Lemon Ricotta Muffins

I know these Lemon Ricotta Muffins look really boring but they were very tasty! Nobody can stop at one! Personally I think they need more lemon zest but they are so nice and moist and fluffy, the ricotta gave it a really good texture. I didn't put as much sugar in as the recipe called for (like usual) nor did I sprinkle sugar on top but I imagine if you did it would be even better! I have plans for one more ricotta recipe before the month is over!

Bam.

The box is more attractive than what was inside. Seriously.

September Ingredient!

Mom and Dad have chosen Ricotta!

Ravioli!

More specfically, this is Crunchy Oven-Fried Cheese Ravioli! I did not make the ravioli from scratch but I did make the panko breadcrumbs I needed for the breading! I was going to just substitute regular breadcrumbs for the panko but realized that would probably take away the crunchy factor so I had to be un-lazy and it ended up being pretty easy. I made a half batch so I only needed two pieces of bread to cover the panko amount. Anyway, everyone loved these. Owen even asked if we could eat them every day and when I asked him if he meant every year for our back to school dinner, he said, "No. Every day." 

Balsamic Vinegar (June)

So, I'm going to use this for my balsamic entry - vegan Boca burger with caprese salad. A nice change sometimes from the regular ol' everything burger. The asparagus on the side is actually from the West Side Market trip with Mom and Dad awhile back. Not as creative or adventurous as the strawberry balsamic pizza (which I would love to try.) Hudson's is one of the places we order lunch for work occasionally, and they have an awesome Tuscan Flatbread with fig jam, balsamic glaze, etc., on the lunch menu that I would recommend if anyone is ever in town for lunchtime!

Finger Food - Hummus and Pita

Every month or so they have a potluck at Lexicomp and usually come up with a theme of some sort - for August they chose finger food. Since I'm trying to catch up, I brought the suggestion to the blog too. I made pitas (from the bread book I believe was a gift from Kim) and a batch of hummus and got to use a bunch of the basil I have growing like crazy in the kitchen. I cut the pitas into wedges for work, and voila! finger food :)

Middle Eastern (March)

I made Tabbouleh - "A delicious bulgur salad that is filled with tomatoes, green onions, and cucumber. It is seasoned in the traditional way, with fresh mint and lemon juice." (Couldn't have said it better myself.) Nice and fresh and Summer-y. Bulgur is a whole grain, just in case you didn't already think it was healthy and good for you! Really good with the Home made pitas too - which are also Middle Eastern actually...