Things I'm obsessed with....

Turkey Hill Peach Melba Yogurt.

Any southern celeb gal like Britney Spears, Beyonce, or Reese Witherspoon would appreciate this tasty treat.

The yogurt is bursting at the seams with peach flavor, and it has a delicious raspberry swirl running throughout. It's the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day, AND each serving is only 100 calories!!

The real way to make Peach Melba is here. However, I think the Turkey Hill no fuss version kicks ass!

Victoria's Secret Salad

As I scroll through entertainment sites, (my daily ritual includes JustJared, Us Mag, E Online, Perez, and People) all I seem to find is how HOT celebrities look in the summer. They are toned and tan, frolicking on the beach somewhere. I fell into a downward spiral of depression when I encountered an article on Victoria Secret models. They talked about how they worked out a lot, and ate right....

The first thing I though was, "What does eating right actually mean?" I did a little more digging and found out these models eat taste-less food, and work out like dogs. I found a less drastic, MORE tasty solution to beat the bulge.

I'm not promising that if you eat this salad you will look like a model, BUT it is delicious and a better choice than a burger and fries. The small changes you make can have a BIG impact!

Victoria's Secret Salad

You will need:
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup toasted pecans
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup feta cheese
1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup mandarin oranges
1/2 cup diced pears
Romain lettuce
Spring mix packaged lettuce
store bought vinaigrette of your choice

Cut lettuce into smaller bite-sized pieces. Add to large serving bowl. Cut avocado into chunks. Drain the can of oranges, and add to the mix. Combine all other ingredients together.

To finish off the dish, toast pecans in a pan with a little brown sugar sprinkled on top. When cooled, sprinkle on top of the salad. Add the dressing of your choice, mix together, and enjoy! Serves 2.

CelebFoodie Greek Spaghetti

Many proud greek celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Maria Menudos LOVE to share their heritage with the world. They have appeared on camera or written books about the delicious food that was served in their house growing up.

Although I am NOT greek, I love greek food. Ask any of my friends. When we go out, it's almost annoying that they can pick what I will end up ordering. I love fresh flavors, and the simplicity of greek meals. I was looking for something to serve at a BBQ that would require little to no refrigeration, and I think I created a winner. Greek Spaghetti can be done in a variety of ways. I have seen it sweet with cinnamon, or salty with a multitude of cheeses.

I decided to put my own spin on the classic meal.

CelebFoodie Greek Spaghetti

You will need:
1 pound spaghetti
1 package cherry tomatoes
1 can black olives
2 red bell peppers
1 green bell pepper
1 can marinated artichoke hearts
1 cup feta cheese
1 cup ripped fresh basil
1/2 ripped fresh flat leaf parsley
1/2 chopped white onions
extra virgin olive oil
salt, pepper to taste

Cook spaghetti, drain, and add to a large serving bowl. Allow the pasta to cool down a bit before adding other ingredients.

Half the cherry tomatoes and add them to the pasta. Chop, de-vein and remove the seeds from the bell peppers. Cut them into bit sized pieces, and add to the pasta.

Drain the olives, halve them, and add to the mix. Drain the can of artichoke hearts, and sauté them in a small pan with olive oil until they are golden. After they cool, add to the pasta. Add chopped onions.

Add the cup of feta, basil, and parsley. Mix together until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep mixing until you see that the oil is coating everything.

Finish with 1/4 cup of lemon juice.

OOOPAH!

Things I'm obsessed with....

Carr's Ginger Lemon Cremes are some of the most delish store bought cookies I have ever tasted. They are kind of like the adult Oreo. The outside is a scrumptious ginger snap cookie, full of spice and molasses flavor, while the inside is a tart and sweet lemon cream. This tasty snack is a foodie's dream.

The cookie would be a perfect item to serve with tea, or just plain old snacking. 

This weekend, Denise Richards had a baby shower for her new adopted daughter, Eloise. After tasting the cookies, I feel like they would have been a great item to serve. An added bonus? THEY DONT LOOK STORE BOUGHT!!

