Banana Nutella Swirl Muffins

You know that phrase that starts, “Even the best-laid plans… ?” Well, I was living that adage on Saturday when I got ready to bake these beautiful and extremely yummy muffins. First, the bananas I had set aside turned out to be much too ripe to use for the recipe. Then, I opened my jar of Nutella only to discover that I just barely had enough left to cover the amount that’s called for (I guess that’s what happens when you can’t resist the yummy spread).

But I managed to push through the hurdles and bake these goodies just in time for my mother’s long-awaited arrival Saturday evening. And boy, am I glad I did. Not only do they smell amazing and look gorgeous, but their sweet, ooey-gooey taste isn’t too shabby either.

I would typically consider banana muffins a breakfast item, but as indulgent as these little babies are, you could definitely serve them up for dessert or a sweet treat, too. Paired with a cold glass of milk, a hot espresso and even a little extra Nutella on the side, I can’t think of anyone who could pass them up.

Ready to try ’em yourself? Then check out the recipe below.

Banana Nutella Swirl Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins (recipe via Alaska From Scratch)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

4 ripe bananas, mashed

½ cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar

1 egg

¼ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup buttermilk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ cup Nutella

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2. In large bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, stir together mashed bananas, sugar, brown sugar, egg, vegetable oil, buttermilk and vanilla extract.

4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, and stir until completely combined. Divide batter evenly into muffin cups.

5. Place Nutella in microwave-safe bowl, then heat 15-30 seconds, or until smooth and stir-able. Spoon about 2 teaspoons Nutella on top of each muffins. Using a toothpick, swirl Nutella into top of muffin batter in a circular motion.

6. Bake 15-18 minutes, or until baked through and set.

Peanut Butter Popcorn

Do you have those recipes that—no matter how old you are when you eat or make them—vividly remind you of your childhood? For me, it’s Peanut Butter Popcorn, a tooth-achingly sweet and addictive snack recipe that my sister-in-law used to make for movie nights and sleepovers when I was a little girl. After she moved to Minnesota years ago, I went a long time without having a single bite of this delicious snack—until two Mother’s Days ago when I whipped up some as part of a homemade sweets basket for my mom.

This past weekend, I got a sudden craving for the sweet and easy-to-make snack and decided to make it for Harrison and I to munch on. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that we ate it all in just a matter of hours (yes, I was definitely the biggest culprit in that situation). And though my blood sugar probably wasn’t too happy about it, my sweet tooth definitely was.

Check out the recipe below, then prepare to be addicted!

Peanut Butter Popcorn

Yield: 6-8 servings (recipe via Food.com)

6-8 cups popped popcorn

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1. In small pan, melt together corn syrup and sugar. Add peanut butter and melt, being careful not to burn peanut butter mixture.

2. Remove mixture from heat, then stir in vanilla.

3. Pour mixture over popped popcorn, stirring to coat. Eat immediately or store in air-tight container.

Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Something amazing happened this weekend: I went into my kitchen, started baking up a batch of cookies and not once ran out of counter or oven space while doing so. Hallelujah for a full-sized kitchen! But even if I had still been working in the cramped cooking space from my last apartment, it would have totally been worth it for these ridiculously delicious Chocolate Brownie Cookies.

I featured these goodies last week in my Friday Four, where I promised they would be the first dessert I baked in my new kitchen. And I seriously couldn’t have picked a better recipe. As with all of my favorite sweet treats, these were surprisingly simple to whip up and turned out to be so rich, fudgy and indulgent, with just the perfect amount of crispness around the edges. If only for the smell of the dough alone, you’ll seriously want to bake these up ASAP!

The recipe makes for a huge batch of cookies, so they’re the perfect dessert to make for your next summer barbecue or work event (though I’m sure you could save and freeze the dough, using a little at a time when you get a craving for something insanely sweet).

Check out the recipe below, then thank me (or hate me) later when you become absolutely addicted.

Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Yield: 3 dozen cookies (recipe via Food & Wine)

1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips

1. In large bowl, melt chopped chocolate and unsalted butter in microwave in 20-second intervals until melted and smooth, stirring between each interval.

2. In another large bowl, use electric mixer to beat eggs with sugar at medium speed until thick and pale. Beat in vanilla and salt.

3. Using a rubber spatula, fold in melted chocolate, then fold in flour and baking powder. Stir in chocolate chips, then scrape batter into shallow baking dish. Cover and freeze until well chilled and firm, about 1 hour.

4. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or tin foil. Working in batches, scoop 2-tablespoon-size mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes, until cookies are dry around the edges and cracked on top.

5. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely before serving.

