one of my favorite things in the world is having people over and sharing a meal together. so last night i stayed in and cooked dinner for my family. i had some special help from a little sweetheart of mine.

my big helper

 i love using lots of fresh veggies.

i don’t cook asian food too often (and i still have a ways to go to get it just right) but it was wonderful…and the company was even better.

these past two weeks have felt like one long party with friends as we danced, laughed, loved and ate our way through the days. here are a few of the savory dishes we devoured.

breakfast at cafe 222

panang curry at rama (amazing thai food)

crab legs at blue point

ahi sashimi 

dark chocolate cake

my dear friends, sara and will, threw a texas-style shindig this weekend as a going-away gift, complete with southern dishes including fresh fruit salad, the best pulled pork i’ve ever tasted, amazing baked mac ‘n’ cheese and out-of-this-world blackberry cobbler that begs to be eaten right out of the pan.

i am fascinated with the cupcake. i find myself 

baking these big bites of sweetness just about

every week for a dinner party or girls-night-in.  

this is my latest creation: chocolate cinnamon 

cupcakes with chocolate chunks topped with

cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate shavings.

i made a super yummy pizza this weekend with rave reviews and want to share the simple recipe for all you creative cooks.

goat cheese, fig, and basil pizza

ingredients: 

• 4-oz package dried figs, chopped
• 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 large pizza crust or 4 round pita breads
• 1 cup crumbled soft goat cheese (a 4-oz package will yield 1 cup)
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 tbsp pine nuts
• 1/2-1 tbsp olive oil

preparation:

1. preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. combine the figs, balsamic vinegar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. place the figs in a small bowl. season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
4. top the pizza with the goat cheese and figs, and sprinkle with the basil and pine nuts. drizzle the olive oil over the top. bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese melts.

i spent much of the day in my kitchen

baking these delectable darlings, as a

dear friend kindly taste-tested them for me.