14 recipes to kickstart '14

Happy New Year! Hope you had a great time celebrating 2014 and are as excited as I am about the new year. I love everything about a new year - planning, organizing, setting intentions, etc. Whether you're trying to lose a few lbs. or simply want to feel better about your food choices, a healthier diet is always a great way to start the new year off right. Here are 14 recipes for your '14 that will help you do so!

1. (main photo) Toasted Sesame Turkey Meatballs on Smashed Chickpea Salad
2. (from top to bottom and left to right) Fiesta Quinoa Bowl
3. Baked Zucchini Fries
4. Halibut with Bacony Corn Saute
5. Lightened-Up Neiman Marcus Tortilla Soup
6. Spicy Peanut Mushroom Kale Rice Bowl
7. Smoky White Bean Chicken Chili
8. Creamy Avocado and Corn Quinoa Salad
9. Crockpot Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
10. Rosemary Salmon over Avocado Pasta

11. Easy Vegan Posole
12. Gwyneth Paltrow's Teriyaki Chicken
13. Vegetarian Gumbo
14. Slow Cooker Spanish Chicken

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top 10 most popular recipes of 2013

Hey there, dears! Hope you all had a lovely Christmas. We had a great one - my parents came in town and we celebrated in our new home. :) And I'm loving this relaxing time between Christmas and New Year's Eve when everything seems to slow down. 2013 was a very busy (but fun!) year for us, and it's nice to wind it down a little more calmly.

2013 was also a very yummy year! Here are the 10 most popular recipes on Little Kitchie this year...

(P.S. I'm sharing my personal favorites from 2013 every day on the Little Kitchie Facebook page. Check it out if you'd like!)

10. Crockpot Vegetarian Quinoa Chili

9. Polenta Tamale Pie

8. Vegan Coconut Muffins

7. Crispy Smashed Potatoes

6. Cheddar Bacon Pancakes

5. Crockpot Thai Chicken Soup

4. Baked Zucchini Fries

3. Orecchiette with Yogurt, Peas, and Chile

2. Simple Crockpot Pulled Pork

Crockpot Honey Mustard Brisket

In conclusion, you people love the crockpot. And meat. Amen.

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happy friday! + links i love

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Happy Friday, y'all! What are your plans for the weekend? We're heading out of town for a wedding weekend right after work, so I'm looking forward to that! After being sick last week, this week has felt a little bit like a game of catch up, but I'm just glad to be feeling normal again. Here are some great links to kick off your weekend; hope you have a fabulous one!

For those of you who refuse to listen to the new (and so good!) John Mayer album out of principle, here's a 7-step plan to not hating John Mayer anymore.

I'm dreaming of doing this in our loft. Amazing!

A great back-to-school meal plan.

Loving these boots for fall/winter.

How gorgeous is this bedding?

I just finished this hilarious book. What should I read next?

Three ways to decorate store-bought cupcakes.

Some killer flats for fall.

Such a cute wedding shower idea.

WHAT are people doing to my favorite cocktail?! Just, no. (P.S. Here's a better choice.)

The perfect temporary tattoo for cooks.

50 states, 50 sandwiches.

Plus, some insanely delicious recipes!

• Caramel Macchiato Doughnut Muffins
• Skillet Cornbread with Bacon Jam and Chive Butter 
• Turkey Chorizo Burgers with Guacamole
• Easy Chicken Pho
• Cheesy Bacon Oven Chips with Chipotle Ranch

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happy friday + links i love

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Happy friday, lovelies! What are your plans for the weekend? We're thrilled to be heading to Georgia today for one of my best friend's weddings. The forecast looks like rain, but we're crossing our fingers for sunny skies and some pool time. Wishing you all the same! Here are some links I love to kick your weekend off.

10 best summer hostess dresses for your next get-together.

I'm late to the party on this, but I adore this video of Blake Lively cooking for Vogue. Don't you want to totally hang out with her?

The best food in America.

I've pre-ordered this book, and I can't wait to read it.

As a lifelong Daria lover, this makes my day.