Friday Four

Happy Friday, all! This week has been an insane one—with the movers packing up all of our stuff and Harrison, puppy Paul and I coming to stay with friends for the weekend—so I couldn’t be happier that it’s finally the weekend! We’re going to a Philly Beer Week event tonight for New Belgium, then my friend Katie and I are having a pool day tomorrow, which should be a blast (even though I know I’ll have to practically drench myself in sunscreen!).

But before I take the weekend by storm, it’s time to share everything I’m wanting to visit, wear, eat and live with this week:

Clockwise from top left: Brooklyn Brewery; raffia sandals; Chocolate Mousse Pie; and votive set.

Visit: Brooklyn Brewery (image via The Craft Beer Girl)

The Brooklyn Brewery is one of my favorite spots to hit in New York, primarily because it’s one of the few places I can get my favorite beer ever—Brooklyn Blast—on tap. And seriously, is there a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than drinking amazing craft beers?

Wear: Raffia D’orsay Sandals by Loeffler Randall

I’ve been eyeing these sandals since early spring, and now that they’re on major sale, my excuses for not buying them are quickly dwindling. In fact, I’m this close to making them mine right this second!

Eat: Chocolate Mousse Pie with Peanut Butter Whip + Pretzel Crust (via Oh, Ladycakes)

Remember those No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Bars I made a few weeks back? Well, I’ve been craving them ever since, but wanted to find a new way to deliver the deliciously addicting flavors. Now, thanks to this recipe, I’ve found it!

Live With: Voluspa Maison Jardin Votives from Anthropologie

I’m a candle hoarder, but somehow I’ve let my collection shrink lately. But I’m more than ready to fix that problem ASAP with this set of amazing scented candles from Voluspa (whose beautiful box alone is reason to buy).

What are you loving this week?

Friday Four

Hello, Friday! Hope you’ve all had an amazing week and are looking forward to Memorial Day Weekend! I think I mentioned that Harrison and I don’t have any big plans for the holiday, as we’ll both be working hard to get everything prepared for our move next week, but I’m sure we’ll find some little way to celebrate, even if it’s just with a few yummy cocktails or a fun dinner.

But before we all get lost in thoughts of a three-day weekend, I want to share everything I’m dying to wear, visit, eat and live with this week:

Clockwise from top left: Tote bag; the Hamptons; Baked Fudge; area rug.

Wear: Classic leather tote by Kate Spade New York

It’s no secret that I’ve been on the hunt for a classic bag that’s chic enough to carry any and everywhere (including to work), but I’m not quite sure how I didn’t see this beauty before now. I love everything about it: the shape, the color combo, the cute little tassel. Now all I have to do is make it mine.

Visit: The Hamptons (image via Hamptons Magazine)

Sure, Harrison and I aren’t going anywhere this holiday weekend, but it doesn’t mean I can’t dream about going somewhere, right? And since I’ve never been to the Hamptons, what better spot to daydream about spending a day on the beach at than a destination with this kind of view?

Eat: Baked Fudge with Mini Peanut Butter Cups (via Cravings of a Lunatic)

I’ve been searching for a way to use a tiny little jar like this since I finished the Undercover Cupcake treat Harrison brought home for me the other day (P.S. If you haven’t had one, get one now!), and I think I’ve found the perfect solution. Because seriously, who doesn’t like the sound of chocolate + peanut butter anything?

Live With: Tufted area rug by Layla Grayce

I’m really looking forward to having all hardwood floors in our next apartment, but that also means I’ve been looking around for a beautiful area rug to add some dimension to our living room. Though I’m sure the search will continue on just a little while longer, this gorgeous patterned piece is sure to be a top contender.

What are you loving this week?

Friday Four

Happy Friday, and happy Mother’s Day weekend! Sadly, I won’t be able to spend the holiday with my fantastic mother this year, but I sure hope you’re able to celebrate the day with yours! We may be making a day trip up north tomorrow (still waiting for confirmation), but if that falls through, I’m planning a weekend full of wardrobe purging (it’s finally time for spring cleaning!), reading and spending some always-welcome QT with my two boys (yes, my dog is one of those).

But before we jump into this holiday weekend, I wanted to catch you up on everything I’m loving this week. Check it out:

Clockwise from top left: Strawberry lemon cupcakes; fashion sketch; Charles James exhibit; and pom pom scarf.

Eat: Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes (via InStyle)

I love strawberries, I love strawberry lemonade and I certainly love cupcakes, so I can’t imagine why these Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes wouldn’t be some of the most delicious I’ve ever tasted! I’d love to whip these up for Mother’s Day, my next spring soiree or just for no reason at all, wouldn’t you?

Live With: Met Gala gown sketch (via Katie Rodgers for Refinery29)

I’m obsessed with the annual Met Gala (you could probably already tell from Tuesday’s best-of post), so when I saw these sketches from the illustrator behind Paper Fashion, I was dying to get my hands on one of them (Emmy Rossum’s Carolina Herrera gown, in particular). Unfortunately, I don’t think they’re available for purchase yet (if ever), but a girl can dream about hanging one on her wall, right?

