Easter Recipe Ideas

It's been some time since my last post, but with Easter around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect moment to dig through the archives and share some of my favorite recipes that would go well with any spring feast. Spring hasn't quite sprung yet here in Chicago (though the upcoming weekend weather forecast has me more optimistic), but here are some recipes to get you in the mood for the season.


Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter treat.




Sticky Meyer Lemon Rolls are addictive, and best shared with a group at brunch.



Consider this light and relatively healthy savory spinach bread pudding.



I'm definitely missing California berries. Try using some in these awesome strawberry cheesecake muffins.



Asparagus is just coming into season and this simple asparagus mimosa is a great, fresh way to use them.



This strawberry and lemon curd tart is one of my favorite ways to bridge the gap with winter citrus and spring berries. Even though temperatures are still a bit chilly in Chicago, this reminds me that warmer days are around the corner.



As always, I hope you enjoy the holiday with family and friends that you love.

Holiday Gift Guide and a Giveaway!

I thought I would do something a little different this year and make a little holiday gift guide of things that I am loving and/or coveting this season. It's not too late to pick up some last minute things for people on your list! To sweeten the post, I am hosting a giveaway to win one of these fabulous gifts! Scroll down for details.

1. Several cookbooks are on my "to-buy" list including The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, Keys to the Kitchen, and at the very top of the list is Jerusalem, A Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, $19.85 on Amazon

2. I love rustic kitchens with a modern edge and this sign fits in to that aesthetic. It would be so cute over my little stove. "Eat" sign made with recycled farm steel by The Steel Fork on Etsy, $40

3. For leftover wine, these stoppers make an excellent stocking stuffer. vinostop "Peace" bottle stoppers on Spin Bucket, $9.95

4. I am feeling much love for my new home town. These necklaces are the perfect expression of pride for whatever city you live in.  City pride necklace on Brevity, $75-$95

5. If you're traveling during the holidays or just listen to a lot of a music, these headphones are a must. The sound quality is amazing, they have a microphone so you can use them on calls, and they are so sturdy, that I feel completely comfortable throwing them in a carry on and not worrying about them.  SOL Republic Tracks HD On-Ear Headphones, $129.99

6. Most of the time I take pictures with a 50mm lens, but it can be difficult in trying to get wide-angled shots of my city's skyline that I love so much. This 35mm lens allows for wider shots, while still being able to get great depth on tighter images. Canon EF 35mm f/2 Wide-Angle Lens, $309 on Amazon

7. To know me is to know I love, love my nail polish. I've changed nail colors three times in the past week alone. I am a huge fan of the brand Essie and totally crazy about their Winter 2012 collection. I have already added Leading Lady, Beyond Cozy, and Where's My Chauffer to my ever-expanding collection of colors. These colors are perfect for holiday parties and will make great stocking stuffers for the polish fanatics in your life. Essie nail polish in Leading Lady, $8

8. Winter is almost here! I'm super excited for the snow, but having already experienced the wind chill, I know I need to be prepared. This scarf/shawl combo is great for those super blustery days.  The Chunky Cowl Scarf Shawl Hood by CT Handmade on Etsy, $34.95

9. Who doesn't love a thoughtful, homemade gift? Give the baker in your life something like homemade vanilla extract and they will think of you every time they make a delicious treat. Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe on Saveur

Now for the giveaway! One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win the SOL Republic Tracks HD Headphones in the color gray, as seen above. Since these are great for listening to music, the rules of the giveaway will be simple: Tell me your favorite holiday song (name of the song and artist). For additional entries, follow me on Twitter @dishingdelights and tweet me  your favorite holiday song or follow my Facebook page and leave a post with your favorite holiday song. Once you have done that, leave another comment to let me know you have done so. This contest is open to US residents only and you have until midnight CST on 12/29/12 to enter. This will be a nice post-holiday gift if you didn't get everything on your list. Good luck!

