My little baby hit 5 months old this past weekend, and I started planning my oldest sons second birthday..where the heck does the time go? I’m getting married in 5 weeks. Life is flying by, even more-so when there is so much going on, and such busy days. This is our last Summer here in Maine with all of our family and friends for a long, long, time. I’m trying to appreciate and cherish every single moment I have with them. I don’t want to miss a thing, because September will be here before we know it, and off we go. It is so bittersweet. My point is, if I get a little sporadic in my posting this Summer, know it is because I’m spending time with my family and friends who mean the most to me and I don’t want to sacrifice any time with any of them.

Alright, I’m done being sappy for today. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We had a big party Saturday with all of our friends that went late into the night, and were up early and on the road Sunday morning for a first Communion and party with all of my family. (Like I said, we’re not missing a thing. Even if that means cranky, tired kids!)

My son turns 2 in two weeks (holy crap!) and we’re working on a small party for him..with such a huge wedding and all the planning sucking up my time, a small 2nd birthday will have to do this year, plus his 1st birthday was pretty extravagant! Either way, it will give me a chance to do a little baking..something Ive been trying to lay off of until after the wedding! hehe

I made this Corn and Black Bean Salsa a few weeks back to munch on and oh my gawd, it ended up being so flipping amazing, I re-made it just to share with you guys! Its SO good! I love hoisin sauce, its probably one of my most favorite flavors. For realz. Probably why these meatballs are one of my all time most made and favored appetizers too! We LOVE them.

I made this salsa, sat there spoon feeding it to my son and I, (who couldn’t stop inhaling it, by the way) then decided to make something even more incredible with it, (which Ill share Wednesday, come back for sure!) I put the rest in the fridge for later. My hubs comes home that night, beelines for the fridge, hes so hungry, opens up the tupperware, and starts just spooning it in his mouth..seriously, cold food? bleh. Hes so bizarre. But he starts going “mm hunny, what is this? its amazing? you have to make it again! I ate it all!” So yah, it was loved all around. Its a great twist on just the classic corn and black bean salsa, and this will for sure make an appearance at many BBQ’s this summer!

© 2012 Fabtastic Eats

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I loooove Summer..like love, love, LOVE it!! Everything about it is so PERFECT! The weather, the clothes, the colors, smells, food, fruits, beers, flip flops, the beach, the sun..I mean, I could go on and on. Its my favorite. Yesterday was the first day that actually felt like Summer in Maine. I got to break out the Summer clothes boxes, and actually wore shorts sand sandals for the first time this year. Pure bliss! I’ve been getting into all the wonderful foods that Summer brings with it, and it.is.glorious!

Like this Chicken Sausage and Veggies over Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta for example. oh my gosh. This pasta. Its freakin’ awesome. The flavors are soo perfect together. It’s light, refreshing, healthy, not to mention gorgeous! I love all the colors! It is loaded with vegetables, you could even add more if you wanted! The sauce is a combination of fresh herbs and nuts and is so darn delicious! I added in some Jalapeno Chicken Sausage, I pick them up at Trader Joe’s, but you could add in whatever you desire, or for you vegetarians, you could definitely leave this meatless!

This pasta was sooo good. I ate my serving and then went back for more. Oh and then 20 minutes later, found myself eating it with a fork straight out of the pan. Then later again, cold, out of the fridge. That is SO unlike me. First, I hate leftovers, second, I despise cold food. But this was amazing cold! So good in fact, that Ive got big plans to make this as a pasta salad for BBQ’s this summer instead of the typical Italian dressing! It will be such a great alternative!

Speaking of BBQ’s..anyone having one this weekend? We tend to do it once of twice a week all Summer long..and I mean a big BBQ feast that starts with beers and ends with s’mores! You can’t go wrong with either of those! I’m trying to keep it light the next five weeks until my wedding, but that hasn’t been going well. I’m slightly nervous about my dress fitting tomorrow! Oops!

Okay..have a wonderful weekend friends! And MAKE THIS PASTA! It’s so pretty!

© 2012 Fabtastic Eats

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I thought since I took Monday off that I’d come back today with something AMAZING! This is one of the easiest, but BEST desserts we’ve had! I made these for a friends birthday back in April, and I’ve been dyiiiing to share them with you, SO good. I keep getting asked about them, and reminded about how flipping amazing they are. I mean, it’s pretty impossible to go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate together, then throw in some cookies and whipped cream, and you’ve got dessert heaven in a jar.

