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!

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!

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

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

Pippa's Pesto Tilapia

Since the royal wedding...Lets be real, AT the royal wedding, it was all about Pippa Middleton. She stole the show with her booty hugging dress on her sisters big day, and has been in the news ever since. Nowadays, the only thing in question is Pip's boyfriend. 

It was reported that Pippa and her long time on/off  beau, Alex Loudon, broke up. GUESS WHAT?

It's game on for Pippa and Alex. They were spotted arm and arm at Wimbledon yesterday looking super cute. Read the full story on Fox News.

So today I went with the "P" in Pippa, and created a (P)esto dish!

Pippa's Pesto Tilapia

You will need:
4 Tilapia filets
4 cups Basil
1/4 cup Pinenuts
1/2 cup Parm cheese
1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
In a food processor blend the basil, pinenuts, and parm cheese. As that is being blended- pour in the olive oil. Blend until smooth.

Spread the pesto mixture on the tilapia filets. Place on non-stick oven safe pan. Bake for 10-13 minutes.

Jillian's KILLER (easy) Chunky Tomato Sauce

You will need:
5 vine ripened large tomatoes
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 yellow onion
2 garlic cloves

In a medium sauce pan pour in the extra virgin olive oil, and place on medium heat. Finely chop garlic and onions. Place in the pan and sauté. Dice tomatoes, and add to pan. Mix together with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer on low for 20 minutes- or until tomatoes are very tender. Delicioso!




My favorite part...

My least favorite part...

Gwyneth Paltrow is a Celeb Foodie too?!

She acts. She sings. She dances. She cooks....The TOTAL celebrity package, right?

Gwyneth Paltrow became a stellar actress when she took home Oscar, a rockstar when she performed on Glee, and a foodie with her blog Goop.

I was parsing through this month's Cosmo, as any 21 century gal should, and I stumbled upon some delicious recipes written by Gwyneth herself! She recently put out a cookbook, My Father's Daughter, that has everyone wondering, "What CAN'T she do?"

I plan to die a little at the yumminess that is going to hit my taste buds tonight. I will be trying out these two recipes featured in Cosmo, and I have a feeling they are going to be a HIT!

Chicken Milanese

You will need:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup milk
2 cups panko bread crumbs, mixed with salt and pepper
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil

Place the chicken breast between two pieces of parchment paper. Using a mallet, (or a heavy frying pan) pound the chicken until it is very very thin. Put the milk in a shallow bowl, and put the breadcrumbs into another. Dip each piece of chicken in the milk, then the breadcrumbs until they are fully coated. You should have a thin, even coating.

Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a pan. Cook the chicken (2 pieces) on one side for 4 minutes, or until evenly browned and crisp. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is firm to touch. Repeat with the rest of the oil, and the remaining chicken.

Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula

You will need:
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
coarse salt
2 cups arugula
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the tomatoes in a small baking pan, drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Roast for 45 minutes, turning occasionally until they are split open.
Toss arugula with remaining oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a pinch of salt. Fold tomatoes into the arugula and serve on top of the chicken.

To finish off this meal I would roast some fingerling potatoes at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes with fresh herbs of your choice, olive oil, salt and pepper. YUMMY!

Thanks for the good eats' Gwyneth!


pictures courtesy of
milkandmode.com

Bentley's Peanut Butter Balls

Women all over the world watched as Bachelorette Ashley Hebert's heart was broken over contestant Bentley Williams.

Ashley was warned by former Bachelor contestant Michelle "Money" that Bentley was doing it for the fame, but the Bachelorette fell flat on her face for this reality television villain.

For those of you who don't watch the show, here is what went down...

Bentley fed Ashley all the right lines,  getting her to fall in love with him. Meanwhile, he was talking behind her back (to the cameras)...My personal favorite quote, "I would literally rather be swimming in pee then planning a wedding with her." What a class act!

One day he decides to leave the show because of his "daughter," leaving their relationship open ended with a (dot dot dot.)

Fast forward to Bentley in Hong Kong giving Ashley the closure she finally needs. The whole meeting is UBER awkward, and as a viewer I just wanted it to end. She sent him off with a BIG f@*ck you.

Since the events of last night's episode, I think it's only right for Ashley to serve Bentley's "you know whats" on a silver platter.

I present to you....

Bentley's Peanut Butter Balls

You will need:
2 cups of peanut butter
4 oz of butter (about 1/2 a cup)
4 cups confectioners sugar sifted
2 cups rice cereal
1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

In a medium sized pot melt butter and peanut butter together.
In a large mixing bowl combined the sugar and rice cereal, and pour hot peanut butter mixture over the top.  Don't be afraid to get a little messy here and mix with your hands! Once the mixture is together, form into 1/2 inch balls. Let the balls hang in the fridge for about an hour.

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Remove the peanut butter balls from the refrigerator and roll each in the chocolate. Remove and place on wax paper. Chill before serving.

If you want to liven them up a bit, add some sprinkles, or some crumbled health bar. OHSOGOOD.

