Wilde Week #30

 Uh Oh, it's Fall!  I feel like it was just turning into summer only a few weeks ago.  My time confusion may have something to do with my current employment status.  You know.  That I'm unemployed.  Days run together and I find myself asking BF what day it is more than a few times per week.

This past week was a refreshing change from the heat of the summer.  Hitting the pavement, day tripping to the city and cooking with the windows open were all amazing with the cooler breeze and bright sunshine.  Here's what I've been doing and loving this past week!

1. There are these four trees outside of my apartment window.  The yellow color has been slowly cascading down the leaves.  It's so pretty, I should have done a time elapse series of photos!

2. I've recently discovered Jessica's Site and I'm in love.  Her tagline reads "Discovering the scientific side of food."  You know me, I love science and food!  Loving her Salted Caramel Apple Waffles!

3. I've been really into beauty and fashion blogs recently.  Trying to discover my own personal style, while I have all this unemployed free time.  My favorite?  Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  She has caused my trips to Sephora to be so much more expensive!

4. Lululemon opened a store right down the street from my apartment!!!  Heaven help me and my wallet.  I bought these bright blue running capris there and promptly hit the streets.

5. This is my favorite of all time breakfast.  Two toasted waffles, spread with peanut butter and topped with banana slices.  Delicious and amazing sandwich.  Do it, you'll be addicted too.

6. I want pumpkin everything.  Starting with this pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin donuts and pumpkin mac'n'cheese.

7. With the humidity from the summer receding, I can get back to my candy making!  Candy forms so much better in dry weather and it's no fun standing over a boiling pot of sugar when it's 90% humidity outside!  Watch out for some candy posts this October!!!

Italian Sliders

First off...  Congratulations to Elisabeth!  You won my Fall picnic blanket giveaway!  It's in the mail and you'll see it in a few days.  Happy picnicking!

I realized that over the past few weeks I've only offered you sweets and baked goods!  I thought that today I should make you some dinner.  And not just any dinner.  Something fun!

I was at Wegmans the other day and spotted their slider buns.  I was inspired to make some mini burgers!

Italian mini burgers.  So much fun and such a perfect dinner!  They are made with all turkey, but aren't dry at all.  They are super moist and just the right size for the slider bun.  You could easily down three of these without a second glance.

I want to make more sliders!

One Year Ago: Green Curry Fritters
Two Years Ago: Croissants
Three Years Ago: Sugar Cookies

Italian Sliders

Adapted from Cooking Light Magazine

Olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced
1/3 cup fat free ricotta
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/4 panko breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 ounces ground turkey
2 (4-ounce) turkey sausage links, casings removed
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
12 slider buns

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add olive oil.  Add garlic and shallot and saute for 4 minutes, or until shallots are softened and garlic is fragrant.

Combine ingredients (ricotta through egg) in a large bowl.  Add shallots and garlic and stir with a large wooden spoon.  Shape into 12 meatballs, flatten each slightly.

Heat skillet to medium-high and add meatballs.  Cook for 3 minutes and flip over.  Cook for another 3 minutes.  Add marinara sauce and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with lid.  Cook for 8 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.

Place about 1 tablespoon sauce on the bottom of each roll.  Add meatball and place the lid on.  Have two, you deserve it.

OXO Good Cupcake - Pumpkin & Caramel

First - remember to enter my Fall picnic giveaway!  Last day to enter!!!

With the official start of Fall this past Sunday, I'm ready to break out the apples, pumpkins and fennel.  While at the grocery store this week I decided to stock up on canned pumpkin for the inevitable pumpkin recipes that I want to make.  And believe me, I've got a list of sweets and savories that I want to whip up before everyone gets fed up with pumpkin.  My first pumpkin-filled treat is for the OXO Cookies for Kids' Cancer - Bake a Difference campaign!