Chocolate Zucchini Muffins or Loaf

I love every year about this time when even though I didn't plant a garden, I end up with tons of zucchini because everyone else is overwhelmed by how much is growing in their gardens and they just give it away!  

It's perfect timing too.  The kids are just getting back to school and they love having a muffin for breakfast before heading out the door.  I quadrupled the recipe so I could freeze a bunch of these to last a few months. But you can just do one batch if you like.  

If you make extra and freeze them, individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place into a zip top freezer bag and throw in the freezer.  In the morning just pop one in the microwave for 15-30 seconds and there you have it.  Just don't use the aluminum muffin cups if you are going to freeze and microwave these... use paper!

Follow along and I'll show you how to make these...

Angry Birds Birthday Cake

For my son's 5th birthday he decided he wanted an angry birds cake!  I was a little stressed, yet a little excited about this cake.  I searched for cake ideas online and this is what I came up with.  

I made two 9x13 cakes, one is the bottom layer, and the other was shaped for the top piece.  All of the birds and pigs were made out of marshmallow fondant, and I used wafer cookies and chocolate covered cookies for the bases.  

This cake was tons of fun to make, although the sling shot didn't quite hold up like I wanted.  Hope you enjoy this cake!  Good luck with your cake making adventures. 

Spinach, Strawberry and Feta Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!

Is there anything quite as wonderful as a fresh, healthy lunch that requires no cooking and is ready in a matter of seconds?  I think not! 

There is a restaurant near my house that has amazing lunch salads and that's where I got the inspiration for this one that I started making myself for a fraction of the cost.  It's love at first bite!  Try it and you'll love it!

Spinach, Strawberry and Feta Salad

Fresh baby spinach

Fresh strawberries (or any fruit available, like blueberries)

Feta cheese crumbles

Roasted cashews

Light poppy seed dressing

Just layer everything on and enjoy!  Add your own twist with different berries and nuts.  I prefer it with the poppy seed dressing!

Easy Fried Rice

I absolutely love fried rice, and this recipe goes perfectly as a side with Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken.  It takes only a few minutes to make, just have some white rice prepared in advance!  This fabulous recipe comes from HERE.

Follow along as I show you how to make this easy fried rice...

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ok, so I realized that I have been a little MIA lately when it comes to the blog world.  I don't know what happened.  I have to be honest, I miss it!  A friend of mine texted me today and told me I need to update my blog... so ok!  Here it is Erika!  You will love this one :) 

This chicken is amazing!  I never imagined I could make sweet and sour chicken that tasted this good at home.  I discovered the recipe on pinterest (of course)! And here is the blog where it originated.  Follow along and I'll show you how to make it!