Fudgy Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Last week, I swapped recipes with Deb from Bowl Me Over. She shared a light and delicious Cheesy Vegetable Soup recipe with us that I can't wait to try soon. I brought her a rich and fudgy Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownie recipe that is too good to miss. Dark chocolate chunks, chewy dried cherries, and crunchy cocoa nibs are loaded into a simple fudge brownie batter. I first made this recipe to help celebrate with my sister and brother-in-law their soon-to-be new arrival to the family.

Yup, I'm going to be an aunt! My mom hosted a barbecue to celebrate, and we got a surprise during dessert! I will be welcoming a niece in September. The outdoor setting on an 80 degree afternoon in April was the perfect way to celebrate. My dad grilled up a heap of ribs and chicken, and we (of course) had way too many chocolate desserts.

Cheesy Vegetable Soup: Guest Recipe from Deb

Today, I'm turning my kitchen over to Deb from Bowl Me Over for a recipe swap. A fellow Californian with similar food philosophies, she created a fast and easy vegetable soup, perfect for getting anyone to eat more vegetables! I love her combination of peppers, mushroom and zucchini among all the other yummy veggies in this soup. And like she says, it's versatile! Choose whichever vegetables you have available to you seasonally and make this soup.

Be sure to visit Deb at Bowl Me Over to see the dessert I shared with her this week!

Let me start by thanking Renee for the opportunity to share a recipe with you!  I'm "Souper" Chef Deb from Bowl Me Over.   Why Souper Chef Deb do you ask? Well, it's a little play on words as many of the recipes I write end up in a bowl and today is no different! The recipe I'd like to share with you is Cheesy Vegetable Soup.
 

 

You don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy this soup! Because we're getting closer to summer, I'm lightening things up and leaving out the meat, but just because it's meatless, don't think it doesn't bring the flavor.  This soup is mighty tasty AND it's done in just 30 minutes! 
 

Five Healthy Lunches, at home or on the go (guest post)

Meal planning makes the world go round. Ok, not really, but if does make my schedule easier. I plan out our family meals each week so that way I don't have to hear the "What's for dinner?" question every single night. While I am planning dinners, I can easily plan lunches at the same time, to maximize leftovers and minimize food costs.

This week, I shared a lunch plan over at Creative Pink Butterfly. All five of my suggestions can even be adapted and made into quick dinners for those that "don't have time" for lunch. I shared a recipe for Tarragon Chicken Salad and Turkey Pinwheels that you won't find anywhere else. Stop by, check it out, and be inspired to enjoy lunch again!

 

Trine's "Healthy Eating May Challenge" inspired these dishes to be lighter but still full in flavor. Like my recipes? Check my recipe index for all my recipes listed on the blog, and visit my Farmer's Market posts for weekly meal ideas utilizing seasonal produce.

Do you plan you meals each week? Here are some additional meal plans for more inspiration from some lovely ladies!

Snapshots and Snippets

Mommy in Sports

 

Rockabye Parents

 

Play 2 Learn with Sarah

 

I'm an Organizing Junkie

 

 

 

 

My First Guest Blog: the Monday Mess Movement

If you ever wanted to see what happens behind the scenes at Creative Mama, Messy House, this is your chance! The backdrops came down and I showed what really happens when the mom, maid, chef, chauffeur, activities coordinator, etc. is one in the same. Toys and chaos abound, and things got broken.

Laura was so helpful, and understood that a new blogger might have questions along the way. I never realized how easy it was to write a guest post, or how to submit one.
Head on over to The Experimental Home to check out my guest post on this week's Monday Mess Movement. Then come back and tell me what room is the messiest in your house. Would you ever be brave enough to share your messes with the world?