California Club Grilled Cheese

            I figured that I would make a grilled cheese sandwich today....because, today is
        the last day of National Grilled Cheese month. I couldn't let the month go by without
              making you this very Fabulous grilled cheese....filled with all things that make
                     me very happy....cheese, avocado, bacon...how can you go wrong??

                                                          California Club Grilled Cheese

                Bread
                tomatoes
                onion
                arugula
                bacon
                turkey deli meat
                pepper jack cheese
                colby jack cheese
                avocado
               
          1) All you need to do is assemble and place some butter in a frying pan and
                                      cook until done and golden. Enjoy.

Creamy Ravioli with Peas and Salami

            Sometimes I'm just a busy mom with not a lot of time in the kitchen.....this is sad
     but true. I love to cook at home. I enjoy it much more than going out. But, some nights
             dinner needs to be simple and easy. This is one of those recipes. You can also
              make a lot of adjustments to fit to your liking....I love this dish. The salami
           gives a little extra depth. Dinner doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious.

                                                   Creamy Ravioli with Peas and Salami

            1 20oz package of four cheese ravioli
            1jar of alfredo sauce
            1 can diced tomatoes, with garlic, basil and oregano
            1/2 package frozen baby peas
            6 slices of salami, cut into chunks.

        1) In a pot boil salted water...add ravioli cook according to package.
        2) Add peas to the boiling pasta and cook for 2 minutes.
        3) Drain and put back in pot.
        4) Add alfredo and tomatoes and heat until hot. Enjoy.
        Note, you can add parsley and parm cheese.

Key Lime Cheesecakes with Pretzel Crust

                   Today is my Birthday.......I always get a bit nostalgic with every passing
           year. I think about how far I've come, I think about the future and what I can do to
           be the best me, I can be. I feel like I'm coming into my own....a wiser, smarter, and
                        better me. I think this all comes with age and life experience for me.
                   I feel very blessed and appreciate everything in my life...including each and
                    everyone of YOU. Thank you for taking time out our your day to visit me.

             I didn't want to bake myself a cake today so I made the great individual Key Lime
                  Pie Cheesecakes. They make me happy and giddy. So easy with no baking
                involved.That works for me. I can see these being made for Mother's Day or a
                                   ladies get together. Have fun and whip up some of these.

                                            Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust

                For the Cheesecake....
                16 ounces cream cheese, softened
                1/2 lime juice
                zest of one lime
                1 can sweetened condensed milk

             1) With an electric mixer, blend cream cheese, lime juice and condensed milk
             until smooth. Add zest and mix.

                Pretzel Crust....
                2 cups finely crushed pretzels
                1/2 cup light brown sugar
                3/4 cups melted butter

              Stir together and press crumbs into bottom of individual cups.
     
             Serve with fresh sweetened whipped cream, lime zest and pretzel crumbs.

Triple Berry Crumb Muffins

                           Come on over for breakfast? In a perfect world all of us bloggers -
             would live on our own version of Wisteria Lane...filled with baked good, cheese,
         wine, endless conversations, fashion and talk about blogging and life. Ahh, that was a
             great thought. Wasn't it? We all can't be neighbors but, we can all enjoy a great, so
                  good muffin. That's my idea of bringing us all together. Bond through food.

            These mixed berry muffins would be wonderful for a mothers day brunch..Or if -
               you are thinking ahead, how about 4th of July. Red, White and Blue. Enjoy.

                                                           Triple Berry Crumb Muffins

             1/2 cup of raspberries
             1/2 cup of blueberries
             1/2 cup of blackberries
             1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
             1 cup of sugar
             1 teaspoon salt
             2 teaspoons baking powder
             1 teaspoon vanilla
             1/3 cup of milk
             1/3 cup vegetable oil
             1 egg
             For The Topping -
             1/2 cup sugar
             1/3 cup of flour
             1/4 cup butter, softened
             1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

          1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 12 cup muffin tin with liners.
          2) Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup of sugar, salt and baking powder. Mix vegetable
          oil, egg, vanilla and milk in small bowl.
          3) Mix the egg mixture into the powder mixture. Do not over mix.
          4) Add berries and stir until combined.
          5) Mix the crumb topping and add to the top of muffins.
          6) Bake for 22 minutes or until done.
           Note - try and keep the crumb mixture on the muffins and not the pan.

           

Grape, Feta and Orzo Salad

                                Hmm, How do I describe how good this is....Let me try, here.
                  Fresh, Flavorful, Delicious, Amazing, Easy, Great, Fantastic. Well, that's how
                      much I loved this easy healthy meal. Bring this to your next function, Share
                          it with your bff....it's too good not to share. Try it and let me know
                                       what you think. It will not disappoint your taste buds.

