#BrunchWeek has been a rousing success – so many amazing bloggers and sponsors and I really have to send thanks to the #BrunchWeek fearless leaders,  Christine of Cook the Story and Terri of Love & Confections

I knew I had to bring a cocktail to the party and for every soiree I hold, there’s a strong chance that a sangria will be involved.  I still remember my first sangria when I was much younger and interned at a radio station in West Hartford, Connecticut.  My friend Kelly and I would visit some of the on-air talent when they did appearances at a local watering hole and sangria was on the menu.  Intrigued, I decided to order it instead of a beer and that’s when my love affair with sangria was born.  Whenever I see it on a menu, I often order it and that first sip takes me back to my Connecticut days.

When at Whole Foods this week, I noticed that fresh cherries were available and I knew that I would end #BrunchWeek with a cherry sangria – melding cherry and almond flavors with a bit of DiSaronno (another taste memory but I’ll explore that another time ) and citrus and it’s a winner.  The hardest part of the whole cocktail is pitting the cherries but if you want to use frozen pitted dark sweet cherries, feel free.  Sangria is better if you make it the day before – letting the flavors meld.  At the earliest, prep it a few hours before and let it marinate in the fridge.

Onto the recipe:

Gather the Ingredients

Aren’t these cherries gorgeous?

There is nothing better than fresh fruit in a cocktail, IMO

Ahhh – DiSaronno – how you bring back memories

Now – don’t you want a sip?

For some amazing recipes from the other #BrunchWeek bloggers, check out the links below:

Brunch Drink Recipes

Frozen Grasshopper by Amanda’s Apron
Gin and Sparkling Red Wine Cocktail by Take A Bite Out Of Boca
Chocolate Trifle {kid friendly} by Real Housemoms
Vanilla Pomegranate Mojito by Noshing With The Nolands
Cherry Sangria by Cooking In Stilettos

Potato Brunch Recipes

Parmesan Roasted Red Potatoes with Vidalia Onions and Thyme by Cook the Story
A Salad Called German Potato by The Vintage Cook

Breads, Grains, Cereals and Pancake-type Yums

Chocolate Chip Craisin Granola Bars by Big Bear’s Wife
Dandelion Pesto Pizza by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Biscoff Walnut Granola Parfaits by White LIghts on Wednesday
Stuffed French Toast by poet in the pantry
Pina Colada French Toast by The Domestic Mama & The Village Cook
Sourdough Epi Baguettes with Rhubarb Blood Orange Ginger Jam by Spontaneous Tomato
Carrot Cake Pancakes by Love and Confections

Spreads and Dips for Brunch

Strawberry-Kiwi Jam by Sweet Remedy
Grilled Pineapple and Walnut Dip by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner

Brunch Dessert Recipes

Raspberry Sweet Rolls with Meyer Lemon Glaze by by Cravings of a Lunatic
Florida Strawberry, Lavender Farmers Cheese and California Walnut Braided Pastries by Vanilla Lemonade

Don’t forget -there’s a #BrunchWeek PinChat Live today on Pinterest at the #BrunchWeek Pinterest board from 2-3 p.m. and I’m hearing there’s more prizes involved.   Make sure to drop by and see what it’s all about

Many thanks to the #BrunchWeek sponsors who made this week possible!

• Bob’s Red Mill
• California Walnuts
• Stonyfield Organic
• Lodge Cast Iron
• Flavors of Summer
• Black Gold Farms
• Food and Wine Conference and #SundaySupper
• Whole Foods Orlando

Thanks for reading Cherry Sangria – The Perfect Cocktail To End #BrunchWeek on Cooking In Stilettos™™. Want to get social? Join Cooking In Stilettos™™ on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest

It’s been SO long since I’ve done a Fab Friday that I decided some {virtual} shopping is needed. And, I pinky swear that a fabulous cocktail recipe will be here tomorrow for #BrunchWeek and for Mother’s Day. Trust me when I say it’s a doozy

I figured I’d focus on some great gifts that would be perfect to give or to receive and can be found at the local mall or bookstore. So, without further ado – let’s go shopping shall we?

Fab Friday – Mother’s Day Edition

1. When it comes to summer sandals, there can never be too many, right? Check out these fun and colorful Ladan sandals from Kate Spade New York.

2. Speaking of Kate Spade – when I was shopping a few weeks ago, one of the gals at Nordstroms was so kind to give me a sample of Kate Spade’s latest fragrance Live Colorfully and can I say I’m OBSESSED! This lovely is perfect for gifting to your favorite mom or grandmom or even to yourself – the scent is delightful!

