Hi, Creative Friends,

Spring has all the stuff we crave to be happy. Shimming sunshine, beautiful birdsongs, and most importantly fresh ingredients. Whether it’s dinner on the patio or something healthy to energize that spring run, let’s step into the kitchen and make…

3 Creative Spring Recipes That Will Make A Happy Chef Out Of Anyone.

1. Eggselent Eggventure: With Easter last Sunday, perhaps we have a few hard-boiled eggs sitting quietly in the refrigerator. Whip up this easy “Healthy Egg Salad” from Fit Foodie Finds and make lunch easy and delicious.

2. Orange You Glad You Made Carrots: Smoothies can be an excellent way to get creative in the kitchen. The fresh bunches of carrots that spring offers, make a delightful addition to this “Carrot Cake Smoothie” by Minimalist Baker. Packed full of hemp seeds and ginger, this smoothie is bound to bring on health and happiness to the more active days of spring.

3. Rule The Day With Rhubarb: It only makes its debut in spring and there is nothing more sweet, sour, and delightful than rhubarb. Try making this Rhubarb Sauce to slather on a big crunchy slice of toast or drizzle on ice cream. There is nothing that says “Bring on Spring!” more than a dollop of this bright jammy goodness!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and a recipe you love to make in spring.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s the final stretch of this holiday season. The last-minute making, shipping, and gifting are going on right now. We might need a few more ideas to check off the special people on our holiday list. So, let’s chat about…

3 Last-Minute Creative Gifts That Will Bring Joy To The Heart.

1. Fast & Furious DIY: If you need a super cool creative gift for every kid at heart, try this adorable “Easy DIY Holiday Hot Wheels Ornaments” project. It’s a fast, fun, and joyful project that will warm the coldest of hearts this holiday.

2. Marshmallow Magic: Looking for a magical homemade gift that everyone will enjoy? Try this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Whipping up a batch of these sweet clouds of heaven is time-consuming but watch as your gift recipients’ eyes light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows. Then watch as these magical marshmallows bring joy and sweetness to everyone on your holiday gift list.

3. Shipping Is For The Birds: Did shipping a gift take longer than imagined? Is it hard to find a gift for that hard-to-please person on your list? Take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. This Partridge In A Pear Tree digital download can even be used for gift tags, postcards, and beyond. This art will bring joy and happiness to everyone’s heart including yours!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what last-minute gifts you will give this season.

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Shop Gifts From My Art Shop

Ginger Giants Cookie Recipe

Hi, Creative Friends-

The holidays are in full swing and if you are a bit like me, I find the holidays open our minds to the possibility of making something divine to share with loved ones. We don’t hold back from jumping into the kitchen to whip up a recipe, whether traditional or inspired. My grandma always made oceans of candy, fudge, divinity, chocolate-covered cherries, spritz cookies, caramels, and ginger cookies this time of year. She would wrap up her gifts on not-so-fancy paper plates, cover them with plastic wrap, top them with an old-fashioned red bow, and give each bundle to anyone and everyone who sprinkled her life with a bit of happiness. It was her gift, her joy, and her heart passed on through these little mounds of sugar. In the spirit of grandma, my love for baking, and as a thank you who read along here are…

3 Secret Creative Cookie Recipes To Find Heart In The Holidays…

1. Ginger Giants: These are hands down the best holiday cookie of all time. Ginger Giants are brimming with the level of spice that will warm every part of us from the toes to the nose. The candied ginger adds just a touch of heat that is immediately cooled down by sweet vanilla creamed frosting. There is joy and heart in every bite of these cookies!

2. Crazy Good Kolache: Legend has it Kolache cookies are from Poland. Filled with a jam-like center and wrapped in buttery dough, these cookies shine like tinsel on the Christmas tree. My recipe did in fact come from a long line of Polish grandmas but unfortunately, I have been sworn to keep the family recipe top secret. However, this Kolache Cookie recipe from The Spruce is also quite delicious. My little secret tip is to use this Solo Pastry Filling for the center as it will stay in the center while baking to make each cookie shine. If there is one cookie that has a heart, this is it!

