Pistachio Snowball Cookies

I was home, and so were the pistachios.  I looked at them and they stared back.  They knew their lives were coming to an end, and what a delicious end it was going to be.  This is the day every pistachio patiently waits around for, the moment to be used in a mouth-watering, buttery, and delicious dessert. 

As I laid them out on the cutting board and began to cut into them, they released their heavenly scent into the air, begging to be chopped up some more...

Okay, enough with the Fifty Shades of Pistachios, time to make some cookies!

No-Bake Granola Bars

 

At my largest                     As of 7/21/14

    

It's time to get a little personal.

I've been overweight for as long as I can remember.  Towards the end of last year I began working with a wonderful couple over at The Live Well Company.  With all the work I was doing with them, I slowly started to see myself transforming.  School (I'm a teacher) ended in June, which meant I had to start working out on my own (I live in Queens, and they are located in Tribeca.)  I found a wonderful app, weilos (they also have a website), and it has given me so much motivation to be a better me, a healthier me, and a more confident me.  I've met some amazing people on this app.  We motivate each other and, of course, share recipes.  Now that I've changed my lifestyle (I feel guilty when I don't work out!), I knew that I needed to come up with some healthy treats for myself.

The hubby likes to snack, and I always try to keep healthy options in the house.  One of his snacking favorites is granola bars.  When I was running out of the house the other day, I grabbed one from the box, and headed out.  While on my commute, I opened up the bar, took a bite, and was immediately hit with an overwhelming amount of sweetness.  Something had to be done.

Pistachios, Dark Chocolate, and Sea Salt...Oh My!

I know, I know, it's been a while since I posted some deliciousness.  It has been a crazy week, but I'm back now, and boy have I got a cookie for you!  I saw this recipe over at Two Peas & Their Pod and made very minor adjustments.  

Now, about this cookie: pistachio and dark chocolate cookies, sprinkled with a bit of sea salt.  They are chewy with just a touch of crisp on the edges and the salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate.  Mouth-watering goodness, don't you think?  Go ahead, I'll wait while you wipe the drool from your mouth.  Finished?  Okay, let's get to the recipe!

Lemon Cupcakes, Strawberry Buttercream, and Candied Lemon Peels

What do you do when you have lots of lemons and strawberries?  You make lemon cupcakes topped off with strawberry buttercream frosting and candied lemon peels.  Of course!

A July 4th Breakfast

July 4th is tomorrow and I know many of you are looking for red, white, and blue inspired recipes.  Well look no further.  Red = strawberries, blue = blueberries, and white = powdered sugar.  You know what else is great about this recipe?  It can be made at any time of the year.  Woo hoo!

I've been wanting to make this as soon as I found it on Joy the Baker's website.  She teamed up with King Arthur Flour on a baking challenge called Baking Bootcamp.  I missed the first round, which was this recipe, but I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the next one.

Now, about this bread.  It is buttery, tender, and just melts in your mouth.  Let's not forget the delicious cinnamon and berry filling!  OH MY GOODNESS!  Words cannot describe this amazingness (yes, I just made up a word.) Please, make this and find out for yourself!