Cake pops that get their colorful toppers right from the pantry! Dried fruits, nuts and cookies make beautiful and tasty decorations for this classic treat. The gooey, soft centers of cake pops are irresistible! Pretty sure that's why they are ever-so-popular. They're pretty fun to … [Read more...]
5 Mozzarella Stick Snack Hacks
Get your snack on with these ingenious and delicious bites using frozen mozzarella sticks. 1. Rock and roll with these Mozzarella Stick Cordon Bleu Bites from The Frugal Fairy. Roll, eat. Roll, eat. My kind of snack! 2. Fried Mozzarella Caprese Bites are calling my name. So loud! Can … [Read more...]
Ginger Pineapple Snack Cake
A little spice and a hint of lemon make this Ginger Pineapple Snack Cake a tasty treat for a party or picnic. I think a little fruit with your cake makes it slightly healthy, no? Oh the ways I fool myself. I even added the word "snack" to the title to make it feel less indulgent! But my … [Read more...]
Pink Pretzel Party Cake
Mile high crunchy pretzels, covered in sweet chocolate, make this gasp-worthy Pink Pretzel Party Cake the star of your festivities. Call me crunchy. I don't care...when it comes to this totally over-the-top cake! I took your typical salty snack and turned it into the ultimate cake … [Read more...]
Almond Flower Cake
Add a little flower power to your spring with my Almond Flower Cake. Chocolate and almond are a truly divine combination. Even sweeter when made into a darling spring cake for a birthday, wedding or baby shower or graduation party. I wanted to create a chocolate cake on the lighter side … [Read more...]
Party Rainbow Cake
The most impressive cake you'll bake all year! This rainbow cake looks like it comes from a bakery, but this layered treat, decorated with every beautiful color, is easy to make at home! Brighten your next party with a rainbow cake that will WOW your guests. I know what you're thinking..."A … [Read more...]
Make A Better Burger
When it comes to your signature, juicy burgers, you may not think you can make a better burger. Think again! A blended burger has chopped mushrooms to extend the meat and add tons of flavor. Hugh Acheson’s Cremini-Lamb Burger with Charred Scallions, Boursin, Pickles and Tomato on a Potato … [Read more...]
Crunchy Bacon Granola
Crunchy Bacon Granola puts bacon where it should be, in everything! This slightly sweet, nutty granola is your new brunch go-to. I eat granola for breakfast. I eat bacon at breakfast. I figure why not combine the two! You're probably wondering though, what do you eat bacon granola with? Well … [Read more...]
Spring Vegetable Ricotta Tarts
Spring Vegetable Tarts let you create any flavor combination you like. Perfect for an individual serving. Have a tart! Let your creative juices flow when making these vegetable tarts. All the lovely veggies popping up for spring can be inspiring. Also I added bacon and prosciutto to some of … [Read more...]
Basic Tart Crust
This homemade tart crust is so simple (and so good). Easy recipes that let you make a million variations are tricks I keep up my sleeve. This tart crust recipe is one of those. It's very simple and is the base for many a variation. Typically tart crusts are a little richer, and a bit more … [Read more...]
Spring Cupcakes | Tara Teaspoon
Spring cupcakes bring sunshine and smiles. The little flowers and eggs are made with delicious candy on top of fluffy vanilla frosting. Seriously these spring cupcakes make me so happy. How can you not be completely joyful just looking at them? So sweet for any spring event or Easter … [Read more...]
Vanilla Cupcakes | Classic Recipe
The best homemade vanilla cupcakes recipe you will ever make. A basic, buttery flavor with a tender crumb. They're easy, and delicious with any frosting. Classic recipes are the bomb! You know what you're getting and you like what it is! These vanilla cupcakes will be your go-to for every … [Read more...]
Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot Cake Pancakes with spice and a hint of orange zest are a delicious excuse to eat a little something sweet for breakfast, and cream cheese frosting, if you need an excuse for that! Guest post by: Morgan Aibinder of The Improv Kitchen Tara and I met last year on a photo shoot for … [Read more...]
The Martha Stewart Omelet
I was on my way to a cooking audition for Martha Stewart and didn't want to fail. My newly acquired culinary school skills did me right, until the omelet. How could I forget the basic technique for making the perfect fluffy egg?Originally published on KSL.com Tara and Martha on the Martha … [Read more...]
