Easy Cheese Plate

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I have been known to overdo it when it comes to entertaining. In my past life, I would have steered away from this easy cheese plate, for fear it was too easy to impress. This has lead to disaster on more than one occasion (see: Mother’s Day). Add this to the list of the Taste Tester’s great annoyances. He has been known to complain or even be hesitant to host certain events due to this charming quality. But, he has a point. When you are overwhelmed and frazzled, it doesn’t really matter how good the food tastes, your guests probably aren’t going to have a great time. After all, your guests came to see YOU, not the back of your head as you stir pots and pull things in and out of the oven and maybe set off the fire alarm.

That’s why, when it comes to entertaining, I have tried to adopt the keep it simple policy. I have found that guests are impressed enough with your presence and the fact that they are being served a delicious meal. No need to make complex dishes, just focus on simplicity to maximize time for enjoying one and other’s company. Read more

Shepherd’s Hand Pies

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In honor of the holiday yesterday, I wanted to drop in today with a quick little celebration post. What, you didn’t know yesterday was a holiday? Your work and school didn’t close in honor of National Pi Day? That’s Pi, not Pie, as in 3.14 or March 14. So maybe it’s not the most famous holiday, but any holiday observed with the eating of pie is worthy of celebration to me. So, if you forgot to celebrate yesterday, let’s roll out our crusts and make up for it this weekend.

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Green Muffins with Banana and Kiwi

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Lately, I have been on a bit of a smoothie kick. I would say the Taste Tester and I have been on this smoothie kick, except that the Taste Tester has been less than enthusiastic and supportive about this recent habit. I love the idea of starting our day with a whole bunch of fruits and veggies. TT, on the other hand, loves the idea of starting his day with nothing but coffee and maybe a granola bar mid-morning. And, I will admit, some of my smoothies have been less than delicious. Without going into too many gory details, let’s just say that sweet potato in a smoothie doesn’t exactly work. We have always been protein shake drinkers, but I was recently given a NutiBullet Rx, which has greatly broadened the realm of fruits and veggies that I can blend into a smoothie. This thing will blend anything. I have been using it for several weeks now and it consistently produces completely smooth smoothies in 1-2 minutes. (#notsponsored!). The introduction of this new appliance and the cookbook that came with it has lead to the purchase of many items I would not have previously considered purchasing. One such item is the gigantic box of pre-washed spinach.

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