Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad

Since chicken salad makes an appearance at just about every bridal or baby shower, I thought I'd share this recipe with you first!  It is light, sweet and savory and one of my favorite recipes from the day.  

Not only did the basil and strawberries pair perfectly together, but they made for a beautiful presentation (we all know that is just as important as taste!). 

I was never a fan of chicken salad growing up because most versions I tried were so heavy on the mayo.  This is dressed mostly in poppyseed dressing with just a few tablespoons of light mayo.  You could even swap the mayo for plain greek yogurt if you'd like.  

Two of my other favorite chicken salad recipes are this cilantro chicken salad and this cranberry pecan chicken salad.

Molly's Bridal Shower -- A Southern Brunch

This past weekend we celebrated the future Mrs. Purcell with a Southern brunch!  Its hard to believe the littlest sis is getting married.  We had such a great afternoon with friends and family and the bride-to-be was showered with lots of love.  Sarah, our family friend (Mrs. C!) and myself hosted the brunch -- serving up sweet tea and Southern fare for everyone to enjoy.

Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

I have been MIA for quite some time and I can assure you that my posts will be very sporadic over the next month.  I will try to be in touch as much as possible but there is lots going on over here! While I should be packing and planning for a cross country move to Colorado on July 1st...

Most of my free time over the past month has been spent baking.  I have turned out dozens upon dozens upon dozens of cookies, bars and other treats all to raise money for the American Cancer Society and Hood to Coast Relay.  The support from friends, family and people I've never even met has been truly overwhelming. Thanks to y'all, I've raised $3,000+ and baked 75+ dozen goodies.  Amazing!!!  

I've also been busy planning Molly's bridal shower.  I can't believe the littlest sis is getting MARRIED!!  We'll be having the most perfect little Southern Brunch this Sunday to celebrate the bride-to-be.  I can't WAIT to share the details next week!!  

Oh and about these muffins, since we'll be having a gourmet brunch this weekend, I wanted to be sure you had something to make for yourself TOO!  These muffins are not a new recipe but they've recently made a comeback in our household.  Any excuse to incorporate dessert in breakfast is fine by me... Enjoy!

Dark Chocolate Chippers {gluten-free & dairy-free}

So I went through this phase of gluten-free baking.  Is a week considered a phase?  Anyways, it was very short-lived because I tried... and tried again... and every recipe flopped.  I did have one successful recipe and its these little dark chocolate chippers!  Also, when I say successful, I can't take any credit for the recipe because I didn't change a single thing from the way Gina prepared them.  

In case you're not convinced, this batch of cookies was gone instantly. AND no one knew they were gluten-free!    

Oh and the other reason I loved this recipe... it makes a nice little batch (10 cookies to be exact) so you aren't left with dozens and dozens of cookies.

As for gluten-free baking, I'm not giving up quite yet.... and if you have any suggestions, please share!

Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bars

Meet my new favorite snack.  I know I've posted a few too many Larabar knock-off recipes lately but this one is too good not to share.  Definitely ranks #1.  Easy to grab when you're on the go and a great pre-run snack to fuel you up without weighing you down.  

I love the flavor and texture of the toasted oats and almonds.  Molly tried them and said they tasted like peanut butter and jelly.  So perhaps I should call these PB&J Bars?  Anyways, I tried to make these with various nut butters and raisins.  The verdict?  Golden raisins win and the natural, salted peanut butter is key.  

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

The kindness, love and support I've felt over the past week as a result of the bake sale has truly been amazing.  Spending hours upon hours baking this past weekend for a great cause made me one happy gal.  I'll be taking orders through June 28th in case you'd like to get some sweet treats or send a gift to someone! 

**Note:  I've pushed the order deadline back to June 28th as a result of my move to Colorado.  I apologize for the change in dates but I thought it was best for my sanity :) 

Seeing all of the orders come in has also been part of the fun.  The most popular item to-date is the Sweet & Salty Cookies (with caramel, pretzels and chocolate chips) but these peanut butter chunk cookies have also been a hit!  Surprisingly, of all of the cookie recipes I've shared, this recipe has seemed to slip through the cracks.  A thick peanut butter cookie loaded with chocolate chunks AND semi-sweet chips.  Doesn't get much better than that... 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

I want to start by saying THANK YOU.  I have been overwhelmed by the support I've received since announcing the American Cancer Society & Hood to Coast Relay Bake Sale on Friday.  You all are just the best!!!  I'll be taking orders until July 31st so keep 'em coming!  

Now about this cake...

I've been meaning to share this for over a week now BUT every single ounce of free time I've had has been spent baking, wrapping & shipping (and I have LOVED every minute of it!).  Anyways, today is your lucky day.  

You are looking at three layers of chocolate cake, coated with a rich peanut butter frosting and finished off with a layer of mini peanut butter cups.

Super rich... super decadent... and worth every bite!  

BAKE SALE - Supporting the American Cancer Society & 2013 Hood to Coast Relay

on-line bake sale

baking my way to the coast

american cancer society 2013 

hood to coast relay

{click this link for details}

thank you in advance for your support!!

Lately

Chocolate Chunk Cookies {gluten and dairy free}

[Make sure to update your Feedly with my new feed -- http://feeds.feedburner.com/magpiesandmore!!!] 

My posts have been sporadic so I just wanted to pop in to say hello!  I've actually been baking and cooking non-stop lately but I just haven't been focused on getting these recipes to the blog.  I have made a few GREAT new recipes that I will be making again just so I can share with you!  I have also made some great dinners BUT those are consumed before I have time to photograph.  There have also been lots of flops -- I've been experimenting with gluten-free baking and its just not the same.  I'm not giving up hope quite yet though -- plan to try a few new recipes this weekend!  So just a little recap of what's been occupying my time...

Dark Chocolate Pistachio Raw Bars

I have been on a kick making homemade raw bars or homemade "larabars".  First, there were the Chocolate Chip Cookie Raw Bars, and since then I have made a few others varieties -- including Dark Chocolate Cherry and Vanilla Walnut Shortbread.  Loved 'em both!  However, these are my favorite so far.  Its no surprise since one of my favorite snacks is dark chocolate chips, pistachios and dried cherries -- the perfect trail mix blend. 

 

I've made these bars twice now because I love them so much.  That's saying a lot because I normally prefer to experiment with new flavors and recipes.  I prefer to store them in the freezer because they last longer and they get soft at room temp. 

 

If you have any raw bar recipes, send them my way!