White Bean Tuna Salad

This is what I had for lunch last week. It gets better each day it's allowed to marinate. You could top it over your favorite greens (arugula) or if your like me and you love bread more then chocolate, a nice crusty baguette will do just fine.

Recipe by Giada De Laurentiis

2 six ounce cans tuna packed in olive oil
2 15 ounce cans cannelini beans drained and rinsed.
1/3 cup small capers, drained and rinsed (I omitted these, I do not like them)
6 Tbsp red wine vinegar
sea salt, black pepper to taste
1 medium red onion diced
1 medium tomato, diced
6 fresh basil leaves torn into pieces
drizzle with a few tsp extra virgin olive oil

In a medium bowl combine all the above ingredients and gently toss together.

Tybee Island GA Part One

We packed up our stuff and got out of town for a few days over Spring Break. I've been wanting to go to Savannah for some time and so when I discovered that Tybee Island was 20 minutes from Savannah we decided to go for it. We fell in love with Tybee and we can't wait to go back. We stayed in a lovely home through the Mermaid Cottages. We rode our bikes or walked everywhere. It was quiet, peaceful and relaxing. We ate, drank and watched the sun set most nights. It was a perfect family get away.

White Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies

The perfect combination of salty, sweet. A must try cookie, best eaten within 2 days.

Recipe by Picky Palate

1 stick butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed, light brown sugar
1 cup white chocolate chips (to melt)
1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter (reserve 2 Tbsp to add to melting white chocolate chips)
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup broken pretzel pieces
1 cup additional white chocolate chips
sea salt (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and the sugars until light and fluffy. Melt 1 cup white chocolate chips and 2 Tbsp peanut butter over a double boiler until smooth. Add melted chocolate chips and remaining peanut butter to sugar mixture. Beat in egg and vanilla.

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt. Slowly add to wet mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in pretzels and additional chocolate chips. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop dough onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and use your lightly damp palm to slightly flatten cookies. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges become golden and crisp. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Monday Musings

1. I did something I am not proud of this weekend, I gave in, I watched The girl with the Dragon Tattoo without finishing the book. I was not even into chapter 3, it's been sitting on my bedside table, collecting dust. I even pressured my husband to throw in the towel. (He was 33% finished) I made a face, "You're not even 1/2 way?"  that was not nice, I know. It was worth it, I think I will read the next book ;)

2. So much sadness and heartache going on around us. Many people close to me are suffering for many different reasons. Nourish your bodies, and your souls. Live each day as if it were your last. Be thankful, be grateful. Love one another. Hugs are wonderful.

3. Every act of kindness you share will water someone's thirsty soul. ~ Freedom for His Princess

4. I LOVE baked beans.

5. Is it wrong I want to tell my kids there is no Easter Bunny? Yes they still believe (not my oldest) I am tired of this charade. I do not want to dye eggs anymore. Gosh I sound horrible. Yes, they know the true meaning of Easter BUT they STILL WANT THEIR CANDY! ugh.

6. We are on Spring Break this week, I cannot sleep past 7:00. EVER.

7. Daniel Craig has magnificent abs.

8. Happy Monday. Give someone a hug.

InstaFriday

It's Spring Break! I am over the moon. Sleeping in, walks in the park, no schedules. Happy Friday.

 We had Abby shaved. She looks miserable here but trust me she is a new dog. AND the kicker? She was NOT FAT! she looks 20 pounds lighter. She was ALL HAIR. I wonder if I shaved my head if I'd look 20 pounds lighter? somehow I think NOT....

 I love my neighbors tree in the Spring.

 What else do I love about Spring? It's bounty, asparagus and sugar snap peas. Sauteed in a little butter, salt and pepper. So. Good.

 Beer in the rear chickens on the grill, a sure sign of warmer weather.

 Thursday morning sunrise.

A field trip to Raleigh with my middle rascal. I was in charge of 5 boys! I assumed the worst and it ended up being a great day. Funny how that works.

No-Bake Energy Bites

Many variations of these little guys are popping up all over pinterest lately, you can switch out any of the ingredients and get very creative. They are very versatile.

Recipe from Smashed Peas and Carrots

1 cup oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (I used regular size)
1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything in a bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in frig for half an hour. Roll into balls. Enjoy. Store in an airtight container in the frig for up to a week.

Cheesecake

I must admit I never make cheesecake, my kids don't eat it and the mister prefers chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, (BORING) but I had this recipe printed a few weeks ago and I finally got around to making it. This cheesecake is so delicious. It is so light and fluffy, and with a subtle hint of almond flavoring, it was just divine.
Oh and the crust is made up of fudge stripe cookies. H E L L O!  The only thing I will do next time is spray the bottom of my spring form pan,(I forgot this step) the crust stuck on pretty good, nothing a sharp knife and a little elbow grease couldn't fix.

Recipe by Pam Buller

Crust
24 fudge stripe cookies
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter

melt butter in microwave and let cool, slightly. Put cookies in a large ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine bits. Add butter and sugar right into bag and mix well.

Spray the inside of your Spring form pan with non stick spray. Press the crust into the bottom of the pan.

Cake
4 pkgs cream cheese room temperature (it's very important the cheese is at room temp or it will not whip up smooth and you will have tiny lumps.) You can put it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes if your in a hurry. I would not use fat free cream cheese, it changes the texture.
Scrape the softened cream cheese into a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed, add 4 eggs one at a time turn mixer on high and mix for 4-5 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add 1 small tub of cream cheese (8 ounces)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract

Keep mixing until all combined and the batter is very smooth.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minuted. Leave in the pan and let it sit on the counter for about an hour, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, use a sharp knife and slide it ll around the edge of the pan before releasing the spring form. Top with fresh whipped cream.

whipped cream
1 cup heavy cream
1/2-3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment beat the cream on high until it starts to thicken, slowly add the sugar and vanilla, continue mixing until it is the consistency of cool whip.