Leftovers.  They tend to get a really bad rap for no good reason.  When handled properly, leftovers are a super tasty and easy way to have a meal on the table in no time.  I’m a huge fan of leftovers.  I have a freezer full of them.  I actually have so many that we just bought a stand-alone freezer to store them all!

Sweet treats, wrapped in parchment and foil and placed in a zipper bag, exactly how I suggest you freeze your baked goods in most of my recipes, fill the icy shelves.  The very vast majority of these leftovers are just as good as when they were first baked, and I have found a few to be even better.  Muffins, cakes, pies, cookies, bars, blondies: my freezer is a dessert lover’s paradise.

On days I don’t want to bake, there’s nothing better than pulling a piece of cake out and letting it thaw just enough so that it’s soft, but still a little cold so that it tastes reminiscent of the ice cream cakes from my youth.  Oh, and muffins hot and fresh from the oven without having just baked them make the best breakfast.

Savory foods make great leftovers too.  I froze some of the last batch of Lentil Soup I made.  Last week I thawed it out and heated it up for a no fuss, quick and easy dinner that made me jump up and down with the great flavors that didn’t suffer from being frozen at all.  I also often buy extra salmon or steak to have as leftovers the following night.  And don’t get me started on the awesomeness of leftover prime rib.  Must make prime rib again soon!

So, the other day after making Lemon Meringue Pie, I had some leftover pie crust.  I didn’t really have enough for another pie and was just about to give up on coming up with a use for it when it hit me: Pie Crust Cookies.  These sound unimpressive, but when dusted with cinnamon sugar and baked until golden brown, they are flaky and crispy with slightly caramelized sugar and a hint of cinnamon.  Forget about leftover pie crust, make a batch just for these cookies!

Original article: Pie Crust Cookies

©2013 Pies and Plots. All Rights Reserved.

Dad, me, and Mom in the locker room.

I have had some pretty cool opportunities in my lifetime.  From being on stage with Regis to having Carolina Herrera and Prabal Gurung help me select dresses from their collections, I’m a lucky girl.  When my parents and I had the opportunity to attend Taste of the Lions last Tuesday, we jumped at the chance.

Okay, so the Lions might not be the best team in the NFL, but they’re number one in our hearts!  It is the first time the Lions have hosted this event, and we all left hoping it wouldn’t be the last.  It was thankfully a beautiful, warm evening – no need for a coat to cover my dress!  We hadn’t been to Ford Field in a couple of years and had never really driven around the stadium.  It is such a nice stadium, and still almost looks brand new.  Driving between Ford Field and Comerica Park with the Renaissance Center in the distance was pretty awesome with the sun shining and the trees in full bloom.  I’d like to take another spin around it and just look at the stadium.  If Michigan was like this year round, I’d probably never think about moving to California again.

Mom, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, and me

Me, former Lions player Lomas Brown, and Mom

After our car was whisked away by valet we waited our turn to hop on a golf cart and be driven down the tunnel.  I’m not much of an adventurous person, so the golf cart was kind of like the first amusement park ride I’ve been on since I was five.  I’ll admit I was a little scared, but pretty excited too.  I wouldn’t mind doing that again.  Then we walked into the event.  We were handed a map and menu and Mom and I had our picture taken by Hour Detroit Magazine (please put our picture in J)  After buying a football for the players to sign, we headed into the locker room.  It was so cool to see the locker room that I’ve seen on TV a million times up close and personal.  Some of the lockers were decorated with jerseys and helmets, though most were empty.  There were plenty of drinks, as well as a charcuterie spread provided by Forest Grill.  The only thing was that it was pretty dark with only blue neon lights.  It would have been nice to actually see what we were doing, even if the blue lights were pretty awesome and added to the ambiance.

Mom noticed coach Jim Schwartz standing not too far away from us.  He was super nice, happily taking a picture with us and signing our football.  Then we saw former Lions player Lomas Brown, as well as Tom Lewand, the Lions’ president.  Shortly thereafter we spotted Dan Miller, the voice of the Lions and Fox 2 sports director.  I’ve been a big fan of his for years since I started watching the Lions pregame show.  It’s actually what first got me interested in football and turned Sundays from normal days to ones filled with football from morning to night.  I tried not to get all fangirl, but I’ve pretty much always wanted to meet Dan and was so excited he was there and I finally got the chance.

