The idea of meatballs sounds pretty good to me for this weekend, but what about making meatballs and making Italian Wedding Soup with them?  Super yum, that’s what I think.

What are you making this weekend?

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My husband and I rarely go out for a sit-down meal at a restaurant anymore (lately going out to eat is more like grabbing a burrito at Chipotle), but last week we treated ourselves for lunch at Zaftigs (one of my favorites in Brookline, MA).  My husband got a deli sandwich and I got a cup of matzo ball soup with a grilled cheese… and I can’t stop thinking about that soup ever since.  I’ve got to try this recipe from Smitten Kitchen now!

Matzo Ball Soup from Smitten Kitchen

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I have a new favorite show that mixes two of my favorite things, gardening and cooking: Jamie at Home.  It’s a simple premise, Jamie picks one type of food (or food group), gives you growing tips for your garden, and then uses fresh, organic produce and ingredients (much of which is grown or raised on his farm) and makes easy-to-prepare, delicious meals.

I find the show to be incredibly relaxing (I usually watch it when I get home from work or late at night) and love his enthusiasm for cooking.  He gets so excited about food (often being really funny) that it’s contagious and I literally want to make everything he makes.  I also love the different kitchens he cooks in around his home (an outside patio, a rustic kitchen, or even a little cast iron stove in a small living room).  This autumn weekend, I think a roast chicken with a platter full of assorted roasted root vegetables is in order.  Definitely check out the show if you can, it’s playing in the States on the Cooking Channel.

{images shown from Channel 4 UK and Jamie Oliver’s website}

With all the soups that I’ve been making lately (and all the sweet potatoes I’ve been eating – 2 in one day this past weekend), these biscuits are on my baking to-do list.

Sweet Potato Biscuits via 3191 Miles Apart (recipe from Martha Stewart Living)

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With a full bushel of apples, I’ve been busy making all sorts of sweet things in the kitchen (apple crisp, apple cake, apple cinnamon oatmeal pancakes, applesauce), but now I’m looking for ways to use apples during a meal.  Using apples in a savory meal, or the crisp crunch to brighten a salad.  This salad from Smitten Kitchen looks like a good first bet in steering away from the usual.

Radicchio, Apple and Pear Salad from Smitten Kitchen

Know of any apple recipes for meals or side dishes?  Please share!

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Just found out about the incredible food blog, What Katie Ate.  The photographs are to die for!

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Sometimes the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is make dinner.  But there’s one meal I always have the energy to make and I instantly get excited for: tacos!  We have our taco routine down-pat: my husband makes the meat and guacamole, and I chop lettuce and grate cheese.  We mix hard and soft shells and always make turkey tacos, but this recipe I am definitely going to try.  Hooray for taco night!

Chicken Tacos from Smitten Kitchen

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With peaches in peak season right now, this shortbread is looking like a delicious way to use some up after peach picking.  How can you go wrong with shortbread?

Peach Shortbread from Smitten Kitchen

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I was never a fan of tomatoes until a few years ago.  They were one of those vegetables that I put into the “I don’t like” category, but honestly I couldn’t remember the last time I even gave them a try.  After sampling here and there, I began to develop a taste for them and although they’re not my favorite, I do love a good tomato.  Last week, I started craving tomato salsa, bruschetta, and anything with fresh tomatoes.  This recipe for salsa fresca (and chicken tacos!  i love tacos!) looks easy, simple, and delicious.  Gotta get my tomato fix now while they’re in season!

Salsa Fresca (and Chicken Tacos) from Smitten Kitchen

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Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  My favorite part of the weekend is being able to prepare an amazing breakfast for family and friends.  But sometimes during the work week you have to make breakfast for dinner.  I can’t decide which one is more satisfying!

Apple Pancakes from Smitten Kitchen

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