Fourth of July Recipe Round-Up

I don't know about y'all, but I cannot believe it's already July. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was packing away my boots and sweaters, and getting excited for wearing sundresses and rockin' my newest sandals. And now it is July. Craziness! With  no signs of summer slowing down, I have the urge to get a move on checking off my list of must-do summer activities. Day trips to the beach, country concerts, baseball games, and all day music festivals are some of the best parts of summer. Grilling out and having a potluck-style cookout is also another favorite. Fun friends, delicious food, cold beverages, and sunny weather-it doesn’t get any better than that.

Cream Cheese Swirl Guinness Brownies

Let's talk about beer for a second. Beer, a lot like wine, has been an acquired taste for me. When I first started drinking, I could not stand the smell or taste of beer. Even the lightest beers made me turn the other way and ask for every high schooler's new drinker's go-to: Mike's Hard Lemonade. Now I think about Mike's Hard Lemonade and gag. Funny how things change. Even to this day, I'm still learning to appreciate different beers. I no longer squinch my nose when I try a new beer, but I still have a long way to go to fully appreciating beer, especially darker beers. Now you might be wondering why I decided to make Guinness brownies. If you are anything like me and haven't developed a taste for Guinness, don't worry; these brownies are amazing despite the strong, dark beer in them.

Christmas Recap

Well hello! Long time no see/talk. I've missed y'all! I decided to take a break with writing posts to spend time with friends and family over the holiday season. But I think the break has been long enough, so let me give you a little recap of my low-key yet wonderful Christmas filled with amazing dishes.

{SKINNY Spinach Artichoke Dip}

Mint Brownie Bites

I've been putting off writing this post because I can't quite figure out how to start it or what to say. With such tragic events happening last week, I'm at a loss for words to say and thoughts to think, especially when it comes to blogging about food. When we as a nation experience such a loss, it really puts things in perspective. While this blog is a huge passion of mine, it only seemed appropriate to take a break for a few days and focus on other more important matters in my life.

Gingerbread Scotchies

Ready for another Christmas cookie recipe?? Good, because you got one coming to ya!

Cookie Dough Fudge

One of the best things about baking cookies is the cookie dough. Anyone who bakes cookies regularly and denies licking the spatula or beaters is highly suspicious. It takes a very strong person to resist the sweet and scrumptious batter. And to be totally honest, I've been known to make cookie dough (or buy pre-made cookie dough...hello college) and eat all.of.it. This is a little embarrassing to admit, but the first step in fixing a serious sweet tooth problem is recognizing it, right?

Mint Chocolate Pudding Cookies

HAPPY NATIONAL COOKIE DAY! How many of you knew today was National Cookie Day? To be perfectly honest, I had no clue until a few days ago. And I'm betting once most of you read this post it will no longer be National Cookie Day. Kind of a bummer. However, because I'm posting this a little late (I do apologize...my life has been nuts lately), I figure we can continue the celebration into tomorrow/today/December 5th. It's kind of like getting a belated birthday card or late Christmas present-it makes you feel entitled to celebrate longer than usual. Let's use my belated posting as an excuse to celebrate National Cookie Day a wee bit longer!

Gingerbread Bread Pudding with Eggnog Sauce

S'mores Truffles

Mini Crustless Pumpkin Pies

So sorry I've been MIA for the past few days. My schedule has been pretty full with lots of fun and exciting things, some of which directly affect Cooking to Perfection. One such exciting event that has kept me busy is working with Dee over at Cocktails With Mom. If you haven't checked out this blog yet, you definitely should. There are lots of fun craft ideas, time and money saving tips, and delicious recipes. What more could you ask for? Plus, this Mini Crustless Pumpkin Pie recipe is featured on there today. So, if you like the looks of these mini pies, go on over and check them out at Cocktails with Mom!

Snickersnaps

As I mentioned in this post, I'm always looking for new ways to meet other bloggers and try new events and activities. One such event that I recently found is the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats blog hop, hosted by Meal Planning Magic. If you are a blogger and want to get in the Christmas spirit early this year, head on over to sign up!

Halloween Pudding Cookies

Have you ever tried a pudding cookie? You know, where you add instant pudding mix to the cookie dough? If not, you need to make these cookies pronto.

Red, White, and Blue Trifle (Fourth of July Dessert, Part 2)

Looking for a way to use the leftover cake and frosting from the Surprise Flag Cake? How about a trifle! This festive layer dessert is easy to assemble and you already have half of the ingredients prepared if you made the Surprise Flag Cake. Just run to the store to grab some fruit and the ingredients for the pudding layer and you are all set.

Surprise Flag Cake (Fourth of July Dessert, Part 1)

This looks just like a regular cake with cream cheese frosting,

but when you cut into it...

an American flag is revealed!