Weekend Plate Perfectors

Happy weekend, everyone! I hope you’re all enjoying a fantastic time, filled with relaxation and joy. Our plans for a getaway this weekend took an unexpected turn, leading us to host family right here in town. While it wasn’t what we initially envisioned, it has proven to be an incredibly fulfilling change. We’ve been relishing every moment, spending countless hours by the pool, soaking up the sun, and, as you might expect, indulging in an abundance of delicious homemade food. It’s truly been a delightful surprise!

This delightful change of pace inspired me to launch a new series: the “Weekend SideDish” post. Here, I’ll be sharing a weekly dose of fun, flavor, and everyday moments from my life. Each edition will feature personal updates, exciting food discoveries, scrumptious recipes I’ve either whipped up myself or stumbled upon through other talented bloggers, and perhaps even some simple, unphotographed creations. You’ll also find updates on our growing boys, snippets from our travels, and much more. My aim is to offer you something enjoyable, useful, or simply inspiring to brighten your weekend. Let’s dive into this week’s highlights!

To kick things off, beyond cherishing quality time with my boys and our visiting family, here’s what has been captivating my culinary thoughts this weekend:

These irresistible M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies. I confess, I already baked a batch, and they were so wonderfully soft and chewy, they barely lasted a day! These delightful treats are an absolute dream, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. For a peek at how I plan to transform them into an even more decadent dessert tonight, make sure to follow along on Instagram. You won’t want to miss the sweet magic!

A specific craving that’s been on my mind is the phenomenal fried chicken and jack sandwich from East Hampton Sandwich Co. If you find yourself in Dallas, or are planning a visit, this sandwich is an absolute culinary pilgrimage. Its perfectly crispy chicken, melted jack cheese, and expertly crafted bread create a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly unforgettable. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we manage to squeeze in a visit there this weekend – it’s a must-have Dallas experience!

Another weekend must-have for me is this uplifting movie. For anyone who knows me or follows my updates regularly, my passion for this film comes as no surprise! I am utterly obsessed with its humor, music, and heartwarming story. I fully intend to watch it at least once this weekend, and probably several more times in the coming weeks, or at least until the much-anticipated sequel finally arrives! It’s my ultimate feel-good cinematic escape.

My absolute favorite food discovery of the past week has to be this incredible pretzel surprise crispycake from The Crispery. If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting a crispycake, you absolutely need to seek one out. These aren’t just any rice krispie treats; they are truly next-level awesome – a masterpiece of chewy, gooey, and perfectly crunchy perfection. The pretzel surprise adds an irresistible salty-sweet dimension that makes them stand out. I typically find them at the checkout line of our local Central Market, and I confess, I simply cannot resist. Since they contain cereal, I’ve even managed to justify calling them breakfast on occasion, right? They are undeniably delicious!

Last Sunday marked National S’mores Day, and after enjoying some fantastic Grilled BBQ Chicken Calzones, I promised the boys we’d make s’mores. However, we realized we were completely out of graham crackers. Necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention! So, we improvised and created something even more delicious…

Later that same evening, Brandon and I were deeply engrossed in various house projects, and the inevitable munchies struck. To satisfy our cravings, we fired up our beloved Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker – truly one of our favorite kitchen gadgets for quick, perfect popcorn! The real game-changer, however, was seasoning it with truffle salt. If you’ve never experienced truffle salt, you absolutely must! Its earthy, aromatic flavor transforms ordinary popcorn into a gourmet delight. But be warned: it is incredibly addicting! I even heard on the radio this week that Oprah herself carries a jar of truffle salt everywhere, offering it to chefs at restaurants to enhance her meals. How brilliant is that? It makes me admire her even more! You can typically find it at larger markets or specialty food stores, and despite how frequently we use it, our small jar continues to deliver robust flavor. It’s a pantry staple for elevating simple snacks.

