Coffee BBQ Sauce Recipe: Smoky Molasses Glaze for Grilling

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You know how I am… I don’t usually drink coffee, but I love its flavor when it’s used in food. My favorite coffee-infused treats tend to be on the sweet side: mocha cupcakes, mocha ice cream, mocha cookies, mocha muffins. I’ve even added coffee to brownies — honestly, if real-life coffee tasted like that, I’d … Read more

Top Recipe Disasters from 2013: What Went Wrong in the Kitchen

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Well, I titled this “2014 recipe disasters,” which should tell you how disastrous 2013 felt in the kitchen. I had so many recipe failures last year that it felt like I added a year to my life. It’s almost impossible I had that many flops, but here we are.

I say this every year, but 2013 was the worst year for kitchen mishaps so far. Early on I was finishing recipes for my cookbook, which brought a lot of self-doubt and many failed attempts. On top of that I experimented with new ideas and revisited old ones that simply tanked.

As I move into my fifth year of food blogging, it’s become a strange tradition to look back on the year’s biggest kitchen blunders. You can also find past recipe disaster roundups for other years.

And this list doesn’t even include the daily accidents: eggs smashed on the floor, milk spilled — the small tragedies that happen even without kids running around.

So, here we go.

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Brussels Sprout, Bacon & Bean Quesadillas with Blue Cheese Dip

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I’ve learned so many things in my marriage. Things like: How to sleep without any covers. How to grill nearly anything. How to stock a fridge so it overflows yet still yields nothing easy to eat. How to clean a bathroom while minimizing direct contact. How to unplug a hair dryer every single time. How … Read more

Grilled Chopped Garden Vegetables with Garlic Toast Recipe

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This is how to get someone who dislikes vegetables to actually eat them.

These are the best grilled vegetables ever! You grill your veggies and chop them into the perfect bite, then drizzle them with a fabulous fresh basil vinaigrette. Delish! It doesn't end there; serve these with grilled garlic toast and everyone will freak! I howsweeteats.com #best #grilled #vegetables #veggies #basil #bread

Who could say no to perfectly grilled vegetables?

Trust me — this works. It won me over.

It even convinces picky eaters. Right now Max considers pepperoni slices, bananas and peanut butter toast a balanced diet, but he’ll eat these grilled veggies.

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Creamy Two-Bean Pesto Dip Recipe for Parties and Snacks

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A few months ago I discovered a serious love for hummus. Yes — really. I adore hummus, and hummus has become a regular part of my snacking life. But don’t picture me nibbling carrot sticks into it every time. Hand me a bag of Stacy’s pita chips and I’m gone. Pure bliss. Complete surrender. And … Read more

Maple-Glazed Oatmeal Crunch Scones: Flaky, Sweet Breakfast Treat

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I’m having a moment. Lately I can’t get enough of oatmeal. Not just a bowl of oatmeal — though I did make a fantastic crockpot breakfast last week that Max and I have been obsessed with — but oatmeal folded into baked goods. Muffins, cookies and especially scones. I want oats in everything I bake. … Read more

Dark Chocolate Fudge Pomegranate Tart Recipe for Holidays

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Your weekend dessert is wrapped up in this fudgy, irresistible tart. Truly—just look at it. This dark chocolate pomegranate tart didn’t stand a chance in my kitchen. The moment the photos were taken we were devouring it. If you want a super decadent dessert that you can enjoy in a few small bites, this one … Read more

Mocha Coconut Frappuccino Cupcakes Recipe for Coffee Lovers

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[Don’t forget – you have until midnight tonight to enter the cookbook giveaway!] You people are clever. After I shared those homemade mocha coconut iced coffees, several of you suggested on Facebook that I follow up with a cupcake. Immediately. Thank you, my wise friends. I love you and your brilliant ideas. This was the … Read more

Tropical Banana, Rum & Melon Breakfast Bowls

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What makes mornings even better than a juicy melon filled with fresh fruit, coconut flakes and toasted almonds?

tropical banana rum and mango melon breakfast bowls I howsweeteats.com

Here’s the answer.

A ripe melon stuffed with a creamy fruit smoothie, shards of coconut, crunchy toasted almonds — and a splash of rum.

I did that.

I spooned a little spiced rum into this banana-mango smoothie and served it in a halved cantaloupe.

It’s summer, after all. Spiked breakfast smoothies feel totally appropriate right now.

P.S. I can’t be responsible for anyone choosing to drink this before work. Maybe you won’t — or maybe you will. I’ll simply say: proceed with caution.

(Also: I kind of want one of those tree house huts.)

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Cheese Tortellini Minestrone: Hearty Italian Soup Recipe

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This cheese tortellini minestrone is a satisfying twist on a classic. Plenty of vegetables, creamy cannellini beans, fire-roasted tomatoes and cheese tortellini simmer in a parmesan-scented broth, finished with shaved parmesan. Warm, hearty and comforting. Soup season is still going strong here. We had a strange warm stretch in March, but I’m making as much … Read more