Read the full Denise Richards baby shower story here.

Jennifer Lopez Break-Up Cookies

The weekend was full of many things: beautiful weather, friends, and a HOLLYWOOD BREAK-UP.

It was a formula for the perfect beach conversation. Since everyone knows I am CELEB OBSESSED, they clearly asked me why I though Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony split. I broke down the facts.

1. This is Jennifer's third marriage: 3rd time is not the charm.

2. She is WAY more famous in the US than Marc Anthony: His only major english language hit.... "I need to know"

3. Jennifer makes more money: American Idol, L'Oreal Paris and Venus Spokes Woman, music, acting, modeling....SHE WEARS THE PANTS.

The women on the beach agreed with me, that they were bound for a break-up. In Hollywood nothing lasts forever.

Since the split was so sudden, it had me thinking about break-ups and the perfect foods to deal with a broken heart.

CHOCOLATE.

These cookies are guaranteed to comfort any person with a relationship on the fritz.

Jennifer Lopez Break-Up Cookies

2 1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 cup firm pack brown sugar
1 cup butter softened
1 bag Rolo candy
2 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda. Mix well. In a large bowl beat the sugar, with brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, beat well. Add flour, cocoa and baking soda to the mixture and blend. Put dough into 1 tbsp balls and shape around a Rolo candy. Press one side of the cookie in sugar. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet two inches apart.

Bake at 375 for 7-10 minutes or until slightly cracked.

Photos courtesy of:

celebritynewsandstyle.com

noemptychairs.wordpress.com

Hunky JT Baked French Toast

Are you excited to see Friends With Benefits?  The movie comes to theaters July 22, hoping to be the sexiest comedy of the summer.

I mean who doesn't want to see good looking celebrities rolling around in bed singing Third Eye Blind. Count me in...

I love sassy Mila Kunis, but C'MON. Justin Timberlake is looking uber sexy.

As an average gal, I always wondered how a girl could snag a hottie like that, until I tasted this recipe from a family friend.

I think this dish will make any man, (or woman) think you are the hottest thing going. The best part-they will never know how something this easy tastes OH SO good.

Baked French Toast Casserole

You will need:
1 large loaf of french bread
8 large eggs
2 cups half and half
1 cup milk
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt

Slice bread into 20, 1 inch slices. Arrange the slices in a 9 x 13 baking dish, making two rows, overlapping slices. In a large bowl combined the eggs, half and half, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat with whisk. Pour over bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly. Spoon some of the mixture between slices too. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. The next day preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Praline Topping

You will need:
2 sticks butter at room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp light corn syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Combined all ingredients in a medium bowl and spread evenly over bread. Bake for 45 minutes, or until puffy and golden brown.

Serve with maple syrup or honey...

TASTE-GASM.

Photos courtesy of:
paula deen
blog.80millionmoviesfree.com

Emmy Nom Cake (nom nom)

What time is it? EMMY TIME. What time is it? EMMY TIME.

This celebration of television kicks off awards for the year, and yes, it's a national holiday for people like me. For those of you who are TV obsessed, I think you get where I am coming from. The show airs September 18th on Fox, hosted by the fabulous NOMINATED Jane Lynch!!

View the full list of nominees here.

Since I can't say congrats to all my favorite nominees, I'll give them a BOMB recipe for cake. Have your nomination and eat it too!!

Emmy Nom Layer Cake

You will need:

FIRST LAYER:

1 Box Vanilla Wafers

1 stick melted butter

Crush wafers in a food processor. Mix crushed cookies and butter and press into a 9 x11 dish, refrigerate. 

SECOND LAYER:

1 stick melted butter

1 pkg 8oz cream cheese

2 cups confectionary sugar

Beat until creamy. Spread on top of the chilled cookie crust.

THIRD LAYER:

1 large can crushed pineapple, drained

Sprinkle over the top of the cream cheese layer.

FOURTH LAYER:

5 ripe banans, cut into chunks

Place in rows on the cake over the pineapple.

FIFTH LAYER:

1 large container of whipped topping

Spread evenly over top.