Absolutely Perfect Spring Daisy Cake • Best Cakes
This absolutely perfect Spring Daisy Cake has flowers in white and yellow dancing all over the top. Simple piping and delicious layers make it a darling celebration cake. Take it from me, you need daisies in your life. And when they come in the sugary, sweet form of fondant flowers, layer … [Read more...]
Dutch Baby Pancake with Lemon and Blackberries
This spectacular puffy breakfast pancake comes to the table as soon as it is out of the oven. It's perfect with some fruit and drizzle of jam. Scrumptious! I'm starting off Brunch Month on TaraTeaspoon.com with this spectacular German Pancake (Dutch Baby). This pancake is one of the simplest … [Read more...]
Pork Chops with Lemon and Parsley with Grape Walnut Quinoa
This healthy main dish and tasty side make Pork Chops with Lemon and Parsley with Grape Walnut Quinoa a complete meal in 35 minutes! I often forget about pork chops. I know! How? They are as lean as chicken, easy to cook and shake up the dinner routine perfectly. I feel like I'm at Pork Chops … [Read more...]
The Best Ways to Beat Cabin Fever
Did you happen to catch the Today Show this morning? I made a guest appearance to share a few creative ways to beat your cabin fever and survive the last few weeks of winter. That's right, spring is on the way. Hooray! You'll be able to get outside soon enough, but until then, you can keep … [Read more...]
Asian Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing
It’s so easy to slice veggies for an Asian slaw and whisk up Sesame Ginger Dressing that dinner will be ready before you know it. Sesame ginger vinaigrette tossed with colorful Asian slaw veggies like cabbage, snow peas and peppers, has got to be one of my favorite salads. This vinaigrette is … [Read more...]
Roasted Tomato and Eggplant Bisque
Success! I created this Roasted Eggplant Tomato Soup at my mom's request, and it is every bit as good as the dish she dreamed of. Both tomatoes and eggplant are roasted with garlic to create a rich flavor for a thick, pureed soup. Make this soup in a matter of minutes with minimal hands-on … [Read more...]
Valentine's Day Hacks (that cover all your bases)
Valentine's Day Hacks that cover all your bases, from decor to food. Decorations, gifts, fun things for kids, delicious food, and date night ideas included. Valentine's Day sneaks up on us in the middle of a quiet winter month. And if you forget about it well, you're in big trouble. If you've … [Read more...]
Super Easy Super Bowl Party Ideas
I'll be honest, when it comes to the Super Bowl, I'm really in it for three things: The food, the people, did I mention the food? It's probably not surprising that I love setting the scene for the perfect gathering where everyone can eat, talk, laugh, eat some more, and, oh yeah, watch the big … [Read more...]
Dill Ricotta Biscuits
Most likely you are still enjoying the soup days of winter. These layered, flaky Dill Ricotta Biscuits are the perfect pair for your simmering dinner. I love making soup for the zone I get into. Chopping veggies, bits of herbs and adding all the flavors is calming for me. I'll even do it … [Read more...]
Mushroom Ravioli Soup
The broth for this rich Mushroom Ravioli Soup is steeped with dried porcinis and shallots, served with mushroom, ricotta and Parmesan dumplings. The entire dish is impressive and completely comforting. Here in New York City we have had a little snow. 26.8 inches to be exact. That's just … [Read more...]
Apple Cream Cheese-Stuffed French Toast
Apple Cream Cheese-Stuffed French Toast could be this weekend's highlight! Here on the East Coast we are preparing for a Nor'easter. One of those big storms that bring snow or rain and wind, and ocean waves crashing onto the coast, Philly and DC.I've been part of some doozies! One of my … [Read more...]
Chicken and Gouda Melt Sandwich
Juicy grilled chicken and peppery arugula salad make for a tasty open-faced sandwich. As sandwiches go, I like mine with cheese, melted cheese. It just makes them better! This sammy is a glorious combination of chicken, Gouda (there's the cheese!) and a green salad. As much as I like … [Read more...]
Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
If you are going to make Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs, I ask of you one thing: just brush up on your squash knowledge, please! Let me tell you why I say that. The grocery store I go to in the city is first, awesome (my opinion), second, totally bustling, packed and crazy. So, even the … [Read more...]
