Smoky Kale Chips

Again, picture apologies. Kale chips have been all the rage on the food blog pages as of late. I figured I should check them out. They were especially appropriate for my veggie themed week. I found this gorgeous purple and green flowering kale at Safeway and decided it was a sign I needed to make these chips. These turned out very crispy and with a prominent smoky flavor. Just a note: I would probably go with the lesser baking time stated in the recipe. These seem to crisp up fairly quickly. Make sure you do an even layer on the cookie sheet. I lined with parchment paper, which also seemed to be helpful in the nonstick process. 

 Smoky Kale Chips via Ellie Krieger:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/smoky-kale-chips-recipe/index.html

Strawberry Crumb Bars

Can I just start by saying, these are awesome! ...and so pretty too! These are actually a modification of a previous post that I did, that I really loved back then too! See previous: http://ovenphilosophy.blogspot.com/2010/11/peach-shortbread.html. I ran into this recipe on Smells Like Home and realized it was a revamped edition of the peach shortbread that I had previously made from Smitten Kitchen. I am such a sucker for shortbread. These were well received from all my recipients. :) Love being the bearer of good gifts!

Strawberry Crumb Bars via Smells Like Home:

http://smells-like-home.com/2011/05/strawberry-crumb-bars/

Snickers Brownies

These are the type of evil culminations I seem to come up with during all my free time now at work. Shameless, I know. I've pretty much come to terms with the lost cause of my vanity versus my necessity for baking. How could I not try though? So tempting! I have to admit I wasn't completely disappointed to discover that there were 6 extra fun size Snickers in the bag after the 12 necessary for this recipe. Damn.

Snickers Brownies via My Baking Addiction:

http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/snickers-brownies/

Black Bean-Pineapple Soup/Stew/Chili?

Let me start by apologizing for this horrible picture. My camera is on hiatus, but this turned out SO good, I absolutely had to include it on the blog. This combination of black beans and pineapple was an instant intrigue to me when I saw this recipe on foodgawker. Finally got around to trying it last night and I was so impressed! If other veggie/vegan dishes I had tried before tasted THIS good... I might actually consider passing on the meat. This is really simply, hearty, and super healthy. Enjoy.

Black Bean-Pineapple Soup/Stew/Chili via Fat Free Vegan Kitchen:

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2011/04/black-bean-pineapple-soup-stew-chili.html

Green Bloody Mary

Second guest blog spot awarded to, my personal favorite bartender ever, Ms. Sumi Royal at Aces & Ales in Vegas! This was a recipe I found in the Food Network magazine on the plane on my way to Vegas. She was nice enough to hook up the drink magic for me behind the bar. This was much lighter than a regular bloody mary, and quite refreshing. If you are a salsa verde fan, you will love this drink. Test her out!

Green Bloody Mary via Food Network Magazine:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/green-bloody-mary-recipe/index.html

Peanut Butter-Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffins

I'm truly starting to believe I may be living a parallel life with Cathy from the Noble Pig. Our food tastes are way too similar for us not to be the same person! I still have yet to make anything that I didn't love from this blog. I saw this recipe while I was at work a couple nights ago and knew that the browning bananas on my counter would be a perfect match. I think these should be renamed Elvis muffins. They're great! I normally love muffins warm, but these were actually better room temperature. Be patient!

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins via Noble Pig:

http://noblepig.com/2008/03/23/youll-never-make-a-different-muffin-againyou-wont.aspx