Breakfast Update...Muffins

I wonder if you all are bored with my breakfast ramblings yet? If so I apologize, and if not your in luck with a another recipe today. Last week's winner was definitely the breakfast cookie, but last night I made these Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins and they are delicious.

And once you read through the recipe you will see that you have to get out the dreaded food processor to make these, BUT it's worth it, so do it. Next time I make these I would add some cinnamon, yes I also said that about the breakfast cookies and then forgot to add it with this recipes as well. 

via Fit and Healthy with Debbie

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins from Fit and Healthy with Debbie

Ingredients:
2.5 cups old fashioned oats 

1 cup plain low fat Greek yogurt

2 eggs

1/2 cup honey

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 TBSP ground flax seed

1 tsp vanilla

2 ripe bananas 

Walnut Halves (Optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place the oats in the food processor and pulse for about 10 seconds.  Add remaining ingredients to the food processor. 

3. Process until everything is mixed together and oats are smooth.

4. Divide batter and place a few walnut halves into each muffin, and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Happy Baking!

If You Can't Afford Celine...

Ahhh Celine, who wouldn't love one of their bags? Hint Hint hubs...

While one of their gorgeous bags will have to stay in my dreams, these tees are much more easier to get my hands (and budget) on. Thanks to the sisters over at A Piece of Toast I found about these and ordered one right away. Be prepared to spend a long while on A Piece of Toast if you have never visited before as it's full of goodness.

via NYC Paris London HK Tokyo LA

So go scoop up yourself a tee and rock it! I'm wearing mine (I got the grey) to work today with dark skinnies and a tuxedo blazer and love the casual/dressy feel, not to mention the tee is BEYOND soft.

Happy Wednesday! 

P.S. - New recipes coming soon, but I've made these this week, and this and these!

Oscar Recap

Like every other blogger out there I'm jumping on the Oscar bandwagon and showcasing my favorites. Did you all actually watch the show? I didn't, but I've heard it really wasn't that great. The most I heard about was Jennifer Lawrence's epic fall, but who really cares if you fall if Bradley Cooper is rushing to help you...right ladies?

So my favorite fashions for the night....

Naomi Watts in Giorgio Armani Prive was BY FAR my favorite of the evening. Doesn't she look stunning? She is seriously beyond gorgeous and her body looks amazing.

via Red Carpet Fashion Awards

I know not everyone loved Amy Adams, but I really did. The look is so elegant princess to me, and the girly-girl in me just loved it. Plus it's Oscar and he can do wrong.

via Red Carpet Fashion Awards

I loved the bright color of Kerry Washington's Miu Miu dress, it was fun and youthful, but still elegant. I am in LOVE with Scandal, Kerry's hit show on ABC. Do you all watch? If not get on that bandwagon quickly.

via Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Who doesn't love Sally Field? She seems like the perfect Mama/best gal pal/amazing role model, doesn't she? I loved that she wore a true gown (And it's Valentino so she is winning right there!) and doesn't let her age stop her from looking fashionable, but still appropriate.

via Red Carpet Fashion Awards

I know a lot of folks had mixed feelings about Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen, but I thought she looked amazing! She also seems normal to me, like she hasn't let Hollywood totally screw her up. 

via Red Carpet Fashion Awards

Who was your favorite from the evening??

Sausage Artichoke Soup

This soup recipe seriously might be one of the easiest recipes ever. My Mama has made this twice and both times I've had a bowl or two and loved it and finally got around to making a batch last night. This soup literally took 10-12 minutes to put together and then it just simmers away, SO easy.

I hope sweet baby Tripp's parents enjoy this soup. I've mentioned sweet Tripp in this post and was excited to feed his parents again tonight! See Tripp's Mama's fun blog here.

Enjoy!

via iPhone

Sausage Artichoke Soup

Ingredients:

3 links Italian chicken sausage
2 cans artichoke hearts chopped
3 large can diced Italian tomatoes (I like using the basil/garlic version.)
1 package dry onion soup mix
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cups water

Directions:

Cook sausage in a dutch oven and break up with the back of a spoon into bite sized pieces. Once sausage is cooked add rest of ingredients and simmer for 1-2 hours. 

I Want...

I've been a pinning mad woman lately, although that isn't really out of the ordinary, but wanted to feature some of my latest wants and desires today.