Use anything to decorate! Some things I have used before are fresh berries, walnuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles, m&ms, jelly beans.....

This no bake cake is cause for an EMMY sized celebration. Happy eating!

Snooki Fried Oreos

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is back at it again!

No, she isn't chasing juice head Guidos in New Jersey....

Instead, she writing! CNN is reporting that Snooki's second book, Gorilla Beach, is set for release in May of 2012.

Since I do live at the Jersey Shore (hold applause,) I know what Snooki likes to grub on. The perfect drunk food to grab on the Seaside Heights boardwalk HAS to be Fried Oreos.

Snooki's Fried Oreos

You will need:
1 package Double Stuffed Oreos
2 cups pancake mix
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Mix pancake mix, eggs, milk, and oil together in a large bowl.
Put oil in a pan, and turn on heat until temp reaches 375 degrees. Dip the cookies in the batter until they are fully coated. Drop in oil carefully, and flip once. Both sides should be golden brown.

Take the cookies out of the oil and set them on paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and eat warm.

OH MY GOOD EATS!

Pictures Courtesy of:
iwasreallyhungry.com
shoppingblog.com
drfunkenberry.com

Harper Seven Pasta Salad

We all saw pictures of a pregnant Victoria Beckham and died. The only place THIS lucky lady put on the pounds was in her belly!! WHAT DOES SHE EAT???

Anyway-

The latest addition to the Beckham's clan is Harper Seven, the couples first little girl. People magazine is reporting that the name Harper is always one Victoria loved.

Now, what about the "Seven?" We have seen the numerical trend with kiddies (Aleph Portman,) but why is Seven the chosen number?

Apparently seven is a very spiritual, and on the back of daddy's soccer jersey.

Today, for Harper Seven I wanted to create a dish with 7 ingredients.

Harper Seven Pasta Salad

You will need:
1 bag frozen plain cheese raviolis
1 can black olives
1 large white onion
2 packs cherry tomatoes
store bought balsamic dressing
2 red pepers sliced and chopped
fresh ground pepper

Follow the directions on the ravioli package. Cook, cool, and set aside.
Drain the can of black olives, and wash the cherry tomatoes. Add them to a large bowl.
Slice the white onion. Once you get a slice- cut into 4's. This makes the perfect sized pieces!

Slice the red peppers thin, and cut in half. Add the peppers, and onions to the large bowl. Toss in the raviolis , and use your hands to mix. Add the balsamic dressing little by little. You want to remember that you can always add more dressing. It is waaaaay harder to get rid of excess!

Toss everything together and grind fresh pepper on top. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. When it is ready to be served, toss again and add more dressing.

This pasta salad has 7 ingredients, but your friends will think it's a 10!

Photos courtesy of:
tablespoon.com
starandstyle.com

Natalie Portman Potato Latkes

We watched as Natalie Portman rocked award season with a baby bump, looking hotter than most non- preggers celebs on the carpet. It seems like the public has waited forever for the birth of this "Oscar Baby."

I am happy to report that People confirms Nat had a bouncing baby boy. The couple has been hush hush about the boys name, until now. It was revealed that the name is Aleph.

As a Hebrew School drop-out, I remembered that Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It literally translates to "Number 1."

This new momma is already setting her son up for success. Aleph Portman is # 1 

So in honor of the Hebrew name, I decided to make latkes!

Natalie Portman Potato Latkes

You will need:

4 large potatoes

1 yellow onion

1 egg beaten

2 tbsp all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Peel and grate potatoes and onions in a large bowl. Take paper towels and squeeze out any liquids. The key to making awesome latkes, is to make sure the potatoes and onions are super dry.

Mix egg, salt, pepper, and flour in a bowl. Mix in dry potato and onion mixture.

In a skillet heat 1/4 inch of oil. Make the potatoes into small mounds, about 1/2 the size of your palm.

Fry in veggie oil until golden brown. When finished, set aside on paper towel to get rid of excess oil.

Repeat with more oil as needed and the rest of the batter.

MAZEL TOV!