3. Win With Sparkle: Back in 2007, I won the Chicago Tribune Holiday cookie contest and ended up on the front page of the Chicago Tribune with George W. Bush! Since then, the Chicago Tribune has published a “Holiday Cookies Recipe” book, and buried in the pages is my secret “Sparkly Oatmeal Cookie” recipe. These cookies are buttery, crisp and so delightful they will bring heart to any holiday gathering. To pass on the joy, wrap them up and gift them all to friends, family, and delivery people on the holiday list.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what cookies you will bake this holiday.

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Shop For Gifts From My Art Shop

Make Homemade Marshmallows For A Sensational Gift!

Hi, Creative Friends-

The holidays are in full swing and it can be stressful to make this time of year grand. There are traditions to uphold, great food to make, presents to buy, and parties to conquer. Between coming up with ways to mark an occasion or finding the right gift, we might find ourselves firmly feeling stressed and haggard. So let’s talk about…

3 Creative Ideas That Will Make The Holidays Sensational And Easy…

1. Bring On The Pom Poms: It’s festive sweater season and here is a simple DIY that can turn any existing cozy sweater into a fun project! The Easy DIY Pom Pom Holiday Sweater. It’s a simple project to keep the party going in person or virtually!

2. Cozy Cocoa: Is there anything that screams “The holidays are here!” more than a sweet cup of hot cocoa topped with a giant fluffy marshmallow? Create a fun DIY gift by grabbing a glass jar and mixing up a batch of hot chocolate powder with this Celebrating Sweets recipe (minus the milk.) Then whip up this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Your gift recipient’s eyes will light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows and attach it to a jar of the cocoa mix. Now gift this magical cocoa DIY and watch as this duo brings on sensational cozy joy!

3. Put A Bird On It: If you are looking to gift a special piece of art, take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. Included in the digital download file, is the gift tag art and it’s a great way to create and decorate all the way to January and beyond. P.S. Another way to get creative is to add this art to this DIY Modern Wreath and make any front door dazzle for holiday guests!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what you will do to make the holidays easy and sensational!

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Gift McConnell’s Ice Cream!

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s beginning to look like the holidays! Sweet, dreamy lights are being hung on eaves everywhere, crushed peppermint candy topped everything is magically appearing in local markets and like a snowstorm covering a landscape, we might be accumulating our holiday gift lists to give lovely tokens of affection to the people who are near to our hearts. So, let’s talk about…

3 Creative Gifts That Will Bring Joy To Everyone’s Heart.

1. Scoop Up McConnell’s: If you are looking for an extra special treat for that hard-to-please boss, uncle or friend send a big box of McConnell’s California-made ice cream shipped directly to their door. With creative seasonal flavors like Peppermint Stick, Reindeer Tracks, and Hot Honey Buttered Rum, gifting McConnell’s is bound to bring joy to everyone’s heart!

2. Marshmallow Magic: Looking for a magical homemade gift that everyone will enjoy? Try this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Whipping up a batch of these sweet clouds of heaven is time-consuming but watch as your gift recipients’ eyes light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows. Then watch as these magical marshmallows bring joy and sweetness to everyone on your holiday gift list.

3. Shipping Is For The Birds: If you are looking to gift a special piece of art, take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. This Partridge In A Pear Tree digital download can even be used for gift tags, postcards, and beyond. This art will bring joy and happiness to everyone’s heart including yours when you don’t pay shipping costs!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what creative gifts will bring joy to everyone on your holiday list!

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Find “The Hot Toddy” Recipe Here

Hi, Creative Friends-

As winter bears down, the dark days of January can start to feel bitterly cold even when our heaters are turned up and our softest scarf is parading around our shoulders. These winter days can seem long, dark, and uninspired. We might even start to feel like we can’t tap into our creative side. That’s why…

Here Are 3 Creative Ideas To Make January Warm and Wonderful

1. Hot Bartender: Cold winter nights call for a cozy blanket and a hot drink. Play bartender and whip up my “Hot Toddy” recipe that contains a secret ingredient that will make any fridged night wonderful.

2. Smash Potatoes: When our stomachs are full we can’t help but feel warm and delighted. If you are a bit like me, potatoes are the perfect comfort food for those dark winter nights. Try a new potato recipe like Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes from Recipe Tin Eats. Whipping up a new recipe is a great way to keep January warm and wonderful.

3. Look At Art: A good way to escape the winter blues and take our minds off the fridged winds blowing outside is to study art online. The National Gallery of Art has short exhibits and free workshops that can be accessed at any moment right from your computer. What a great way to warm up creative inspiration on a bitter winter day!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and how you will keep warm and creative this winter.