Before I continue blabbering on about these beauties, I want to tell you what an exciting time this is for us! I had my bridal shower this past weekend, more to come on that later, but it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I was completely blown away and amazed at what an incredible job my mom and bridesmaids did. Oh I can’t wait to show you! Also this past weekend, my hubs graduated, but more importantly commissioned as an officer into the army. (Officially going to be an army wife in 5 weeks.) I am so proud of him, he worked so hard, and deserves it so much. He is the sole reason I am able to stay home with our beautiful boys everyday, and I could never say thank you to him enough. I feel so blessed. We head off to Missouri in September and then to Washington state in February, I can’t wait to live out on the west coast, I’ve always wanted too, and it will all definitely be an adventure!

There is so much to celebrate in these next five weeks up until my wedding, and so much going on! I hope to share as much of it with you as possible and hope you enjoy following along

Now! Back to these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Parfaits! Make them! They’re soooo incredibly quick and easy, and they seriously and honestly taste like an expensive decadent dessert! I know it sounds so simple, and it is, but the taste and texture, is out.of.this.world. Oh the cookies just MAKE these! I had homemade soft peanut butter chocolate chip cookies on hand that I crumbled up in these, but you could use any peanut butter cookie! I used instant chocolate pudding, but you could totally make your own if you’re fancy like that, I bet it would be amazing!

These little parfait’s are perfect for this time of year! You don’t have to turn on your oven, you can make them ahead of time and pull them out for your BBQ or party when you need them, and they’re already pre-portioned! I tried them both right after I made them, and then a few hours later. I wasn’t sure if I would like it after sitting in my fridge for awhile, (I thought the cookies would get super soggy) but oh my goodness, they were even better after a little while of rest! We inhaled these, and then went back for more! I’m constantly getting requests for them. Simple & Fabulous! My kind of Summer dessert! Enjoy!

© 2012 Fabtastic Eats

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I used to hate mushrooms. Like my whole life, despiiiiised them. If they were even anywhere near my food, I wouldn’t touch the plate. I’m not really sure what it was or why? They have always been one of my moms favorites so they were always around when I was growing up..I don’t know, I just think most kids dislike mushrooms..maybe Im wrong? Oh I hope Im wrong, then I can start giving them to my son.

Does anyone else with kids automatically think that their kids might not like something, so just don’t give it to them, instead of letting them try it for themselves first? God, I’m awful about that, I’m trying sooo hard to get better about it, because he always surprises me. For example, the kid loves spicy food. That discovery was an accident, but a good one, because now I don’t have to be so careful about how much spice I add to our dinners! But still, I should just let him try everything.

Anyways, back to mushrooms. Now, I LOVE them. I always add them to my food, much to my hubs’ dismay, he’s still on the mushroom hatin’ badwagon’, someone knock him off! But I love them, so into the dish they go! Oh oh! you long time mushroom lovers, how the heck do I store those pesky little things? Not the buttons, because those seem to last me, but the pre-sliced up ones. Seems like if I don’t use them within a few days they get smelly and go bad. eww. So what can I do to prolong their life? I’m sick of throwing out half used mushroom cartons. I hate waste!

Now that you know that I love mushrooms, let me tell you about my favorite stuffed mushroom to date! I’ve made these Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms a few times now, subbing in turkey bacon once, and each time they have turned out equally fantastic! There is just so much flavor, and the panko gives it a little crunch, while the mushroom is soft. There is a perfect balance of sweet glaze, salty bacon, and earthy spinach. My mom and I practically inhaled an entire tray ourselves. We had to refrain, so we could share. These little beauties are a permanent for all future parties! The ratios are perfect, the textures couldn’t be better, and the flavors are a match made in heaven! I’m a mushroom convert, and these little suckers did that for me!

© 2012 Fabtastic Eats

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I hope you all have a fantastic Mothers Day and get showered with love and relaxation! If you’re looking for something delicious for a Mother’s Day brunch, scroll down and find something to fit your spread perfectly! Enjoy!

1. Whole Wheat Berry Waffles with Strawberry-Blueberry Syrup

2. Egg white and Feta Frittata

3. Blueberry Scones

4. Whole Wheat Blueberry-Lemon Waffles with Blueberry Maple Syrup

5. Skinny Banana Oat Nut Muffins

6. Blackberry White Chocolate Muffins

7. Skinny Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

8. Almond Poppy-seed Mini Muffins

9. Blood Orange Glazed Loaf Cake

10. Grapefruit Cake

11. Coconut Grapefruit Loaf Cake

12. White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

13. Hot Blackberry Fontina Dip with Black Truffle Crostini

14. Sausage and Vegetable Salad

15. Watermelon, Cucumber, & Feta Salad

16. Mini Greek Salad Pita Pockets

17. Asparagus with a Lemon-Garlic Dip

18. Mango Jicama Slaw

19. Caramelized Nectarine and Feta Quesadilla with a Balsamic Glaze

20. Mediterranean Dip

21. Double Chocolate Raspberry Shortbread Bars

22. Toasted Coconut Cheesecake Dip

23. Snickerdoodle Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Buttercream

24. Peanut Butter S’more Truffles25. Blood Orange Blackberry Sangria

26. Ginger Beer Mojito

27. Mango Bellini

28. Grapefruit Margarita

Looking for More Cocktails? Click here!

