Celebrate!

Alright! Christmas is over, the pressure is off - it is almost the New Year and it is time to party!!
Finger foods, appetizers, fizzy cocktails and anything that is fun, fun, fun! We want you to get down with your bad self and whip up some party fare!

Search through Giada's recipes, from her books or online, for something fun for your finger food party. Maybe some crostini, or dips, or Bellinis and antipasti! Anything that says party to you.

Make it and post it on or by January 2nd. Link up with Mr. Linky, below, and leave a comment so we don't miss any of your fabulous party creations!

In the meantime, we hope you had a fantabulous holiday, and that Santa was good to you. And that you have had a chance to check out the wonderful Potluck creations from last week!

Need more info on Mr. Linky or on how to participate in I Heart Cooking Clubs? Please refer to the Welcome Page for more information.

Remember, through to Aprilish we are cooking from Giada de Laurentiis's recipes. And remember to have an awesome New Year! Party on, dudes.

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Celebration* Participants

1. Michelle~ Bruschetta w/ Fontina and Greens 2. DebinHawaii--Toasted Cecchi, Almonds, & Pistachios w/ Apple Cider Shandies 3. Nico - Lemon Yogurt Cookies with Lemon Glaze

4. Couscous & Consciousness - Cranberry & Pomegranate Bellinis 5. Natashya - Savoury Cheesecake 6. Kim- Artichoke and Bean Bruschetta

7. Lana -Gorgonzola and Tomato Pizzette

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December Holiday Potluck!

Mark your calendars.  It's the last few days leading up to Christmas and it won't be long until Santa Claus comes to town!  Right now, Santa is very busy...........

 He's making his list.  He's checking it twice. He's gonna find out if you've been naughty or nice.  Which list will you be on?  Have you been naughty?  Have you been nice? 

Will your Holiday Potluck dish be a naughty, indulgent, satisfying, and glorious treat OR will it be nice, healthy, colorful, veggie-packed, feel-good food?  It's entirely up to you!  (hmm.....which would Santa chose?)

When potluck time rolls around each month, it's entirely your choice.  Any Giada De Laurentiis recipe is fair game this week.  Whether you're making a snack for Santa's hungry elves, planning a potluck dish for a holiday celebration, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or adding something more to your holiday table, there is a recipe for you.  

Happy Holidays to all our Friends at I Heart Cooking Clubs!

Please choose and post your Giada De Laurentiis Holiday Potluck dish by this Sunday, December 26th.  Don't forget to link your post with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous Holiday Potluck creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

 
Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed last week's theme What's on Your Cookie Plate? be sure to head on over and see all of cookies everyone brought!

Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Giada De Laurentiis right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

We can't wait to see your HOLIDAY POTLUCK dish!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *December Holiday Potluck* Participants

1. Tina (Chicken Vesuvio) 2. Pam - Basil Pesto 3. Kim-Pot Roast, Polenta, and Sprouts 4. Joanne - Pappardelle with Smashed Peas, Sausage, and Ricotta

5. Michelle~ Lemon Risotto 6. DebinHawaii--Orecchiette w/ Toasted Bread Crumbs 7. Nico - Florentine Bars 8. Arlene-Struffoli

9. Almond Cornmeal Cake 10. Joanne - Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale 11. Natashya - Side Car Martini

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What's On Your Cookie Plate?

Me Want Cookies! And candies, pastries, and other treats... It's the holiday season and time for a little indulgence.

What's on your cookie plate? What holiday treats are you making this year?

Yep, that's our theme and the big question here at I Heart Cooking Clubs this week... What's On Your Cookie Plate? What sweet Giada recipe will you be making?


Does your cookie plate hold biscotti, something filled with chocolate or perhaps dusted with powdered sugar or sprinkled with lemon zest?... ;-)

Maybe it's full of candy, wrapped in colorful paper and filled with nuts, or espresso...

Do you fancy cookies cut in holiday shapes? Or mini cakes and tarts?...

Or maybe you want to make something good to drink to enjoy with all the holiday goodies...