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Get The Recipe For Giant Holiday Homemade Marshmallows Here

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s the final stretch of the holiday, thinking and doing. The last making, shipping, and gifting are going on right now. However, we might need a few more ideas to check off the special people on our holiday list. So, let’s chat about…

3 Last-Minute Creative Gifts That Will Bring Joy To Everyone’s Heart.

1. Modern Mistletoe Giveaway: To thank you for reading along and all your support, I’m giving away one “Modern Mistletoe” original watercolor. Everyone on this newsletter will be entered for a chance to win a beautiful one-of-a-kind “Modern Mistletoe” watercolor if you follow me on Instagram and tag a friend. You can find more information about the “Modern Mistletoe” Giveaway on Instagram.

2. Marshmallow Magic: Looking for a magical homemade gift that everyone will enjoy? Try this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Whipping up a batch of these sweet clouds of heaven is time-consuming but watch as your gift recipients’ eyes light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows. Then watch as these magical marshmallows bring joy and sweetness to everyone on your holiday gift list.

3. Shipping Is For The Birds: This season’s supply chain issues have caused shipping delays around the world. If you find yourself panicking as gift shipments are delayed, take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. This Partridge In A Pear Tree digital download can even be used for gift tags, postcards, and beyond. This art will bring joy and happiness to everyone’s heart including yours!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what creative gifts will bring joy to everyone on your holiday list!

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Blueberry Garden Art Print For Sale At Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends,

In celebration of this week’s Earth Day, we might be thinking more about the magical, spinning globe that sits beneath our feet, Planet Earth! We might be looking for simple ways to create change, in our lives, to help the planet stay beautiful.

This week, nurture planet earth and create joy with these 3 simple creative ideas.

1. The Omnivore’s Dilemma: Save on paper, save trees. Try an audiobook subscription from Audible or check out a book from the local library. One book that hits home about the impact of our consumption on the planet and the food chain that impacts us is Michael Pollan’s “The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A History Of Four Meals.” It’s a fascinating read about the food we eat and the hidden cost of our meals.

2. Minimalist Baker: Eating a vegetarian diet can be great for the planet. Finding good vegetarian recipes can be hit or miss. Try the website Minimalist Baker and their Vegan Sloppy Joes Recipe here. This smokey tomato-infused recipe is a hit around our house! Our weekend plans include whipping up this Blueberry Maple Protein Shake recipe. Minimalist Baker also has a cookbook, “Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking: 101 Entirely Plant-Based, Mostly Gluten-Free Easy Delicious Recipes.” and might just make a great Mother’s Day gift.

3. Eco Wood Art Frame. Looking for beautiful art frames for family photos or pieces of art? Try Woodside Art Frames for their 100% Solid Eco Wood. The frames come in many sizes and options. Pair it with this Blueberry Garden Art Print From Society 6 and create a joyful green space within any home.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or a creative idea on how to help the planet.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Springtime ushers in delightful moments. Flowers bloom, the sun peeks out from the spectrum of winter grays and lovers fall in love. It's a great time to have an affair.

With rhubarb that is.

Yes, it gets a bad name with its poisonous leafy greens. However, with the bad always comes the good. It's the Ying and Yang of life. Chop off the dangerous green parts and then prepare the lovely red stems. Make a delightful, saccharine, tart, relish that will make anyone swoon their way into spring.

Roasted Rhubarb Relish

• 6 1/2  cups fresh cut red rhubarb scrubbed and thinly chopped (remove and discard all the green leaves)
• 1 1/2 cups turbinado sugar

Step 1: Preheat an oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a large bowl, combine the rhubarb and the sugar.

Step 2: Place the rhubarb/sugar mixture on the baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes or until the sugar dissolves. Remove the top layer of aluminum foil and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes or until the rhubarb is soft.

Use the relish on yogurt, ice cream, in muffins or eat by the spoonful and enjoy!

Until soon lovers and friends.

Day 28. Recipe 28.

We all need an easy way to start the day. Slogging through the hours can be overwhelming, and sometimes the piece of buttered toast for breakfast just won't cut it.

Here's a sweet little something that will give you a healthy dose of Vitamin C and a kick of protein to keep our energy in check.

It will make us say orange we glad we started the day off right.