I've been wanting a pair of leather shorts for a long time and since the leather trend is here to stay I've got my eyes on this pair from Piperlime. I'm trying to hold out for a promo before I commit though. I can imagine wearing these with a crisp white blouse tucked in and some sky high wedges.

Tinley Road Vegan Leather Short via Piperlime

OBSESSING over this Stella & Dot necklace, love the chain links and the neat pendant drop. Has anyone seen this in person?

Glass Orb and Gold Plated Serpent Necklace via Stella & Dot

I think I've mentioned that the hubs is a huge hunter and since I go with him from time to time I'm always on the lookout for a more a chic hunting look. This Madewell top would definitely fall into that category and it would have so much potential outside of hunting too. I could pair this with white skinnies and nude flats or currently over my coated black jeans with a black leather jacket thrown on top. I think I'll have to go take a looksie at our new Madewell store here in town.

Madwell Station Workshirt

Cookies for Breakfast

Finally, we have a winner from this weeks breakfast trials. These healthy cookies were yum and filling. While they don't have just a ton of flavor, the protein that the oats and walnuts gave me was just what I needed. I think next time I make these I'll add a few dashes of cinnamon in the "batter" for some extra flavor.

Enjoy!

Healthy Cookies via Skinnytaste.com

Healthy Cookies from Skinnytaste.com

Ingredients:

• 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup of uncooked oats
• 1/4 cup crushed & toasted walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Spray a non-stick cookie sheet with cooking spray.

Combine the mashed bananas and oats in a bowl. Fold in the walnuts and place a tablespoon of each on the cookie sheet.

Bake 15 minutes. Makes 16 cookies.

Milkshakes for Breakfast

Yes, I indulged this morning in a milkshake for breakfast. Obviously it was of the healthy variety. In an effort to mix up my breakfast routine I tried this milkshake this morning, and in case you missed it, yesterday I tried this oatmeal. While I did like this mornings shake way better than yesterday's oatmeal I'm still not 100% sold.

Do you all have a favorite healthy breakfast recipe?

Healthy Peanut Butter, Banana, & Honey Milkshake via An Edible Mosaic

Healthy Peanut Butter, Banana, & Honey Milkshake slightly adapted from An Edible Mosaic

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1 tablespoon almond butter 
• 1 tablespoon ground golden flaxseed 
• 2 teaspoons honey 
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 large banana, peeled, chopped into 6 pieces, and frozen

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth.
2. Pour the smoothie into a glass.
3. Serve immediately, while it is super thick and creamy.

Tomorrow I'm going to try these. I mean, surely I can't go wrong with cookies for breakfast? I'll report back!

Lately...

I hadn't done a "lately" post in awhile so I thought it was about time for one. Did you all have a good weekend? Ours was great, it was the perfect mix of fun, friends, family and getting things done around the house. I'm most excited about our new rug in our hallway and the rehanging of some artwork to make more of a gallery wall type look in the hallway as well...look for a picture on my Instagram soon (follow me at nlboenker).

This morning I made a new breakfast recipe for myself. I keep thinking I want to get into oatmeal, mostly for all the health benefits, but sadly I just CAN'T get into it. This is the recipe I followed in case any of you are oatmeal fanatics.

Last night I made an oldie, but a goodie...this Cajun Chicken Pasta. This time instead of pasta, I threw in a packet of the quinoa/brown rice blend (I get this at CostCo!) that I use frequently. It was delicious!

via Skinnytaste.com

Tonight I'm planning on making these pork chops which I posted about here. I hope the hubs will like these!

via Cooking Light

Do we have any Downton obsessed people reading? OMG I can't believe the finale! UGH I don't know how I'm going to wait until Season 4 to see what happens next.

Revenge was pretty freaking good too, man too much TV and too little time...cue my husband rolling his eyes now.

And last but not least, spring/summer is just around the corner and these sandals from Aerin (yes Lauder) would be a classic option to add to any one's wardrobe. 

Salinas via Aerin

Have a great week!

Short Ribs...A Guy Approved Meal

Have you all had short ribs? If you haven't, I highly suggest making them. While they are rich, they are delicious and so worth the indulgence. And ladies, your man will LOVE these! However, know now that this isn't one of my normal healthy recipes, but hey it was Valentine's so it's OK to splurge!

This recipe came from Eat, Live, Run...Jenna's recipes are the best! 