Egg fried rice has always been one of my ultimate comfort foods, my go-to order at Pei Wei and countless Chinese restaurants. Recently, I was hit with an intense craving to create a Mexican-inspired version of this classic dish, and when a craving strikes, I tend to satisfy it without delay! Despite having dinner at Chick-fil-A on Monday night (due to an electrician working at the house), I couldn’t resist. Once the boys were tucked into bed, I got to work and created this incredible Mexican Egg Fried Rice. It was an instant hit with the entire family! If you appreciate the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine and the comforting simplicity of egg fried rice, you are absolutely going to adore this innovative fusion. It’s truly a flavor explosion!

This Mexican Egg Fried Rice makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner, especially as our evenings are about to get significantly busier with school back in session. Speaking of effortless and satisfying weeknight meal ideas, I recently had a friend ask me for some quick, healthy, and easy dinner suggestions for the back-to-school season. As parents, we all know the challenge of getting a nutritious meal on the table before hunger turns into meltdowns and kids fill up on snacks. My best advice is to plan ahead! I often make a larger batch of something delicious on Sunday or Monday night that can carry us through a few days, minimizing daily cooking stress. While some nights call for simple grilled cheese or quesadillas, most evenings I aim for something wholesome and homemade. Here’s a curated list of our family favorites and some helpful tips:

Back-To-School Dinner Ideas: Quick & Healthy Meals for Busy Weeknights

• Versatile Stir-Fry: This is a fantastic option because you can easily customize it with your family’s favorite vegetables and adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s palate. It’s a quick, healthy way to use up whatever fresh produce you have on hand.
• Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets: A perennial kid-pleaser! Serve these with a side of fresh fruit, creamy hummus, and an array of colorful raw vegetables for a balanced and appealing meal. They’re much healthier than their fried counterparts and just as tasty.
• Deconstructed Hummus Quinoa Salads: For the younger ones, we often serve the components of this salad separately – a spoonful of hummus, a pile of quinoa, some chopped veggies. This way, everyone can assemble their own “salad” to their liking, making it a fun and engaging meal.
• Baked Pizza Taquitos: Combine two kid-favorite foods into one delicious, easy-to-eat package. These are excellent for a fun weeknight treat that feels special but requires minimal effort.
• Brinner (Breakfast for Dinner): Nothing beats breakfast for dinner! Our go-to is fluffy whole wheat banana pancakes served alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. It’s a guaranteed winner and a delightful change of pace for any weeknight.
• Quiche with a Fresh Salad: Whether homemade or a quality store-bought option, quiche paired with a simple green salad offers a sophisticated yet easy dinner. It’s perfect for using up leftover vegetables or cheeses.
• Our New Favorite: Mexican Egg Fried Rice: As mentioned earlier, this recipe is a new family favorite that everyone loved. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and comes together surprisingly fast, making it ideal for a busy school night.
• Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad: This light and refreshing pasta salad is not only delicious for dinner but also keeps exceptionally well, making it perfect for packing into school lunches or enjoying as leftovers the next evening.
• Chicken Salad Tacos or Ground Meat Tacos: For easy tacos, you can use chicken salad as a filling, or quickly brown some ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning. Add a can of refried beans to the mixture for extra flavor and substance, top with Mexican cheese, and serve warm. For an extra cheesy experience, pop them in the oven until the cheese melts. Simple, customizable, and always a hit!
• Comforting Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup: A hearty and warming soup that’s perfect for cooler evenings. It’s packed with flavor and vegetables, offering a wholesome meal in a bowl.
• Quick Sweet Potato Gnocchi: A surprisingly quick and elegant dish that can be prepared in advance. Its delicate texture and rich sauce make it a sophisticated yet simple weeknight option.
• Crowd-Pleasing Turkey Lasagna: This recipe is ideal for making ahead of time. It yields a generous amount, often enough for two separate meals, saving you cooking time later in the week.
• The Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: When time is truly of the essence, a store-bought rotisserie chicken paired with a fresh loaf of bread and some steamed or roasted vegetables makes for an incredibly easy, yet satisfying and healthy dinner.