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Orange That Sweet Smoothie

• 1/2 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup lite coconut milk
• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup greek yogurt
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 cup ice
• (optional) 2 fresh orange slices

Step 1: Place the almonds, coconut milk, orange juice, greek yogurt, and almond extract into a blender. Mix until smooth. Add the ice and blend until smooth.

Step 2: (optional) place the fresh orange slices on the side of the glass and pour the smoothie into the center of the glass.

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Cheers to starting the morning off beautiful.

Until tomorrow friends.

Day 24. Recipe 24.

We didn't pick up a card; the drug store shelves only hold a few pathetic tchotchkes, and the florist just ran out of roses. It's late on Valentine's Day. How do we say "I love you!" when we only have a few minutes to spare?

Chocolate,

Strawberries,

And a few sprinkles of love.

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Chocolate Covered Strawberries

• parchment or waxed paper
• 1 pint fresh strawberries
• 1/8 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• heart sprinkles (optional)

Step 1: Lay a piece of parchment or waxed paper on a cookie sheet. Wash and gently dry the strawberries. Place them on a paper towel to wick away moisture thoroughly.

Step 2: In a small microwavable bowl, heat the coconut oil and the chocolate in 15-30 second intervals until the chocolate is melted and stirred smooth.

Step 3: Dunk a strawberry in the chocolate and cover 3/4 of a strawberry leaving the stem and 1/4 of the strawberry uncovered. Place on the paper, sprinkle with small candy hearts (optional) and repeat with the remaining strawberries. Let dry for 1 hour.

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Who said a last-minute Valentine gift isn't extra special?

Happy Valentine's day!

Until tomorrow friends!

Day 22. Recipe 22.

Hot like a Ferrari but eco-friendly like a Tesla, they make us want to treat our bodies better instantly. They are all over Instagram and Pinterest with their bright colors, exotic ingredients, and glamorous styling. They are the supermodels of the smoothie world. 

If we want to get someone's attention this Valentine's Day, we might blend up something so cool, it's hot, a smoothie bowl.

This one is no exception.

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Smooth Lover Smoothie Bowl

Serves 2 / Prep time 15 minutes

• 1 can (13.5oz) lite coconut milk
• 1 cup frozen organic strawberries
• 1 large ripe banana
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
• 1/4 cup frozen organic raspberries
• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed blood orange juice
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1/8 cup cacao nibs
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate, shaved
• 1/8 cup black chia seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Step 1: In a blender, add the coconut milk, frozen strawberries, banana, frozen pineapple and frozen raspberries. Blend until smooth. Add the blood orange juice and blend again.

Step 2: In two small bowls, pour the smoothie from the blender and dived evenly. Top with diced fresh strawberries, cacao nibs, chocolate, chia seeds and coconut flakes.

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Good luck with your smoothie bowl, smooth lover. Don't forget to say "I Love You!"

Until tomorrow friends.

Day 21. Recipe 21.

Sometimes our Valentine doesn't need chocolates, flowers or a sweet little stuffy to know that we care. They need something straight from the heart. They crave something that says we would get up at the crack of dawn to show them our complete and undying love.

And it needs to be buttery, sticky and downright delicious.

Let's make this Cherry Brioche French Toast Bake, and let our little cupids know we love them right down to the bottom of their tiny little hearts.

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Cherry Brioche French Toast Bake

Serves 8 / Prep Time 20 min / Cook Time 40-45 min

For the casserole

• 12 slices 1/2" brioche bread
• small heart shaped cutter
• 1/2 cup dried pitted tart Montmorency cherries
• 5 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup real maple syrup (warmed)

For the topping

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease am 8" x 8" casserole pan. Cut out hearts from all 12 slices brioche bread and set aside. Break apart the remaining scraps of bread and layer them with the cherries into the baking dish. Place the bread hearts on top of the cherries and torn pieces of bread.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture over the top of the casserole dish. In a small bowl, combine the butter, dark brown sugar and salt. Pour on top of the bread hearts.

Step 3: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the middle is no longer wet and contents look puffy. If the top starts to brown before the dish is fully cooked, cover with aluminum foil and continue to bake until done.

Step 4: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving with the warm maple syrup.

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May your Valentine's bellies fill with buttery goodness and hugs abound from all your Valentines!

Until tomorrow friends.