These pies would be the cutest party favors (and they're less than $1!).

5 tips for scoring on Craigslist.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's list of 22 essential books.

One of my favorite garnishes is pickled red onions; here's how to make them.

The most darling belts - all less than $15 and they ship for free!

And 19 foods Texans can't live without.

Plus, some incredible recipes:

• Chocolate Blueberry Pie from Food Loves Writing
• Chicken Sadeko from Food, Pleasure and Health
• Vegan Samoa Breakfast Bars from Eva Bakes
• Jalapeno Popper Corn Fritters from Closet Cooking
• Pimento BLTs from Bon Appetempt

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happy friday + links i love

Happy Friday, y'all! This has been such a fun week, full of good time with friends, and we're happily continuing it this weekend with a wedding tonight in Austin! (Congrats Camille and Cooper!)

On my mind pretty much constantly right now? Miles and I leave for Paris in two weeks! Miles worked there during college, but I've never been! I'm absolutely over the moon. Tell me, what should we do and where should we eat? I love getting recommendations!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! Here are some fun links from this week...

10 meals straight from the farmer's market.

This print is hilarious and perfect.

I'll be getting this cookbook in the mail any day now and I can't wait!

I love this cover up for Fourth of July pool time.

Speaking of the Fourth, how cute are these watercolor American flag straws?

These teeny but awesome San Francisco apartments are an inspiration.

This new app was made for lit nerds like me!

Impossibly beautiful Instagram breakfasts made me feel like a slacker as I ate a piece of toast off a paper towel.

Will someone who's crafty make me these? Pretty please?

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There were some especially fabulous recipes this week! Here are a few I'm dying to try:

• Spiked Arnold Palmer Pops from Southern Souffle
• Lemony Pea Pesto from Love & Lemons
• S'mores Ice Cream Pie from Heather Christo
• Marinated Greek Chicken Tostadas from How Sweet It Is
• Sweet Tea Rice with Peaches and Pecans from The Clean Sheep

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happy friday + links i love

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Happy Friday, y'all! What are you up to this weekend? Miles will be away for a friend's bachelor party, and I'll be here in Dallas celebrating my sweet friend Anna with a baby shower. I can't wait! Hope you have a great one. Here are some things I loved this week...

This BBQ in a box would make the cutest summer gift.

I'd love to try making soba noodles at home.

This gorgeous summer dish is almost too pretty to eat.

I'm in love with this striped dress.

Has anyone read David Sedaris's new book?

This is a great how-to for vegan buttercream frosting.

10 fabulous summer party favors.

I need this tea towel.

When you travel, do you keep a food journal? I never have, but I'm planning on it when Miles and I head to Paris next month!

Plus, some delicious recipes for your weekend:

• Chocolate-Covered Frozen Banana Pops with Peanuts
• Southern Tomato Tart
• Gooey Chocolate Toffee Blondies
• Purple Gnocchi with Rosemary Butter
• Zucchini Tahini Spread

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happy friday + links i love

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Happy Friday, y'all! What are your plans this weekend? Miles has been out of town for work this week and gets home tonight, so I'm looking forward to having him back! We're going to a wedding on Saturday, and then celebrating Father's Day with his family on Sunday. (Happy early Father's Day to my dad!) Have a fantastic summer weekend! Here are some links I loved this week...

The best summer salad imaginable.

The summer issue of Chickpea Magazine is out and is gorgeous.

Still need a last minute Father's Day gift? Here are 11 ideas.

Make this ice cream without an ice cream maker.

This dog has mastered grammar.

8 great outdoor music venues for summer concerts. Have you been to any? We've been to the Snow Park in Park City, and will be back again in July!

Sponge cake is the new black.

I could live in this cute, classic dress.

Have you ever made your own mustard?

The prettiest yoga mat I ever did see!

10 best summer food festivals. Anybody going to one?

A seriously great article by Jonathan Safran Foer.