Mom, Lions president Tom Lewand, and me

Mom, Fox 2 sports director and voice of the Lions Dan Miller, and Me

We were told there would be other players in the locker room, but we never saw any before being ushered up to the main concourse where you’d buy food if you attended a game.  It was all set up with a silent auction, tables with players, and tons of food.  This food was not the standard hot dogs and nachos you’d pick up at a game.  Instead it was gourmet food from the area’s best restaurants.  Since I have so many food allergies and most of the food was not Laura friendly, I actually didn’t get to try anything, but Dad was more than happy to eat a lot of what was available.  From the polenta from Bacco to the beef brisket, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread from Lazybones Smokehouse to the banh mi from Levy Restaurants to the pulled pork and macaroni and cheese from Slows BBQ to shrimp and grits from The Sardine Room, all of the food was a huge hit with Dad.  He particularly enjoyed Billy Simms ribs and beans (Billy Simms was even there!) and Town Tavern’s macaroni and cheese.

Billy Simms Ribs

Macaroni and cheese from Town Tavern

The main concourse

We were all tired before desserts opened, so we went home.  Plus all the walking on the bricks and concrete made my feet (and Mom’s) throb with pain.  I was surprised as my feet almost never bother me even after being stuffed in five inch heels for hours on end.  I’m sure Zingerman’s Bakehouse treats were excellent as always, and I was rather disappointed that I couldn’t try Treat Dreams ice cream, as the owner even recognized me as a blogger earlier in the event.  Hopefully I’ll get to try their ice cream which I have heard many great things about one day soon.

Dad might have enjoyed the food the most, but Mom and I enjoyed meeting the players.  We went from station to station meeting them, having them sign the football, and taking pictures.  They were all so incredibly nice.  One told us we looked nice, one asked if Mom and I were sisters, one told Mom to throw the football to him than said she should join the team.  Many asked if we were having a good time, and they all seemed pretty much as happy to be there as we were.  This is what you hope for when meeting famous people, but you can’t be sure.  The players exceeded my expectations and made the night stellar.  Right as we were about to leave Dad pointed out Reily Reiff, so we walked over to get an autograph and picture.  Mom was just going to let me be in it, but he said she should join us and was really super nice.  He was one of my favorite players that we met.

Mom and me with Lions player Riley Reiff

Me, Lions player Cory Hilliard, and Mom

Lions players Don Muhlbach and Ogdmdi Nwagbuo with me

Lions player Dylan Gandy and me

Mom and me with Lions players Kellen Moore and Kris Durham

Lions players Jason Jones and Jimmy Sadler-McQueen with Mom and me

Lions players Nathan Overbay and Brandon Pettigrew with Mom and me

But most of us were there to meet Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.  Having bought VIP tickets, we were supposed to meet them in the locker room, but that didn’t happen.  So for an additional charitable contribution, I got to go “In the Huddle” and meet them.  Which basically means I stood in line, so I could get them to sign the ball and take a pic.  It was a bummer that Mom and Dad couldn’t at least stand in line with me, even though they didn’t pay (we had already spent a lot on the event and were told this was included in our ticket price), as Mom and Dad are far bigger football fans than me.  But, Matthew and Calvin were both really nice.  And while I was standing in line, two people recognized me from being on stage during the Regis shows!  They thought I was a part of the show instead of just an audience member.  I guess I am a little, kinda, sorta famous after all.

Lions players Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford with me

Lions players Havard Rugland and Blake Clingan with Mom and me

Me and Lions player Jason Fox

Lions players Joique Bell and Nate Burleson with me

Lions players Jonte Green and Devin Thomas and me

Me and Lions players Stephen Tulloch and Ziggy Ansah

All in all, it was a lovely event that benefitted Eastern Market’s charity to stop hunger in Detroit.  We met a ton of really nice people, Dad left a happy and full camper, and it was so fun to be out and about in a wonderful stadium all dressed up and cheering on a team that helps keep me sane through winter.  Even when I do finally move away, I think I’ll always be a Lions fan.  I’m hoping this event brings the Lions luck this year and they’ll make it to the playoffs . . . or maybe even the Super Bowl!

Me and Dad

Original article: Taste of the Lions

©2013 Pies and Plots. All Rights Reserved.

