Cookies for Santa: Basil Infused Chocolate Chip

I gave Santa the shock of a lifetime when he bit into these amazing and delicious cookies. On the outside they look like a chocolate chunk cookie, but they taste so much better than the classic.

The secret lies in step one, infusing the butter with fresh basil. This important step may sound odd, but the result is a hint of "something" that taste great but remains your little secret. St. Nick will definitely know these are special without being able to put his finger on what makes them so good.

I may never make another boring chocolate chip cookie again!

Thai Style Pork

I've remade the Thai Style Pork Salad with Papaya and Mint from Plated January 2014 several times this year because we just love it. It's "blog worthy" according to Jim and first appeared on my instagram feed in July when it made an appearance on my weekly menu board.

When I made it recently for my MIL I was reminded how quickly it can come together with little effort. It also proved to be a great "prep-ahead" meal that transports well, say if you want to deliver dinner to a friend.

An Update on Home with Mandy

It has been a year since my last post. Time flies when you are busy raising and making babies! 2014 was a busy year and we are so happy to welcome Bryce to our family.

Harper grew up so much and is about to celebrate her second birthday this weekend.

My big girl has been an excellent helper and loving big sister to Bryce.

Bryce is a good sleeper, good eater and is a sweet and mild mannered baby (I hope that statement doesn't bite me in the butt later.)

Many sleepless nights, lots of chaos with two littles in the house but an abundance of joy in our home. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am often asked if I will continue to blog and I don't have an answer for that right now. I hope to return to regularly posting.  I also get asked if I'm still cooking and of course I am, but I would rather spend any free time with my family than on my laptop. My moments to myself are few and far between right now. Cooking for my family is one way I can get some "me" time. I've been thinking about ways to make posts easier on myself. Writing them shorter, less descriptive and more "snapshot" would help. Also taking less pictures with my DSLR and posting more from my iPhone would also save me time. If I can figure out a way to blog quickly, then I will return...but for now, know that Home with Mandy and her family is all good.