What's on Your Cookie Plate? is completely up to you... as long as it is a Giada De Laurentiis recipe of course!

So whether you are taking a plate caroling, going to a party or cookie exchange, leaving out a treat for Santa, or simply having a little snack with a cuppa, make and post What's on Your Cookie Plate? by this Sunday, December 19th.

Don't forget to link your post with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous Cookie Plate creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed last week's theme Make It Simple--The Holiday Madness is Upon Us, be sure to head on over and see all of the quick & easy dishes everyone brought!

Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Giada De Laurentiis right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

We can't wait to see What's On Your Cookie Plate?

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Giada--What's On Your Cookie Plate?* Participants

1. Kim-Apricot and Nut Cookies with Amaretto Ici 2. Joanna - Lemon Ricotta Cookies 3. Tina Marie - drunken chocolate chip

4. girlichef~ Cranberry, Pepita, & Almond Cookies 5. DebinHawaii--Lemon Ricotta Cookies w/ Lemon Glaze 6. Natashya - Almond and Lemon Biscotti

7. Apricot Almond Cookies 8. Mary w/ Apricot & Nut Cookie

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Make it Simple--The Holiday Madness is Upon Us!

With all that's going on around you this holiday season, are you feeling a bit frazzled?

Feeling stuck?  Like you don't know which way to turn?

Wishing you could just kick back and relax for a moment?

Don't ignore the signs that your brain is sending you!

Head into the kitchen, clear your head...

...take stock of what's left to do on your list...

Open up a cookbook (or a browser) and find something quick & simple from Giada to refuel your body and your spirit!

Take it from someone who knows how to relax and Make it Simple this week- the Holiday Madness is Upon Us!  Make it Quick!  Make it Easy!  Just get through it one bite at a time...

Make and post your Quick & Easy recipe to get you through the Holiday Madness by Sunday, December 12th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Comfort Food theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought!  Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Giada De Laurentiis right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Holiday Madness- Make it Simple* Participants

1. Tina - Mozzarella Pinwheels 2. Arlene 3. Michelle- Shrimp Fra Diavolo

4. DebinHawaii--Brown Brown Butter Sauce with Mushroom Ravioli 5. Natashya - White Bean Dip with Ciabatta Crisps 6. Joanna-Oven Fried Garlic Onion Chicken and Honey Mustard Sauce

7. Kim- Mozzarella, Strawberry, and Brown Sugar Panini 8. Natashya - Farfalle with Creamy Mushroom Gorgonzola Sauce 9. Italian Mashed Potatoes

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Warm the Belly, Fill the Soul

It's that time of year, the snow that blows is starting to stick and we want to stay inside and just admire it from the cozy confines of our homes, especially the toasty kitchen!
Snow is pretty, from afar... and when somebody else has to shovel it. But it is cold. Face it, we need extra comforting in these months, for body and for soul. And what better way to comfort ourselves than with food?

 Of course I love a warm pig belly for my aching feet!

But we are talking about the dishes that warm the belly, and fill the soul. Slow cooked dishes that give big flavour and fill you up. Mommy-loves-me foods that will stick with you and make you feel safe - even if it is your turn to walk the dogs, take out the garbage, or *shudder* shovel the driveway.

Thick and gooey, warm and toasty, rich and flavourful. Winter comfort foods on this, the edge of winter, that make you forget just how long this season is going to be.

So whip up a comforting Giada dish, from one of her books or online, that Warms the Belly and Fills the Soul. Post it on or by December 5th so we can all share in your tasty dish!
Hook up to Mr. Linky, below, to participate.

Need help with Mr. Linky or have any questions in general? Check out the Welcome post.