Day 20. Recipe 20.

Sometimes our heart aches for a delicious, sweet, but still a good-for-us treat. We want to fall in love with something that won't induce a pang of guilt. An XO Snack Ball will satisfy our Valentine's sweet tooth, and 5-Ingredient Pancakes will set a Valentine's Day morning off right. With, however, all the delicious options, it's hard to imagine a salad could provide us with the something to crave. Usually, we don't win friends or Valentine's Day with salad.

But be still my pumping heart.

This salad is heart-stopping delicious and good for you too.

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Hearts Of Watermelon

Serves 2 / Prep time 15 minutes

• 1 cup watermelon slices cut approximately 3 inches wide and 5 inches long
• 1/4 cup cubbed or crumbled sheep's milk feta
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves washed
• a dash of salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Step 1: Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter and cut 6 watermelon hearts. Dived the mint leaves in half and arrange on two plates. Add 3 watermelon hearts to each plate.

Step 2: Add a dash of salt to each watermelon heart. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar on each plate. Serve immediately.

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May your heart go on after this one!

Until tomorrow friends.

Day 17. Recipe 17.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Every year it sneaks up on us like holiday pounds or lettuce in our teeth. Before we know it, we are shopping at the supermarket on Valentine's Day trying to decide between a gorilla balloon and a 12 bath soap shaped hearts for the love of our life.

Not this year.

This year we make the special someone in our life a delicious, simple and lovely Valentine's Day lunch. The recipe below is just the ticket to getting a "Yum!" out of our best chum.

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Strawberry Bruschetta

• 1/2 loaf french bread cut into 1/2 slices
• 1/2 pound medium strawberries, sliced, tops removed
• Two tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
• salt to taste
• 4 oz cream cheese or goat cheese at room temperature

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and turn on the oven broiler. Cut the bread into half inch slices and place on the cookie sheet. Drizzle the bread with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the bread in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown. Remove from the broiler and set aside.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, place the strawberries, 1 tablespoon olive oil, vinegar, mint leaves and a dash of salt and mix to combine. Let the mixture sit on the counter for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Spread the cheese on each slice of bread. Divide the strawberry mixture evenly and top the bread with the strawberry mixture. Include a bit of the balsamic from the bottom of the bowl on each slice of bread.

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Stay tuned for more Valentines Day recipes this week!

Until tomorrow friends.

Day 16. Recipe 16.

Guacamole seems like a simple dip to throw together. Afterall, it is just a few ingredients thrown into a bowl and smashed up. Do we need a recipe for something so simple?

Yes!

Unfortunately, there is some lousy guacamole out there friends like whipped guacamole or guacamole with peas.

"Oh, Barf!"

The below is a classic, delicious and party-worthy recipe. 

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Easy Guacamole

adapted from Alton Brown's Guacamole Recipe

• 3 Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 medium sweet white onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 small tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Step 1: In a large bowl place the scooped avocado and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated.

Step 2: Use a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Fold in the onions, jalapeno pepper, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice and combine.

Step 3: Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve. 

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Now, let's grab the chips and cheer for team guac!

Until tomorrow friends.

This post contains an affiliate link.

Day 15. Recipe 15.

Who knew five ingredients could make a fantastic and create a better-for-us breakfast? 

Chocolate.

Bananas.

Eggs.

Oats.

Maple Syrup.

Yes!

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Better-For-You Chocolate Pancakes

adapted from the book "100% Real 100 Insanely Good Recipes For Clean Food Made Fresh" By Sam Talbot. {affiliate link}

• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3 oz dark chocolate 70%
• (optional) dash of salt
• 1/3 cup real maple syrup
• (optional) whip cream

Step 1: Place the mashed bananas, eggs in a large bowl. Wisk to combine. Add the oats, chocolate, and salt (optional) to the bowl and stir to combine.

Step 2: Heat a large griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place 1/4 cup batter in the griddle or skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side. Cook until the edges seem crisp and bubbles appear in the middle. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes or until firm and brown. Repeat until all the batter is gone.

Step 3: Top the pancakes with maple syrup and garnish with whip cream. 

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There were no "Oh, Barf!" here comments coming from our breakfast table. There was just silent happy munching.

Until tomorrow friends.

Day 14. Recipe 14.

This soup good for us. 

We should eat this at least once a week.

