My Faves: Giada's Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

Photo courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com

Since I'm actually not cooking too much this week - we're headed to a friend's house for dinner one night, then enjoying Hudson Restaurant Week on Wednesday and Friday (woo!) - here's a recipe that I unfortunately can't call my own, but that you'll definitely find on my kitchen table many nights during the year. It's Giada De Laurentiis' Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables.

Chocolate & Hazelnut Coffee Cupcakes

This recipe has three flavors I love most: chocolate, hazelnut and coffee. When combined (in a cupcake!) they make for a delicious treat any day of the year! The light & fluffy whipped cream balances out the rich, spongy cake nicely... but feel free to use whatever icing you'd like. Betty Crocker's vanilla topped with some crushed hazelnuts would do just fine!  

French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese

The inspiration for this recipe came from my good ole' friend, Greg, who shares my obsession for grilled cheese and is a huge supporter of my cooking endeavors. He simply texted me one day and said, 'French onion soup grilled cheese?' My response: Consider it blogged.