A Side of Sweet

Beautiful Food, Travel & Design

Splatter Painted French Macarons

Use edible food paint to make these colorful splatter painted French Macarons! Plus, a step by step recipe for plain french macaron shells.

Splatter Painted French Macarons DIY with Plain Macaron Shells Recipe

Painting macarons, or sugar cookies or cakes, for that matter is so easy! All you need is some high quality food coloring gel, a food safe paintbrush, and a bit of vodka or almond extract.

I probably should have inserted some some sort of joke here about drinking vodka to reduce the stress of making macarons, but it’s actually for your paint! It’s the perfect solvent for your gel food coloring. It evaporates when it dries and leaves no taste or unwanted color behind…. Read More »

Spicy Caramel Bacon Popcorn Recipe

Bacon makes everything better – including this recipe for spicy caramel bacon popcorn. It’s the perfect movie night snack!

Spicy Caramel Bacon Popcorn Recipe - So Good and a Gluten Free Movie Night Snack!

If you’ve been reading long, it’s no secret I’m a popcorn recipe fanatic. From healthy snack to decadent treat, I love how versatile it is. I first made this Spicy Caramel Bacon Popcorn Recipe for a backyard movie night.  My first thought was that it sounded too good to be true.  Sweet, salty, bacon, caramel?  All in one recipe? Could it be too much of a good thing?… Read More »

Naan BLT Bites Game Day Appetizer

Naan BLT bites are a great game day appetizer recipe. They take just minutes to make and will be a hit for your Tailgating party.Naan BLT Bites - Easy Superbowl Recipe with Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado

One of the biggest American sporting events of the year is almost here! What better to enjoy the big game with than another American classic – BLTs? I’ve given the traditional BLT sandwich a great party upgrade with these easy-to-make naan BLT bites…. Read More »

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Skewers

Bacon wrapped brussels sprouts skewers, drizzled with maple syrup, because bacon makes everything better! Easy to make and just four ingredients.
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Skewers - Easy Appetizer Recipe

This recipe for bacon wrapped brussels sprouts skewers comes with a million potential bacon cliches, which I shall now list for you in the form of hashtags. #TeamBacon #BaconWrappedEverything #BaconMakesEverythingBetter, #365DaysofBacon, #AllTheBacon, #BaconForDays…

Help me out here, there have to be dozens that I missing! 🙂

These skewers are easy to make, and will disappear in a blink on your special day. I should know, as I was well on my way through my second skewer when I realized that I needed to show a little restraint so the guests could enjoy them as well! I love brussels sprouts on in their own right, but obviously wrapped in bacon they will convert even the most veggie-hating guest in your midst…. Read More »

How to Host a Fabulous Friendsgiving

How to Host a Fabulous Friendsgiving – everything from a copper and navy table design to easy menu ideas, including a spicy cranberry cheese dip recipe!Easy and Cheap Thanksgiving Design Garland with Vegetables, Gourds, and Fruit

Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE day of the year. In fact, if I had my way, I’d celebrate it at least monthly all year round! We got an early start on the Thanksgiving season this year by hosting a Friendsgiving last weekend. I just love throwing a good party, and I tend to completely immerse myself in the planning leading up to an event. Amazing food was a given, but I also wanted to have a lovely table setting that would wow our guests and make the mood really festive…. Read More »

Brûléed Pear Burrata Crostini Appetizer

This brûléed pear burrata crostini is elegant and fancy, but it’s so easy to make! It’s sure to be a favorite appetizer at your holiday party this year.

Fancy Crostini Recipe - DELICIOUS Bruleed Pear Burrata Crostini Appetizer!
Pear and burrata cheese are perfect crostini partners, but the layer of caramelized sugar on top of the pear really makes the recipe. It makes me want to get in the habit of brulee-ing everything. I already make these greek yogurt ‘creme brulees’ all the time and my most recent recipe for Bruleed Pear Burrata Crostini has sealed the deal. The possibilities of what are next are endless! Brûléed cheesecake? Or donuts? Brûléed cookies? YUM…. Read More »

Lasagna Crackers with Feta & Delicata Squash

A great fall appetizer recipe featuring baked lasagna crackers with feta and delicata squash. An easy and healthy way to use up leftover lasagna noodles.Easy Appetizer Idea - Baked Lasagna Crisps with Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranates Recipe

You’re going to love this recipe! It’s such a fun spin on the usual cracker appetizers. Crackers made from baked lasagna noodles are crunchy and delicious, and so easy to make. Add some delicata squash, feta and pomegranate seeds and you have a great fall appetizer perfect for your Thanksgiving feast.

This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover lasagna noodles. Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Your lasagna dish is assembled and ready to go in the oven, and you have a stack of leftover cooked noodles!… Read More »