I am so sorry I haven’t posted in so long!
The only excuse I have is that it has been a very busy, fun-filled summer so far.
I’ll try to make up for my absence with these AMAZING coconut blueberry muffins!
I spent a week up in Wisconsin and we had a rainy morning one day which obviously meant I had to bake.
We were able to scrounge together the ingredients (minus fresh blueberries) for these delicious creations! They’re my new favorite muffins.
My favorite time of year for pie has finally arrived!
Seasonal spring and summer fruits simmered inside a buttery crust and topped with a thick crumble topping…sounds like a perfect warm weather dessert.
If you know desserts, you’ve surely heard of Magnolia Bakery.
They are known for their cupcakes, but they also make amazing cakes, pies, cookies and pastries. I discovered this recipe via the Huffington Post, where Magnolia Bakery generously shared their secret recipe for this pie!
You could fill it with any fruit of your choice…but I would suggest you try the strawberries and rhubarb, it is delicious!
I had so much fun taking pictures of this beautiful pie, almost as much as I enjoyed eating it. You MUST top a slice of it with a scoop of ice cream. It evens out the flavors perfectly and will cool you off on a hot summer night.
Summer is officially in full swing at our house which means weddings, showers, festivals and time with family and friends. I know it is a very busy time for everyone but I promise to try my hardest to post recipes as much as possible! Thanks for sticking with me and supporting my blog! I always appreciate the kind words and support.
I’ve fallen in love with these macaroons.
They are so simple to make yet sooooooooo delicious.
Coconut, Heath bar pieces and chocolate…what more could you ask for in a dessert? (well, maybe peanut butter…)
If you are looking to impress someone or just make someone really happy…I recommend you make these for that special person! They are guaranteed to fall in love with you.
One of my favorite spots in the city is this restaurant called Nellcóte. They have an ever evolving, seasonal menu that is always delicious. Try it sometime. You won’t be disappointed. Delicious food and unbelievable drinks. In fact, they have one of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted. Aptly named “The Vodka,” it is super light and refreshing but unlike anything I’ve ever had. Needless to say, I had to find the recipe for myself.
After I discovered the recipe I found out that the main ingredient was something called Orgeat (pronounced “or-zsa” like Zsa Zsa Gabor). Orgeat was originally used in Mai Tai’s, and is now used as an almond syrup in coffee drinks and cocktails.
I called around and was unable to find it anywhere in the city. So I decided to just make it. It is actually really simple as long as you can find Orange Blossom Water (or orange flower water). I found mine at Whole Foods by the extracts and spices.
It turned out great. I altered the recipe I found a bit by adding a little less of the orange water and vodka, you can add more to taste if you would like!
I think this is a great summertime cocktail. We typically drink Moscow Mule’s a lot in the summer so this will be a fun way to mix things up a bit!
Spring has finally sprung!
The trees are budding and the grass is green. People have come out from hibernation and are beginning to walk the streets again.
My favorite fruits and vegetables are ripe and in season and as though I needed any further proof that spring has arrived…I can’t stop sneezing and blowing my nose. I never thought allergies could seem so exciting.
I bought some fresh strawberries at the store the other day and I decided I needed to bake with them. I decided to use the pretty fruit to make some pink cupcakes as a “thank you” to send to work with Mikey.
If you don’t already know, I’m walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer the first weekend in June, here in Chicago. I’m walking with a group of close friends, in honor of one of the girls Mom, whom she lost to breast cancer when she was a little girl. We decided it’s now or never! We are all excited and nervous as we try to raise the money and prepare for the 39 miles of walking.
I sent the cupcakes with Mikey because I have been overwhelmed by the support everyone at his company has shown me, and cupcakes were a small way to thank them for being such an encouragement.
A final word on the cupcakes: They are soooooooooooo delicious and the strawberry puree makes them dense and fruity and the frosting tastes like straight up strawberry ice cream. If you don’t make the cupcakes at least make the frosting. You can put it on anything and everything. It’s that good.
Mikey's In My Kitchen 
