Sausage Stars

I got this recipe from my second mom (Laurel) and became completely obsessed with it the second I had one. It's so simple, yet so tasty. So, I give all recipe credit to her and am so grateful to have learned about it, as it has become a staple for all of my family gatherings! Not only is this a perfect appetizer for parties, but with Super Bowl coming up, it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser for guys (and girls!). Enjoy!

Lavender, Honey Macarons

If you read my first macaron post, then you know the extent of my love for this French delicacy. I have an excess amount of dried lavender in my house and what better way to make use of the aromatic flower than incorporating it in a macaron with a honey buttercream filling. I'm not even a huge sweets fan, and I loved this cookie. I assume this is what elegance tastes like. It makes your mouth feel like it's getting a royal spa treatment (in a non-soapy way, obvi). I'll be experimenting many other flavors (and shapes!) of macarons in the upcoming weeks, because what guy or gal wouldn't love one of these treats on Valentine's Day :) Hope you all enjoy!

Red Quinoa, Arugula Salad with a Sherry, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Keeping up with my (and 99% of the world's) New Year's resolution to eat healthier in 2014 has given me reason to develop body-friendly meals that still taste delicious. It has been fun to test out foods that I normally would pass by in the supermarket (usually because I had no clue how to use them) and to really read into their health benefits. Now, quinoa is no foreign food to me, I honestly love any grain that can pack my body up with protein, fiber, iron and other good stuff, but to ease into the healthy eating habit, I thought I'd start with a little less "scary" genre of foods. The little crunch the quinoa gives to the peppery arugula pairs well with the most delicious homemade vinaigrette that has ever come out of your kitchen. I thoroughly enjoy this salad and I hope you do too!

Soba Noodle Salad

Ever since trying soba noodles for the first time a few months ago, my love for this pasta-alternative has been growing at a rapid pace. Not only because it's delicious, but also because it's fat-free, cholesterol-free and gluten-free.  Any food with health benefits will always appeal to me, and when it also tastes good, it's like finding a needle in a haystack. So, after testing out soba noodles for a solid two months now, I feel as if I have gotten a nice balance for this delicious buckwheat noodle. (To read more health benefits that soba has to offer click here.)