Photos courtesy of:

thedeliciouslife.com

Harry Potter Movie Treats

Are you watching the live stream of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 premiere?!

Okay- so don't KILL me, but I am not the biggest Potter fanatic. To be honest with you, I was much more of a Judy Bloom, than a J.K. Rowling.

Although I haven't caught wizard fever, I can appreciate the die-hard fans the books and movies have created.

Since I know most of you will be at the midnight US premiere, I brainstormed a fun Potter themed treat you could bring along with you (because who really wants to spend 7.50 on a tiny pack of Goobers.)

The YUM WAND 3000

You will need:

1 package of pretzel rods
2 bags milk chocolate chips

Take the chips and transfer them in a microwave safe bowl with a lid. Tupperware works best!
Melt the chocolate, which shouldn't take more than 2 minutes. Take the bowl of hot, melted chocolate out of the microwave. Coat 3/4 of the pretzel rod with the chocolate.

Now its time for creativity....After it is coated, you can roll it around in virtually anything for decoration.

Try mini M&Ms, crushed potato chips, crushed walnuts, sprinkles, peanut butter chips, gummy candy......The list is endless. After they are decorated, let harden for 2 hours.

Since you will have these sweet new (delicious) wands, I guarantee you will make some new friends...even a slytherin.

Want to really impress people? Check out a full list of spells here

Photos courtesy of:
botiquecafe.com
celebrity-exposure.blogspot.com

William and Kate Fish and Chips

William and Kate have been to Canada, and they make there way to California tomorrow. This will be Kate's first trip in the states. The Duchess is undoubtedly excited, but HAS to be missing some good ole' English pub grub. That is why I created a healthy alternative to fish and chips- Royals Style.

William and Kate Fish and Chips

You will need:
1 pound cod cut into 4 pieces
2 cups corn flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 egg

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Take the cornflakes and smash them up in a plastic bag, until they look coarsely ground. Place the flour and Cajun mixture in a shallow bowl and mix together. Beat 1 egg and place in a bowl.
Take the fish and dip in the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Then, dip into the beaten egg.
The last step is coating the fish with cornflakes. Spray a non-stick pan with canola oil. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve with Tartar Sauce

And now for the CHIPS!

You will need:
2 large sweet potatoes
2 large white potatoes
salt and pepper
parsley
Cajun spice

Wash, dry, and slice potatoes into 1/2 inch medallions. Spray non-stick cookie sheet with canola oil. Place potatoes evenly, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, Cajun spice, and parsley. Back on 425 for 30 minutes. If you like them on the crispy side- put under a broiler on high for 5 minutes.

Enjoy with a nice brew from the pub! CHEERS!

Knock-Off Chicken Salad

A celebrity would NEVER be caught dead with knock-off designer goods. But what about knock-off food?

Leftovers are the greatest form of knock-offs, and a cooks best friend. You slave over the grill for a delicious meal, only for it to be enjoyed once? FALSE.

Since the 4th festivities are over, I decided to look in my kitchen to see what was left from the BBQ.

I found an abundance of chicken, and created the most delicious left-over lunch that is sure to rock your taste buds.

Knock- Off Chicken Salad

You will need:
left over BBQ chicken
2 celery stalks chopped
1/2 red onion chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 tbsp country Dijon mustard (this one has the seeds)
2 tbsp lite mayo
1 granny smith apple diced
1/3 cup walnuts
1/2 cup shredded carrots

Start out by shredding the left over chicken with your hands. Mix all ingredients with the shredded chicken. You can add more mayo if you choose. It's all about how you like it!

AND...for another chicken knock-off, try shredding the meat and adding store bought fajita mix with salsa. Your guests taste buds will be seeing fireworks days after the 4th.

photos courtesy of:
smittenkitten.com

Happy 4th of July

Today is one of my favorite holidays of the year, with a simple reason why....BBQ FOOD.

I am a sucker for good burgers, dips, and salads. So whether you are a fabulous celebrity on a yacht  in San Tropez, or hanging with the cast of Jersey Shore at the beach, I have some foods that will spice up any BBQ.