Visit: “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

It’s not just the Met Gala red carpet I go crazy for; the exhibits themselves tend to be pretty amazing, too. And because it’s hard for me to resist Old Hollywood glamour and high-fashion ball gowns, I’m thinking this Charles James exhibit is one to go the extra mile to see.

Wear: Pom pom scarf (via Kate Spade’s On Purpose collection)

Have you heard about Kate Spade’s new On Purpose collection? The brand is teaming up with a group of 150 women in Masoro, Rwanda to teach them how to hand-make beautiful goods (like this gorgeous, two-tone pom pom scarf) in order to provide them with economic stability that can transform not only their lives, but also their entire community. Now, that’s fashion you can feel good about.

What are you dying to eat, live with, visit and wear this week?

Friday Four

Happy, happy Friday everyone! It already feels like the weekend to me, as I spent all day yesterday traveling home to NC to see my newborn nephew (the adorable Simon!), so I’m finding it a little difficult to get into a work mindset today with thoughts of family time, birthday celebrations (happy birthday, mom!) and a little bit of lounging so close within reach.

But before I kick myself into gear, it’s that time again: Time to share all the things I want to live with, eat, wear and visit this week! Check it out:

Clockwise from top left: Storage boxes; butter pecan ice cream; striped dress; and a beautiful sunrise.

Live With: Metallic storage boxes from Serena & Lily

Harrison and I (mostly Harrison) did a tiny bit of spring cleaning this week in preparation for a visit from his enviously clean mother, only to discover that we have a whole lot of junk that needs to be put, well, somewhere other than where it is. And since we only have a finite amount of space in our small apartment, I’m going to have to get creative when it comes to keeping things organized and stowed away. That’s where these ridiculously gorgeous, metallic storage boxes come in! They’re perfect for sorting random bins of everything from bathroom products to office papers, and they’re chic enough to keep out in the open rather than trying to squeeze them under the bed or in a closet. Win win!

Eat: Browned Butter Pecan Ice Cream (via Will Cook for Friends)

Another great thing about being back in North Carolina for the next week? There’s such beautiful weather in store that it’s giving me just one more excuse to enjoy a whole list of warm-weather perks, from sundresses and open-toed shoes to long walks sans-coat and (fingers crossed) ice cream! My mom mentioned butter pecan ice cream yesterday, and now I’m having an intense craving for a homemade version. I think this browned butter one would work just fine.

Wear: Chic, striped dress from Joe Fresh

I’m totally feeling spring stripes this year, and even though I’ve already added two new striped dresses to my closet this season, I’ve decided I need this one in my spring wardrobe, too. I love the out-of-the-box graphic print, and it toes the casual-but-dressed-up line that makes it perfect for everything from work to date night. The best part? This super-chic find is less than $40!

Visit: Home sweet home

It’s always nice to enjoy everything home has to offer, whether it’s family time, good Southern food, catching up with friends or enjoying the fresh air and green fields all around me. I love living in a big city, but it’s refreshing to escape to small-town life every now and then to stretch my legs and unwind, both of which I’ll happily be doing for the next week!

What are you loving this week?

 

Oreo Fudge Brownies

Monday mornings are never my favorite, but knowing what I have to look forward to—including a bout of warmer weather and a later sunset—today isn’t looking too shabby. It also doesn’t hurt that I’m coming off of an amazing weekend with friends, who flew up from North Carolina for a few days of sightseeing, catching up and indulging in some great food and drinks.

Instead of going out for dinner every night while they were in town, we made a nice little meal at home on Friday evening for the four of us. And because my friend Katie has almost as big of a sweet tooth as I do, I knew I was going to need a delicious dessert recipe to finish off the meal. After scouring options on my favorite Pinterest board, I found one that looked unbelievable and unbelievably easy to make: Oreo Fudge Brownies.

I won’t embarrass myself by admitting how many of these brownies I actually consumed over the course of the weekend (or the fact that I ate them for breakfast multiple days in a row), but I will say that it was one of the best brownie recipes I’ve ever tried. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the cookies & cream ice cream the recipe called for (how that’s possible, I’m still not sure), so my batch was lacking that delicious ingredient. And even though they were amazing, fudgy and melt-in-your-mouth without it, I can’t wait to try out this recipe again to see what kind of difference the ice cream really makes.

Check out the recipe below, then run to the kitchen immediately to make this amazing treat. Trust me, you won’t be sorry! (Your diet, on the other hand, may be a different story.)