I sincerely hope these back-to-school dinner ideas prove helpful in simplifying your busy weeknights and bringing delicious meals to your family table!

In a heartwarming gesture that perfectly illustrates the beauty of friendship, my dear friend Lacey, who is currently on an incredible dream road trip across America with her family, spotted this adorable sign. Thinking of me, she mailed it from California. How incredibly thoughtful is she? And it arrived at the most serendipitous moment! I was trying to get creative with activities for Bryce and Barrett, so I came up with the idea of letting them play with their parfaits on rimmed sheet pans. I stripped them down to their diapers in their high chairs, set out scoops of Greek yogurt, a medley of berries, and some granola, giving them complete freedom to explore and eat however they wished. As the mess started to escalate, and I began to question the wisdom of my decision, my doorbell rang. There, on my doorstep, was a box containing Lacey’s sweet sign. It was such a powerful and timely reminder that these messy, chaotic moments are precisely what create beautiful memories. It reassured me that my boys are happy and healthy, and that I am truly blessed to be their mom. The sign now has a proud spot in our playroom, serving as a daily affirmation that it’s perfectly okay to have a sticky floor, a well-used oven, toys scattered everywhere, laundry piles, dishes overflowing the sink, a less-than-organized garage, and blog work sprawling across the table. My boys are an immeasurable blessing, and I wouldn’t trade these wonderful, messy moments for anything. Thank you, Lacey, for such a perfect reminder!

Almost every week, two of my closest girlfriends gather at my place for a wonderfully low-key “mama’s night in.” These evenings are strictly a “stretch pants required” affair, where we simply relax, catch up on life’s happenings, and invariably treat ourselves to something sweet. Since National S’mores Day had just passed, we were still in a definite s’mores mood, and our sweet indulgence for the evening turned out to be nothing short of epic! We whipped up Homemade S’mores Blizzards, and let me tell you, they were out of this world amazing. These blizzards certainly made our girls’ night extra sweet and special this week!

These blizzards are surprisingly easy to make. I always rely on my trusty KitchenAid mixer, equipped with the paddle attachment, to create homemade blizzards. The results are consistently fantastic, tasting just like the real deal from your favorite ice cream shop. They’re a perfect treat to share with friends, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.

Here’s a snapshot of brotherly love at its finest! It warms my heart to witness how incredibly close these sweet brothers continue to grow. I pray their bond remains this strong and cherished forever. These moments of genuine affection are truly priceless.

My ongoing obsession with homemade granola bars shows no signs of waning! I find myself baking a fresh batch almost every week, constantly experimenting with the recipe based on whatever delightful ingredients I have on hand. This particular batch, which I baked late on Wednesday night, turned out absolutely phenomenal. The combination of flavors and textures was just perfect. I’m excited to share the recipe with you below, so you can enjoy these wholesome and delicious treats too!

This sweet boy, Baker, was absolutely beaming with excitement when he woke up Thursday morning and discovered that I had baked a fresh batch of granola bars! For months, he has been earnestly asking me to make these so he could share them with the kind man and woman who stand at the corners near his school, holding signs that indicate they are hungry and homeless. It truly breaks my heart when he asks why they don’t have food or a home, especially as we drive back to our own house, which is always well-stocked with delicious food. So, that afternoon, we lovingly bagged up the granola bars along with some bottled water and delivered them. Baker’s joy was palpable, and the gentleman we gave them to was incredibly grateful. We pray daily that they are blessed with a safe home and abundant food to keep them healthy. I am unbelievably thankful for Baker’s enormous, compassionate heart; his generosity truly inspires me.

You absolutely must try these chocolate cupcakes with fudge frosting! They are completely gluten-free, yet you would never, ever guess it by their incredible taste and perfectly moist texture. They are simply heavenly! The brilliant recipe comes from Michelle of My Gluten-Free Kitchen, and it’s a true winner for anyone, whether you follow a gluten-free diet or not.

