Friday Favorites – Episode 103

It’s Friday! Are you as excited about that as I am? It’s been a crazy week for me… I’d rather not get into the details, but just take my word for it that I’m ready for Friday. And the weekend. I am ready for a break!

This weekend I’m hoping to relax and spend some time in the kitchen… Not busy, trying to can and get rid of 40 pounds of plum tomatoes time in the kitchen, though. I did that last week. I’m talking about lazy Saturday morning baking and experimenting with fun new recipes time in the kitchen. My guess is that a few of these recipes will make an appearance!

• I have a soft spot for cookie bars.  And, these Oatmeal Peanut Butter Snack Squares from How Sweet It Is have me weak in the knees. Make them for your kids as an after-school snack (since it is that time of the year, isn’t it?). Or, if you’re like me, you can just make them for yourself!
• Ever since I was a kid, I have loved clam chowder – New England clam chowder, to be specific. Strangely enough, I love to eat it when I’m sick. Give me clam chowder over chicken soup any day! So, I’m looking forward to making this New England Clam Chowder from Tracey’s Culinary Adventures. Yum!
• Don’t miss these Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies from A Thought For Food. Brian brought them to the Big Summer Potluck, but they were so amazing that everyone snatched them up before I had a chance to give them a try. I’ve heard great things, so I just have to try them for myself!
• Speaking of amazing gluten-free treats from the Big Summer Potluck… You absolutely must make these gluten-free Mexican Brownies from Hungry Rabbit. These I did have a chance to try (I may have eaten 2 or 3, but they were little, I swear!). They are rich and decadent and better than many regular brownies I’ve had made with gluten!