These short ribs do have some upfront prep work, but then are finished in the slow cooker. The aroma from these cooking in your slow cooker all day fill your home with the best aroma!

Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs via Eat, Live, Run

Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs slightly adapted from Eat, Live, Run

serves 3-4

Ingredients:

3 ½ lbs beef chuck short ribs

2 whole shallots, minced

3 stalks celery, diced

2 tbsp olive oil

2 ½ cups red wine of your liking

1 cup beef broth

3 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 ½ tbsp all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp salt, divided

1 tsp pepper, divided

Directions:

Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat. When hot, add the short ribs. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the ribs in the pan and brown. This will take about three to four minutes per side. You want them very nice and caramelized.

After the ribs have browned, remove from carefully and set them at the bottom of your slow cooker. Take the pan off the heat briefly to cool down, then return to medium heat and add the minced shallots and diced celery. Saute for about five minutes until tender, then add the tomato paste. Mash the tomato paste into the veggies using a rubber spatula and continue to sauté on medium heat for another four minutes.

Pour the wine and the beef broth into the skillet and stir. Add the brown sugar, a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of pepper and the flour. Stir well to get rid of any flour clumps.

Bring sauce to a boil, then to a simmer. Pour sauce right over ribs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle remaining salt and pepper on top. Place lid on slow cooker and cook on HIGH for seven to eight hours or on LOW for 11-12 hours. 

*I cooked mine on HIGH and they turned out great.

**Halving this recipe made the perfect amount for 2 and even allows you some leftovers.

Valentine's Day

Ahhh it's finally here...such a fun and LOVE filled day and I just LOVE it. Hmmm let's see how many times I can use the word love in a sentence?

My mom and her bff (aka my 2nd Mama, shout out to Andrea!) are having a girls only Valentine's sweets party today, isn't that precious? You should see all the goodness they have baked, it's a sweet loving girl like myself dream. BUT I want to look pretty cute while nibbling (ok inhaling) on all these sweet treats. I got these jeans yesterday from the GAP, you guys they have a lot of great stuff right now (this and this), but I plan to wear them with a pair of pink pumps and some sort of pink/red on top today.

1969 Destructed Always Skinny Skimmer Jeans from Gap

Here is some other pink/red eye candy for you all. Enjoy this special day and Happy Valentine's!

via This Time Tomorrow

Valentino Fall 2012 via The Silver Pen

Elie Saab Spring 2012 via Glamour

Boursin+Mushroom+Chicken

I had pinned (Shocker!) this recipe months ago and one of my SILs repinned it and told me how delicious it was so I knew I had to make it soon. Of course the fact that the recipe came from Baked Bree didn't hurt either as Bree's recipes are always delicious.

My SIL has been cooking this dish in her cast-iron skillet, a skillet I desperately need to get for myself, but keep forgetting too. I hear the Lodge brand is the best, do any of you have a cast-iron skillet you love?

This turned out great, although I did burn the chicken and our house FILLED with smoke, whoops! But, even with that issue I still thought this was a great dish.

Enjoy!

P.S. - Sorry for the lack of picture!

Chicken with Boursin Mushroom Sauce slightly adapted from Baked Bree

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 
• salt and pepper
• 2 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup crumbled Boursin cheese (Garlic and Fine Herbs)

Instructions

1. Dry your chicken breasts with paper towels and season well with salt and pepper. Flip them over and season the other side.
2. Cook chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until brown and turn over, about 5 minutes. Flip over and reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook about 15 minutes more or until the chicken reaches 160 degrees. Transfer to a plate and cover with tin foil to keep warm. Add the mushrooms and oil to the pan.
3. Add the wine to the pan and scrape up all of the bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the wine cooks almost all of the way out.
4. Take the pan off of the heat and whisk in the Boursin cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the Boursin sauce over the chicken and serve.

My Dream for Valentine's Day

Soooo I hope I'm not alone in lusting after a certain something for Valentine's? You girls better not leave me hanging here.

I've been NEEDING a new wallet for a few months now and once I saw this beauty in person I knew it was the "one." I know I know, I'm talking like picking out a wallet is picking out a partner in life, BUT a wallet is something you use everyday so it has to fit a lot of credentials.

And it's RED, perfect for Valentine's. Am I making a convincing case?

Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Icona Saffiano Leather Wallet via Nordstrom

What are you all hoping for this Valentine's?

