GRILLED S'MORES

SHOCKER ALERT! I, Kim Sigety, have found a Paula Dean recipe that actually includes NO BUTTER! Crazy, huh? Did your heart stop? Probably only if you actually make and consume the likes of anything from her kitchen. haha

Her show happens to be the only decent TV on during my lunch break...so I've found myself spening midday with her quite frequently these days.

Yesterday she had an episode all about GRILLING. mmmm...and this dessert recipe sounded like the perfect idea. Super easy, and a fun twist on a classic favorite. Could summer get any better than this?

DIRECTIONS

Take 1/2 of a grahm cracker sheet

Add a few squares of your favorite chocolate bar

Then add a few marshmallows (2 large work great)

Top it off with the other 1/2 sheet of that grahm cracker

Now wrap in foil as you would a foil dinner and slap that puppy on the grill.

It only takes a few minutes (depending on the temperature of your grill)

Remove when ready and enjoy that ooey gooey goodness!

That was simple enough right? And if you don't think so, all I have to say to you is:

YOU'RE KILLIN ME SMALLS!


For Paula's original directions - click here

SUNFLOWER CUPCAKES

My wonderful mother-in-law gave me a cupcake recipe book. This was my first attempt at cupcake creating via said book. So cute! Thanks Ellen :) I actually made these in July of 2010 - just never got around to posting. I'm thinking I need to make more cupcakes soon...yum....

GREEN WITH ENVY SPLIT PEA SOUP

Get this - We're talking creamy comfort food without that annoying aftertase of guilt. The only fat in this soup comes from the split peas (a total of about 6g of fat for the WHOLE BATCH!) but you still get that creaminess we soup connoisseurs crave. Win, win if you ask me :)

The rich green color makes this soup a beautiful addition to any meal. Whether you serve it as a side dish or the main course, you'll watch everyone turn green with envy at your fabulous cooking abilities. Hence the name: Green with Envy Split Pea Soup. Oh, and did I mention that this is the EASIEST soup I've ever made? Think of this as a no brainer recipe that leaves you looking like a pro.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups dried split peas (rinsed and checked for debris/reject peas)
1 cup yellow onion (chopped)
1 cup baby carrots (chopped)
1 cup celery (chopped)
3 slices ham lunchmeat (cut into small pieces)
2 cans low sodium chicken broth
2 cans water
1/2t salt
1/2t black pepper

DIRECTIONS
1. Place all ingredients in crock pot, stir and cover
2. Set your crock pot to high and get on with your wonderfully busy life
3. Let cook 4-5 hours (or until all ingredients are very tender and peas have turned to mush
4. Transfer 3/4 of soup to a blender
5. On the VERY LOWEST speed & with the lid in place - blend until smooth
6. Return blended soup to the crockpot and stir
7. Add additional seasoning to taste (I add some season salt post blend)
8. Serve it up baby!

NOTES
This soup tends to separate a little as it sits, so before dishing up - give it a quick stir.

Feel free to add anything you'd like to this recipe. It's delicious enough to stand on its own, but why not spice it up if you feel so inclined. I sauted some mushrooms and added them to our individual bowls at the table. John added some Louisiana Hot Sauce to his (but let's face it - he adds that to everything!) I'm thinking a little sour cream would be a great color contrast and add even more creaminess. So get creative and get ready for a soup that's sure to satisfy!