My kids gave it two "Oh, Barfs!" 

But then slurped it up anyway.

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Roasted Carrot And Ginger Soup

adapted from "The Mediterranean Dish"

Cook time 1 hour / Prep time 25 min

• 3 pounds carrots, peeled
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoons coarse sea salt
• 2 shallots minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 5 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 1/2 cup milk
• (optional) fresh mint for garnish, goat cheese and a bit more olive oil

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Chop the carrots lengthwise and place on the baking sheets. Drizzle with the 4 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake the carrots in a 425-degree oven for 45 minutes turning over the carrots mid-way through roasting. Remove from oven and let cool.

Step 3: Place the shallots, fresh ginger, carrots and 2-3 cups broth in a blender or a food processor. Puree together. Depending on the volume the machine can hold, the mixture may require smoothing in two batches.

Step 4: Transfer the carrot puree into an 8-qt stockpot and place on medium heat. Add the additional broth, coriander, and allspice. Stir to combine. When the soup starts to bubble, turn the heat to medium-low and stir in the milk. Once heated thoroughly, remove from heat.

Step 5: Place soup in serving bowls, garnish with fresh mint, goat cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

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Soups On!

Until tomorrow friends.

Day 12. Recipe 12.

It's fantastic when something simple changes our lives. Take toast. It's just a piece of bread and yet so much can be done with a fundamental slice of crunchiness.

Like, getting kids interested in making something delicious in the kitchen.

Today's recipe was created by my kids. Sure, I helped, but together we developed this tasty treat inspired by today's Super Blue Blood Moon celestial event.

It was mind-altering to see them come up with ideas and thoughts on everything from the ingredients to the angle of the photography. My daughter suggested the lime juice; my son told me to photograph the toast on a black background. They both helped eat the blueberries while we all talked about the workings of outer space, stars, rocket ships and our moon.

So much goodness and learning came out of something so simple!

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Once In A Super Blue Moon Toast

Serves 4 / 10 min prep time

• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon blue agave syrup
• 2 oz cream cheese at room temperature
• 4 slices white bread
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Step 1: Place the frozen blueberries, lime juice, syrup, and cream cheese in a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 2: Use a 3-inch cup, press the lip of the cup into the middle of the bread to create a circle shape. Insert the bread into a toaster and crisp until golden.

Step 3: Place the toast on a plate and slather the blueberry/cream cheese/lime spread directly on the circle of the toast. Sprinkle with fresh blueberries and repeat the process with the other 3 slices. 

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Now my kids say "Enjoy the toast and the super blue moon!

Until tomorrow friends.

Day 11. Recipe 11.

Weeknight dinners can be plain, boring and downright dull. Sometimes we get caught in an endless cycle of same old same old. Trying something new seems just too much to handle.

And let's face it, sometimes we are just too chicken to try the new chicken.

Well, this recipe is guaranteed to make us all less of a chicken.

These rice bowls inspired by Ev Eats are pretty easy. The only hard part is the recipe requires three different pots or pans to whip up dinner.

Most of my family loved this recipe. It, however, did receive a one "Oh, barf!" rating. In the future, a little pineapple addition might go a long way to making these bowls delicious for a whole crowd.

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Caribbean Chicken & Rice Bowls

Chicken

• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoons chili powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 2 large chicken breasts, diced
• 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Black Beans

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans black beans, drained
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• salt and black pepper to taste

Cilantro-Lime Rice

• 1 ½ cups brown rice
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• salt and black pepper to taste

Chicken

Step 1: In a blender, combine the ingredients for the chicken marinade. Add the cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper, garlic, orange zest and orange juice, and lime zest and lime juice to the blender. Blend on high until smooth.

Step 2: Add the chicken to a ziptop bag and pour all the marinade over the chicken. Move the ingredients around to coat and allow the chicken to sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Heat a large nonstick skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook, 10-12 minutes or until browned all over and fully cooked. 

Black Beans

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute for 4 minutes, until soft and golden.

Step 2: Add the black beans and paprika. Cook for 5-10 minutes. Add salt and pepper if desired.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Step 1: Cook the rice according to the package directions. Once the rice is ready, add the lime, cilantro and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Divide the rice, chicken and black beans in bowls, top with avocado, tomatoes, and lime juice. 

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Let me know how you like the chicken, little chickens.

Until tomorrow friends.