Author: Amanda

Bourbon Brown Butter Pecan Apple Pie Blondies

- Amanda

Happy National Dessert Day!

If there’s one food holiday that should be celebrated here at A Treat Life, I think this is it. And I have the most perfect recipe to go right along with the party. My Bourbon Brown Butter Pecan Apple Pie Blondies.

I’ll start this post off with the words of a friend who recently tried them….”One of the best things I’ve ever eaten.” I promise she wasn’t paid and had nothing to gain from buttering me up. (The bars were all gone.) Full disclosure, she’s one of my closest friends, but her opinions are always very honest. And not only did that comment warm me to the soul, but confirmed how I myself kind of felt about these. (I’m my own worst critic btw.) But these earn their praise.

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Fig & Rosemary Sourdough Crackers

- Amanda

I have been making these Fig & Rosemary Sourdough Crackers on repeat for a couple months now. And I think it’s time to just admit the truth. These might be more for me than for the kids. I kept saying I make them for the littles but who am I kidding. Yes, having quick and easy wholesome snacks on hand for those in between online class “I’m starving” moments has been key to survival these days. But while I like to think that I keep making these crackers to satisfy that need, while it is partially true, I might be the one enjoying them most. They are so good. And addicting. And having them in a little glass jar on the counter may or may not be a good thing.

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Almost Lupita’s Carne Asada

- Amanda

Growing up, almost every special occasion meant two things. Our family would get together and there would be carne asada. Okay, three things, there would always be dessert too. But today, we’re focusing on the meat. And not just any meat. The most deliciously marinated, melt-in-your mouth, grilled steak sliced up into candy-like bits that you could pick up and eat just like that (I dare you to try not to,) fill in a burrito or turn into perfect perfect tacos. This is carne asada. The one and only meat perhaps that will forever hold a special place in my heart and that sets the bar for pretty much any other red meat I eat.

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Candy Craze Blondies

- Amanda

Quick, easy, melt-in-your mouth blondies, cookie bars, whatever you want to call them are never a bad thing. Right? It’s like chocolate chip cookie bliss (my absolute favorite treat in the world) paired with brownie-esque gooey perfection.

But then, enter these Candy Craze Blondies and you have double trouble. The same irrisitable blondie fabulous-ness but with some decadent chocolate candy additions folded in. These are good. A little sinful. But good.

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Crisp Roasted Chickpea and Tomato Flatbread (V)

- Amanda 1 Comment

Sometimes life calls for an easy, no fuss dinner, but something that’s still really satisfying and not necessarily take-out. You know those nights, right? The day goes by way too quickly and suddenly it’s almost five and you have no clue what you’re eating tonight and more importantly, what you’re feeding the fam. This became more of a dilemmer post kids. Because if we’re being honest, I can be pretty happy with a bowl of cereal on those kinds of days.

Well enter this Crisp Roasted Chickpea & Tomato Flatbread. The flavors in this literally burst in your mouth. It’s got it all. Subtle garlic creaminess from the hummus. So much freshness from the tomatoes, bell peppers and lemon juice. A bright herb kick from fresh parsley and mint. The best zing from pickled onions. And the awesome texture contrast from the roasted chickpeas. Then it’s all given a giant hug inside of soft pillow-like flatbread and a drizzle of saucy yogurt.

This is so good. But minimal, adjust as you need, effort.

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