Beef And Squash Stew
Beef and squash stew in the slow cooker is just what you need for the winter weekend. This healthful, low-fat and veggie-packed dinner is also great for detoxing after the holidays. I wanted a stew loaded with vegetables. I often feel like with just beef stew you have to make a separate … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Golden Globes Party Guide
Throw a Golden Globes viewing party in style. The best nibbles, a red carpet entrance and printable ballots are easy to pull together. You say "Golden Globes" and all I hear is "party." I love any excuse to get people together, have fun, and of course, eat! I've pulled … [Read more...]
Chicken Meatballs with Cumin and Orange
Mini chicken meatballs with a sweet and savory marmalade barbecue sauce are perfect for a party app or weeknight dinner. Meatballs might be one of the best kinds of food. They can be fancy appetizers all gussied up for a party, or comforting morsels of goodness atop a pile of spaghetti. They … [Read more...]
Golden Rosemary Garlic Mixed Nuts
Golden mixed nuts might be my new favorite party food. Gold makes everything a little more fantastic! I am loving all the edible gold food adornments, sprinkles, dusts and sprays that you can find now. Snacks for my Golden Globes viewing party just got...well...more gold! I wanted … [Read more...]
Moroccan Shrimp With Pomegranate Sauce
Spiced shrimp and gloriously rich red pomegranate sauce make even the most regular of parties glam! I'm getting ready for a Golden Globes viewing party this weekend and decided I wanted even the food to be celeb-worthy. I've decided on a mix of apps, snacks and treats. Stay tuned the next few … [Read more...]
Fudgy Squash Brownies - Hide Your Veggies!
Fudgy Squash Brownies have it all. They are chocolatey and rich, packed with fiber, have a smooth texture, and are a classic chocolate dessert. You may be asking yourself, “What in the world are Squash Brownies?!” Well the name has everything to do with their main ingredient, squash! Yes, the … [Read more...]
Double Chocolate Muffin
Double chocolate muffin goodness is probably the best thing to wake up to on New Year's Day! Whether it's all you can muster to make because of a late night (they're easy easy easy) or you're entertaining a crowd for brunch this is going to become your go-to recipe. Really I use chocolate … [Read more...]
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
A healthier version of mac and cheese that replaces half the pasta with roasted cauliflower. Add Boursin cheese for extra flavor and enjoy this delicious and easy recipe for a weeknight. I've cut the pasta almost in half and replaced it with roasted veggie in this cauliflower mac and cheese! … [Read more...]
Spicy Grapefruit Guacamole
Spicy Grapefruit Guacamole brings the creaminess of avocado together with juicy citrus. The pop of flavor is the perfect twist to this classic dip. This is one avocado mash fit for a holiday party. Take a good look at this gorgeous dip though, because it won't last long.Juicy grapefruit and … [Read more...]
Peanut Butter Bites
Peanut Butter Bites candy are like peanut butter caramel chews. Easy to make candy that is great to make with the kids, and fun for gift giving. I grew up making candy with my mom, especially around Christmas. But there would be times we'd make taffy or honey candy to pull at other times of … [Read more...]
Cheese Boards: Tips for Entertaining
Use these expert tips and learn how to make a cheese board. An appetizer spread or cheese course your friends will love! Knowing some simple basics will help you serve the best variety. I live on the upper west side of Manhattan. There are so many grocery stores and gourmet food markets … [Read more...]
Ginger Spice Button Cookies
These little button cookies are like mini bites of gingerbread bedazzled with jewels. The crystal sugar gives them a sweet little crunch. Tiny ginger cookies like these are perfect for gifting in a little bag. If you don't eat them all before they get out the door, that is. Happy … [Read more...]
Mandarin & Prosciutto Bruschetta
Mandarin & Prosciutto Bruschetta make every guest sing a little song of love! Salty, sweet, crunchy and indulgent bites; perfect for gatherings, or anytime you need a glorious nibble. When I developed this recipe, I think I ate these for lunch and dinner that day. They are supposed to be … [Read more...]
Pistachio Chocolate Bark (Palettes)
Chocolate bark gets a festive French makeover! If you wander around Paris and make your way through every chocolate shop you see (which is what every food-obsessed gal does, right?), you'll run across beautiful trays of little palettes. What you're looking at is essentially chocolate bark, made the … [Read more...]
Buttery Black Licorice Caramels + Video
These buttery black licorice caramels will be a hit with, well, everyone. Watch the video to see the step by step instructions to make them yourself. My mom used to hand me the wooden spoon (there were no silicone spatulas back then) and hold her hand over mine with the spoon handle inside, … [Read more...]