Ashley, you make these honey, and you are the clear winner.

Photos courtesy of 
Namelymarly.com 
acesshollywood.com

Sinfully Delicious Jen Aniston Mac and Cheese

Jen Aniston has been promoting her new movie, Horrible Bosses, jet setting bi-coastal on a media tour. E! Online is reporting that Ms. Aniston is taking on a different attitude these days towards press junkets, and interviews, holding little back while having major fun along the way.

They believe it has something to do with her new bad boy beau Justin Theroux. I also think her character in Horrible Bosses is rubbing off! Jen plays a sex crazed dentist, a far cry from Americas Sweetheart Rachel Green.

Jen is also embracing her new found bad girl image by getting inked up! Read the full article from E! Online here.

Since Miss Aniston is channeling all that is bad, I decided to create a sinfully delicious recipe....

Sinfully Delicious Jen Aniston Mac and Cheese.

You will need:
3 cups of cooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar
1/2 cup fat free evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1 tsp dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste
1 package baby portobello mushrooms
2 tbsp of butter
1/2 of a yellow onion
1/2 cup sharp white cheddar

Cook macaroni as directed on the package. Drain and set aside.

Chop the yellow onion, and saute in a pan with 2 tbsp of butter. You are looking for the onions to become translucent in color. Clean the baby portobellos and slice into pieces. Combined the onion and mushrooms to cook together. Once the mushrooms shrink significantly in size and brown up, remove from the heat and set aside.

In a blender combined the salt, pepper, dijon mustard, cottage cheese, evaporated milk, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Process until smooth.

Combined the cheesy mixture with the mushroom/onion saute. Mix well and pour over the macaroni in a large oiled baking dish. Finish by sprinkling the other cup of cheddar and 1/2 cup of sharp white cheddar on top.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until slightly brown.

I guarantee you will be feeling a bit devilish after the first bite.

GET ON WITH YOUR BAD SELF!

pictures courtesy of:  
goodcleanfuneating.blogspot.com
astrochick.com
zimbio.com

These are a few of my favorite things...

We're not talkin' about rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens...


Instead- every weekend I've decided to share a few of my favorite recipes from the best cooks in the world! These dishes have been tested in my kitchen- and let me just say, each and everyone of them is a hit!

These recipes are from the QUEEN of Southern comfort, Paula Deen. I think this chick has really got it goin' on. She is a unique personality that holds little back. She is effortlessly creative while still being "classic" in the kitchen, and totally not afraid of the ever feared ingredient, BUTTER. Although her food isn't always the healthiest, it is definitely the tastiest. One of my favorite dishes of Paula Deen's is the Divan Chicken.

You will need:

• 2 10-ounce packages frozen chopped brocoli
• 6 cups shredded chicken (I like to pre-buy a rotisseri chicken from the grocery store and shred it myself)
• 2 10 3/4-ounce cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 
  
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Microwave the frozen broccoli, while following the directions on the package. Drain the broccoli in a colander and put in a casserole dish with the shredded chicken.

In a medium bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, Cheddar, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper, to taste, and wine. Whisk together to make a sauce. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken. Mix well.

Place the mixture into a casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Pat down evenly and smooth with a spatula. Combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle over the top.

Bake for about 30 to 45 minutes.
For an extra cheesy kick sprinkle the top with Cheddar, or Gruyere cheese. TOO GOOD FOR WORDS!!!

And after you finish eating that YUMMY dish, I guarantee you will be craving a sweet treat. I look again to Ms. Deen for some sweet Southern comfort with the delicious Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies.

You will need:

• 1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 stick butter, at room temperature
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (18-ounce) box moist chocolate cake mix
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Now that you have the ingredients cook along with Paula ---> Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies 

And if you are craving more comfort food click here.

Have a yummy Saturday!

*images courtesy of FoodNetwork.com

Lindsay Lohan Mocktails

Lindsay Lohan was back in court yesterday following reports that she tested positive for alcohol consumption, violating her probation. Luckily for Li-Lo, she was sent home with a slap on the wrist. View the full E! Online Chelsea Handler article here.

Just so Lindz doesn't get into anymore trouble- here are some classic mocktail recipes. And for those of you who aren't on house arrest, add your favorite alcohol to any of these. Kick it up a drunk notch!

Mai-Tai
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup diet cranberry juice
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
crushed ice
lime wedges

Shake in a martini shaker. Finish in a tall glass with lime wedge on the rim.

Strawberry Daiquiri 
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup fat free whipped topping
2 tbsp low calorie sweetener
splash of lime juice
ice cubes

Blend until ice is crushed and ingredients are combined. Finish with a strawberry on the rim of the glass, and a dollop of the fat free whipped topping.

Peach Bellini
1 can peaches
1 bottle peach sparkling water
2 tbsp lemon juice

In a food processor, blend the canned peaches until they are pureed. Add in the lemon juice and blend. Pour the peaches into a glass. Add in the sparkling water and mix.


For more Mocktail recipes click here.

Cheers!