Best Whole-Wheat Pancakes

I am often reluctant to try new whole-wheat or whole-grain pancake recipes because for some reason the multiple ones I've tried don't turn out very well. Have you ever had that problem?

Luckily, this morning we had a breakthrough and I finally found a recipe that we really like. The little miss even agrees saying they are her favorite pancakes and let me tell you what, that means a lot coming from a toddler who usually plays frisbee with the other so called 'healthy' whole-wheat pancakes I've made.

If you are looking for a nutritious pancake recipe, give this one by Ellie Krieger a shot and oh my ... the Strawberry Sauce really makes them extra good. (ps. *I used whole-wheat pastry flour instead of whole-wheat flour and fresh strawberries for the sauce).

Week no. 29

I've been feeling a little under the weather the last few days coupled with being quite pregnant -- hence the light posting and slow response to emails, I will be better next week. Here are a few things to leave you with for the weekend that have made me smile. I really hope you have a nice weekend!

Weekend Magazine Covers by Khuan Caveman Co.(via Design Work Life)

Amazing Book art by Cara Barer (via Style Swoon)

Beautiful new Paris Apple Store -- I want to go to there.

Another great outfit worn by Giovanna Battaglia.

Genius packaging for Panasonic headphones designed by Scholz & Friends (via Lovely Package)

Yummy recipes we've tried lately : Chipotle Shrimp Tacos | Summer Corn Chowder | Perfect Spaghetti w/ tomato sauce (tweeted about here)

Yummy Salad

As I mentioned previously, I've had my eye on the Classic Cobb Salad recipe from Smitten Kitchen. Well, we made it last night and it was a winner -- it is delicious, but then again aren't most Cobb Salads? It is a perfect Spring/Summer meal! We made a few alterations, substituting pepper jack for blue cheese and omitting the chicken so maybe it isn't considered a classic cobb anymore, but nonetheless we loved it. Check out the recipe here.

(image by blackeiffel)

Best Blueberry Streusel Muffins

This morning my little sous chef helped me make some delicious Blueberry Streusel Muffins, and she is proud to say she was in charge of the streusel. I clipped the recipe from The Best of America's Test Kitchen Magazine from 2008 and tried it for the first time today, and they turned out excellent! I have yet to make a recipe from The Best of America's Test Kitchen that doesn't turn out well. I enjoy how they explain the scientific process along with their recipes of why they make specific alterations. To download the Blueberry Streusel Muffin recipe click here.

Recently, recipes I am trying come from all different sources. What is your favorite place to go to find great recipes? Online... blogs... cookbooks? I'd love to hear about them.

On a side note, I came across this recipe explanation for a Cobb Salad that looks delicious.

(photo by blackeiffel)

Tasty Peanut Noodles

Once you have all the ingredients for this Szechuan Noodles dish by Ina Garten it is a real cinch to make. I often have most of the ingredients on hand, but sometimes I will make some alterations when I don't -- and it still turns out well (this time I cut the recipe in half and used whole wheat noodles). I love the sesame peanut flavoring and it is not overpowering, a great spring/summer dish.

(photo by blackeiffel)

Favorite Dishes

It has been a while since I've shared some recipes with you readers. Over the last few years I have really come to enjoy cooking -- it has become a fun and creative outlet. Lately we've made some alterations in the way our family meal plans so we don't have a lot of extra waste, I hated coming around to the end of the week and throwing out so much fresh produce! Our new idea is to focus upon three main recipes a week and fill the other days in with easy dishes like paninis, salads, and breakfast for dinner. So... I thought I would start a new feature each week and share with you readers some of my favorites along the way.

The last few weeks we've had a lot of company in town so these recipes are great for large groups and instant crowd pleasers.



RECIPE:
Banana Crunch Muffins

I have yet to come across a recipe by Ina Garten (aka Barefoot Contessa) that we didn't enjoy. I've made these decadent muffins numerous times since my friend Stephanie recommended them. They are very, very yummy and every single time I make them people ask for the recipe. A winner for sure. (Alterations : I substitute pecans for walnuts, and add everything but the banana chips, great granola makes a difference too.)



RECIPE:
Greek Orzo Salad with Mustard-Dill Vinaigrette (w/ or w/o shrimp)

I made this dish for the first time the other day to share with a large group and it was really delicious. I omitted the Shrimp, making it a nice vegetarian option, but it would also make a great main dish with it.

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I would love to hear your favorites as well, shoot me an email (blackeiffel@gmail.com) with a beloved recipe you would like to share. I love trying new things -- don't you? Happy Eating my friends!