Turkey Meatloaf with Chipotle Glaze

I just developed a major crush on SIRIouslyDelicious, a food blog written by Carson Daly's other half, Siri Pinter.  She's witty, funny, and says it like it is with awesome recipes for every occasion. 

Tonight I made two versions of her Turkey Meatloaf with Chipotle Glaze, one with and without the adobo sauce so my kids could enjoy it as well.  Both were seriously delicious and since they're packed with zucchini, onion, and sweet potato, they're healthy too. What more could a girl ask for? They will definitely become part of my weeknight staples. 

PC: SIRIouslydelicious.com

Recipe after the jump:

Blackberry Pie Bars

If you can resist the heavenly picture above then you must have a problem.  I took one look and ran to the market as fast as you can say 'snap' so I could sink my teeth into them ASAP. 

After cutting a 'sliver' before whisking them to a dinner party, my husband caught me red-handed, literally and figuratively, since by sliver I mean 3, maybe 4 bars, and I was (on the verge of) licking my fingers clean in my nice party dress.  HEY, you're only pregnant once and sometimes it ain't pretty. Whoever said "you can't have your cake and eat it too" was just plain wrong or obviously never pregnant. There are some things that are meant to be done in private. And this, my friends, is one of them. 

Back to the bars... they taste exactly how they look- a buttery crust topped with a sweet blackberry filling, covered in the a delightful crumble mixture. They are as delicious as they look, especially paired with vanilla ice cream (low fat of course) because then you can have a larger scoop. 

PC: Tracey's Culinary Adventures

Recipe after the jump:

Batali's Chicken

As a huge Batali fan, I had no doubt that his stuffed Herb and Cheese Filled Chicken Thigh recipe would fall nothing short of awesome. Sure enough, it's a definite crowd pleaser even for those who aren't the 'thigh' type, like yours truly. I served it with a Spicy Caesar Salad and Pizza with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Pesto.  It was divine. And best of all, unlike most of Batali's dishes, this chicken dish isn't that unhealthy (besides the fat in the thigh) but I don't think you should count that since it's protein. How else are you supposed to grow?

Batali's Herb and Cheese-Filled Chicken Thighs:

PC: Food & Wine

Recipe after the jump:

World's Best Mac N' Cheese

For those of you who like to entertain, here is the world's best mac n' cheese that will make you fall to your knees. It's rich and creamy, yet simple and divine with toasted bread cubes on top that make it worth your time. (I know, I'm a poet and I just didn't...)

This is it, your Happily Ever After. And thank you to my friend Olivia for the world's best kept secret. 

Martha's Creamy Mac N' Cheese

Recipe after the jump: 

PC: Smitten Kitchen 

Cucumber Sandwich, not just for tea parties

While cucumber sandwiches usually just bring back memories of the bland tea party variety from my youth, I found that when you pair it with the right ingredients it makes you want to celebrate Meatless Mondays every day of the week. Here's the secret:

-Pair it with hearty whole grain bread, ripe avocado, and laughing cow cheese

-I'm talking good hearty bread, like the kind you find at a bakery (just buy a half loaf and use it for lunch)

It's healthy, filling, and totally satisfying.  Perfect for a pregnant lady might I add. I served mine with carrots and hummus.

Cucumber, Avocado, and Laughing Cow Sandwich:

Recipe after the jump: 

PC: Goodlifeeats

Cranberry Meatballs

In an effort to clear out my pantry before moving in a few months, I made an oldie but goodie: Cranberry Meatballs.  This dish is easy to prepare and versatile since you can substitute chicken if you don't have the time to make homemade meatballs (or can't find them pre-made at the store).  I serve mine over brown rice sprinkled with sliced honey almonds.  It's a family favorite.

PC: Simplyrecipes.com

Recipe after the jump:

White Cheddar, Apple Butter, Spinach and Honey Mustard Panini

Since pregnancy keeps me from eating my favorite deli meats, I came up with this super panini that doesn't make me miss the deli section for a minute.  The trick is good quality bread (I used the twelve grain loaf from the Whole Foods bakery) and a panini maker (hopefully you got one off your wedding registry).

White Cheddar, Apple Butter, Spinach, & Honey Mustard Panini:

Serves 1:

Ingredients:

2 slices of whole grain bread

2 slices white cheddar

1 tbsp apple butter 

1/2 tbsp honeycup mustard*

1/3 cup fresh spinach or arugula

Other: 1 tbsp EVOO for brushing the panini maker

Preheat the panini maker to medium-high heat. 

Assemble the sandwich: spread the apple butter on one slice of bread and top with cheddar and spinach.  Spread the honey mustard on the other slice of bread and place it face down, forming a sandwich. Brush the olive oil on both sides of the panini maker and place the sandwich on the grill.  Close it and let it bake for 2-4 minutes or so, checking to see that the cheese is melted, the spinach is partly welted, and the bread is golden brown and crispy.  Enjoy!

*if you don't have honeycup mustard, I suppose you can substitute horseradish mustard for a nice kick. And buy it the next time you're at the store because it is the best mustard out there! 

PC: Yummymummykitchen.com