DIY Wood Coasters

These wood coasters are a really simple and easy DIY project. What makes them even easier is that you don't have to cut, sand or varnish anything... That is if you're lucky enough to find the items already done for you.

I came across some wooden floor samples that were cut into squares with rounded edges, all I had to do was remove the sticker. When I saw them, I knew they'd be perfect for coasters. If you aren't lucky enough to find them already done, it may take a little work.

Here is what I did...

Gingerbread Bars

Just in time for the Holidays, I am absolutely in love with these Gingerbread Bar. They are so good that I've already made them two times this month and was thinking about making them a third!

There is no need to fuss with rolling out the cookie dough and breaking out those cookie cutters. This recipe makes everything super easy since you just dump the mixture into a prepared pan and bake. The hardest part about making these bars is trying not to eat the entire pan before sharing these bars with others. They are soft, chewy and full of spice. The spices don't over power one another and they aren't overly sweet. You can slap on some cream cheese frosting or keep it simple and enjoy the molasses and spice flavor by dusting them with powered sugar.

This recipe is definitely a keeper in my book and it should be in yours too.

Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

Looking for a quick and easy addition to your Thanksgiving dinner? Were you asked at the last minute to bring something? Then you're in luck because these jalapeno cornbread muffins are quick, easy and it goes great with just about anything on your dinner table. These are moist cornbread muffins with just a little kick. Delicious!

French Lentil Soup

It's been getting a little chilly here at night... and when I say chilly, I mean California temperature where the coldest it gets during the evening is low 60's. I know, super cold, right? Not really. 

I don't know about you, but when the weather starts to get like this, all I crave is a warm, hearty bowl of soup. This French Lentil Soup is definitely something that satisfies that craving. It is super easy and quick to make which is why I love it. I love the big chunks of vegetables that you get and the soft bite from the lentils. This soup is not the thinned out, watery soup that you find in a canned or premade soup. It has thickness in the broth since you puree some of the soup and add it back into the pot. I'm telling you that this soup was so good that I made twice in one week. Delicious!

If it's cold where you are, you have to throw these ingredients into a pot and cozy up with a nice bowl of soup.

Apple Butter Snickerdoodles

My birthday was this week and I've been waiting for more than 4 years to get the gift that I got. I knew what was in the box before I opened it, but even though I  knew what was in the box I was just as excited and surprised as if I had no clue. Unwrapping the gift wrap, I tore straight across the front of box and laid my eyes on the box of a Kitchenaid Professional Series Standup Mixer. Finally, a Kitchenaid Mixer is in my life and I couldn't be in love anymore than I am. It took so long because the idea of spending hundred and hundreds of dollars on a kitchen appliance seemed very ridiculous and not in our budget.

 

The first thing that I made were these Apple Butter Snickerdoodles. I've made Pumpkin Snickerdoodles in the past and every time I've made them, they have been a hit. Since it's Fall (probably everywhere else, BUT California) and Halloween just past, I thought that Apple Butter would be a better decision than the pumpkin. I was right.

 

These cookies are super soft and fluffy on the inside, but also has the cinnamon sugar coating on the outside that makes you want to keep reaching for "maybe just one more". These cookies stayed super soft and light the next day, but that's probably all you need to know as these cookies won't last.

 

Keep reading for this Fall recipe...

Herb and Citrus Marinated Olives

Looking for something quick and simple to snack on while watching football this Sunday or having guests over and need something easy to put out? These Herb and Citrus Marinated Olives are perfect for any reason you may have. They are light, tangy and trust me, they're addicting.   Inspired by José Andrés, chef of The Bazaar at the SLS Hotel, these olives are no doubt delicious. If you haven't checked out any of his recipes or been to his restaurants, you must go out and try them now. 

Keep reading for this simple, but addicting recipe.

Za'atar Oven Fries

One of my favorite sides to go with chicken, steak or a burger are definitely these za'atar fries. I was introduced to za'atar a few years back, but after my trip to Israel this year, that was when I actually started cooking with it. I love za'atar on pita, but the spice on these oven fries, it's perfect.

This recipe is super easy and it doesn't a whole lot of work, which is another reason why I love making these. The fries turn out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. If you can't find za'atar at your local grocery store, you might want to check out ordering it online. You can also try to make your blend, but I don't know if it would turn out exactly the same. If you do, let me know how it turns out!