Arugula Pesto with Goat Cheese Crostini

Hello World!  I'm back!  And with another human being in the kitchen with me!  Colton Sterling Ritter has completely stolen my heart and wouldn't you know it- he is a great eater too!

I shocked myself with how quickly I got back to cooking.  My mother (God bless her!) stayed with us for a couple weeks and cooked for us while I recovered from my C-section.  But after a few more weeks of meals (so helpful- thank you local friends and family!) I was ready to be back in the kitchen.  Colton will be 2 months tomorrow!

Peanut Satay Sauce and Dressing

So I admit I've been holding out on you all.  The first time I made this sauce, I was stunned.  Was it really THAT good?  Or was I just pregnant and everything tasted good?  Then I made it for guests and they were having thirds- no not of dinner, of JUST THE SAUCE.  My sister was dipping her fork in it and licking it like lolly pop.

Our palates first laid eyes taste-buds on it just before we moved from Portland.  Our treasured friends, Wes and Jess, had us over for a "last meal" of sorts.  We ate out on their patio while dipping veggies and chicken into this sauce.  Neither Chris nor I could believe how yummy it was.  I mean, we were warned that we would want more after scooping a conservative amount onto our plates, but really?  I needed a bowl?!

Coconut Banana Bread

Well my due date came and went yesterday.  But I'm not the type to sit around and do nothing.  I couldn't get banana off my mind.  Then I remembered seeing a recipe for Coconut Banana Bread.  This belly busting mom was gonna do some baking, even if my apron is too small.

For me, the best breakfasty breads need to be moist throughout, but must have that crispy-mc-crisperson top!  The recipe left me with NOTHING to complain about.  Easy recipe.  Easy baking.  Came out of pan perfectly.  And it's taste landed somewhere between island oasis and kitchen comfort.

Impromptu New England Herbed Crackers (with Uncle Ron)

So yesterday...

My smoke jumper/nurse/teacher of handicap children/Montana native/full of more character than even my own mother/UNCLE RON drove in for lunch with my Aunt Nancy.  We decided to make it more than a pit-stop when he said he wanted to show me his new found cracker recipe (over 300 years old)  to go with the soup I had prepared.

Who says no to homemade crackers?  NOT THIS GIRL!  Anytime anyone wants to cook for me, I take them up on it.

"The Best" Scones with Dried Apricot, Pecans and White Chocolate

Oh hello glorious scone!  Whenever I make scones, I ALWAYS vow to make them more often.

One Sunday, Chris dragged me into the church kitchen and said "Honey, can you make these?" (mouth full, crumbs everywhere).  They were made by a wonderful friend of ours, Darlene, who loves to bake and later handed me the recipe.  They were simply titled "The Best Scones."