All photos from Google Images

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Warm the Belly, Fill the Soul* Participants

1. Michelle~Turkey/Artichoke Stuffed Shells w/ Arrabbiata Sauce 2. Yvette- Creamy red pepper soup 3. Pam - Pot Roast with Porcini Mushrooms 4. Joanne - Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage ad Toasted Hazelnuts 5. Tina Marie - lemon chicken noodle soup

6. Hope - Meatloaf 7. DebinHawaii--Little Stars with Butter & Parmesan 8. Natashya - Parmesan Smashed Potatoes 9. Mary w/Rigatoni w/ Mushroom Sauce 10. Kim- Pancetta and Cinnamon Waffles

11. girlichef~ Little Stars w/ Butter & Parmesan 12. Recipe Addict-Short Ribs with Tortellini 13. Lana -Classic Italian Lasagna

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November Potluck with Giada!

It's time for one of our favorite themes here at I Heart Cooking Clubs, the Potluck theme!

Choose any recipe you'd like, just as long as it's a recipe by Giada De Laurentiis!

We can't wait to see how you fill your plate. Will it be with a quick weeknight meal? A comforting breakfast? A light snack to help get you through the day? Maybe you're still looking for that one last recipe to add to your Thanksgiving table?

Of course, it's possible with the holidays fast approaching, that you are starting to feel the stress of the season. The best way to cope with the stress is to bring out The Three C's: Chocolate, Caffeine, and Cocktails, all great coping mechanisms. In the end, whichever recipe you choose is up to you!

Please make and post your Giada De Laurentiis November Potluck recipe by Sunday, November 28th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous Giada potluck creation! And do remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Fall Favorites theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious fall-inspired dishes everyone made!


I Heart Cooking Clubs * Giada November Potluck* Participants

1. Yvette-Spaghetti with aragula pest and seared jumbo shrimp 2. Tina Marie - Garlic Citrus Chicken 3. Joanne - Butternut Squash and Vanilla Risotto 4. Michelle~Lemon-Caper Yogurt Sauce (on fish po'boys) 5. Natashya - Linguini with Scallops and Lemon Oil

6. Beth Anne - Zuppa Stracciatella 7. Lemon - Why is Giada not 350 pounds?? - Risotto 8. DebinHawaii--White Bean & Roasted Eggplant Hummus 9. Spicy Tomato Soup - Giada 10. Kelly - Baked Mashed Potatoes

11. Lucia - Homemade Fettuccini with Vodka Sauce 12. Kim- Turkey & Cranberry Ravioli 13. Couscous & Consciousness - Peanut Butter Granola Bars 14. Nonna Luna's Rice 15. Alex@amoderatelife-cheese-stuffed dates with prosciutto

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Fall Favorites With Giada!

We are solidly into the fall season and that means all of the fall foods come out to play. The produce--cranberries, root vegetables, apples, pomegranates, pumpkin and all the other fall and winter squashes. Combine those with the lovely fall herbs and spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, sage, allspice... and you have the makings for some Fall Favorites, our theme for this week with our chef Giada.

We will be making those Giada dishes that remind us of autumn. Whether your Fall Favorites are sweet fruity pies, hearty soups or stews, roasted veggies, comforting pasta dishes or maybe a side dish for a Thanksgiving table, there is a Giada recipe out there for you either in her cookbooks or online.

So to play along find your Giada Fall Favorites recipe, make it and of course post it by Sunday, November 21st.

Of course you will want to link it here, using Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Please remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post--just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

(Not sure of the whole Mr. Linky thing and what a permalink is? Just check out our Welcome post for all the info).

If you missed getting your inner child on for our Kid at Heart theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought!

And, it must be said... remember, we are only cooking through the recipes of Giada De Laurentiis right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

Can't wait to see your Giada Fall Favorite dish!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Giada Fall Favorites* Participants

1. Michelle-Orzo w/ Sausage, Peppers, and Tomatoes 2. Beef Roast with Spicy Parsely Tomato Sauce 3. Pam - Herb Roasted Root Vegetables 4. Tina - Pot Roast with Porcini Mushrooms 5. Mary w/ Chicken Chili

6. DebinHawaii--Easy Osso Buco & Smashed Parmesan Potatoes 7. WW Linguinie with Lemon and Salmon 8. Couscous & Consciousness - Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs 9. Kim- Orecchiette with Sausage, Beans, and Mascarpone 10. Recipe Addict-Pasta e Ceci

