Ice Cream Before Dinner.

I had a sundae bar at my party and since I forgot to post it I thought I'd start with dessert this time. I put out vanilla and chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, chopped peanuts, sprinkles, chocolate syrup and strawberries. But, much to my husband's disappointment, I forgot the cherries. Oh well, it was still yummy.

Chicken Bouillabaisse. This was a new recipe for me and I made it in my first Le Creuset pot. It was a birthday gift and I'm so happy to finally have one. It browned the chicken perfectly. I also tried to make the rouille that goes along with the recipe, but instead of a mayo like consistency I ended up with watery, oily egg yolk. YUCK. The chicken was still good without it.

The chicken recipe was from this cookbook. I love Barefoot Contessa cookbooks. Thank you to my brother and sister in-law for the gift. Love you.

Do you collect cookbooks? What are some of your favorites?

Congratulations to the Cookbook Winner

http://pancakesnpajamas.blogspot.com/ won my first giveaway. Congratulations. Your cookbook was shipped today. Happy Baking.

Thank You to Fashion Meets Food

A little too excited about my new Wii game...but can you see the cute scarf?

A big thank you to http://www.fashionmeetsfood.com/
I won the scarf giveaway and I love it. If you get a chance, check out http://www.affordablescarves.com/

It's Party Time

Prosecco with Blood Orange Soda.

Dark Chocolate Truffles dusted with powdered sugar.

Goodie Bags with Granola for each of my guests. I made these the weekend before. It's so easy to make and super yummy.

Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil on Crostini. I served balsamic on the side.

Fresh Whipped Cream and Nutella for the Crepes

Croissants with the best strawberry jam ever (made by a coworker)
Thanks Teryn!

Crepes

Prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe.

Since cooking is my favorite way to spend the day, that's exactly what I did all weekend. I was originally going to make all French food but I got a little distracted at Trader Joes and ended up with quite a variety of ingredients. I had a group of friends over Saturday night and we feasted on French and Italian (albeit Americanized) treats. If you'd like any of the recipes, please let me know.
How did you spend your weekend?

Hey, It's OK Tuesday.....

I got this idea from this hilarious blog http://whisperingwriter.blogspot.com/, If you've never seen her blog, check it out. It's too funny. I thought I'd take a little break from food posting today and use her idea.She got this idea from Glamour magazine. They have a section called Hey, It’s Okay and will list a bunch of things to be okay about. You're welcome to join in and do something like this on your blog.

Hey It's OK......

To wear socks with holes in them. I'd rather spend money on food.

To have to pet and coo at every animal you see. This is how I have 3 cats (which is also ok)

To sneak in your own bottled water and candy to a movie. Rip off snack bar prices, no thanks.

To be irritated with the guy crossing the street and texting at the same time. "Hello, pay attention or I'll hit you. "

To have abandoned American Idol since Paula left. Can Ellen even sing?

To buy a churro at Disneyland every time I see a stand selling them. Nobody makes them like they do. YUM!

To not understand why my husband can put his dirty clothes next to, on top of or near the laundry basket, but not actually in the basket. Geez.

To wish is was the weekend already.....but it's only Tuesday.

Cookie Love= My First Giveaway

Baking cookies is one of my favorite things to do, so in honor of my 101th post I'm giving away a cookbook. The Essential Chocolate Chip Cookbook, because who doesn't love a chocolate chip cookie? Yum!
Winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, June 23 after 5pm. To enter, tell me what your favorite cookie is. Also, please include either your e-mail or blog address so I can get in touch with you if you win. Happy Baking!

Hey, It's Okay Tuesday....

I got this idea from this hilarious blog http://whisperingwriter.blogspot.com/, If you've never seen her blog, check it out. It's too funny. I thought I'd take a little break from food posting today and use her idea.
She got this idea from Glamour magazine. They have a section called Hey, It’s Okay and will list a bunch of things to be okay about. You're welcome to join in and do something like this on your blog.

Hey It's Ok......

To think the games on Facebook are cool and to be slightly addicted to Bejeweled.

To take photos of your food at a restaurant, yes snotty girl sitting at the table next to me I'm talking to you. I'm a food blogger and proud of it.

To spend way too much time picking out a birthday card even though it never gets as much attention as the gift.

To get really excited about a $5 clearance sale sweater you found at Old Navy that goes perfectly with your Target clearance sun dress.

To be afraid to have children or better yet to be afraid to have girls. I see how they dress now and talk all attitudy......so not cool. I'd be grounded FOREVER.

To refuse to watch scary movies. I'm still traumitized by Scream and that was years ago.

To be annoyed with my Wii Fit. Sorry, I haven't been on in 6 days and I've gained 1/2 a pound. I've been busy playing Bejeweled. Maybe if you were nicer to me I'd visit you more often.