Katie's Birthday

Today was Katie's birthday. We celebrated the best way we know how...in the kitchen. The ultimate outcome was a fun dessert party with some good friends. I am learning that as long as I am around Katie, unless I become a Food Network star, no one will ever believe I am responsible for anything delicious coming out of the kitchen. Oh well.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Dessert Tower

Giant Cupcake (Lemon Poppyseed)

Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mini Brownie Raspberry Torts

Orange Pecan Muffins

I have a new found love for muffins. They are relatively simple to make and can pack a lot of flavor in a single bite.

I recently tried out a few new recipes. An Italian Sausage muffin and Orange Pecan muffins. The Italian Sausage muffins were awesome! They are made with, of course, Italian Sausage and spaghetti sauce. I always associated muffins with breakfast, but these made a good lunch. Katie suggested we eat them with some tomato soup next time. Something to definitely look forward to!

The Orange Pecan Muffins are my new favorite. They would make a good breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, ice cream topper, picnic treat, you get the point.

Orange Pecan Muffins

The zest of an orange goes into twelve of these pieces of heaven making each bite ultra refreshing. Right when they come out of the oven, you brush fresh squeezed orange juice on each muffin top then sprinkle with granulated sugar. Katie thought a little more orange zest wouldn't hurt and I agree. Orange is a fantastic flavor, especially in pastries and baked goods.