11. Natashya - Rotelli with Walnut Sauce 12. girlichef~ egg salad w/ bacon and gorgonzola 13. Kelly - Butternut Squash and Vanilla Risotto 14. Kayte - Butternut Squash Soup

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Kid at Heart

"Youth has no age." ~Pablo Picasso

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"To get back to my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable." ~Oscar Wilde

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"For as rich as you are, it's much better by far to be young at heart." ~Frank Sinatra

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What makes you feel like a kid again?  Is it the smell of your favorite dish as a child?  Is it melting ice cream dripping down the side of a cone?  Is it biting into a warm chocolate chip cookie?  Is it cooking with your own children in the kitchen...hearing their laughter...seeing them fight over who gets to lick the bowl?  Is it a simple sandwich...or a bowl of soup...or a meal you always dreamed of eating when you got older?  Is it simply a sense of adventure and wonder and exploration?  What it is that channels your inner child, spend some time in the kitchen this week and then come back and share some of the fun with us!

Make and post your Kid at Heart recipe by Sunday, November 14th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Out of Italy theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought!  Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Giada De Laurentiis right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Kid at Heart* Participants

1. Kim-Fettucine Alfredo 2. Beth Anne - Sciue Sciue 3. Parmesan Crusted Shrimp/Zucchini Parm 4. Michelle - Frozen Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches 5. Deb In Hawaii--Sauteed Shrimp Cocktail 6. Kayte - Hearty Tomato Soup & Taleggio & Pear Panini

7. Yvette-Rive pudding with vanilla bean, orange and rum 8. Couscous & Consciousness - Cranberry & Almond Cookies with Vanilla Icing 9. Natashya - Prosciutto Mozzarella Pinwheels 10. Allison - Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina 11. Rebecka 12. Margaret

13. Roz ~ Pastina Chicken Soup 14. Alex@amoderatelife-all'Amatriciana with spicy smoked mozzarella meatballs 15. Lana - Rigatoni with Eggplant Puree 16. Mary w/Lemon Chicken Soup

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Out of Italy

This week we are exploring Giada's recipes - Out of Italy!

Yep, Giada has been known to play with other cuisines and we are taking a trip with her.... in our kitchens.

Shall we go to Spain? England? France? America? Mexico? or maybe the Far East?

Get out your passports because this week we are Out of Italy!

Find a great Giada recipe that is not Italian this week - cook it up and share it with us on or by November 7th. Hook it up with Mr. Linky, below, so we can all travel with you!

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

*and, while you are thinking about what to make, check out last week's Chocolatey Creations!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Out of Italy* Participants

1. Pam - Creamy Polenta with Gorgonzola Cheese 2. Deb In Hawaii--Asian Chicken Salad 3. Natashya - Steak Sandwiches with Grilled Mushroom Salad 4. Michelle-Chicken Florentine 5. Tina Marie - French Onion Soup 6. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Vegetable Chow Mein 7. Kim-Chicken Burgers with Garlic-Basil Mayo

8. Roz - Chocolate Croissants ala Giada 9. DebinHawaii--Apple and Thyme Martinis 10. Yvette-Parisian Steak and Cheese Croissant Sandwiches 11. Butternut Squash Risotto 12. Couscous & Consciousness - Chicken & Shrimp with Pancetta Chimichurri 13. Crunchy Slaw 14. Margaret

15. Lana - Hibiscus Tea with Citrus and Vodka 16. Allison - Halloween Spice Cake 17. Kayte - (French) Onion Soup with Fontina and Thyme 18. Beth Anne - Sciue Sciue 19. Andrea - Paridian Steak and Cheese Croissant Sandwich

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Chocolate Cravings!

In a crowded arena, Giada took questions from fans. One of her fans asked the ultimate question.

"Giada, what is your favorite thing to eat?"

Without hesitation, Giada replied. "Dessert. Chocolate to be exact."