Today is Mother’s Day.  Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.  But Mom is the most important person in my world, and one Hallmark holiday is nowhere near enough to celebrate her.  No, she deserves to be celebrated day in and day out.  I’ve written about Mom here many times before and will many more in the future, I’m sure, but since it is Mother’s Day, I thought it was the perfect time to celebrate Mom a little more.

Mom, I love you.  I love you more than the biggest bear hug and all the roses in the world could express.  I love that you get dressed up and do your hair and makeup and wear short skirts and high heels, even if your feet sometimes hurt.  I love that you love to watch TV and movies with me.  Who knew we’d bond over watching Shameless?  I love that you bake and cook with me, though sometimes I know you’d rather just order a pizza.  I love even more that you do the dishes because that can’t be as fun as the cooking and baking.  I love that you love the moon and always look for it day and night.  I love that you believe the number twelve means something in our lives . . . now if we could just figure out what that meaning is.

I love that you don’t get mad when I wake you in the middle of the night because I can’t sleep.  I love that I can tell you or ask you absolutely anything and I know you won’t judge because some days I’ve got a lot I need to get off my mind.  I love that you are my biggest cheerleader.  You support me through everything even when you aren’t entirely sure what’s going to happen or if it’s the right thing to do.  I love that you want my dreams to come true as much as me and that you are fighting for them right alongside me.  I love that you are the most generous, kind, loving person, and I hope those traits have rubbed off on me.  I love that you love me even with all of my flaws.

Mom, thank you.  Thank you more than those two simple words and all the Manolo Blahniks in the world could say.  Thank you for going shopping with me and running all kinds of places that might not always sound like fun, but a lot of the time turn out to be.  Thank you for buying me all kinds of crazy designer clothes and accessories and an endless supply of nail polish.  I promise I’ll pay you back plus a bunch one day soon.  Thank you for taking me to musicals and to concerts, it has broadened my horizons and made me a well-rounded person.

Thank you for not taking the role of hard core parent, but instead being my friend in a world where I’ve never been able to find any.  For this I am eternally grateful.  I know it is not always easy and puts a lot of pressure on you, but I don’t know where I’d be without your friendship.  Thank you for understanding that I’m different . . . like really, really different, and loving me through all of it.  Thank you for supporting me through ups and downs, crazy dreams and farfetched passions, successes and disappointments.  Some days are great and there is no one I’d rather share them with and some days are decidedly not great and there’s no one whose shoulder I’d rather cry on.

I know that I have not been the easiest child to raise and for that I apologize.  I know you have hard days too, days when you wish things were just a little different.  I do too.  But know this: I am doing everything in my power, as little power as that may be, to make great things happen for both of us (and Dad too!).  I will not give up.  I will not disappoint you.  Things will work out because they simply have to.  Great things are in store, I’m just not quite sure when.  So, Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, I hope you enjoy the day!

I asked Mom what she wanted to make for Mother’s Day, and she said Lemon Meringue Pie.  That sounded great to me.  We’d made a similar pie once before prior to my blogging days and loved it, but this version is new and improved.  This is not the easiest recipe but it is one of the most impressive and delicious, well worth the time and effort.  A super flaky and crispy and buttery pie crust is blind baked before being filled with thick and smooth tart lemon filling and a mountain of Italian meringue that is broiled until lightly browned.

Italian meringue is one of my favorite things and I make it all the time.  But this time I was out of light corn syrup (tragedy, I know).  Instead, I reached for Lyle’s Golden Syrup.  The flavor was about the same, maybe slightly more caramelized, but the texture was light and fluffy.  It looked almost like buttercream, but tasted like a sweet, fluffy pillow.  I prefer the sticky corn syrup version for cupcakes or whoopie pies, but for the top of this pie, this version was perfect.  Together, the flaky crust, tart filling and sweet meringue are a match made in Mother’s Day heaven.  So go make this pie for your mom; I know she’ll appreciate it!

Please check out all the other Sunday Supper recipes celebrating mom!