These cupcakes actually marked my very first foray into gluten-free baking, and I admit, I was quite nervous about how they would turn out. To my delight, and honestly, with a lot of help, they were a huge success! In fact, I didn’t even do most of the baking myself. I had an exceptionally enthusiastic and capable baking assistant who practically took over the entire process…

Sweet Emory came over for a baking date with me on Thursday, and it was an absolute blast! She possesses an undeniable love for baking and confidently declared that when she grows up, she intends to open her very own bakery. How incredibly adorable is that? Her dad and Brandon work together, and when she learned about my passion for baking, she had been eagerly anticipating a chance to bake with me. Witnessing her sheer joy and enthusiasm for baking was one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. She knew exactly what she was doing, moving with purpose and a huge, radiant smile plastered on her face the entire time. From meticulously lining the cupcake pan to expertly cracking the eggs and even helping to clean the dishes afterward, she handled everything with impressive skill. I was truly amazed by her talent!

Emory had recently transitioned to a gluten-free diet, which is why I reached out to my wonderful friend, Michelle, for her invaluable guidance. Michelle helped me navigate the world of gluten-free ingredients and pointed us to this perfect, delicious recipe. A huge thank you to Michelle for making our baking adventure so successful!

That afternoon was truly unforgettable, and I sincerely hope Emory and I can create many more baking memories together. What a sweetheart, with a passion for sweets and baking that might just be as strong, if not stronger, than my own! I absolutely cherished every moment of it.

When our family arrived in town on Thursday night, I decided to bake up this incredibly delicious turkey lasagna. It was such a hit that I simply couldn’t wait to share the recipe with all of you! It’s truly a crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a gathering, and it’s definitely going to become a staple in our home. I’ll be sure to make it again soon and photograph it with my good camera to create a dedicated blog post, so you can see all the delicious details!

Delicious Discoveries from Fellow Food Bloggers

Now, let’s explore some other mouth-watering creations from talented food bloggers that have caught my eye and sparked my culinary imagination:

This Skillet Baked Mac & Cheese with Bacon Pretzel Topping from Picky Palate looks absolutely divine! The idea of a rich, creamy mac and cheese crowned with a crunchy, savory bacon pretzel topping is pure genius. It was love at first sight, and I can only imagine the incredible layers of flavor and texture this dish offers. I am definitely planning to make this for dinner very soon – it promises to be an indulgent and comforting meal!

These Coffee Chocolate Chip Muffins from Inside BrewCrew Life sound like the perfect way to start any morning! The combination of robust coffee and sweet chocolate chips in a tender muffin is an ideal pairing for a delightful breakfast or a cozy snack with your favorite hot beverage. I can almost smell them baking already, and I absolutely can’t wait to try baking them myself. They promise to make my mornings infinitely better!

Last week, I had the pleasure of baking these extraordinary Pistachio Coffee & Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies from Ambitious Kitchen, and they were truly amazing! The unique blend of subtle coffee notes and the rich, nutty depth of brown butter elevates these chocolate chunk cookies to an entirely new level. We enjoyed some on their own with a tall glass of cold milk, and then, for an extra treat, we transformed the rest into decadent ice cream sandwiches. The resulting combination was absolutely ridiculous – in the best way possible! If you’re looking for a cookie that’s beyond ordinary, this is it.

And finally, my blogger crush of the week is Kristy from Sweet Treats & More! Kristy, much like myself, has a serious sweet tooth, but she also expertly balances this with a commitment to preparing and serving healthy, family-friendly meals. Her blog is an absolute treasure trove, brimming with everything from incredibly decadent sweet treats that will make your mouth water to wholesome and nutritious meals perfect for any family. She has two adorable little boys and another sweet little one on the way, which makes me so incredibly happy for her! Hooray for three boys! I had the pleasure of meeting Kristy at the BlogHer Food 14 conference in Miami, and she is an absolute gem. I wholeheartedly encourage you to check out her amazing blog for endless inspiration!

Cheers to a fantastic weekend, everyone!

Much Love,