make ahead Archives | The Peony Life

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

March 23, 2016 by peony Leave a Comment

I bet you can’t eat just one! Never eat deep-fried jalapeño popper again!

Using breadcrumbs is totally optional. I’ve made them without and they were still delicious! The panko breadcrumbs just add a nice little crunch!

You’re welcome and I’m sorry all at the same time. These spicy bacon wrapped bites of perfection will put a serious wrench in your dieting plans! If you’re walking down the aisle this summer and are trying to fit into a wedding dress (like THIS girl) then close your laptop darling and read this post after the big day! I’m slightly kidding but for real, this…

Bacon & Egg Baked Breakfast Cups

October 24, 2015 by peony Leave a Comment

Bacon & Egg Baked Breakfast Cups are equally convenient if you’re cooking for one or feeding a family of five.

I suck at breakfast! There is no denying it anymore. My fiancé is always getting on my case about not eating breakfast and he’s starting to sound like a broken record (it’s been almost 3 years). I know it’s super important but it’s always been difficult for me to eat in the morning. For years my daily breakfast of champions consisted of a large coffee with …

Stuffed Mushrooms with Chestnuts & Boursin

October 15, 2015 by peony Leave a Comment

Stuffed Mushrooms with Chestnuts & Boursin are a welcomed vegetarian option at any party.

I had you at Boursin didn’t I? I can’t blame you because I’m with you! This soft creamy cheese comes in a variety of flavors and I use the Garlic & Fine Herbs (my go to) in this recipe. These stuffed mushrooms will be sought after at any event and your vegetarian friends will be happy you thought of them!…

Grilled Peaches with Prosciutto

October 7, 2015 by peony Leave a Comment

Try using different kinds of peaches for variety. I used both a tart & sweet peaches and loved contrast in taste!

Wow your guests and skip the stress! 5 ingredients: Peaches, Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella, Mint and Balsamic Glaze.

This handful of accessible ingredients and simple preparation make this a great option for a thanksgiving appetizer. …

Chilled Cucumber Soup

August 17, 2015 by peony Leave a Comment

Beat the heat with this healthy Chilled Cucumber Soup!

It was crazy-hot in the Bay Area this weekend and my AC-less apartment was like a sauna. For pretty much everyone else in Canada and the USA this is totally normal, but for us in San Francisco we aren’t used to such extreme temperatures. At its peak, temperatures soared to 32C/91F and I retreated to the beach with my main squeeze and perhaps a watermelon beer or two.

CUCUMBERS+MINT+DILL+JALAPEÑO+LEMON

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Classic Basil Pesto

August 14, 2015 by peony Leave a Comment

Classic Basil Pesto is my all time favorite recipe!

If you were to ask what food I could eat for the rest of my life, I would most definitely cut you off by saying ‘anything pesto!’. I’m OBSESSED and don’t foresee this changing anytime soon. I love classic basil pesto sooo much that when I get a dog, I’m going to name him pesto! Cute right? You must have a seriously good personality to rock a name like Pesto!…

Olive Tapenade with Rosemary & Basil

August 14, 2015 by peony Leave a Comment

Olive Tapenade with Rosemary & Basil. A simply addicting appetizer!

YUM! This olive tapenade makes me want to dance. It’s so freaking good! I just can’t deal. This is DELISH served on Baked Parmesan Crisps, alongside a cheese platter, slathered on crusty bread or on slices of cucumber for a healthier approach. I made this the other night to have with a cheese platter and it was just as good as I remembered….

Turkey Meatballs with Fennel & Carrot

August 14, 2015 by peony 2 Comments

Turkey Meatballs with Fennel & Carrot are a healthier meatball alternative without sacrificing the flavor.

My other half & I recently returned from a European vacation and meatballs were on the menu everywhere in Greece. Let me tell you, these people do not play when it comes to their meatballs! I’m slightly embarrassed to admit how many times I ordered them over the course of our stay but they were simply addicting!

Homemade Meatball Mix: Oregano+onion+basil+mint+parsley+thyme+cumin

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Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata & Balsamic Glaze

August 14, 2015 by peony Leave a Comment

A SIMPLE DRIZZLE OF BALSAMIC GLAZE AND A FEW BASIL LEAVES HAVE A BIG IMPACT ON THE FINAL PRESENTATION

Bur-ra-ta translated from Italian literally means ‘buttered’. It is a a typical product of Puglia, a region in the south of Italy and it is absolutely one of my favorite cheeses. Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from a combination of mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside is a combination of both mozzarella and cream, producing a unique, soft texture. It’s so delicate and just plain decadent! Even

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Lazy Pea Soup with Fresh Mint & Crème Fraîche

August 14, 2015 by peony Leave a Comment

SERVE IN A WHITE DISH TO MAXIMIZE THE POP OF COLOR

This recipe is a freaking all-star in my eyes for a variety of reasons. It’s insanely quick and simple to make and the combination of flavors is on point. I’ve never made this for someone and not had them ask for seconds and/or the recipe. That’s always a promising sign!