Stuffed 8 Ball Squash with Bacon and Panko Crumbs

We are in love with 8 ball squash, the round little zucchinis that are the size of a billiard ball. We are so enamored with it, IttyBittyFoodies’ uses them as their signature avatar. You may need to hunt for them at different grocery stores but you can definitely get them at the Dallas Farmers Market at the Lemley’s produce stand. Here’s an easy and quick recipe for dinner I recently did for White Rock Lake Weekly. The stuffing can be made ahead and then baked in the zuccchini on the night that you plan on eating. And they are so cute, they naturally make for an awesome presentation and will be a conversation starter at dinner time.

Pho Colonial

Spring Rolls & Egg rolls - yum

The opening of Pho Colonial Vietnamese Diner is a welcomed addition to downtown Dallas which is speckled with great but expensive restaurants like Charlie Palmer at The Joule or greasy spoons and pizza joints. Pho Colonial, located just opposite the flagship Neiman Marcus store on the corner of Main and Ervay provides the population with a fresh alternative, great food at a mid range price point.

Lemley’s at Dallas Farmers Market

Tonight's dessert after a day of painting paper boats

Many of us associate Lemley’s at the Dallas Farmers Market with sweet summer peaches but I’ve always found all his produce just stellar. The last month Pikelet & Lollo have had asked me repeatedly to drive downtown for Lemley’s canteloupes. The sweet aroma will envelop you before you even cut one open. And oh the heavenly pink coral flesh that await at first bite – juicy, sweet, luscious…

Freshest Easter Eggs

Look what the Easter bunny left us!

It’s Easter and Pikelet & Lollo have eggs on their minds. Not the chocolate variety but the regular hen laid sort. Just take a gander at these farm fresh beauties from Frognot Farms. The darling dozen come in different sizes and in sweet hues of pale green, blue, brown, spotty and crisp white (look at my header!). The children are so charmed by their appearance, they cannot wait to eat them. Looks like we’ll be having Easter eggs all year long!

This season’s holiday treats & gourmet gifts

Salted Caramel Cookies from Wackym's Kitchen

As we head into full holiday mode, here are some gourmet gifts that my kid foodies love to bring to people’s houses or share with their little friends at dinner parties.

8 Ball Squash

8 Ball Squash

… the cutest little zucchini in the world!  They’re round and the size of a billiard ball – thus the name 8 ball squash. They are so darn cute, it’s almost a pity to cook them. But here’s a delicious recipe for you to try with your kids. Pikelet & Lollo liked to play with them more than eat them but the squash did looked good enough to try (which is all a parent can ask for). It’s a wonderful Fall accompaniment especially with grilled Lamb Rib Chops.