World Peace Cookies

In by Madison MayberryLeave a Comment

Not all that long ago, yet too long ago, I took what was the most magical, wondrous, and tasty trip of my 22 years of life. For eight blissful days, my step-mom, Andrea, and I navigated the streets and sights of Paris. Classes at Le Cordon Bleu in the morning, early afternoon naps, cups of near perfect coffee, and more beautiful artwork and architecture than one can even possibly process in eight days. Sure, it rained hard the first four days … Read More

Double Chocolate Muffins

In by Madison Mayberry1 Comment

Weekends are near the top of my list of favorite things, and while there may not be a hard and fast formula for a great weekend, I’ve found that if you combine at least two of the following, you are guaranteed to have a fabulous two days: *Beautiful weather*Loved ones*Baking a new recipe*Scrabble*Exercise*Good food*Lots of coffee I was lucky enough to have a weekend that included all of the above. And while I would hardly be able to justify baking … Read More

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

In by Madison MayberryLeave a Comment

 It’s a beautiful day here in Iowa. The kind of day that makes you forget winter ever existed and makes you fall in love with this crazy state all over again. Goodbye boots, heavy coats, scarves, and gloves. Hello sundresses, sandals, sunglasses and the like. Well, maybe I’m getting a bit ahead of myself since it’s only going to be sunny and 51* today – hardly flip flop and swim suit weather. But there’s no denying this weather has got … Read More

Tangy Dijon Coleslaw

In by Madison MayberryLeave a Comment

Yesterday I….. …spent too much money on a high-tech scale that tells not only weight but body fat percentage. …tried on swimsuits during a quick trip to return a dress at the mall. …came to the realization that summer is right around the corner, and a spring vacation to Florida (hello beach!) is even closer. Apparently I’m a glutton for punishment, because I can’t imagine what else would result in such behavior. But I tell you all this so you’ll … Read More

White Chocolate Cream Puffs

In by Madison MayberryLeave a Comment

Looking back at my childhood, I think my mom was preparing me for a career in food. I may not have eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich until 7th grade and have yet to try gravy, but I did frequently experience the joy of biting into a freshly baked sourdough roll or sitting down to a dinner of homemade beef stew and biscuits. And while other parents may have run to the bakery on occasion, my mom whipped up … Read More

Peanut Butter-White Chocolate Chip Cookies

In by Madison MayberryLeave a Comment

When I first started baking, chocolate chip cookies were my greatest source of frustration. It seemed that everyone except me had their own trademark recipe. And while I could properly duplicate a batch from the back of the Toll House bag, it wasn’t enough. After two years and many trials, it finally happened. It was love at first bite and after that moment, there was no looking back. At this point you might be wondering where the chocolate chips are. … Read More

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins

In by Madison Mayberry1 Comment

Last night, one of my oldest and dearest friends (yeah, I know I’m only 22 so how ‘old’ can this friend really be, but just play along) gave me a call to catch up. Like me, he recently graduated from college and is adjusting to life in the real world, which includes feeding himself. I’m not entirely sure how the topic of eating habits came up, but after our conversation I’m pretty sure he wishes it hadn’t. Because after telling … Read More

Amaretto Chocolate Truffles

In by Madison MayberryLeave a Comment

Ahhh if only every weekend could be a four-day weekend. Needless to say, a trip to the mountains of Winter Park was much needed. While I did manage to escape from reality for a few days, the flight back gave me ample time to think about what I wanted to share with you all. When I got home I set down my suitcase, made a list, and headed to the grocery store for supplies. Then I got back to work … Read More

Super Simple Carrot Soup

In by Madison Mayberry1 Comment

This post is going to have to be short and sweet. You see, I’m going away for the weekend. Flying away to be exact. To Colorado for a long weekend of skiing with family and friends. I’ve been skiing since I was very little, but my last ski trip (to Vermont) was more than memorable. It involved a family road trip, a lost driver’s license, and three days of skiing with four Floridians (my sisters, step-mom, and dad) – two … Read More

Triple Chocolate Tart

In by Madison Mayberry1 Comment

Can I confess something to you? I have a serious case of guilt. You see, in my mind blogs are supposed to be magical, fun, creative, and above all – delicious. But after weighing you all down with my last post full of talk about fruit, vegetable, and calorie counts I figured I owed you an apology. Sure, fruits and veggies are very important, but sharing with you something as mundane as a smoothie, and then having the audacity to … Read More

Fruit and Veggie Smoothie

In by Madison MayberryLeave a Comment

Most nights before dinner I do a mental tally to track how many fruits and veggies I’ve had throughout the day, and most nights it’s not much of an uplifting experience. I’ll be honest, sometimes my food ‘pyramid’ is dismally out of balance. Heavy on the carbohydrates, low on fruits and veggies, you know the drill. And while I’ve never been much of a fruit juice or V8 drinker, I am a big advocate of the smoothie. I’ve had quite … Read More

Red Wine Pot Roast

In by Madison Mayberry2 Comments

I absolutely love that the days are getting longer and the weather is (a bit) warmer. It’s a nice thought knowing when I get home after work I still have a couple hours of sunlight left to enjoy and there’s a slight chance I may be able to get away without wearing a coat in the morning on my way out the door. The first signs of spring always make me feel like the best is yet to come, which … Read More