*Disclosure: I received a pair of SOL Republic headphones to review and another to give away. The opinions expressed are my own.

Holiday Party Recipe Ideas

I can hardly believe that it is that time of year again. I have such a love-hate relationship with it. Of course, it is an honor to be invited to so many gatherings, but at the same time, all of the celebrating can get downright exhausting! Here is a list of simple recipes that can be made if you are like me and don't like showing up to parties empty-handed or if you are going to a potluck and want to bring a crowd-pleaser.

Persimmons have just come in to season and I could not be more excited. This simple appetizer of roasted persimmons wrapped in bacon is a simple combination of sweet, savory, and tart.



It's just hard to resist food wrapped in pork. I dare you to eat just one of these Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp.



A few years ago, it seemed like every food blogger in America was making Ina Garten's parmesan-thyme crackers. These savory shortbreads are perfect on their own, but would also be great with a spinach dip.



Spiced Candied Walnuts are great for a salad, but also make the perfect party snack.



Sweet potatoes are loaded with health benefits. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is roasted and topped with a creamy, herbed, goat cheese.



And for something sweet, why not this festive, and incredibly delicious, Blushing Pom Holiday Cheesecake. Tart pomegranate juice mixed with a smooth and creamy cheesecake makes a dessert that is impossible for your guests to resist.



However you celebrate the season, I wish you good times filled with family, friends, and of course great food. Cheers!

One year ago: Spiced Candied Walnuts
Two years ago: Great Los Angeles Walk 2010
Three years ago: Cannoli
Four years ago: Dumpling Noodle Soup

Thanksgiving Ideas

This time of year tends to drive me insane. The second the Halloween decorations come down, the world seems to be screaming at you that you should be thinking about the holidays. I almost puked when I saw a commercial advertising a Christmas sale on Halloween. There's also the fact that I'm a very non traditional girl. My favorite Thanksgiving ever was spent with my family and we feasted on shrimp and lobster instead of turkey. I'm not a huge fan of traditional Thanksgiving foods, but fall is my favorite time of year and I have a lot of fun with the produce the season brings. Here are some of my favorite recipes that can easily be incorporated into an outside the box Thanksgiving.


For an easy appetizer, try sweet potato discs with herbed goat cheese.




This acorn squash and arugula salad is fun and also pretty to look at. Delicata squash can also be used and is less filling so you still have room for the main meal. 




If you have vegetarian friends, or people who just aren't in to turkey, this butternut squash and caramelized onion galette is decadent enough to be a main course.


Another alternate to turkey with a more meaty offering is sausage stuffed acorn squash. Once again, if you have vegetarians or vegans, you can sub quinoa or lentils for the sausage.



Stuffing is just not my thing, although I hear JenFinn's hubby makes a killer one so maybe I will be changing my tune soon. Another idea is roasted broccoli, grape, and asparagus quinoa salad which can be served warm and will certainly help stuff you.



Though I love pumpkin, I am convinced that pumpkin pie is disgusting. Cheesecake is a great dessert that can be shared with friends (I may or may not have just watched the Friends episode with all the cheesecakes). Here are two of my favorites.



Blushing Pom Holiday Cheesecake has a silly name, but it is as delicious to eat as it is beautiful to look at.




Salted caramel apple cheesecake bars. Need I say more?



I'll be spending Thanksgiving with my friends and sister in LA. It's a potluck and I'm in charge of appetizers. My friends get pretty creative so I'm looking forward to seeing what they bring. Whether you're all about the tradition or want to go a little out there, I hope you have a fun, safe, and delicious Thanksgiving!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!!!!



Hot Cross Bun recipe found on Pioneer Woman

Mele Kalikimaka

I'm off! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah and whatever it is that you celebrate at this time of year. Thank you all so much for welcoming me so warmly into the food blogging world. I have had so much fun working on this blog, so I hope you have a fun time reading it. Love and best wishes to you all and see you when I get back!! xoxo