 Mother’s Day Brunch:

• Blueberry Coffee Cake from Peanut Butter and Peppers 
• Cornbread Pancakes with Blackberries from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Crepes from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks 
• Hot N Sweet Mango Chutney from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Lemon Glazed Raspberry Scones from Juanita’s Cocina
• Quiche Lorraine from Supper for a Steal
• Seafood Quiche from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Strawberry Rhubarb Compote from Noshing with the Nolands
•  Sweet French Breakfast Crepes from Curious Cuisiniere
• Vidalia Onion Quiche from Comfy Cuisine

Mother’s Day Entrees:

• Cod with Stewed Tomatoes from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings 
• Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches with Herbed Goat Cheesefrom Foxes Love Lemons
• Lemon Risotto from Healthy. Delicious.
• Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp Caper Sauce from Family Foodie
• Pork dumpling (Shumai) from The Urban Mrs.

Mother’s Day Sides:

• Spaetzle from Magnolia Days

Mother’s Day Desserts and Drinks:

• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls from Gotta Get Baked
• Chocolate Kahlua Cream Pie from Ruffles & Truffles 
• Espresso Brownies from What Smells So Good?
• Fresh Blackberry Elderflower Sorbet from Shockingly Delicious
• Fresh Fig and Walnut Pie from Vintage Kitchen 
•  Gluten Free Coconut Cake with Chocolate Ganache, Berries, and Fresh Whipped Cream from Neighborfood
• Lavender Shortbread Cookies from girlichef
• Lemon Meringue Pie from Pies and Plots
• Lemon Petit Fours from Home Cooking Memories
• Lemon Sorbet in Prosecco from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Milky Way Brownies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Mini Coconut Pies from La Cocina de Leslie
• Mini Strawberry and Cheese Pies from Basic N Delicious
• Mom’s Apple Crisp from Cravings of a Lunatic 
• Mom’s Texas Sheetcake from Daily Dish Recipes
• Raspberry and Hazlenut Friands from Happy Baking Days
• Semolina Balls (Suji Laddoo) from Soni’s Food
• Too-Good-to-Be-Lowfat Chocolate Eclair Icebox Dessert from The Weekend Gourmet

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday, May 12th to celebrate Mother’s day! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes that celebrate mom.  Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.

Mom and me at Taste of the Lions, which I’ll be posting about later this week!

Original article: Lemon Meringue Pie #SundaySupper

©2013 Pies and Plots. All Rights Reserved.

Hi.  I’m Laura, and I’m a nail polish addict.  You might have noticed my nail polish in the occasional photo here on the blog or more frequently if you follow me on Twitter or Pinterest.  My nails are always done.  I do them myself every Friday night.  I mentioned before that I’ve never had a professional manicure or pedicure.  That’s partly because I want to control the process and partly because I love doing it myself.  Plus, even if a bottle costs $20, I know I’m going to get three or four manicures out of it when one professional manicure would cost at least $20.

Painting my nails is so relaxing and choosing a color a way of expressing myself.  Feeling down? Black it is.  Waiting for spring?  How about orange?  Celebrating Christmas?  Let’s go green.  Sometimes I even do an accent nail, ombre, or a twist on a French manicure.

The bottles currently open and in rotation on my nails.

I typically have 15-20 bottles open at a time.  I try to keep all different colors open, along with my life and nail saving top and base coat: Deborah Lippmann’s Hard Rock.  I have tried every base and top coat out there and none can even compare to Hard Rock.  I can’t tell you how many bottles I’ve gone through.

But here’s the thing.  When new nail polish collections come out and I see colors I like, I have to buy them.  I allow myself pretty much all the new nail polish I want.  And I have a drawer full of it as a result.  Probably more than I could use in my lifetime, particularly since it’s only a matter of time until I buy more.

The many boxes of nail polish waiting to be used.

But on days when I’m just at home baking and exercising, it makes me feel pretty, and on days I’m down in the dumps, it makes me feel happy.  And sometimes when it chips, it makes me want to scream.  But really, for me nail polish is a simple pleasure that makes life a whole lot better.

You know what else makes life better?  Peanut Butter and Jelly Puppy Chow.  That’s right, a new version of puppy chow that’s as addictive as ever.  It only seemed natural to turn peanut butter and jelly into puppy chow.  The only problem is something with a lot of water like jelly tends to make puppy chow soggy and trust me, there’s nothing worse than soggy puppy chow.  So after stirring the cereal into the melty peanut butter, it’s coated in a mixture of confectioners’ sugar and crushed Cap’n Crunch Oops All Berries.  The berry cereal lends that jelly flavor without adding moisture and blends seamlessly into the puppy chow, giving that classic peanut butter and jelly flavor.  Now excuse me while I go look for nail polish colors to match the Oops All Berries!

