Firecracker Fried Shrimp

As a child, we can't wait to get older so we can drive, date, get married and have children.  Then, we wake up one day, and realize that we have achieved most of what we set out to do.  Some of us complain about getting older, and reminisce about being younger.  Some of us long for those carefree days when all we had to worry about was what to wear to school tomorrow.

Well, I guess I'm a little different, because getting older has been treating me well so far.  Of course, I could certainly do without some things, like bills.  Overall though, the most enjoyable thing about getting older is finding newness in established relationships.  My little sister is visiting.  The same "little girl" that laughed til she couldn't breathe when I walked in the room.  The same little girl who was terrified of frogs and police sirens.

That "little girl" is 17 now and we still laugh together like we did when she was 2.  The conversations have changed a bit, but the relationship is deeper and more profound.  She's no doubt related to me, she carries the same sarcasm and quick-wit that I consider some of my most enjoyable qualities.  Yet, when I'm around her, I feel a little more than sisterly-love...she has quickly become one of my best friends.  This, is absolutely one of the most beautiful things about growing older.  Tonight, we shared one of my favorite meals, and she vows to make it when she gets back home.  She has a love for cooking and baking that is quickly growing, and I couldn't be happier.  She's always asking for someone to write a blog about her.  Little sister-friend, this is all for YOU.

Very Strawberry Cupcakes

I like to do things the hard way.  I know at least one person who is currently agreeing whole-heartedly with this statement, but I'm sure he's smart enough to keep it a silent opinion.  So, when these little beauties were in the brainstorm stage, I was thinking of every way to make it harder than it really had to be.  I knew one thing for sure...I had a pint of strawberries that I really needed use.  Then I remembered that Duncan Hines makes a Strawberry Supreme cake mix, and the rest is cupcake history.  So, if you're interested in death by strawberries, I encourage you to indulge.  I'm eating one now and thinking about the 4,557 sit-ups I'm going to have to do to burn it off.

Caramel Coffee Cupcakes

Coffee used to be part of my morning ritual, everyday.  I have really cut back in the last few years, but every now and then I get a craving for Caramel Macchiato which can only be satisfied by waiting in line at StarBucks.  One particular day, as I was growing more and more impatient ( I know, what you're thinking...sweet innocent me being impatient?  No way, not this angel.) I got the urge to combine coffee with cupcakes.  Lucky me, StarBucks had a special on their Caramel Via packets.  Now, fast forward about 6 months (Me...procrastinate?  Not in a million years.).  Husband?  Out of town.  Baby?  Fast asleep.  Dog?  Upside down and drooling on the couch.  Mama?  Battling a sweet tooth from the underworld.  This, my friends, is when I remembered that glorious purchase 6 months ago.  I love me for thinking ahead.  Almost as much as I love cupcakes.....almost.

Easy Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler.  It's a beautiful thing.  It makes me happy in the warm and...follow me here...ooey gooey inside kind of way.  You know, that true happiness that emanates from some place deep inside you.  The type of happy that makes you smile stupidly at passers-by and skip around humming sickeningly annoying songs.  The type of happy that I need on some days, like days when I feel like ripping the heads off of pretty pink stuffed bunnies.  No, don't hide your children from me,  just use this recipe and make me some peach cobbler.  I'll be hearing blue jays singing in no time.

Chicken Tostadas with Fresh Pico de Gallo

What a glorious weekend we had.  Saturday morning, we woke up and headed over to a festival in Gulf Shores, AL.  I've always said that "If I ever see a Foo Fighters Show, I can die a happy woman."  Well, I guess I can cross that wish off my bucket list. Oh....gush....I heart Dave Grohl.  It was amazing.  Hot as hell, but amazing.  The drive home was ridiculous...bumper to bumper traffic for an hour and a half.  Ugh.  Please explain this hold up to my protesting stomach.  By the time we got home, we were way too tired to eat.  I decided that Sunday we deserved a fabulous (yet easy) dinner.  These turned out way better than I expected and the fresh Pico de Gallo was delish!

Cajun Chicken Pasta

I'm sure everyone has noticed that I haven't posted much lately.  I promise, my friends, there is a good reason for this.  I have been having migraines for 3 weeks now and cooking has kind of been one of the last things on my aching mind.  I've made one E.R. visit and have spent many hours in bed or in the shower holding my throbbing head in agony.  Yesterday was the first day in 3 weeks that I've not had a headache.  I am hoping I am  on the other side of this now.  Last night, I was back in the kitchen...with fervor.  I was happy to be there, creating and cooking.  What made me even happier, was sitting down with my love and eating this delicious bowl full of comfort food.  A tummy "bear-hug" if you will.  I felt pain-free, full, and happy.  

Sweet Southern Cheese Muffins

Like most southerners, we love good barbecue.  Also, like most southerners, we know that good barbecue must be accompanied by a good piece of bread.  It can be garlic bread, texas toast...or, as my dad says, "a piece of light bread."  These mini sweet muffins are perfect for "sopping" up that extra barbecue sauce that's lingering on your plate.