Hotter Than Hell Guac

You will need:
2 ripe avocados
1 cup chopped tomatoes (with the seeds and juicy parts taken out)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
fresh cilantro to taste
1-2 fresh Serrano peppers (seeded and finely chopped **remember, spicy peppers hold A LOT of heat in the seeds, so make sure they are gone)
salt to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice

Half and pit the avocados. With a spoon, scoop out the meat from the shell. Place the avocado in a bowl and mash with a fork to create a lumpy texture. Add in lemon juice and salt.
In a food processor, combined the chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and peppers. Process until the mixture is a texture you prefer. Combined the mixture with the avocado and enjoy! Serve with tortilla chips. I like Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.

Where's the beef? Turkey Burgers


You will need:
1 pound of lean ground turkey
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 red onion finely chopped
1/4 cup of Worcestershire Sauce
1 zucchini (chopped into small pieces)
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4 chunks sharp cheddar cheese

Your about to get messy!
In a bowl, mix all ingredients with the turkey. Use your hands to incorporate ingredients until evenly distributed.

Divide the meat into 4 sections, to make 4 burgers. Take one chunk of the sharp cheddar, and the first portion of meat. Stick the cheese in the middle of the meat, and build the patty around it. Once the patty is formed, you shouldn't be able to see any of the cheese.

Place on a grill or over medium heat in a skillet until cooked all the way through. Make sure the burgers are fully done. Nobody should be eating rare turkey meat!

After the burgers are finished, place them on a toasted whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and the awesome spicy guac listed above! After eating these, you won't be saying, "Where's the beef?"

My favorite part of the burger? When you bite in, the cheddar oozes out for the ultimate cheesy surprise.

You will be the celebrity of your BBQ when your guests taste these awesome dishes!

Have a safe and happy 4th!



Photos courtesy of:
myrecipes.com
opensourcefood.com
recadosdaweb.com

Sprinkles Cupcakes in New Jersey?

Okay...So the amazing California based cupcake shop, Sprinkles may have opened a New York City location (I live in NJ), but I found out that these delicious treats can be made AT HOME.

OMG this is a CelebFoodie breakthrough. I don't have to travel to the city for my favorite sweet treat fix?

I was web-surfing yesterday, and came across this wonderful cooking blog called, Chronicles of the Carrot Top Mom. On the blog, a genius woman created a Sprinkles Red Velvet Copycat Recipe.

My taste buds began to water, and I knew that this was a recipe I needed to try right away. So there I was, at 8 am yesterday, baking up a storm. The end result was uncanny. Was this real life? Was this a fantasy? Nope. Just homemade Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcakes, IN MY KITCHEN.

They were very easy to make, AND a crowd favorite. I brought them to a party last night and everyone gobbled the sweets up!

I really wanted to keep this "my little secret," but I feel like since I gushed a little, I should spill the recipe.

Kelly's Copycat Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

You will need:

Makes 24 large, or 30 medium cupcakes

• 2 1/4 cups flour (I use all-purpose)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk 
• 1 ounce red food coloring** (okay, that is a lot of red food coloring!) It doesn’t change the taste, so I only use 1 teaspoon unless the red color is really important to me.
• 4 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
• 16+ ounces confectioners’ sugar (Begin with this amount. I usually need up to 2 additional cups to thicken.)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in sour cream, milk, food color and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until just blended. Do not over beat. Spoon batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full.
3. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cupcake comes out clean. Gently remove from oven (these are super-moist, and will collapse if you aren’t careful). Cool in pans on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.
4. Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese, softened, butter, sour cream and Pure Vanilla Extract in large bowl until light and fluffy. Scrape bowl, and beat again. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Once smooth, turn beaters to high (I use my Kitchenaid) and whip for 5 minutes. You may need additional powdered sugar to thicken, especially if you are wanting to pile the frosting high like I do, or use a decorating tip.
5. Frost the cupcakes generously, and serve at room temperature! 

For more recipes from The Carrot Top Mom click here.

Have  a YUMMY July 1st!