Original article: Peanut Butter and Jelly Puppy Chow

©2013 Pies and Plots. All Rights Reserved.

Growing up, before all this chocolate allergy nonsense, I was pretty obsessed with Godiva Chocolate.  Sure, I liked all of the regular old candies: Twix, Milky Way, Three Musketeers, Baby Ruth . . . okay, I’m getting hungry and sad I can’t eat those anymore.  Godiva was always my favorite, though.

I’d relish walking into the store, the smell of the artisan chocolates wafting through the air, along with that of a sample of coffee or hot chocolate.  I’d look at box after box, comparing them, making sure I chose the one with the pieces I was most craving at the time.  Other times, I’d pick a piece from the counter on a whim, munching on it as I walked through the mall.

Look at the hazelnut shaped like a heart! So cute!

Then Godiva introduced chocolate covered strawberries.  They only had them sometimes, so when I spotted them it was tough to resist, as the store employees carefully dipped the long-stem ruby, red berries (a treat even when the grocery has them) into the liquid chocolate goodness.

I always had a weakness for their holiday stuffed animals too.  Frankly, I still do.  The soft toys never fail to comfort me and the chocolate gets sent to work with Dad to give away.  I have a sneaking suspicion he eats it, but I suppose ignorance is bliss.

So why am I writing about these fabulous chocolates I can no longer eat?  Because I took a bag of roasted hazelnuts and a bunch of carob chips and made some Homemade Nutella.  Since I’ve never had real Nutella, I have absolutely no idea if this tastes anywhere close to the real thing.  I’d love if you guys would try it and let me know if it’s close.  But after one taste, it instantly reminded me of a piece of Godiva with hazelnut filling.  It was never my favorite but I enjoyed it almost as much as I enjoyed being transported back to childhood when I tasted this faux-Nutella.

Dangerously easy to make in the food processor, the flavor of the hazelnuts is dominant and blends seamlessly with the carob.  Regular dark chocolate would work too.  Good cold, warm, or room temperature, it’s addictive and tempting me to grab a spoon and dive in every time I open the refrigerator.  After all, a trip back to childhood is always welcome.

Original article: Homemade Nutella

©2013 Pies and Plots. All Rights Reserved.

Spanish was always one of my favorite classes in school.  I started taking it in second grade and continued into college.  It always seemed so cool to be learning another language.  From learning colors and numbers in grade school to verb conjugation in middle, and writing one page papers in high school to a textbook without English in college, my love and fascination with the language only grew.

I didn’t mind practicing vocabulary with Mom, showing off my pronunciation skills.  I always wanted to start speaking Spanish in the middle of conversations.  “How are you?”  “Muy bien, gracias!”  But I refrained, knowing people already thought I was weird enough.

My Spanish teachers were some of my favorites too.  It was always easier to go to class and learn and retain information when I liked who was teaching it to me.  I still think back to some of my Spanish teachers and smile.  I can’t say that about much of my time in school.  A lot of my Spanish vocabulary has vanished with lack of use, and I never became fluent like I hoped, but I still love the language and remember some of it.

It’s funny, I remember Day of the Dead parties much more than Cinco de Mayo parties, but I’m sure we had them.  I like to imagine they involved chips and salsa, piñatas, and no homework.  Definitely no homework.

I’m so happy we’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a Sunday Supper fiesta today.  I made Peanut Mazapanes, a traditional Mexican candy.  These are so easy to make.  Just three ingredients and a food processor leave you with a fun and delectable no bake treat.  Soft and creamy with a bit of texture from peanuts, these almost melt in your mouth and will leave you wanting to celebrate Cinco de Mayo every day.

Please check out all the other Sunday Supper dishes too!

