Best Birthday Cupcakes with Fudge Filling

First, I have to apologize for my lack of posts last week. But I have GREAT news to share… I started a new job last week! It’s my first job since our relocation and I’m super excited about this opportunity.

I promise these cupcakes will more than make up for my absence! 🙂

Our neighbor recently celebrated a birthday and I wanted to make something special.  The birthday “boy” requested his favorite treat: Duncan Hines Yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

Since I don’t do boxed mixes (especially not for special occasions), I went on the hunt for the perfect replacement. These cupcakes truly are the best birthday cupcakes ever! I filled the cupcakes to make them extra special.

The instant fudge frosting is a winner too. It’s not too sweet because of the unsweetened chocolate and is easily whipped up in a food processor.

Cottage Cheese and Egg Breakfast Muffins

You know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But you probably don’t have time for a sit-down breakfast so you just grab something on-the-go.

These egg breakfast muffins are the perfect solution. Not only are they a quick, portable breakfast option but a satisfying snack too. 2nd breakfast anyone? Count me in!

You already know that I never miss this all-important first meal. But with Mike’s crazy schedule at the hospital, he has to squeeze in food whenever he finds the time. So as his doting wife (cue the “Awww’s”), I try to provide him with healthy and filling options. These really hit the spot!

Don’t let the word “muffin” fool you. These don’t taste like a typical muffin. The cheese provides a nice crust and the inside tastes like an omelet—rich and flavorful. Also, if you’re not a fan of almond meal or cottage cheese, don’t turn away!  I couldn’t taste either in this recipe… just a yummy omelet in a pretty package.

Simple Marinade: Honey Lime Chicken

Chicken is the standard staple for our weeknight dinners. I know I’m preaching to the choir, but chicken can get pretty boring. So I like to mix it up, especially with what’s handy in the pantry.

This marinade was super simple to prepare and used only a few basic ingredients: olive oil, lime juice, honey, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Bonus: the chicken is marinated overnight, so all you need to do on the day of is grill it and serve. Voilà!

The citrus marinade made the chicken tangy and juicy with the honey creating a slight crust. We enjoyed the honey lime chicken on a bed of salad for dinner and lunch the next day.