Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Wanna wow your relatives at Thanksgiving this year?  Make them some homemade peanut butter cups to take home!

These are SO good….and so simple to make.  They look impressive but don’t take much time.  Perfect for that last minute holiday treat!

Ingredients
4 cups of chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions
Melt your chocolate chips, either in the microwave or in a double boiler.  Make sure the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, but be careful not to burn it!

Line a muffin tin with muffin liners.  Put a small spoonful of chocolate in the middle of each liner, than swirl it around so it completely coats the sides of the liner.   This is how you make the chocolate shell.  Once each liner is done, place the entire tin in the fridge to set for 20-30 minutes.

In the meantime, work on the next step- peanut butter!  In a medium sized bowl,  combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.  Then mix in the vanilla extract.

Take your muffin tin out of the fridge.  Fill each chocolate cup about halfway full with the peanut butter mixture.   Push the mixture down so it lies flat, then top off with a spoonful of your melted chocolate (you may have to reheat it if it’s hardened).  Spread the chocolate around so it seals off the edges and no peanut butter is visible. 

That’s it!  Once you’re done, just pop those bad boys back in the fridge to set.  And prepare your taste buds for a smooth delicious blend of chocolate and peanut butter.  These cups are SO good!

Arugula Craisin and Grape Salad

I love arugula!  It’s a little bit spicy, and it makes salads much more interesting than plain iceberg lettuce (not to mention it has more nutritional value too!)

I usually eat arugula with parmesan cheese shavings and balsamic vinaigrette, but I decided to mix things up a little this time.  This salad is quick to make and the sweetness of the craisins pairs well with the peppery arugula and the slightly tart grapes.  Try it!

Arugula Craisin & Grape Salad

Ingredients:
1 bowl arugula
1 bunch of seedless green grapes
1/4 cup craisins (adjust amount to taste!)
balsamic vinaigrette

Directions:
Rinse your arugula and put it in a bowl.  Cut grapes in half and add to bowl along with craisins.  Drizzle the dressing over your salad, then toss to coat.  That’s it.  Easy and delicious!

DIY Spa Water

I don’t like to drink plain water.  I don’t know why, but it rarely quenches my thirst and I always find it so, well, boring!  However, I love the infused waters you usually find at spas.  And I got to thinking, how easy would it be to make some at home?

Answer? REALLY easy! 

Lemon-Infused Spa Water
Ingredients:
1 lemon
1 pitcher of cold water

Directions:
Fill your pitcher with cold water.  Cut up your lemon into rings.

Using the tip of your knife, gently remove the pits from each lemon slice.  Lightly squeeze some juice out of each slice into the pitcher, then drop the entire slice in!

And that’s basically it!  Put the pitcher in the fridge to chill, and to allow the lemons to infuse the water.  I let mine chill for about 20 minutes, and then poured myself a tall delicious glassful. 

This lemon infused water is so refreshing, and it feels a little luxurious too.  Close your eyes and pretend you’re at the spa!

If you don’t love lemons, you can also infuse your water with other things.  Some ideas- strawberries, limes, cucumbers, or mint!