This week has flown by almost as quickly as that stack of cookies disappeared. We’re busy getting the house ready for the many family members and friends who will be joining us next week for a Celebration of Life service for my beloved bonus mom, Valerie. For this Friday Fifteen I’ve gathered crowd-friendly recipes, a few books I’m loving for quieter moments, and a delightful giveaway to round out the week.
Let’s get started.
Main Dish Madness
Thai Chicken Tacos by Gimme Some Oven — Tender chicken with crisp slaw and a drizzle of Thai peanut sauce. Seriously crave-worthy.
Kale, Mushroom, and Cheddar Bake by Simply Recipes — Comfort food at its finest: a warm pan of cheesy, savory goodness that begs for a spoon and a cozy chair.
Garlicky Greens and Chevre Hand Pies by Starting Fresh Recipes — As someone with a hand-pie heritage (hello, pasties!), I can declare these utterly irresistible and high on my to-do list.
Easy Chicken Green Chili Tacos by My Life as a Mrs. — Tacos are a perfect food in my book. These look spicy, satisfying, and exactly what I want right now.
Thai Chicken Pizza by Seeded at the Table — Pizza and tacos: my two culinary loves. This Thai-inspired pie is totally on my radar.
Appetizing Appetizers and Snacks
Nutella Brie Bites by Bev Cooks — Little puff pastry parcels topped with melty brie and warm Nutella. Dangerous in the best possible way; perfect for a crowd.
Pickled Avocados by La Fuji Mama — I love pickles and avocados, and this twist combines both. Great spooned over a rice bowl with a fried egg or alongside pickled carrots.
Beautiful Breads
Fabulously Fluffy Buttermilk Butter Biscuits by Fields of Cake — Biscuits are instant-gratification bread. Imagine them hot from the oven, slathered with marmalade. Yes, please.
Deadly Desserts
Ho Ho Cake by La Fuji Mama — Comfort-food certified. When your guests request “lots of comfort food,” a ho-ho cake might be just the thing.
Jello Blood Worms by The Idea Room — I made these for a kids’ cooking class and they were a hit. Tossed in cookie crumbs they look remarkably worm-like; be ready to help kids squeeze the jello from straws, as it can get slippery.
Knock You Naked Brownies by The Pioneer Woman — These brownies sound dangerously good. I’ll enjoy mine with plenty of clothing on, but don’t let that stop you from making them.
Beautiful Breakfasts
Oatmeal Brulee with Maple Cinnamon Cream by Very Culinary — A stunning take on oatmeal: maple, cream, cinnamon and fruit. A decadent breakfast that still feels wholesome thanks to whole oats and fruit.
Books, books, books!
The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse — Val gave me my first Wodehouse collection years ago and I was hooked within pages. Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster stories are witty, lighthearted, and delightfully absurd. They make for perfect, effortless reading.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen — While Pride and Prejudice is widely celebrated, Sense and Sensibility holds a special place in my heart. Austen balances satire and romance beautifully as she follows Elinor’s sensibility and Marianne’s romantic impulsiveness. It’s smart, touching, and timeless.
GIVEAWAY!
Update: The “Pick a Giveaway Winner” plugin chose Barbara N. as our winner. Barbara, please check your email and send your mailing address so we can get your goodies out to you!
I’m fond of Harry & David and recently sampled their Royal Riviera pears. In short: they’re the best pears I’ve ever tasted — tender, juicy, and utterly delicious. We’ve become a little spoiled for other pears after these.
How to Enter the Giveaway
Harry & David has generously offered an Easter gift to one Foodie with Family reader. Browse Harry & David’s Easter gift selection and then return here to leave a comment naming which item under $60 you’d like. That’s your entry — one per person. A winner will be chosen at random and announced here on Monday, March 25, 2013.
