My Top 5 Recipes For Cinco de Mayo

1.  Chorizo and Potato Flautas - These are addictive.  I made them last Friday for dinner and will make them again for Cinco de Mayo.  I even made a Vine while preparing these last week.  Needless to say these are crazy delicious.

I'm pretty much obsessed with Mexican culture and Cinco de Mayo is the perfect time to enjoy delicious Mexican food and of course some margaritas.  Here are my top 5 recipes for your ultimate Cinco de Mayo celebration. 

2.  Strawberry Mostachon - Don't forget to serve up something sweet this May 5th.  This meringue cake topped with fresh strawberries will have your guests raving.

3.  Turkey Tacos - These are more Tex Mex than authentic Mexican, but they sure are delicious.

4.  Lime Cotija Dip - This is the perfect appetizer for any Mexican fiesta.  Serve with plantain chips and save the tortilla chips for the salsa and guacamole.

5.  Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas - Serve these up with some yellow rice and refried beans for  a perfect Mexican dinner.

Beet Berry Smoothie

So, I am in two weddings this year and I need to get myself together.  Those dressing room mirrors and florescent lighting are the devil I tell you.  As you may already know I am a fan of smoothies as seen here.  I need to bring my smoothie game to the next level especially since I need to wear two bridesmaids dresses.  That being said I present to you my Beet Berry Smoothie:

2 cups unsweetened coconut almond milk1 cup frozen mixed berries
1/3 cup diced beets (roasted or steamed)
1/2 cup chopped kale
1/2 cup spinach
1 - 2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon chia seeds

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend for 1 full minute. Pour into a glass and enjoy.  Don't you feel healthier already?
Serves 2

Randomness

 {I have perfected my guava filled cupcake recipe and am pretty excited about it}

Just some randomness….

 {the wall is back up in our yard and evening graffiti sessions are what some weeknights consist of}

 {drove out to Kilwin's for some of their toasted coconut ice cream}

 {Jada kept herself entertained with Chris' drumsticks and my springform pans while singing Trouble by Taylor swift, that's her jam if you couldn't tell}

 {thanks to a friend of ours I am now addicted to Green Tea KitKat bars}

 {prettiness during my weekend jog}

Happy Friday

{a snap shot from our time at Liberty State Park on Sunday}

This week was a trying one to say the least.  I have decided to avoid watching the news all together.  If these tragic events have taught me anything at all it would be to appreciate what you have because you never know how quickly it all can be taken away from you.  Life can be such a crazy thing.  I hope this weekend is filled with nothing but positivity, love, and happiness for all of you. XX

Dark Chocolate & Coconut Almond Meal Cookies

Usually when I hear that something is gluten free I’ll run in the other direction.  Well, not literally, but I think you get my point.  Anyway, no gluten no good, right?  WRONG!  I made these amazing cookies that are not only delicious, but they are a pretty healthy option.   There are only a few ingredients and the result are flavorful and moist chocolate chip cookies with a touch of coconut.  Serve these with an ice cold glass of milk and you will be in cookie heaven.

 

Scenes From The Weekend

 

{hot date with the hubbs}

It’s great to be able to spend quality time with my husband and family especially since during the week we are all so busy and on different schedules.  Friday Chris and I went on a little movie (we saw The Place Beyond The Pines, Ryan Gosling was the best part of the movie and not just for obvious reasons) and dinner date.  We were pleasantly surprised to find out that our favorite taco place in Jersey City was back in business after being closed down for months due to the extensive damage hurricane Sandy caused.   Carnitas tacos from Taqueria definitely hit the spot.  Also, they now have chips and guacamole, thank you, Baby Jesus!  Sunday after church we went to my mom’s for our traditional family lunch and after that Chris and I wanted to continue to enjoy the rest of the day so we decided to go to Liberty State Park.  We even filmed a little video of our time at the park, which I’ll share with you guys later this week…

 {made these for a birthday party.  Please follow my dessert business on Instagram @duchessdelights}

 {hooray for the best tacos ever!!}

 {spring blooms}

{it was a great weekend}

Macaron of The Month: Fruity Pebbles

I must start off this post with an apology as I totally flaked out on last month’s macaron of the month.  It was a crazy month for my side business, Duchess Delights.  I will make up for it, pinky promise. 

Fruity Pebbles cereal is Christian’s favorite so why not incorporate it into a macaron?  While searching around the internets I came across this recipe.  They basically tasted like Fruity Pebble meringues.  I sandwiched them between my classic vanillabuttercream.  They were super sweet almost a little too sweet.  Whatever you do, do not give these to small children.  I can almost guarantee they will be climbing the walls after just one.  

 

Hello There, Spring!

 {the delicious pomegranate martini I enjoyed in the company of Chris and my mom}

Hooray for spring!  This weather instantly uplifts my spirits.  I can’t wait for bike riding dates with the hubs, eating dinner al fresco in our backyard, going to the park, weekly froyo field trips, you get the picture.  I decided this spring I will try to test out my “green thumb”.  I actually cleaned up our yard on Saturday, which was quite the task, but it feels so great to get it out of the way.  Last week I planted some zucchini seeds and hot pepper seeds.  Today I plan on starting my little windowsill herb garden.  This should be interesting.  I will keep you guys posted on my progression or failures, but let’s stay positive, shall we?  Have a wonderful week!

 {seriously I can't with that little face, Josiah}

 {I've been prepping smoothies for the week by chopping up fruit ahead of time and then storing them individually in the freezer.  Saves so much time!}

 {made another cauliflower crust pizza - fontina, brussel sprouts, and garlic}

{wish me luck!}

Sticky Toffee Date Cake

 I've really been on a date kick lately as previously seen here.  That being said I couldn't resist making this sticky toffee date cake for Easter.  Sweet, moist date caked infused with a toffee glaze.  If that wasn't enough you must have it served warm and topped with some extra glaze and a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.  It was the perfect ending to a lovely meal. 

 

Emerald City

 {Burberry Spring 2013}
Pantone announced Emerald as 2013's color of the year.  I am a huge fan of jewel tones and emerald green happens to be one of my favorite hues.  You can go for the obvious choice which would be emerald jewelry, but don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone with a bold green trench as pictured above.  Seriously, how gorgeous is that!?  Below are a few more ways to incorporate some emerald richness to your wardrobe...
 

 

 

Temperley London long dress, $2,725 / Saint Tropez , $60 / Jofama , $500 / Zipper bag / Green tourmaline jewelry / The Row sunglasses / Nail polish, $12