A Cheesecake Keepsake

I'm leaving the highly-coveted chocolate ingredient to the experts (i.e. last week's feature on Tessa of Chocolateria Tessa) rather than fussing with them in my own kitchen prior to Valentine's Day. I have crafted a light-as-air mini cheesecake to savor the simplicity of a typically over-the-top holiday. Don't be overwhelmed with unnecessary colorful frostings or other Valentine's fluff; a smooth, white treat is all you need.

The size is perfect to split with your significant other, though I think you'll be surprised by your ability to finish your own serving fairly quickly (or, at least, I was...). Or, if you're one to prefer a square or two of chocolate, bake these sweets as keepsakes for friends, family members, or dinner guests. A tiny rose or lavender garnish will elevate the dessert to the finest level of elegance.

Makes 6 mini cheesecakes

1/4 cup sugar Zest of 1/2 lemon 1 large egg 1 8-ounce package low fat cream cheese 1/8 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Whisk all ingredients until smooth. Pour into six lined muffin tins.

3. Bake for 20 minutes, until set. Refrigerate for 3 hours before serving.

I have an older version of mini cheesecakes here with graham cracker crust and caramel topping!

Winter Citrus and Avocado Salad

I am so ready for summer, people. Though this morning's cinnamon rolls warmed me up, I have learned to button up my summer sass and, instead channel my inner "sunshine" in the kitchen.

Inspired by The Yellow Table Cookbook, my arugula and citrus salad proves that winter cuisine can be colorful despite grey skies. The in-season oranges sweeten a spicy arugula base, and the varying hues are so out of-this-world. Eight friends and I enjoyed ours on Thursday evening at our first progressive dinner party. I prepared locally-grown mushroom bruschetta, spinach and artichoke dip (with extra cheese), and a classic cheese and honey board. Our next door neighbors brought on the beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I have to admit that this salad (and a great wine selection) brought the entire evening together!

Makes 8 servings

10 ounces arugula 1 navel orange, peeled and segmented 1 blood orange, peeled and segmented 2 honey tangerines, peeled and segmented 1/2 cup almonds or pistachios 1/2 lemon 1 avocado, quartered and sliced Your new favorite salad dressing

1. Place arugula in a large serving bowl. Sprinkle orange segments, avocado slices, and nuts. Squeeze lemon over bowl to keep citrus fresh and bright.

2. Directly before serving, gently toss in the salad dressing. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.

A Box of Chocolates

"Life is like a box of chocolates." Or, at least, my life is lately.

Tessa, an adorable second-generation chocolatier from my old stomping grounds of Austin, has an eye for style and a taste for artisanal authenticity. The recipe, the family ties, the packaging, and the hand-scripted notes collectively create a refreshing brand. Perhaps it's my public relations mouth talking, but I am so impressed with Tessa's ability to merge old tradition with a modern, fresh face. I don't even know Tessa personally, but I can align with her approach as I click through the classic Chocolaterie Tessa site and break off a bite of a salted caramel milk chocolate.

The chocolates are miraculously so tiny yet so detailed. I loved the heart flourish in my box, which I'm sure is a holiday-themed move.

I know I am not the only one who fears biting into an unexpected, non-labeled chocolate (gooey colored jam, no thank you). Tessa relieves that fear factor instantly! Though she doesn't label her individual squares, the curated package celebrates the beauty of chocolate in its purest form. A few nutty and fruity flavors will be unveiled; but don't worry, you're getting plenty of ganache and truffle, too.

With only a little over a week before Valentine's Day, I urge you to order online now! My Memphis delivery arrived in a few short days, and I'm still savoring the last few chocolates. Tell Tessa that Caramelized sent you!

Brie Mine

I was first inspired by the cheesy emphasis (get it?) on Valentine's Day when I stumbled upon a clever "Brie Mine" card last year at Paper Source in Austin. Though I would have rather been the recipient than the giver of such an appropriate tagline, I bought it anyway and signed it for Alex.