                                                                 Grape, Feta and Orzo Salad

               1 Box of orzo
               2 cups of purple grapes cut in half
               2 lemons, juiced
               2 cups of baby spinach
               2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced
               1 small red onion
               1 4oz container crumbled feta
               2 tablespoons of olive oil
               salt and pepper
               1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

      1) Cook orzo according to box directions, drain and cool with cold water.
      After that place in large bowl.
      2) Mix lemon, oil, salt, pepper, garlic and garlic powder, set aside.
      3) Add all of the fruit and veggies to the pasta.
      4) Add dressing and feta. Serve or chill in refrigerator

California Scenes

                         I love California....I truly do. Have you ever been somewhere and
          felt from the second you got there that it was home. Just warm and cozy and fits you
             just right?  I love the busy streets of Hollywood..the hustle and bustle of it all.
                The ocean every where you look. The mountains surrounding your every
                      move. Sometimes, I just stop and take it all in and feel very blessed.
                                                                ~ California <3

                                                                   Carpenteria Sunset

                                                                 Santa Monica Pier, at dusk...

Driving across the Golden Gate......

My favorite dead end Rd. in Bel Air. The view is amazing.

Malibu Vineyard....SO beautiful.

The Ventura Harbor

Waves splashing in Malibu.

Saddle Ranch on Sunset Strip

I hope I took you on a little California journey. I love capturing Cali scenes.

Chicken Caprese Pizza

                  We all know about Vodka in Marinara Sauce....but, what about Tequila???
               Well I started thinking as I was about ready to make this. What if I put a couple
                tablespoons of Tequila in the sauce...It was a long day. I know you understand..
                I must say it was all I needed. A star was born. Of course, you could leave it out
                entirely. But, I say go for it. It all cooks out anyways. Happy Day To YOU.

                                                            Spiked Chicken Caprese Pizza

                1 Pizza dough, homemade or store bought
                1 chicken breast, cooked and seasoned well
                1 cup marinara sauce
                1 or 2 Tablespoons Tequila ( completely optional )
                1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
                1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
                fresh mozzarella cut into slices
                basil
                salt pepper
                italian seasoning
                red pepper flakes

           1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
           2) Heat marinara and tequila in sauce pan.
           3) Prepare your dough and put on sheet pan
           4) Place marinara sauce on pizza, add all of the spices, shredded mozzarella,
           fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes.
           5) Bake until crust is done and cheese is bubbly.
           6) Arrange basil. You can drizzle some Olive oil and extra salt and pepper.

Blueberry Mojito's

                 A couple weeks ago...I went out to lunch with a girl friend to a swanky
        restaurant and we had Blueberry Mojito's and it was love at first sip. So refreshing
     and so tasty. I knew that very moment I had to re-create it. This drink screams Spring.
                   It would be perfect with any berry. Enjoy and make yourself drink.
                                                             You deserve it!!!!!!

                                                                 Blueberry Mojito's

           1 small container of blueberries, save some for garnish.
           a bunch of mint leaves
           2 tablespoons agave nectar
           3 ounces rum
           1/4 cup of lime juice
           1/2 cup club soda
           lots of ice

          1) In a shaker, smash blueberries and mint together. Pour in, agave, rum, lime juice,
          and club soda....shake.
          2) Add ice to cups and pour your mojito in and serve. Garnish with extra, limes,
          blueberries and mint.

       

Tropical, Vanilla Yogurt - Sugar Cones

             With Easter fast approaching us and the daunting calories approaching us, too.
          We have to pick and choose our battles. This delicious cone has all the flavor -
          with barely any fat. The taste is incredible and you truly feel like you are eating
          something that you shouldn't be. My kind of dessert. Eating without guilt. Yay.

                                                Tropical Vanilla Yogurt Sugar Cones

             1 large container of fat free vanilla yogurt
             sugar cones
             2 kiwis
             2 bananas
             pineapple
 
                     All you have to do is assemble...you could also do this with mixed berries.
                           

Buffalo Chicken Wedge Salad

                               Can you believe I made this simple meal without even having
           to turn on the oven? Gotta love that? It's amazing what you can do with a rotisserie
                chicken. I crave the taste of buffalo sauce but I'm not a huge fan of wings. I could
                    put buffalo sauce on just about everything. I'm a huge fan of spicy food.
                        I hope you enjoy this quick meal and save a little time in the kitchen.

 
                                                         Buffalo Chicken Wedge Salad

             1 Rotisserie chicken, shred the breast meat
             1/2 cup Pete's buffalo sauce
             1 tablespoon butter
             1 head Ice-burg lettuce
             1/2 cup sour cream
             1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
             2 tablespoons milk
             quarter cup red onion, chopped
             salt and pepper
             celery and carrots, to go on side

          1) Pull the chicken meat off of chicken set in bowl. Microwave buffalo sauce and
          butter, about 30 seconds. Pour over chicken. Stir to coat.
          2) Mix Sour cream, gorgonzola and milk together. Season with salt and pepper.
          3) Cut lettuce into wedges.
          4) Place chicken on lettuce....add sauce and red onion.