brûlée

This decadent and delicious Vanilla Cardamom Crème Brûlée boasts a creamy, flavorful custard and 

a crunchy caramelized sugar top. It's the perfect dessert to wow your family and friends!

I've always been a big fan of crème brûlée. Up until just a few years ago, I had only ever had it in restaurants. I'll admit, I was a bit intimidated to try making it myself, which turns out was just me being silly. It really is not hard to make at all, as long as you use the freshest ingredients and take your time!

If you haven't had the pleasure of trying crème brûlée before, it's a French dessert consisting of a super creamy custard and a crunchy caramelized topping. One bite and you will be hooked for life, trust me!

Lavender White Chocolate Scones

These melt in your mouth Lavender White Chocolate Scones are a welcome addition to your breakfast or brunch table. 

Or for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee! Really, anytime is the perfect time to enjoy these delicious treats. 

I love the smell of lavender. It's just one of those scents that makes me feel all calm and relaxed. I use lavender lotion before I go to bed at night, and lavender essential oils throughout my house. It reminds me of spring and fresh flowers, and just seems to take all my worries away. Now I'm taking it one step further and baking with lavender. These Lavender White Chocolate Scones are comforting, delicious, and have just a hint of lavender flavor. They are perfect, in my opinion.

BLTC {Bacon, Lettuce, Turkey, Cheese} Wraps

Bacon, lettuce, turkey and cheddar are tucked into a whole wheat wrap for a delicious 

and nutritious lunch that no one can resist!

I've been talking about my lunch dilemma a lot lately and how I struggle to find something to eat at lunchtime. I like having different things, not the same ole', same ole'. Well, that goes for my kids, too. They get tired of eating the same boring sandwiches every day and love variety. My lunch conundrum came at a perfect time since Milk Means More asked me to come up with a couple of recipes for a lunchbox makeover!

I pondered this challenge for quite awhile...I needed to make something delicious and healthy, but not ordinary. And, of course, it needed to have dairy in it as well. Dairy foods are full of calcium, protein, potassium, vitamin D and other nutrients. It's recommended that we have three servings of dairy daily, so adding cheese to your sandwiches is an easy way to get one of those servings. Add a glass of milk to your lunch and you've got an easy two!

Cheddar Apple Quesadillas

Honeycrisp apples and mild cheddar cheese come together to create a delicious quesadilla, 
perfect for a snack any time of the day!

We are a cheese loving family. My oldest son and I both love just about every cheese there is out there. Sharp cheddar, salty Parm, nutty Fontina...I don't think I've met a cheese I haven't liked!

Because we love cheese so much, I tend to cook with it a lot. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a favorite. I love to try different kinds and flavor combinations and get all fancy rather than just going the traditional route. It's so much fun to be creative!

Smoky Bacon Grilled Cheese Dippers

Kick your grilled cheese up a notch with smoky bacon cheddar cheese and fresh, juicy tomatoes. These dippers make the perfect afternoon snack for both kids and adults!

When my kids come home from school they are always hungry! Lunchtime is early at school and I feel like they never quite get enough to eat. Not like when they are at home and can have bigger meals and snack more often, like on the weekends.

I'm always looking for new snacks to give the kids. Something healthy but delicious. And quick and easy to make, too. These Smoky Bacon Grilled Cheese Dippers fit the bill! Three ingredients, a few minutes to grill, and you've got a cheesy, gooey, scrumptious snack that the whole family will love. 

Oatmeal Pancakes

Start your day off right with these hearty and healthy Oatmeal Pancakes!

Did you know that National Pancake Week existed? I didn't until now, but it's actually the last week of February! In addition, February is also National Heart Healthy Month and National Hot Breakfast Month. So many good things to celebrate!

The timing is perfect for all of these as the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) just happens to be celebrating the combination of oats and your favorite dairy foods with their "We Heart Oats" campaign. Did you know you can get over two and a half times the protein by making your oats with milk instead of water? Check out the infographic below for more fun facts!

Salted Caramel Frappe

Delicious and refreshing, this salted caramel frappe is the perfect pick-me-up anytime of the day!

We've talked about my coffee addiction plenty of times. You know it and I know it, I can't go without my coffee. In the winter I drink it hot, and in the summer I love it over ice. But sometimes I like to get crazy and switch things up a bit!

I love to stop at my favorite coffee shop in the morning and pick up a good latte, but we all know how expensive that can get. Which is exactly why I created this delicious salted caramel frappe. It's super simple to make, costs a fraction of what it would be in a shop, and it's incredibly creamy and delicious. My oldest son, who recently discovered his love for coffee, (he's in college now!) said this tastes even better then what he would get in a cafe! And I love that it's better for you too.

Spiced Eggnog Hot Cocoa

This decadent and delicious spiced hot cocoa will keep you warm and toasty this winter!

Although I'm a huge coffee drinker, that's not my only hot drink of choice in the winter. I also happen to really love hot cocoa. Traditional hot cocoa, dark hot cocoa, even mint hot cocoa. You name it, I'll drink it.

Recently I've been playing around in the kitchen and coming up with some fun twists on my cocoa. I made a s'mores version with lots of marshmallows and crushed graham crackers on top. I also made a spicy version with a bit of groun chipotle chili pepper. That was perfect after a cold day outdoors.

Orange Date Cake

This simple bundt cake gets its burst of flavor fresh fresh oranges and dates!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! It seems the weeks of preparation to get ready for the big day are all behind us now. Buying gifts, wrapping, decorating, cooking, eating, laughing, spending time with our loved ones; in one short day it's all over!

Thankfully I was able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my parents and boys and we had a wonderful time. My boys and I still have all next week off and plan to play games, watch movies and eat lots of good food. I will be savoring every minute of our time!

Sour Cream Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This moist and tender spice cake is filled with raisins and slathered in a decadent cream cheese frosting!

My love of cooking and baking was passed down to me from my mom and both of my grandmothers. Meme, my mom's mom, was a Southern gem who loved to garden and can just about everything. Her bread and butter pickles were amazing and like no other! Her hush puppies were the bomb too.

Grandma Jane, my dad's mom, loved to bake. Pies, cookies and cakes were her specialty. With their influences, and my mom's too, I was baking and cooking at a young age. The holidays of course were always a time for special treats. We'd have dozens of different cookies and fudge for days. It was amazing!