I'm planning a date night in next weekend, and we never fail to begin with a cheese board of some sorts. This time, I'm all about the sweet simplicity of a cheese and honey pairing. Step aside, jams and jellies: We're relying on just a tiny drizzle of irresistible Nature Nate's honey to complement the salty nature of cheese.

The following cheeses and honey are perfect pairs for you and your Valentine's date -- who I am sure make a perfect pair, as well.

Parmigiano-Reggiano: The nutty overtones of this classic don't just go with pasta (though I can't wait to sprinkle some over my Gremelli pasta from Porcellino's). Ditch the cracker, break off a bite of the firm block of cheese, and add a dot of honey for a flavorful combination.

Blue: The stinky and bold blues surprisingly contrast nicely with a clover honey. It'll cut out the spice and sharpness that cause most to turn their heads. Be bold this Valentine's, right?

Creamy bries and goat cheese: These are a given. Supplemented honey with a hint of orange or lemon zest, you'll be tempted to eat it for appetizers, main courses, and dessert!

Now, get yourself some Nature Nate's raw honey and enjoy the romantic, sweet holiday. Share your own Nature Nate’s honey creations on social media using @naturenates and the hashtag #HoneyMakesItBetter.

This post is in partnership with Nature Nate's. Thank you for supporting my sponsors!

Cafe Keough (Memphis)

I try not to take neighborhood spots for granted--you know, the ones where you can effortlessly pop in to pick up a latte, or shmooze with out-of-town guests on weekend mornings, or meet with colleagues for a power lunch.

I feel lucky that my neighborhood spot happens to be a French-inspired café with extra buttery croissants on display and delicate, always photogenic menu items.

Cafe Keough's atmosphere is calm and full of natural light. The high ceilings are refreshing. The staff is sweet. It was only Friday morning (on National Croissant Day) when I realized I haven't shared my Cafe Keough obsession with you...How could it have taken seven months?!

Better late than never.

For breakfast, I'm a big fan of the classic coffee and croissant combination, as mentioned above.

Lunch -- always hustling and bustling with business-people -- proves difficult for menu decision-making, since I'm essentially a fan of every item on the wall-sized chalkboard. I usually recommend the soup du jour with a hot-pressed panini, though the salad nicoise never, ever disappoints.

Happy hour is highly enjoyable for a glass of wine and tapas or two. When my dad's various board meetings occur downtown, we typically meet right after 5 p.m. for a post-work catch-up. The roasted bruschetta, citrus and herb olives, and roasted red pepper-draped hummus are our favorites.

In fact...I'm off to Cafe Keough right now! Have a splendid week, ladies and gents.

A Spin on Super Bowl Classics

This post was originally featured on Southern Living's blog, The Daily South! Who else is planning a Super Bowl Sunday gathering? You’ve found the right place! Luckily, our entertainment is accounted for; but inevitably as an entertainer, I am thinking about the table.

image via style me pretty

I find it intriguing and absolutely appropriate to bring football game day vibes into one’s home. My friends and I collectively crave a jumbo pretzel with mustard, or cheese nachos with a beer. Why not bring those elements into your own cozy living room? Although prosciutto bites and crudités would be much appreciated by guests, think about the reason for the season: It’s the Super Bowl, after all!

Rather than stressing over specialty drinks, understand that your party guests are perfectly content with a beer (or three)! Script a chalk label with “New England Ale” and “Seattle Golden” beers on galvanized tins. Provide frosted mugs within reach. The game day spirit will effortlessly transcend from the screen and into the hands of your party-goers.

image via love and lemons

For touchdown-worthy snacks, homemade soft pretzels with your favorite spicy brown mustard (or beer cheese dipping sauce) will satisfy the most nostalgic of fans. Personalized craft paper bags with assorted popcorns will entertain the kids, and a gourmet nacho station with guacamole, fresh jalapeño, and all the fixings will elevate a game-time classic.

No matter which NFL team your guests are rooting for, they’ll be rooting for you before the first time out!