Go-to recipes

I bake almost every day, mostly because it's a good way to pass the time, but also because it's a way to feel productive. I find a recipe, convert measurements and the baking temps, shop for ingredients, hope they have smooth peanut butter in the shop, find out they don't, start all over with a peanut butter-less recipe, and then bake. People eat it + I feel good about myself = win-win.

I've also developed some amazing self-control because rarely do I eat what I bake - probably a result of doing it so often. Jamie, on the other hand...God save him from the diabeetus.

Anyway, I thought I'd share some of my go-tos that have generally made a few people happy:

• Blueberry muffins - I like the work (low) to taste (high) ratio on these. They're incredibly easy (actually, any recipe that doesn't call for softened butter is a winner in my book), and as a result, I take them anytime we stay in someone's home.

• Nutella stuffed cookies - Ok, these do require some planning as there are various chilling stages involved, but use that time to fold laundry and clean up the kitchen. Also, it calls for browned butter, which makes them taste fancy.

• Peanut butter cookies - These are really, really good cold. And just really, really good in general. Have yet to make them here (see: creamy peanut butter issue), but will once home. 

• Chocolate Guinness cake - Ok, this isn't technically a go-to as I've only made it once, but I will definitely be making it again because a) it's delicious, b) it calls for melted butter, c) you mix it all up in on pot. (Thanks, Hannah!)

• Buttery raspberry crumble bars - Absolutely worth the amount of work they look like they are, which isn't actually much.

A few things I also cook on repeat:

• Caramelized onion and prosciutto pizza - This is an old standby from my Dallas days that I've just continued to make. It will impress people.

• Chicken, sweet potato, and kale soup - Make a pot and eat on it all week or freeze servings in ziplock bags to pull out later in the winter. 

• Buffalo chicken jalepeno popper casserole - Yep, it's keto, but it also makes the best leftovers.