Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pie
serves 6
from Joy the Baker

1 package (2 sheets) all-butter puff pastry, defrosted but still cold
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup whole grain mustard
1/2 pound thinly sliced Black Forest Ham
1/4 to 1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, sliced (depending on how much cheese you like)

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet, or round pizza pan with parchment paper.  Set aside.
Unfold or unroll one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.  Gently roll with a rolling pin until each side is increased by about 1/2-inch.  This is just a light rolling.  Place the  pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush pastry, from edge to edge with egg wash.  Spread mustard atop the egg wash, leaving 1/2-inch of space between the mustard and the edge of pastry.  Layer on ham slices.  Top with sliced cheese.
Gently roll out the second piece of puff pastry.  Layer on top of the ham and cheese pastry.  Press the edges together with your fingers.  Gently fold about 1/2-inch of the edges over, creating and thick crust.  Press with the tines of a fork.  Dip the fork in flour if the fork sticks to the puff pastry during pressing.
Brush with egg wash from edge to edge.  Use a sharp knife to cut three venting holes through the top pastry.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.  Serve warm.

Homemade Ice Cream Cones

What is the perfect fun summer kitchen activity with your kids?  Make your own ice cream cones!  I can't wait to try these!

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

from epicurious.com

• 2 cups quinoa
• 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained 
• 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• 1 1/2 cups cooked corn (cut from about 2 large ears)
• 1/2-1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 pickled jalapeño chilies, seeded and minced (wear rubber gloves)
• 1/4-1/2 cup finely chopped fresh coriander

For dressing

• 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin, or to taste
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Quinoa-and-Black-Bean-Salad-12245#ixzz1G8dYBsHH

Rocky Road Brownies

Adapted from Eating Well magazine

1 cup less 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 regular-size marshmallows
1/3 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup milk chocolate chips
Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch-square baking pan with parchment paper or foil coated with cooking spray.
Thoroughly whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan until sizzling. Remove from the heat and stir in cocoa, then sugar. (The mixture will look like a mass of very dark brown sugar.) Add egg, egg whites and vanilla. Stir briskly until smooth and glossy. Stir in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Then stir briskly for about 50 strokes. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. The batter will be very shallow in the pan. If you have time, cover the pan and refrigerate for a few hours or up to 12 hours. (This hydrates the cocoa powder and flour and brings all the flavors into sharper focus.) Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking; preheat oven to 350°F.
Quarter marshmallows with an oiled knife. Distribute the pieces over the batter, pressing them in. Sprinkle chips over the top.
Bake the brownies until the marshmallows are golden brown, 25 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 2 hours. Cut into 16 brownies (190 calories each).

Peppermint Patties

These  homemade peppermint patties look so fun and easy.  Can't wait to try them!

Gorgonzola and Cherry Pastry Puffs

I have yet to try them but these appetizers look delicious.  Must try soon!