Mini Pies for Valentines

How is it already the middle of February people? Seriously HOW?! 

Is everyone excited for Valentine's? I know I am! The hubs and I usually celebrate at home with a yummy meal, this year I'm thinking short ribs. Are you all cooking anything special?

Last Friday I had a few girls over for a Valentine's dinner and made these precious mini pies. They were so fun to make and while a little time consuming, the outcome both in look and taste was worth it.

Enjoy!

P.S. - These muffins would make an excellent Valentine's breakfast! If you make a batch bring me one, ok? 

Heart-Shaped Mini Pies via The Chic Life

Heart-Shaped Mini Pies from The Chic Life

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (use store-bought or your favorite recipe)
• 2 cups strawberries, diced very small
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons corn starch 
• flour (for rolling out pie crust)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• sugar (for sprinkling on top of the pies)

Directions:

1. While your pie crust chills, combine strawberries, sugar, and corn starch in a medium bowl. Stir to combine.
2. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or aluminum foil with a light coat of non-stick spray)
3. When pie crust is ready, lightly dust a large flat surface for rolling out your dough with flour. Add your pie crust. Rub flour on rolling pin. Roll pie crust out to a pretty thin level (between 1/4 – 1/8 inch thick), turning dough as you go so it doesn’t stick. Use a 2 1/2″ heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped pieces of dough. 
4. Move half of the pieces of pie dough to the prepared baking sheet. For each mini pie: Brush dough with egg wash, top with strawberry mixture (try to avoid adding liquid as you go), top with another piece of dough, matching edges and pressing to seal. Press on the edges with the ends of a fork to help seal. Repeat for the rest of the mini pies.
5. Cut small slits into the tops of each mini pie, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Bake for 22-24 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
6. Allow each batch to cool before eating.

Notes

*I  used a store bought pie crust from Trader Joe's and it took about 30-40 minuets to thaw out.

*I rinsed/dried/diced my strawberries the night before, so feel free to do that to save on time.

*I got about 20 or so mini pies from this recipe.

Walnut Addiction

Addiction has taken over here at the Boenker household. These walnuts are delicious and utterly addicting. I may or may not of also been shoveling a few chocolate chips in my mouth while eating these and let's just say that combination isn't bad either.

These are a CINCH to make and make a great appetizer OR come holiday next time how great for a homemade gift OR a package of these would be a great hostess gift.

Thank you The Silver Pen for this great recipe that I know I'll make time and time again.

via The Silver Pen

Smoky Black Bean Tacos

I pinned this recipe months ago! Not only does it look delicious, but Erin's photography is gorgeous right? I planned to make these one night this week when the hubs was gone because I knew he wouldn't just LOVE a dinner sans meat, however, he ended up being home that night and actually loved these! Well loved is a strong word, but you get the idea.

I'm posting the original recipe below even though I deviated big time from it based on what I had readily available in my kitchen. The one shortcut I think all should take is to use honey goat cheese, that will take out one step for you and just had the lemon zest/juice to that. Trader Joe's has a great one FYI.

Spiced Black Bean, Grilled Avocado, and Goat Cheese Tacos via Naturally Ella

Enjoy!

Spiced Black Bean, Grilled Avocado, and Goat Cheese Tacos from Naturally Ella

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds 
• ½ tablespoon cumin seeds 
• pinch dried pepper flakes
• ½ cup black beans, with liquids
• 1 avocado
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• juice and zest from ½ lime
• 2 teaspoons honey
• ¼ cup goat cheese
• 4 corn or flour tortillas*

Instructions

1. Preheat Grill
2. In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the coriander and cumin seeds for 2-3 minutes. Seeds should be fragrant and beginning to brown. Place in a pestle with dried pepper flakes and crush until spices are ground.
3. Return spices to the skillet and add ½ cup of black beans and liquids. Heat over medium low and let cook until liquids have cooked out, anywhere from 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust pepper if needed.
4. Take avocado and slice in half. Brush with the one teaspoon of olive oil and place cut side down on grill. Let cook until lightly charred. Remove and carefully slice avocado out of skin.
5. To assemble tacos, place ¼ of the black bean mixture in the center of the tortilla, layer avocado and goat cheese on top. Finally, whisk together juice and zest from half a lime along with honey. Lightly drizzle over taco filling.