Cinco de Mayo Appetizers & Sides {Aperitivos}:

• Chipotle Roasted Chickpeas from Home Cooking Memories
• Cinco de Mayo Tuna Pepper Poppers from Shockingly Delicious
• Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn) from Magnolia Days
• Esquites or Mexican Corn Salad from Kimchi Mom
• Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime-Cayenne Butter from Healthy. Delicious.
• Guacamole Rice from Foxes Love Lemons
• Healthy Mexican Ceviche from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Loaded Cheesy Nachos from Gotta Get Baked
• Lobster Guacamole from I Run For Wine
• Roasted Garlic and Bacon Guacamole from Ruffles & Truffles
• Slow Cooker Chicken Con Queso from Daily Dish Recipes

Cinco de Mayo Main Dishes {Platos Principales}:

• Barbacoa Beef from The Urban Mrs.
• Chicken Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Chicken Fajita Feta-ccine from Chocolate Moosey
• Chicken Fajita Salad w/Home made Easy Salsa from Momma’s Meals
• Chicken Mole Potato Skins from Noshing with the Nolands
• Corona Beer-Battered Fish Tacos from Pescetarian Journal
• Duck Carnitas from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Enchiladas with Red Chili Sauce from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Fish Tacos with Lime Salsa from Curious Cuisiniere
• Japanese Mexican Tacos from Ninja Baking
• Lightened Up Taco Salad from Kudos Kitchen
• Mexican Pizza with Chipotle Orange Sauce from Family Foodie
• Oven Baked Beef, Bean, and Cheese Chimichangas from In The Kitchen With KP
• Pork Carnitas from From the Bookshelf
• Red Chile Jam + Tequila Chicken Quesadillas from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Roasted Poblano and Corn Lasagna from Juanita’s Cocina
• Shrimp Soft Tacos with Lime Dressing and Crunchy Vegetables from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Slow Cooked Carne Asadas from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Soft Shell Tacos from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Spicy Shredded Beef Chimichangas from Supper for a Steal
• Spicy Steak Fajitas from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Stuffed Poblano Peppers from Country Girl in the Village
• Tequila Lime Chicken from No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
• Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing from The Weekend Gourmet
• Tofu Tacos from Hip Foodie Mom
• Yucatan Pollo Pibil and Corn Tortillas from MarocMama

Cinco de Mayo Desserts {Postres}:

• Dairy-free Flan from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Dark and Spicy Chocolate Pots de Creme from Happy Baking Days
• Fried Ice Cream for a Crowd from Growing Up Gabel
• Luxuriously Healthy Chocolate Frosting from What Smells So Good?
• Mexican Brownies from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Paletas de Tamarindo (Tamarind Popsicles) from La Cocina de Leslie
• Peanut Mazapanes from Pies and Plots

Cinco de Mayo Drinks {Bebidas}:

• Fresh & Fruity Sangria from Webicurean
• Fruity Aguas Frescas from The Foodie Patootie
• Mango Aqua Fresca With Chia Seeds from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Margarona from The Messy Baker
• Tamarindo Drink (Agua de Tamarindo) from Basic N Delicious

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday, May 5th to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.

Original article: Peanut Mazapanes #SundaySupper

©2013 Pies and Plots. All Rights Reserved.

So I’m loving this warm weather.  The birds are singing.  The trees are budding and the flowers blooming.  The sun is shining.  The . . . wait . . . what’s that?  Bzzzzzzzz . . . That’s right.  The bees and all their flying counterparts have arrived.

There’s no period of pure enjoyment and relaxation between cold and snow and warmth and sun that’s bug free.  Nope.  The moment it’s nice out, there they all are: inside, outside, flying, crawling, threatening.  It’s quite literally the only thing about summer I don’t like.

I know they do a lot of good, and I’m a huge fan of honey (did you know it’s the only food that doesn’t expire?) but I struggle with bugs.  Fireflies are cute and dragonflies and butterflies are exempt from my fear, assuming they keep their distance.

It’s bees and other stinging specimens that send me screaming and running in fear at the drop of a hat.  I was stung once when I was four or five.  The truth is, I probably don’t remember much about it other than what I’ve been told.  I was playing in my kiddie pool and bam.  Stinger in my finger.  My panicked baby-sitter called Mom and Dad who both rushed home from work and applied some crazy home remedy suggested by the doctor to get the stinger out.  I don’t remember if it came out or if it was even still in there for the paste to get it out.  I just remember being stung.

It was always torture when windows were opened at school and bees would without fail wander into the room.  Why don’t schools have screens in their windows?  I would lose all focus, watching them fly around the ceiling before swooping down and attacking us.  Ah, the good old days.  And yesterday when Mom and I walked to get the paper there was the biggest, meanest, ugliest bee I’ve ever seen chillin’ on it.  I ran and screamed like a little girl, leaving brave Mom to swat it off.  Yuck!  Enough about bugs, let’s talk ice cream, another perk of summer.

