I got this beauty for Christmas.  My husband knows me well and thus my once-roomy kitchen cupboards have become crowded over the years.  But I definitely don't mind climbing through the clutter because I LOVE having kitchen gadgets.  And this panini press was an instant success.  I broke it out on New Years with a few different varieties of sandwich.  My favorites are posted here.

For instructions on how to make paninis without a press, click here.

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My sister first introduced me to these cookies about two years ago.  They are phenomenal.  But then she moved away from my neighborhood so I had to start making them for myself.  The first time I did that, I was surprised that the list of ingredients included pepper.  Combine that with ginger and you've got a nice, subtle zing.  They're not to sweet and totally worth the calories. 

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photo by Smitten Kitchen,

I have a HUGE crush on Smitten Kitchen.  AND on anything made in bundt form.  So, of course, I had to try this recipe.  I technically made it for my grandparents, but tackily stole a slice before leaving.  Because I had to try the fruit of my kitchen labors...right?!  It was a very tasty treat and I only wish I had stolen more.

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I loved the spice rub for this recipe because it had some kick, but wasn't enough to overwhelm the tiny mouths in my home.  I'm a flank steak fan because it grills up so quickly and really absorbs whatever flavor you introduce.  This recipe came with my panini press/grill.  We grilled it inside, but it would easily adapt to an outside situation. 

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I'm a big fan of quick dinner fixes.  And in this case I'm talking quick as in 5 minutes.  This one happens to also be healthy, inexpensive and tasty.  And tilapia is something I always keep in the freezer.  The only problem I found (and it's one I really should have anticipated) was that one 4-oz tilapia filet doesn't begin to fill the men of this house, so I'll have to make more fish and add some bread or another side next time. 

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photo by ourbestbites.com

My boys thought this was the jackpot of all dinners.   Pizza? Bacon? Ranch dressing? Hands? Dipping?! I promise this will be a hit at your house, too.  We're bringing some as appetizers (bake individually in mini muffin pans) to this weekend's Superbowl festivities. 

I first saw the recipe on Emily's blog, and she got it originally from ourbestbites.com.  It's a fantastic blog that you should check out for great food ideas.

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PICTURE PENDING!  TOO GOOD TO STOP FOR THE CAMERA THIS TIME AROUND!

I made this a few weeks ago and realized I've been holding out by not sharing.  It's one of our favorites.  You MUST at least try this method of grilling chicken.  It is perfection.  And the sauce...well, it's shameful to admit, but I could seriously eat it by the spoonful.  This is a Carrabba's copycat recipe, and I think it does a great job of making a delicious chicken marsala.  So if you love some good meat with some good sauce, definitely add this one to your reportoire.  We've also used the spice rub and sauce on pork loin or tenderloin with great results. 

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picture taken by Taste of Home

This recipe originally came from my sister-in-law Shanon's family.   And I so love it.  But I'd be content to eat warm soups or stews from December through January.  This chili actually cooks up very quickly.  Yesterday I made it in advance, put it in a crock pot to keep warm, and added the final two ingredients right before serving (three hours later).  Delicious!

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Recipe and Photo from Tiffany. 

We tried this yesterday for a little luncheon party and I thought it was fantastic.  It's nice to have some variety in the fruit salad department and this is one I'd definitely make again. 

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My kitchen time has definitely been handicapped by the tiny human who now occupies my arms.  But I've been itching to make some *real* dinners and this one was delicious and easy enough to be feasible with my new limitations.  It's a surprisingly thick and hearty stew that comes together quickly (especially if you use a rotisserie chicken!).  And pretty much anything that can be garnished with cilantro is a winner in my book! 

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