© 2012 Fabtastic Eats

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I’m just going to jump right in here and talk about how flipping incredible these Double Chocolate Raspberry Shortbread Bars are! They are my moms new absolute favorite dessert, I swear she mentions them to me every time I see her, which is often lately. She even asked me to make them for my own Bridal Shower this weekend! haha

They’re so incredible. The day I made these, I brought them to her house, knowing over there I have two brothers and my dad who would devour these right up, and leave me to not expanding my waist. However, that would not be the case. My mom sampled them, then I took a bite, then she sampled, then I took a bite…then it continued like that for 2 hours, when we completely demolished every.last.crumb. With zero assistance from anyone else. Luckily, I had saved about four bars at home for my hubs to sample, thinking he would be all happy that I didn’t leave a big pan of sweets in the house, (his lack of self-control is equally as bad as mine sometimes) but instead, he was pissed because they were “the best things ever, and I want more!”

Needless to say, these are all around everyone’s most favorite dessert now. And while these pictures don’t do them justice, due to my impatience and just wanting to keep snacking, you should most definitely make these ASAP. Whether it be for mothers day, a baby shower, bridal, BBQ, or just dessert tonight, you really, really don’t want to miss out on these. They are by far in the top 3 best desserts I have ever made. Do it friends, you’ll be so grateful!

© 2012 Fabtastic Eats

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I hope you all had a fabulously fun weekend! I definitely did, but am completely exhausted. I celebrated my birthday on Friday by going for a mani/pedi and cocktails with my best friend and then we met up with a bunch of friends and went out for the night. It was an absolute blast, and so nice to have a night away from my sweet little kiddos. We ended the night with five guys, which I always regret the next morning, but ooh its so good!

On Saturday, we dropped our kiddos off around 1:30 and came home to get ready for the military ball. We had a pre-party at our house for a couple hours, which was fun and lead to entertaining events! The night was beautiful, everyone all gussied up and fancy, we danced the night away!! Sunday was an all day long cinco de mayo celebration, and today we’re going to my soon to be brother-in-laws for a BBQ to celebrate both his and my birthdays, which happen to be the same date! I’m officially 25, and officially exhausted after such a long weekend..I really am old now.

I have been so excited to share this Roasted Cauliflower Garlic and White Bean Dip with you guys!! I’ve been holding it for weeks and I don’t know why because I am completely addicted!! It is so flipping delicious! You know when  you make something and it totally surprises you?! Yah..this dip did that. I mean, I knew it would be good, it has great ingredients, but oh my godddd, the flavor combination is insane. It is so perfect. We were totally taken aback at how good this is. We pretty much inhaled the whole first batch atop of little toasted baguette slices.

This dip tastes so incredibly decadent with its creamy texture, light bacon undertones, and roasted garlic, yet is incredibly healthy, low in fat, high in protein and fiber, nobody would ever know! Win win! Next time you’re looking for a dip to make, this.is.it. It’s so delicious!

© 2012 Fabtastic Eats

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Clearly I’m still loving the Watermelon and Cucumber combo! If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon after that awesome salad, than when better to do it than when there is booze involved? Exactly. So do it. Its awesome.

You know how when you eat really crappy you feel like you really need to workout hard the next day? Then the next day comes and you’re soooo unmotivated and lazy. Yah..that’s annoying. One more reason why I’ve been trying to eat a bit better. It makes me soooo sluggish.

I’m reading this book right now. Its funny. And honest. And straightforward. And I’m afraid it’s going to turn me into a vegetarian. But lets be honest…I don’t know if I could ever give up big, fat, juicy, cheeseburgers. I’ll let you  know when I’m done reading it.

Are you making this snack this weekend? You should.

I hate when I find something awesome on Pinterest and then the link is broken. Or it just brings you to the page where the picture was, so you have no idea how to do it or where to buy it. Its frustrating.

Sometimes I wish eggnog was sold year round..(even though I’d be sick of it so fast) so I could face plant into this for my birthday today. And no, I don’t want to make my own ‘nogg.

Could you make me these and bring them (or ship them) to me? I want them soo badly. I’m being to lazy to make them. I know.

Can you tell I’m sort of being a fat kid today? I can’t stop thinking about all of these sweets!