Oreo Fudge Brownies

via Kevin & Amanda

1 box brownie mix (I used Ghirardelli Double Chocolate brownie mix)

Eggs + oil, as called for by brownie mix

1 heaping half cup Cookies ‘N Cream ice cream

1/4 cup hot fudge sauce, chilled or at room temperature

1 package Oreos

1. Preheat oven according to directions on brownie-mix box. Grease 8×8-inch baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Combine brownie mix, eggs and oil as directed on back of brownie-mix box, but do not add water.

3. Add ice cream and hot fudge to brownie batter, and stir to combine.

4. Pour half of batter into baking dish, then layer with Oreos. Top with remaining batter.

5. Bake 40-50 minutes, or as directed on back of box.

Friday Four

Once Friday rolls around, it often amazes me that I’ve managed to make it through the week and somehow get everything on my to-do list done. But that’s not quite the case this week. Not only did I take on a ton of extra work this past week, but it’s also Fashion Week, on top of the fact that I’m supposed to be planning our big trip that’s just days away and which I’ve sadly let fall to the wayside. (By the way: If you live in or know London, Berlin or Amsterdam, I’d love to have any and all suggestions of the best places to visit, shop and eat!).

Nevertheless, it is Friday, and I can’t wait for a weekend (albeit a busy one) to relax a tiny bit, get some packing done and focus on all the things I want to eat, visit, wear and live with this week. Check them out:

Clockwise from top left: Salted oatmeal and dark chocolate cookies; bakery in London;
jeweled earrings; and a pretty floral arrangement.

Eat: Salted Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Cookies (recipe via Real Simple)

A combination of so many things I love (oatmeal, sea salt, dark chocolate), I’m absolutely positive these cookies couldn’t be anything but amazing. Not that I really need another batch of sweets around the house, but I want them. I really want them.

Visit: Peggy Porschen Cakes, 116 Ebury Street, Belgravia, London

I may not have a ton of plans set up for our trip next week, but I do know that this adorable little cake shop is one stop I’ll definitely be making (if I can drag Harrison along with me, that is). The cakes and cupcakes at Peggy Porschen’s look absolutely divine, and I can just picture spending an afternoon there with a tea in one hand, a fashion mag in the other and a cupcake in front of me ready to devour.

Wear: Crystal statement earrings by BaubleBar x Anthropologie

Did you hear the wonderful news? Anthropologie and BaubleBar (two of my favorite places to shop for jewelry) are teaming up to create a monthly collection of beautiful baubles, and these Bourgainvillea Earrings are just one of the many precious pieces to choose from. I’d love to have these in my personal jewelry collection for spring.

Live With: Simple but stunning floral arrangement

It’s been a little dreary around here with all of the snow and slush, and I’m desperately craving something (anything!) that will brighten up the apartment. A colorful, delicate arrangement like the one above would do the trick, especially when placed on a bedside table or at the corner of my office desk.

What are you loving this week?

Chocolate Banana Bread

No matter how hard I try, I will never be able to relate to those people who either a) don’t like bread, or b) consciously choose to abstain from it for one reason or another. From dinner rolls and croissants to fresh-baked baguettes and plain ol’ sliced bread, I find nearly any type of this addictive carb to be positively irresistible. So any time you combine bread with my other favorite food category, sweets, I get practically weak in the knees. Which is why it was love at first sight when I saw the recipe for this easy-to-make and delicious-to-eat Chocolate Banana Bread.

I’ve been wanting to break in my new loaf pan for a while now, so yesterday, I finally decided to hunt for a yummy recipe and get to baking. Luckily, I stumbled across this one pretty quickly and knew immediately that my search was over. I’m automatically drawn to any recipe that doesn’t require me to purchase many ingredients (I despise grocery shopping, though I love to cook and eat), and this one definitely fit the bill, as I only needed to run out and grab a few bananas and a bag of chocolate chips.

The batter took no time to make, and the loaf came out tasting deliciously rich and chocolatey, with just the perfect hint of banana. I didn’t try it, but I bet it would be delicious with a handful of your favorite chopped nuts—like walnuts or pecans—thrown in, too. I’ve already had a couple of pieces since I baked it, and I’m pretty sure this will be my breakfast and after-dinner (and maybe lunch) dessert for the next several days, complete with an ice-cold glass of milk!

Check out the recipe below, then tell me: What’s your favorite bread to bake or eat?

Chocolate Banana Bread

Yield: 1 loaf (via Money Saving Mom)

1 3/4 cups flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 stick butter, melted and cooled

3 ripe bananas, mashed well

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

3. Stir together eggs, butter, mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

4. Carefully fold banana mixture into flour mixture until just combined. Mix in chocolate chips. Pour into greased loaf pan.

5. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until bread has risen and a toothpick inserted in in the center comes out clean.