I'm Featured on the BBC Today!

Being a relatively new blogger can be a challenge. I remember when I first started this blog, I was a bit intimidated by all the other blogs out there that looked so polished and professional. I saw all of these linky parties and things that I thought looked neat, but didn't seem targeted to the things I would write about since most of them were for impressive DIY projects that I didn't have on the go at the time. I couldn't imagine ever getting the number of followers that some blogs have (and still can't!). I didn't even really know what I wanted to blog about. It looked like fun, though, so I thought I would give it a try - and that it would be a good way for me to document all of the new recipes and projects I wanted to try.

They Grow Up So Fast

I may have started my vegetables from seed a tad too early. I got a bit antsy for spring to come not thinking about the fact that the last frost doesn't really happen here until May. Some of the plants are still small, like my chili peppers and tomatoes, but the pole beans took off from the moment that I planted them. I put a few bamboo stakes in the container and they've grown all the way up to the top and then some. The plants are taller than me, and the beans have already started to grow!

Italian Sausage and Artichoke Stuffed Shells

I realized the other day that I had a half a box of jumbo pasta shells that had been sitting around for a while, so I thought I should use them up. The first time I made stuffed shells, I used ground turkey (and unfortunately they came out a little dry for my taste), but this time I decided to use some spicy Italian sausage, which I love. We are currently obsessed with using ricotta in our pasta (it started when I made baked ziti) so the love affair continued with this dish. I also added some artichokes to give the shells a bit more taste and texture. They turned out really great - I'll definitely make them again!

Cinnamon Sugar Pastries

This a simple but delicious pastry. They're crispy and sugary on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and the hint of cinnamon is really nice. I found a recipe for them on Food.com and couldn't wait to make them. They are so yummy, and you can eat them with other toppings too, like Nutella. They go well with coffee, tea or milk or, if you're feeling particularly sweet-toothy, hot chocolate. Mmm, sugar overload.

Spring Snapshots

Dirt around his mouth means Oscar's been exploring the yard.

We've really been enjoying spring over the last few weeks, so I thought I would share a few pictures that I've taken. I hope spring has sprung where you are, too!

Tabouleh

Tabouleh is a fresh, easy salad that is perfect for a snack or as a side. I like to have it for lunch when I want something tasty but not too heavy. There are many versions to this recipe. I don't claim that this one is at all traditional, but rather it's pretty much thrown together in the proportions that I like. I think my version has a bigger bulgur to parsley ratio than usual. Also, a lot of these ingredients are not measured out very well because I eyeball them (sorry!). The nice thing about tabouleh is that you can fiddle with the proportions (and even the ingredients somewhat) until you find the combination that you like best. I have also read that mint leaves should be added, but I've never tried it with mint - maybe one day soon!

Lasagna Rolls

Lasagna is one of my favourite meals. These lasagna rolls are a neat-looking spin on the usual dish. I think I first saw them on one of Giada de Laurentiis' cooking shows. I find the rolls stay together a bit better when you cut into them than plain lasagna, though they're probably a bit messier to make - but that's part of the fun!

Just Chillin'

Calling All Beginner Bloggers!

If you haven't heard already, Kristin at A Simply Klassic Home is putting on a month-long feature called the Beginner Blogger's Club (affectionately known as the BBC). She is featuring new bloggers (including me!) and will also be providing information and tips from other experienced bloggers. It started yesterday, so if you haven't already, stop by and join in the fun, whether you're a new blogger or a pro!

Oreo Brownies

I'm not much of a dessert person. There are a few things that I have a weakness for, like ice cream and shortbread, but my sweet tooth isn't that developed. I do love brownies too, though, and when I saw this recipe for these brownies on What's Gaby Cooking, I knew I had to try them.