I made Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream.  I’ve heard about making banana soft serve for years and have always wanted to try it.  I finally got around to it.  It is pretty magical how a frozen banana turns into silky smooth ice cream.  I added some peanut butter and vanilla to spice it up a bit.  I have to admit, it tasted a little more banana-y than I hoped, but it’s still a super creamy, refreshing, and healthy frozen treat perfect for every hot summer day that won’t ruin your diet or bikini season.  Plus, you can always add a little more peanut butter to intensify that flavor.  Or some honey . . . might as well put those bees to work.

Original article: Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

©2013 Pies and Plots. All Rights Reserved.

It seems spring has finally sprung, which is a good thing considering it’s May.  But I’m not going to dwell on the fact that the first truly nice day of the year was this past weekend.  Instead, I’ve decided to focus on the birds singing their glorious song.  That chirping never fails to make me smile.  The return of the Robins and bright Yellow Finches.  I’m hoping to see some baby birds hopping around next to their moms and baby ducks waddling through the yard single file.

I’m thinking about the glorious daffodils in bloom, hopefully soon to be followed by tulips.  The trees are filled with buds and the grass turned green seemingly overnight.  I can see the pink in the magnolia buds peeking out.  I so can’t wait until it blooms.  Before long, it will be time to fill the yard with annuals and plant the morning glories.  Oh, I hope summer never ends.

I’m relishing in not having the heat on.  Oh, how I hate the heat.  It’s so nice to have the windows open and let fresh air in.  I’m also really looking forward to turning the air on, the cool comforting me without fail.

There’s wearing sandals and not covering my pretty dresses with the winter coat I truly hope to never see again.  The warmth of the sunshine.  The longer days and fresh produce.  I don’t want to waste a moment.

I know it sounds crazy, but in the past few days that the weather has improved, I feel so much better physically and mentally.  So much better.  I’m gonna try my hardest to not think about the fact that spring and summer can’t be here forever but will rather be over in the blink of an eye.  Instead, I’ll enjoy them while they are here.

When I think of spring, I also think of rhubarb.  I love rhubarb so much and the best thing I’ve ever made with it is this Rhubarb Pie.  I made it a few years ago before I entered the food blogging world.  I wanted to share it with you last year, but could never find good rhubarb.  So last week, I bought spectacular rhubarb and made this pie to share with you all.  It was even better than I remembered.  The crust as flaky as ever, complementing the soft, slightly tart rhubarb perfectly.  I love this pie because it’s not too sweet, has a great mix of textures, and the juices gel perfectly.  So go make this pie and then sit outside to enjoy a slice and the weather.

Original article: Rhubarb Pie

©2013 Pies and Plots. All Rights Reserved.

I think I should host the Oscars next year.  I’ll give you a minute to stop laughing.  Done?  Good.  Seriously, it’s not like ratings are going gangbusters or the most recent hosts have gotten rave reviews.  So hear me out.

I love to watch movies.  Sure, so does most of the rest of America, but I really love movies, watching at least two new ones every week.  Plus, can you imagine how awesome it would be to get screener copies of movies?  No more going to the movie theatre to stand in line and sit next to the guy loudly chomping on popcorn.  And no more waiting until the movies come OnDemand, cheering for a movie to win based on who’s in it and what Entertainment Weekly said about it.

I also love public speaking.  It’s energizing and exhilarating.  Sure, I’d be nervous.  Anyone who says they wouldn’t is lying.  But nerves are good; they keep you on your toes and wanting to do your very best.  Once up on the stage, the butterflies in my tummy would calm and I would be on my game and in the moment.  I can be funny too.  And the writers would help me be really funny.  However, I have that comedic timing that can’t be taught, even by a room full of comedic geniuses.

Most people tune into the Oscars for the fashion.  We all want to see who looks great and who looks . . . well . . . not so great.  It would be a joy for this fashionista to have designers fighting to dress her, make gowns just for her.  After all, having a haute couture gown is on my bucket list.  Gowns, shoes, jewelry, hair, makeup: I’d give the fashion community plenty to talk about.