This week at I Heart Cooking Clubs, we are celebrating Giada's favorite food group: Chocolate! Over the years, Giada has proven her love of chocolate with over 80 chocolate recipes in her repertoire. There is bound to be something to satisfy your CHOCOLATE CRAVINGS!

Want a chocolate recipe with the "WOW" factor? Perhaps a crowd-pleasing Chocolate-Hazelnut Tart, Chocolate Tiramisu, or even a Zuccotto would hit the spot.

Are a little brownie points in order? A little chocolate always makes things better. Don't worry, we won't tell!

Throwing a Halloween Monster Mash? You're sure to find a trick or treat that is right for you.

What's that...you're feeling like a rebel? Why not think outside the box and add some chocolate to a savory dish like this Panini with Chocolate and Brie?

Psst....don't forget about chocolate in it's liquid form! Liquid chocolate is one of the quickest ways to satiate those chocolate cravings.

This week is all about Chocolate Cravings,whatever you choose. Grab a little of whatever you're craving, sit back, relax, and kick up your feet! After all, you deserve to indulge in a little bit of heaven every now and then, right?

Make and post your Chocolate Cravings recipe by Sunday, October 31st. Don't forget to link your post of the week with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your crave-worthy chocolate recipe by Giada. And do remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Potluck theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious potluck dishes everyone brought! A big thank you to everyone who helped to create such a fabulous turnout for our first Potluck with Giada.

*Photos courtesy of Food Network


I Heart Cooking Clubs *Chocolate Cravings* Participants

1. DebinHawaii--Frothy Chocolate Espresso Shakes 2. Tina Marie - espresso Brownies 3. The Chef In My Head 4. Kim-Chocolate Rice Pudding 5. Balsamic Chocolate Truffles 6. Mocha Rice Pudding 7. girlichef~ Espresso Brownies

8. Michelle- Chocolate Panna Cotta 9. Allison - Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge 10. Pam - Chocolate Anise Biscotti 11. Couscous & Consciousness - Espresson Caramel Bars 12. Another Brownie 13. The Friday Friends-chocolate chip/walnut cupcakes 14. yvette-Mascarpone and Dark Chocolate Cream in White Chocolate Cups

15. Natashya - Chocolate Rice Pudding 16. Kelly - Chocolate Pizza - Categories and Cravings 17. Lana - Chocolate-Hazelnut Kisses 18. Margaret 19. Allison - Halloween Spice Cake 20. Kayte - Espresso Caramel Bars

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October Potluck!

It's October Potluck time, and our very first Potluck with Giada.

Time to make any recipe you choose--as long as it is a recipe by Giada De Laurentiis of course!

So if you are craving pasta, a little pre-dinner pupu (that's an appetizer here in Hawaii), a ooey-gooey dessert, a nourishing soup or salad... just find your Giada Potluck recipe and get cooking!


Make and post your October Potluck recipe by Sunday, October 24th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous Giada potluck creation! And do remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Served Family Style theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious family-pleasing dishes everyone brought!

See you at the Potluck!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Giada October Potluck* Participants

1. Pam - Pasta with Arugula Pesto 2. DebinHawaii--Peanut Butter Granola Bars 3. Kim-Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs 4. Lana - Pasta e Fagioli 5. Couscous & Consciousness - Grilled Asparagus & Rock Melon Salad 6. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Butternut Squash Lasagna 7. Kelly - Memories of Manicotti at Midnight

8. Joanna@Go Ahead & Snicker-Spicy Calimari Stew 9. Tina Marie - Linguine with Scallops and Lemon Oil 10. Allison 11. Lucia 12. The Chef In My Head 13. Natashya - Shrimp and Red Pepper Lasagna Rolls 14. Lexi--Zeppole

15. Nico - Spicy Tomato Soup 16. Chaya - Lemon Chicken Soup 17. natalia hazelnuts chocolate chips cookies 18. girlichef~ Herbed Cheese Polenta 19. Yvette-Halloween spice cake 20. Mary w/farfalle w/sausage and mushrooms 21. Kayte - Tuscan White Bean and Garlic Soup

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