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.

Iced Green Tea with Ginger Mint Syrup

Warmer weather is the all that I need spend more time outdoors, and entertaining is the perfect excuse to create fun drink to share with all of our friends. When I think of drinks to entertain with, I think of light and refreshing sippers that can be enjoyed outside. Iced green tea with ginger mint simple syrup is one of those drinks. It balances green tea with the stimulating flavors of ginger and mint, making it mandatory for your summer gatherings. Try the ginger mint simple syrup with more than just green tea, it is sublime over berries and would make an intoxicating combination paired with fresh-squeezed lemonade. 

 

 

Spiced Rosemary Candied Almonds

Sticking with game day snack theme, these Spiced Rosemary Candied Almonds are the perfect snack to enjoy with company (or not) while watching sports, hiking, or just kicking back. A few staple ingredients is all you need to create a sophisticated snack that will please just about everyone. These Spiced Rosemary Candied Almonds aren't just great for game day. Try them for snacking on mid-day, instead of reaching for the chips or cookies. Package them up, they make perfect gifts for holidays, housewarmings, and hostess gifts.

Don't think you need to stop at almonds, though. Try making Spiced Rosemary pecans, walnuts, cashews, or a mixed blend. Once you are comfortable with the method, the possibilities are unlimited! Make these ahead and store for up to one week in a cool, dry location. These make for excellent additions to a cheese platter, or toss in some dried cranberries for a tempting fruit and nut blend. Instead of reaching for pretzels or the chip and dip, grab a handful of these nuts and snack smarter.

 

Spiced Rosemary Candied Almonds
Get printable recipe here

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw almonds
• ¼ c sugar
• 1 egg white
• 2 tsp dried rosemary, finely chopped (3 sprigs)
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus pinch
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Pizza Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

The Superbowl is just around the corner, signaling the end of football season and the wait to spring training has begun. Did your team make it this year? It did - congratulations! It didn't - yeah... neither did mine. Whether you are hosting a Superbowl or a Supperbowl, these Pizza Stuffed Portabellas are guaranteed to win you some points!

So often, sports-watching parties are filled with our favorite game-time foods: buffalo wings, nachos, pizza... you get the picture. Our husbands love the freedom of eating greasy, fattening foods that go easy with beer.  These stuffed mushrooms have the flavor of your favorite mushroom pizza, without the crust and without the guilt!