Applesauce Bread

Applesauce Bread!

For those of you who know me well, know that I don't traditionally do well with free time. Once I even said it scared me! But I think that has changed. I am currently in the middle of my first week of my two week Spring Break. Two whole weeks off! I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful and relaxing just the thought of two weeks off has been. But the reality...oh it is even greater than I imagined! Chris and I went to Arizona for Spring Training for a few days and then did a little Costco tour along the 10 on how way home. Now my days involve working out in the morning, catching up on all my shows on the DVR, going to all the grocery stores, and cooking. 

Deanna Cookies

Deanna Cookies are Gluten Free Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies :)

Once upon a time, I updated this blog on a regular basis. Now, whenever I get around to it, I seem to be apologizing for my absence. Well, here we go again. It's been almost a year since my last baking blog post and boy has my world changed. I moved to Rancho Cucamonga, moved in with Chris, and finally started working as a full-time school counselor at a school that I love, in a wonderful, small district, and with coworkers I adore. I'd say life is going pretty darn well. It's officially 2015 and I'm a very happy person! I do miss my friends and family in San Diego dearly, but it's a quick 2 hour drive (that I know SO well from the long-distance thing with Chris) and I have managed to make it back quite frequently.

Black Bean Brownie Bites

Black Bean Brownie Bites!

Well friends, it’s been too long. I haven’t posted in about 11 months and I sincerely apologize. Life has been wonderful in this past year and I just don’t have a reason to why I have been gone for so long. But you know what?? I am back! :)

Today I came home from work and I wanted to bake. But more than that, I wanted to blog! This is a rarity. I have baked plenty of delicious things in the past year, but never had the desire to photograph it and write it up for all of you. I think today was different because I didn’t spend my day sitting in front of a computer, so I don’t mind typing now.

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Pesto, Artichoke Hearts, Mushrooms, Arugula, and  a drizzle of Balsamic Glaze.

Back in August, one of my Facebook friends posted a picture of her cauliflower pizza crust. I thought that was interesting, so I searched some food blogs for recipes. I found one on Recipe Girl that had nice step-by-step pictures (despite the fact that she made a Hawaiian pizza...eww, pineapple!), so I saved the link and emailed it to my sister Erin. I tend run new ideas by her before I actually tackle them. Well, in August we thought it was a good idea and now it's March. So, it took me 6 months to actually buy a head of cauliflower, but I guess that's what a day off is for!

Dark Chocolate Goat Cheese Truffles

Dark Chocolate Goat Cheese Truffles

Inspiration can come from just about anywhere. In the case of this recipe, it came from my brilliant Uncle Sean. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of having a meal prepared by Sean, let me explain. He is a culinary genius. He opened my eyes, heart, and taste buds to the magic that is arugula, now my favorite green. He paired arugula with portabella mushrooms, onions, and a balsamic reduction to make the best salad I have ever had. His pizza is out of this world. Simply put, the guy knows his way around a kitchen. So on Friday night, while we were texting about dinner at his house for Saturday night, he requested that I make dessert.