A Side of Sweet

Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Muffins with Coffee Cake Streusel

Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Muffins topped with coffee cake streusel and a drizzle of glaze make the perfect breakfast recipe! They are incredibly flavorful and moist.

Whether you’re on the go or have the entire morning to savor a cup of coffee, muffins are the perfect breakfast food. One of my favorite recipes actually puts the coffee right in the muffin! As if cappuccino chocolate chip muffins weren’t enough, I’ve upped the ante and added a coffee cake streusel topping and just a touch of glaze. So good.

Blood Orange Curd Topped Vanilla Bean Pavlovas

Gluten Free Nut Free Vegetarian

This mini pavlovas recipe with blood orange curd has individual vanilla bean pavlovas and a tart and sweet blood orange curd. They look fancy but are so easy.

After the first bite of these mini vanilla bean pavlovas with blood orange curd, Pat pronounced them one of the best desserts he has ever had. I can’t make this stuff up folks! Given how easy these were to whip up, it’s safe to say I’ll be making pavlova more often…. Read More »

Guide to Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Everything you need to know about the famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta hot air balloon festival. Read on for when to go, what to see and hot air balloon ride information.

Talking about checking one off the bucket list.

Last fall I had the chance to attend the famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is one of the largest balloon festivals in the world, with over 500 balloons taking flight. It was epic.

You don’t have to take my word for it. Check out the YouTube video I created about the Balloon Fiesta and about 100,000 photos below. 🙂

Blood Orange Negroni Cocktail Recipe

Gluten Free Dairy Free Nut Free Egg Free Vegetarian Vegan

Experience love at first sip with this vibrant blood orange negroni cocktail recipe. It’s a fresh variation on the classic negroni cocktail and still made with campari, gin and vermouth.

I know you’re going to love this fresh take on the classic negroni cocktail. It will be love at first sip. In addition, it’s one of the prettiest cocktails I’ve ever made, with that beautiful red color and a slice of blood orange to finish it off…. Read More »

How to Make a Fake Marble Backdrop for Photography

Everything you need to know about making your own fake marble backdrop at home for only a few dollars! It looks better in photos than real marble and is easy to clean. Includes video tutorial.

I’m sure you’ve seen the real marble cutting board surfaces from places like Sur La Table. You might even own one! I used to too, but I was able to sell that crazy heavy bulky thing once I made my own. It was so satisfying!

The craziest thing is this DIY surface it actually looks more realistic and better in photos than the real thing! It works great for Instagram flatlays, product photography and obviously food styling.

Read on for the step-by-step DIY.… Read More »

8 Food Photography Hacks to Improve Your Photos

Looking for tips and tricks to improve your food photography? Your photos will be instantly better with these easy food photography hacks. Also includes a video with examples from a real photo shoot!

Food photography is all about using what you have to get the job done. My latest YouTube video is all about hacks that will help you get the photos you want without spending a bunch of money on fancy gear! Check it out, then read on for more details.