Asparagus Gruyere Tart

This is such a great fake-out recipe! Looks fancy and difficult, but totally is not!

I used swiss instead of gruyere since I had it on hand.
Make sure you roll out your dough some before baking it. I somehow didn't read that step and mine was really puffy and thick (but still yummy). But I would have liked it thinner so that my asparagus didn't overlap.

Would make this again :)

http://www.marthastewart.com/318340/asparagus-gruyere-tart?czone=food/produce-guide-cnt/spring-produce-recipes&center=276955&gallery=275174&slide=284861

3 Ingredient Chocolate Cupcakes

These are so good! I used the exact same ingredients as listed. I made the regular sized muffins and it made twelve large ones. You can fill them up to the top because they don't rise much. Use an electric mixer so that it all gets incorporated. The batter will be very thick.
Definitely a great alternative to a high-calorie, high-fat muffin or cupcake! She says these are only 1 point on the Weight Watchers program- wow! Will make these again :)

http://nomadicnomnom.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/1-point-weight-watcher-cupcakes/

Chicken Dumpling Casserole

This was a great comfort food meal. Probably should have saved it for the winter, but it was delicious even in July :) I would make this again. It would be great for a potluck or to take to a family in need.

I added frozen mixed veggies to this, so mine took around 45 minutes to bake. Next time, I might only use one cup of chicken broth instead of two as it seemed to take a while to cook.

So easy and delicious!

http://theshadyporch.blogspot.com/2011/11/chicken-dumpling-casserole.html

Royal Blue Velvet Cake

I made this for Ben's birthday cake in a giant cupcake mold. I thought it would be cute to do blue velvet since he's a boy. :)

Changes:
I found "royal blue" gel food coloring at Party City and used that instead of the two colors listed on this recipe. It made it VERY dark blue!

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/royal-blue-velvet-cake/bce7c4e4-8c6a-49cd-ac3f-9fe629722d9c

Carrot Cupcakes w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

I made these for Ben's birthday party. I thought they turned out pretty yummy. :) I did use full-fat cream cheese, but next time, would probably use the 1/3 less fat kind. Loved the lemon zest in the frosting- very nice flavor!

I bought shredded carrots at the grocery store but had to put them in the food processor to get them small enough to add.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/carrot-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/index.html

Tortellini Spinach Salad

Made this for Ben's birthday (for everyone else!) So easy and yummy! Great summer salad!

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/01/tortellini-spinach-salad-with-balsamic-tomato-vinaigrette.html