Grammy's Creamy Cheesecake

Traditions are a pretty cool thing. Traditions are something special that unites a group of people and gives them a special memory to share. For example, as I type this, I'm watching the Duke v. OSU basketball game. While this specific game has no special significance (except that I want to be able to brag to all my Buckeye friends that we beat them!), watching Duke basketball has been something that I grew up doing and love sharing with fellow Dukies. My dad, who stands at 6 foot 7 inches and was a pretty awesome basketball player himself, taught me all I know about basketball and Duke sports. As a treat growing up, he would take me to some of the Duke women's basketball games. I thought I was the coolest kid going to Cameron Indoor Stadium, staying out late on a school night, and cheering for the Blue Devils with my dad. Memories and traditions, they are a great thing.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Y'all know how I like finding new, fun twists on classic recipes? Well this is one more example for you. If you love pecan pie, you have got to try this chocolate version.

Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Casserole

Know anyone who doesn't like vegetables? I'm betting that you do. And I'm also willing to bet that they are over the age of 5. I was never a huge fan of vegetables growing up, but I've learned that if they are prepared correctly and have enough seasoning and other flavorful ingredients mixed with them, vegetables can actually be pretty tasty (except peas...I despise peas). But I know a lot of people who refuse to even look in the direction of a vegetable. However, this casserole will change any picky eater's mind. In fact, I've seen first hand a vegetable hater love this dish (Hi Uncle Kenny!).

Thanksgiving Recap

I hope all of you had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! I was fortunate enough to spend my Thanksgiving holiday in North Carolina with my parents, grandparents, and my uncle and his family. Because I live in the Washington, D.C. area and don't get to see my family all of the time, I feel lucky when I get an extended amount of time with them. This Thanksgiving couldn't have been better-a great time spent with amazing people all while eating wayyy too much scrumptious food. To give you a little sneak peak of my holiday at home, here are some pictures from my Thanksgiving.

{Mom's Thanksgiving table}

Fluffer Nutter Oatmeal

Ok, I know a lot of you are thinking, "Fluffer Nutter Oatmeal?! Elaine must have lost her mind!" And you might be right. However, for all of you oatmeal and fluffer nutter lovers, you should join in on my weird obsession and try this recipe.

Apple Cream Cheese Muffins

It's been a while since I've made a skinny sweets recipe. I blame the upcoming holidays and the array of glorious dessert recipes that I could make. Oh Thanksgiving and Christmas, my taste buds love you but my waistline hates you.

Easy Homemade Rice and Beans

With the holidays getting closer by the minute, I feel confident in saying that none of us have time to be slaving away in the kitchen making dinners. This time of year, every minute is crucial for planning, shopping, studying, working, traveling, or just taking 20 minutes to breathe. Whether you are a student studying for finals or a mom trying to organize all of your upcoming holiday festivities, you will appreciate this super easy and filling meal.

Gingerbread Bread Pudding with Eggnog Sauce

Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

Looking for a quick, comforting, and delicious dinner? These Stuffed Chicken Meatballs fit that bill!

Chickpea Burgers with Yogurt Tahini Sauce

The title of this recipe is somewhat misleading as there is no meat used. In fact, all of my vegan followers will be happy to know that there are no animals products in this dish what-so-ever. So, for anyone who is a vegan or who is looking for a vegan recipe, you've come to the right spot!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Being a food blogger, I am always looking for ways to add a fun twist or unique perspective to classic recipes. While I never expect my variation to completely trump the classic recipe (they are "classic" for a reason, after all), I like to keep things interesting and surprise my taste buds every now and again. And who knows, a new classic recipe might be created from one of those experiments!

S'mores Truffles

Apple Pie Smoothie

I've done something oh so wrong. I've been filling lots of recent posts with pumpkin and have somehow neglected one of my favorite fruits and a standard fall ingredient: apples. I'm not sure how it's already six weeks into fall and I have not featured apples. It's a crime! Please forgive me? I did a little feature of apples in my Chewy Peanut Butter Apple Cookies, but that is certainly not enough for one of the most versatile, delicious, fall-esque fruits. So, now that my pumpkin craze days are slowing down (but obviously not going away) , we'll move on to apples starting with this sweet and scrumptious Apple Pie Smoothie.

Buffalo Chicken Chili

Happy Monday! If you are anything like me, you see Monday's as only being good for a few things: feeling accomplished that you made it through the first day of the week alive, getting back in the gym to work off those sneaky calories that always seem to pile up on weekends, watching Monday night football and eating/drinking some of those calories that you just burned off at the gym (all while sulking because you wish the NHL lockout would hurry up and be over so you could flip back and forth between football and hockey), and being twenty-four hours closer to the weekend. Hate to say it, but Mondays you are not my favorite.

Chewy Peanut Butter Apple Cookies

Y'all know that feeling of pure happiness when you discover something amazing? Like when you try on the perfect pair of jeans that give you Gisele legs; or when you discover a new book, artist, or band so moving and talented that you are speechless; OR when you find the best peanut butter cookie recipe on the face of this planet? Well, ladies and gentlemen, the latter happened and it made my day.