Everyone would tune in to see the regular girl host.  The producers and network want the ratings to go up, way up.  What a better way to do that than to take the girl next door, a Hollywood outsider and give her the chance of a lifetime?  People would tune in to see if I’d choke.  If Billy Crystal would have to be pulled from the audience to host the show.  Would I do a song and dance number?  Would I fall on my face while doing it?  Would I try to get my first kiss from Bradley Cooper?  Or George Clooney?  Or Hugh Jackman?  Would I become the next big thing in Hollywood?  Regardless, people would want to watch out of sheer curiosity.  There could be behind the scenes pieces with dress fittings and rehearsals, not to mention interviews with former hosts.  It would be the best Oscars EVER!  I know you’re thinking this dream is even crazier and less realistic than being a bestselling novelist and an Oscar winning screenwriter.  I know that.  But admit it: You’d watch.

You’ll also want these Biscoff Blondies with Biscoff Icing.  I have made more than my fair share of awesome blondies but none with Biscoff.  I had to change that and I’m so glad I did.  These may be the best blondies I’ve made.  They are super dense and chewy – the best blondie texture.  They have a hint of Biscoff flavor along with a little vanilla.  I’d also never made blondies with icing.  How is that possible?  Icing makes everything better.  This icing is so Biscoff-y you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.  Just try to save enough for the blondies.

Original article: Biscoff Blondies with Biscoff Icing

©2013 Pies and Plots. All Rights Reserved.

I’m a pretty loyal Neiman Marcus shopper.  Wait!  Wait!  Don’t click away.  There already aren’t that many of you.  I’m not the Neiman Marcus shopper you probably have pictured in your mind and neither are most of the others who shop there.  I know who you’re picturing because it’s who I pictured before I started shopping there.  The little old lady dressed in a tweed Chanel suit and pearls, clacking around in kitten heels, a little dog accompanying her.  Her attitude is unfriendly; she is nice to no one and thinks she’s better than everyone.

Yeah.  That’s not me.  I’m really nice.  I swear.  I don’t wear tweed suits, pearls, or kitten heels and I don’t have any pets (though I’d really like a pet, but I wouldn’t take it shopping with me).  I see all kinds of people shopping at Neiman Marcus: young, old, mothers, daughters, guys scrambling to pick up that last minute gift for their wives or girlfriends, families, dressed up, dressed down, famous, not famous, and everything in between.

The first time I went to Neiman Marcus, it was to buy mints.  Seriously.  I was in sixth grade and during rehearsal for an assembly one of my classmates shared an entire tin of Neiman’s mints with a small group of us.  It was decidedly against the rules but made the boring afternoon go incredibly fast and I fell in love with these mints.  I had to have more.  Six months after that, I went back for some makeup and a year or so after that my first pair of designer shoes.  After that I was hooked and the rest is pretty much history.

The amazing merchandise is only part of what has made me a NM shopper.  The sales associates are the other part.  They’re actually more than sales associates; they are friends.  They are some of my most loyal blog readers, my cheerleaders, encouraging me to continue pursuing my passion.  We’ve gone to lunch and dinner with some of them, met their families, looked at vacation pictures.  And chatting on a visit to the store is the high point of my day.

The makeup ladies keep me in the know when it comes to the newest collections.  The shoe guy sends me pics of the freshest styles, and the PR manager makes sure I have a front row seat at the fashion shows.  Plus, I don’t even have to leave my house to go shopping.  A phone call has the newest want or need in a box, on a FedEx truck, and to me in no time.  I love going to the store when I can though, as it’s really not just a store, but an escape from the real world, even if it’s only a few steps away from it.

Fluffernutter Puppy Chow is also an escape from the real world.  Peanut butter and marshmallow is my favorite flavor combination right now and puppy chow always sounds good.  Tons of peanut butter and peanut butter chips are melted together before enrobing Chex and Peanut Butter Toast Crunch.  Feel free to use all Chex, I am just in love with Peanut Butter Toast Crunch and wanted to intensify the peanut butter flavor.  Some mini marshmallows also join the party.  They don’t melt and become sticky, but rather soften only a little from the warm peanut butter.  A shower of confectioners’ sugar finishes the whole thing off, creating a crunchy, soft, sweet, nutty treat that you won’t want to stop eating.  Fluffernutter Puppy Chow is a dream come true, just like shopping at Neiman Marcus.  Just don’t combine the two.  Puppy chow and designer clothes definitely don’t mix

Original article: Fluffernutter Puppy Chow

©2013 Pies and Plots. All Rights Reserved.