Chocolate chip cookies

My sweet tooth was aching last weekend so I made a batch of Cooking Light's chocolate chip cookies.  I'm not sure what makes these cookies "light" (maybe it's the egg whites?), but I'm pretty sure I counter any calorie cutting when I add extra chocolate chips.  It's worth it!!

Pumpkin spice syrup

Some of you may know about my love for Starbucks' pumpkin spice lattes.  I count the days down until their arrival in September, and I consume a large amount of them until the stores run out of syrup and tell me no more.  Well, here's a solution for having pumpkin spice lattes in the comfort of your own home, and it's available year-round-- make your own pumpkin spice syrup!  I tried a recipe last year that was just so-so, but was committed to finding a better version this year.  And I found it via Pinterest, from Baker Girl's blog.  This syrup is perfect, please try it.  I make it with half-Splenda, half sugar to make it a little more calorie conscious...  you know, so I can pile on the whip cream without any guilt!!

(Oh, and it's a great way to use the rest of that can of pumpkin from the chocolate chip bread you should be making!).

Chipotle turkey chili with apples and cheddar

We made this chipotle turkey chili with apples and cheddar from Rachael Ray last week when the weather cooled off and it felt like Fall.  This is a great, thick chili with lots of unique flavor from the Granny Smith apples and pepitas.  (Pepitas are pumpkin seeds- I bought mine from the bulk bins at Whole Foods so I could just buy the portion I needed for this recipe). Yum!

Chicken with shallots

We made this chicken with shallots recipe from Ina Garten a few weeks ago and I'm just getting around to posting it.  This is a simple, delicious recipe, and the cream sauce makes it deceivingly fancy.  Yum!!

Rustic vegetable and polenta soup

Dinner last night was rustic vegetable and polenta soup from Giada de Laurentiis.  Robert was skeptical of this one because there is no meat, but the first bite won him over!  The polenta adds a thickness and creaminess to the soup without using, well, cream.  Flavorful and fast- that's a great combination!!

Baked parmesan spaghetti

After seeing this recipe for baked parmesan spaghetti on Pinterest, I immediately bookmarked it for a future meal.  The recipe is simple, and the end result is hot, cheesy goodness!

Tacos al pastor with grilled pineapple salsa

We made Cooking Light's tacos al pastor with grilled pineapple salsa for dinner earlier this week. I loved the fresh pineapple salsa with the spicy pork. We used flour tortillas instead of corn (personal preference) and noted that next time we would cut the pork into smaller pieces for easier eating.