Plus, lovely recipes for your summer weekend:

• S'mores Ice Cream 
• Charred Mexican Zucchini 
• Mushroom, Potato & Chorizo Tacos 
• Summer Crostini with Whipped Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese
• Honey Mustard Veggie Kabobs

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friday! + links i love

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Happy Friday, y'all! This week I officially finished the school year; it feels exciting but a little sad at the same time (I already miss my kiddos!). I am happy to have some free time this summer to focus on some projects that have fallen by the wayside, to travel(!), to meet friends for morning walks, to bake in the middle of the afternoon. We're kicking off this weekend with a kickball tournament fundraiser for my school - should be fun! What are your plans this weekend? Hope you have a great one! Here are some links I loved this week...

I can't get enough of this song from Volume 3.

My sweet friend Averie released her first cookbook this week!

I'm so excited for Before Midnight I can hardly think straight.

You're saying mayonnaise wrong.

What to do with a bag of avocados.

If you're a former lit major nerd like me, you'll love this.

Speaking of books, what are you reading this summer? I'm starting with this.

We're all just former Doritos eaters anyway.

The best summer sandals.

Seven great gluten-free beers for summertime.

Bachelorette superlatives are spot on.

Today is National Donut Day!

Plus, some recipes for a hot summer weekend:

• Spicy Rhubarb Margaritas
• Creamy, Spicy Collard Wraps
• Tomato and Peach Salad with Buttered Bread and Pistachios
• Pink Lemonade Bars
• Grilled Romaine Salad

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cinco de mayo recipes!

Sunday is Cinco de Mayo! Are you ready? I'll take any excuse to indulge in excessive amounts of guacamole. Here are some ideas for a whole day of feasting on Cinco de Mayo!

Buenos Dias!

Green Chile Cheddar Drop Biscuits

Mexican Breakfast Pizza

Chipotle Pepper Jack Scones

Green Chile Quiche

Snacks and Appetizers

Mexican Camp Bread

Chorizo and Peppers Quesadillas

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Meal Ideas!

Mexican Pasta Bake

Lightened Up Neiman Marcus Tortilla Soup
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos

Chorizo and Jalapeno Pizza

Baked BBQ Ranch Turkey Tacos

Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas

Slow Cooker Enchilada Soup

Green Chile Brisket Enchiladas
Baked Turkey Taquitos

Something Sweet!

Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies

What about you? Are you cooking up anything for Cinco de Mayo?

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happy valentine's day! + ideas for a dinner date night...

Happy Valentine's Day, loves! What are your plans tonight? We're staying in and cooking (I'm making this for dessert and I CAN'T WAIT). There's nothing I love more than a relaxed night in with nothing to do but go all out for dinner and spend really good time together. I know a lot of people (maybe you) hate Valentine's Day, and while I've never been one for enormous teddy bears that you have to haul around all day or singing Valentine telegrams designed specifically to embarrass you, I can get behind a day especially for reflecting on and being thankful for who we have in ours lives - whether it's a husband, your boyfriend, your parents, your girlfriends. It's easy to take our relationships for granted, and I think it's sweet and necessary to stop every once in a while simply to notice the blessing of the people around you.

On that note, my friend Shanna of Food Loves Writing wrote the loveliest post about being intentional with your time with your loved one. She writes this about creating meaningful time together:

We don’t do this because we’re sappy or silly or romantics—we do it because we’re not. We do it to purposefully seek connection, even when what motivates us is realizing how we’ve forgotten to seek it again. We do it because in those moments of facing each other, seeing eye to eye, asking questions and listening to answers, endeavoring to both know and be known, we remind ourselves of the gift right before us, the one we find too easy not to stop and see.

How beautiful is that?

If you're planning on staying in and cooking tonight, here are some ideas for your menu! Just click on the captions to see the full recipes!

rosemary salmon over avocado pasta

beef bourguignon with baguette dumplings

scallops and shrimp with tomato and feta

one of my absolute favorite meals ever: braised pork ragu

black truffle pasta is date night perfection: incredibly simple, insanely decadent

Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a day filled with love, laughter, and fabulous food. :)

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