Berry shortcake trifle

Berry Shortcake Trifle

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you will want to surprise your sweetheart with a tempting and tasty dessert.

This Berry Shortcake Trifle dessert looks impressive but is a cinch to make. The best part is that your Valentine will love digging into the luscious layers.

Click here for the recipe!

Engagement chicken

Engagement Chicken

Just in time for Valentine’s Day and a hope for a ring from your sweetheart comes this recipe for Engagement Chicken.

Engagement Chicken is a famous dish known for getting a man on bended knee with a ring in hand asking for your hand in marriage. With just lemon, salt, pepper, herbs, and chicken, you can get your man to say "I Do."

This famous chicken recipe has been around for years. It was first published in Glamour magazine in 2002 as a way to reel in your man, and shockingly it actually worked! After the article was published, 21 women and counting wrote in to the magazine claiming they got engaged after cooking the chicken.

Whether this is a myth or fact, doesn’t your sweetie deserve a tasty home cooked meal?

Click here for the recipe!

Dusted chocolate covered almonds

Dusted Chocolate Covered Almonds

Wonderfully delicious, almonds have long been revered as a symbol of wellness and health. The nuts are enriched with many health-benefiting nutrients that are essential for optimum health.

Almond nuts are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals and packed with numerous health promoting phyto-chemicals; the kind of well-balanced food ensure protection against diseases and cancers.  Just a hand full of these nuts a day provides enough recommended levels of minerals, vitamins, and protein. 

Click here for the recipe!

Gibby’s wine den: Some like it hot

Gibby's Wine Den: Some Like It Hot!!

It is may be cold outside but things will be heating up at Gibby's Wine Den this Thursday!  Join in on the “Some Like It Hot!” event.

Sangria by the glass at the bar will move your minds to a warmer locale. Tantalize your taste buds with Tapas from Gracious Hall Catering that will warm you up.

At 7:30 p.m. the dance floor will heat up with an authentic Spanish dancing performance from A Step Above Dance Studio with dance demo and lesson available.

Who wouldn’t enjoy a little Spanish get-away in the middle of winter?

Click here for more information!

Two bite chocolate cream pie

Two Bite Chocolate Cream Pie

How many times have you had a party and guests turn down a dessert because they are dieting, the servings are too big, or they are not cake fans??

These Two Bite Chocolate Cream Pies are a chocolate lovers delight and are a spectacular indulgent but only 110 calories so even the dieters can enjoy.

Serve these decadent treats at your next party gathering, family reunion, book club, or girls' night in.

Click here for the recipe!

Grapefruit chicken pistachio salad

Grapefruit Chicken Pistachio Salad

Did you know that February is National Grapefruit Month and it’s the perfect time to celebrate this Florida gem because it’s in peak season. This  means that grapefruit is mouth wateringly delicious and fresh this time of year.

Grapefruit is a superstar among superfoods. Just one grapefruit packs more than 100 percent of the daily recommended serving of Vitamin C. Additionally, lycopene, the pigment that gives grapefruit its pink color, is linked to protection against heart disease, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, and it's been shown to help lower your "bad" LDL cholesterol. 

With grapefruit season at its peak, now is the perfect time to try some new grapefruit dishes.

Click here for the recipe!

Green tea smoothie

Green Tea Smoothie

According to an ancient Chinese proverb, it's "better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one" and current health research backs up that claim.

Embrace the wisdom of the ancient Chinese philosophers and fight cancer and heart disease with a sip or a spoonful of green tea.  Pure nutrition in a glass, this disease fighting smoothie features high antioxidant berries, green tea, and heart healthy soy milk.

Click here for the recipe!

Scrap-Friendzy design team call

Scrap-Friendzy Design Team Call

Scrap-Friendzy is having a DT Call!  Scrap-Friendzy is a challenge based site with a laid-back, friendly environment where everyone is welcome. They focus on inspiring and encouraging our members, as well as, teaching new techniques to take our scrapbooking & paper crafting to the next level!

If you are a kind, energetic paper crafter that enjoys inspiring, encouraging and educating others in paper crafts, then this might be the perfect place for you.  Scrap-Friendzy is such a fun, active place to hang out and are always having a blast, so if you'd like to join the team- here's your chance.

Click here for more information!

The Chopping Block (LS): Sushi boot camp

Sushi Boot Camp

Sushi lovers rejoice! Learn the intricate ins and outs of everything sushi related in this intensive hands-on class offered by the Chopping Block in Lincoln Square.