My sons 2nd birthday is at the beginning of next month. Since we have so much going on with the wedding, we’re not having a big party like last year, but I still would love to make him this Mickey Mouse Cake! Hes obsessed. But I’ve never worked with fondant, and honestly, I’m kinda scared. Have you? Is it hard? Those people who do it, make it long so easyyy!

I got a sunburn this week. Its kind of awesome since it was only May 1st. But in reality, it hurts, and it gives me the chills, and I can’t have loose clothing that rubs all over it. Lame.

I’ve only attempted to make Macarons once. It was over a year ago. But I had bought books, and read and read and read about them first. So when they were an epic fail, I was so bummed out that I haven’t tried again since. I know they’re pesky little things and I should have gotten over it and tried again. But I didn’t. Until now. I saw these  yesterday morning, and desperately want to make and devour them. I think I need to give those little babies a shot again. SOON.

Oh so if I haven’t already said it 40573 times..today is my birthday. I’m a 1/4 century old. It sounds old right? Well THIS makes me officially feel old too. Read through, it’ll give you a good smirk!

Okay, I hope you’re all having a fabulous week. Make this Watermelon Cucumber Mint Cooler asap! Its delish, refreshing, and so perfectly Summery! Happy, happy hour friends!

© 2012 Fabtastic Eats

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Happy Birthday to Meeee!! Can you tell that I’m still like a 5 year old when it comes to my birthday? I get so darn giddy and excited! I’m sure as I get older and older this excitement will diminish with each aging year, but right now I’m still in my twenties and that is something to celebrate!

24 was a good year, though I spent 90% of it pregnant, I learned a lot about myself, though I’ll always be learning more. I have such a greater appreciation for my life and the ones in it, and how blessed I am to have such happy and healthy kids.

At 24 I:

planned a wedding,

had our first ‘mini mini deployment’,

delivered our second son,

started blogging with seriousness and love for the craft,

became a runner for the first time in my life,

learned a little patience with having two kids, (if you know me at all, you know I have zero patience on a normal basis..it’s awful and something Ive been desperately working on)

grew a love for photography,

made some great friends through blogging and have already learned so much!

And so many more fantastic things, it was a wonderful year and 25 is looking even more promising! Our wedding is next month, we move to Missouri in September and then to Washington State in February. There are tons of new adventures ahead of us and I cannot wait for every single one, regardless of the challengers involved. After all, I’m a 1/4 century old now, I can take on the world!

Okay, so these Cake Batter Cookies! I know there is like a million cake batter, funfetti, yaada, yaada, cookies out there, and I’m sure they’re all great in their own way, but these babies are the freakin’ bomb.diggity. (yes I actually just said that) I made them a few weeks ago for my sons’ baptism, and they were demolished. My dad is the cookie king around here, so I usually bring him some to give me the yay or nay..hes darn picky and has no problem telling me if something is no bueno. He was hoarding these babies so everyone wouldn’t eat them all, leaving him with none. I couldn’t keep my hands out, I probably had about six, within two hours.they’re perfect.

The flavors..there is a cake batter crumb made up and stirred into the cake batter flavored cookies. oh gawd..I was practically spooning the crumb into my mouth. SO GOOD. The texture..is perfectly soft and chewy, and although its a thinner cookie, it is not overly crispy at all, just slightly around the edges. In my opinion, this is the perfect cookie. I can’t wait to make these again and again!

© 2012 Fabtastic Eats

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Cinco de Mayo is usually a pretty celebrated holiday in these parts. We loove the food, the drinks, the atmosphere…its probably one of our favorites! My birthday has always been the 3rd, obviously, but somehow we always enjoyed both “holidays” with equal excitement! This year we have a military ball to go to on the 4th,  (So much going on these next two months!) I love getting all gussied up, and hardly ever get the chance to do it, so I can’t wait for this weekend! I have a feeling cinco de mayo is probably going to be a tad more laid back this year.

I have been eating popcorn like it is going out.of.style. I seriously cannot get enough of it these days! I eat it on a nightly basis without fail. While plain ol’ salt and popcorn is a tried and true classic, sometimes I just need a little somethin’ somethin’ extra! Since mexican food is my favorite and tends to be my first choice, I figured we should try making Mexican Popcorn!

I made it a few times, a few different ways and this is the absolute best! The flavors are intense, zingy, and perfect! We were shoveling it into our faces. It’s slightly spicy but not extremely, it has a refreshing tang from the lime juice and zest, and it is totally the most perfect snack! It takes ten minutes to whip together, and it is incredible! I can’t stop making it or eating it!

Mexican Popcorn is a great snack for your Cinco de Mayo party, A little goes a long way! And honestly, this popcorn is good for any day..I don’t need an excuse to make it, neither do you..Do ittt!

© 2012 Fabtastic Eats

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