Mario Scordato, sushi chef and Chopping Block instructor, will teach you how to perfectly cook and season rice, how to select and properly cut tuna, salmon, yellowtail (hamachi), eel (unagi), soft shell crab and shrimp for creating basic and more intricate maki rolls, hand rolls and nigiri.

Click here for more information!

Heart kabobs

Heart Kabobs

Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean serving unhealthy desserts or lots of chocolate. Serve this healthy Heart Kabob treat to your Valentine, kids, or at your next ladies luncheon.

This treat is made with fresh watermelon, honey dew melon, cantaloupe, and a citrus yogurt dip.

Click here for the recipe!

The Chopping Block (LS): Valentine’s feast

Valentine's Feast

The Chopping Block knows the way to your hearts and nothing starts a perfect night like a sumptuous dinner. Bring the object of your affection, and they will treat the two of you to a fun, romantic and delicious evening.

Treat yourselves to a lavish meal complete with cooking lesson! A complimentary glass of bubbly is included. 

Instructor Jeff Adamek will teach you how to make Sautéed Scallops with Brussels Sprout and Bacon Hash and Brown Butter Sauce; Endive and Watercress Salad with Toasted Walnuts, Apples and Goat Cheese; Dijon and Herb-Crusted Pork Loin with Sauce Robert; Aged Cheddar and Potato Gratin; Chocolate Amaretto Mousse.

Click here for more information!

Love bug cupcakes

Love Bug Cupcakes

These Love Bug Cupcakes are perfect for a Valentine’s Day party, garden party, kid’s birthday party,  or just an extra-special snack. 

These treats will get your party guests and  kids buzzing with excitement. They are made with boxed devil’s food cake mix, whipped frosting, and a variety of candies.

Click here for the complete recipe and directions!

The Chopping Block (LS): You had me at chocolate

You had me at Chocolate

The Chopping Block invites you to sign up for “You Had Me at Chocolate”.

Lose control with these insanely decadent chocolate masterpieces. Bring an assortment of your edible treats home for your Valentine!  Instructor Kimberly Schwenke teaches you how to make Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling; Chocolate Pecan Bars; Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting; Chocolate Toffee Cookies. 

Click here for more information!

Ice cream cupcakes

Ice Cream Cupcakes

Planning a kid’s birthday party, ice cream social, or baby shower? Consider making these delicious one serving Ice Cream Cupcakes for your guests.

These lip smacking mini sundaes are the perfect size for little kids. And there's hardly any cleanup since the bowls are edible!

Click here for the recipe!

The Chopping Block (MM): Baking boot camp

Baking Boot Camp

The Chopping Block invites you to sign up for “Baking Boot Camp” cooking class.

Roll up your sleeves and spend a three day, dough-filled weekend in the pastry kitchen. 

Day One - Doughs and Batters: Yeast Dough; Pie and Tart Dough; Brioche Dough; Croissant Dough; Devil's Food Cake; Lemon Lavender Cookie Dough; Linzer Cookie Dough. 

Day Two - Pâté a Choux, Custards and Filling: Pastry Cream; Chocolate-Glazed Éclairs; Chocolate and Caramel Ganache; Pistachio Crème Brûlée; Buttercream. 

Day Three - Assembly and Garnishing: Shape and Fill Croissants; Frost and Assemble a Layer Cake; Bake and Assemble Cookies; Assemble Chocolate Raspberry Tart.

Click here for more information!

Spiced nut clusters

Spiced Nut Clusters

If you love granola or healthy nut clusters, then you are going to love these Spiced Nut Clusters. They are a perfect mid-day healthy snack and make great treats on a party platter.

Find a new favorite combo when you mix walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries with an array of spices. Honey holds the ingredients together and naturally sweetens this snack without spiking your blood sugar. Chewy and delicious!

Click here for the recipe!

Frozen fruit yogurt

Frozen Fruit Yogurt

When people think of healthy snacks, they think of carrot sticks and a handful of almonds. Boring!

You can make a healthy tasting snack in just a few minutes all for under 150 calories that the entire family will love.

All you need are frozen berries or fruit, low-fat or Greek yogurt, and a little bit of honey. Mix these together in a food processor to make your own Frozen Fruit Yogurt.

Click here for the complete recipe!