3. Juicing seems to be the craze lately. There are so many green juice recipes out there and who wants to pay $7 – $8 for one! Heck – I know I don’t. I’ve been hearing about the benefits and while some people say that my beloved Vitamix can do the damage, I’m hearing from others that a juicer is necessary. We have this Breville Juice Fountain that was bought a couple years ago on a whim and it’s been beyond neglected (and I’ve heard horror stories about the cleanup – which, after a quick google search – has told me that the people who started that little rumor are full of pulp! Anywhoo – if you know of anyone that likes to juice, there are some killer sales on them this spring & summer and you know to maximize your online dollar when shopping too! More bang for the buck (or produce in this case!)

4. I love this Le Creuset Marseille Skinny Grill – perfect for when you don’t want to break out the two burner grill pan. Plus – look at those colors!

5. One can never go wrong with Meyer Lemons, right? Check out this Meyer Lemon Caldera gift set from Williams Sonoma – love!

6. Love fruit flavored waters to go? Check out this Aqua Zinger Flavored Water Maker from Brookstone – so simple and without the fuss!

7. This has the top spot as one of my favorite Latin cookbooks – Ingrid Hoffmann’s Latin d’Lite: Delicious Latin Recipes with a Healthy Twist.  I have a slew of recipes that I need to share with you from this book. Ingrid’s recipes have inspired me to get my stilettos back in the kitchen, get out of my blogging funk and if those recipes can be a bit healthier, I’m all for that.

[FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate and/or referral links which help offset the cost of hosting this site. However, as always, my opinions are 100% my own]

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Ahhh – Brunch Week is hitting the home stretch – we’ve got only a couple days until the #BrunchWeek giveaway (have you entered yet?  Do you remember these prizes?? Hurry!!!) and I’ve got a recipe that will have you going “Aly – have you gone mad??”

BREAKFAST COOKIES!

Yes – you heard me right – I said cookies for breakfast.  Now – before you bite my head off – hear me out on the Breakfast Cookie argument.  Ever have a morning when you are racing around like mad with a bizillion things to do and remember “Shoot – I forgot to get breakfast!” and you stop at the local fast food place or D&D or ‘bucks and grab one of their breakfast items.  Do you know how many calories are in that item?

Here in Philly, they are required to post calorie counts next to items and when I see 500+ cal. for a BAGEL I panic – seriously.  My butt may be “fluffy” but I have come to the realization that I need to make some good choices and if it means making a cookie that is much lower in calories but high in nutrition, well then – it’s a no-brainer. The key is to have JUST one.  Plus – mornings are a nightmare for me with all that is going on with the Sous Pug so if I can grab one of these and race out the door with my coffee in hand, well, I’m already thinking it’s a good day.

One of my fave healthy chefs, Ellie Krieger, has a stupendous recipe for Breakfast Cookies that will have your family thinking you are the best ever!  Your family doesn’t have to know how good it is for them and I pinky swear I will never tell.  I made a few changes but that’s because I’m a total pumpkin/butternut squash fiend but you can always use carrot baby food.  I also prefer dried cherries in my cookies.  Normally I soak them in a bit of rum, but since this is a breakfast cookie, I thought I’d behave.

Make these and tell your family that they can have a cookie for breakfast – they will be telling everyone that you are the coolest ever!

Onto the recipe:

Gather the Ingredients

The scent of these California Walnuts brought back memories of my Bampa and his penchant for walnuts

Not the most attractive batter but it’s the flavor that counts

Now tell me you wouldn’t want a bite of this?

Let’s see what the other #BrunchWeek Bloggers have cooked up for us today:

Brunch Drink Recipes

St-Germain and Prosecco Cocktails by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Strawberry Lemongrass Martinis by White Lights on Wednesday

Breads, Grains, Cereals and Pancake-type Yums

Granola, Yogurt and Walnut Cups by Cook the Story
Banana Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal by Big Bear’s Wine
Apple and Beecher’s Flagship Reserve Cheddar Wheat Belly Crepes by Vanilla Lemonade
Garden Squares by {i love} my disorganized life
Maple Sausage French Toast Bake by Real Housemoms

Brunch Egg Recipes

Mediterranean Frittata by Spontaneous Tomato

Potato Recipes for Brunch

Potato and Bacon Hash by Cravings of a Lunatic

Meat, Poultry, Fish and Legume Brunch Recipes

Key Lime Shrimp Salad by The Domestic Mama & The Village Cook
Black Bean Breakfast Tacos by Sweet Remedy
Fruit for Brunch
Fruit Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing by Kokocooks

Brunch Dessert Recipes

Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Muffins by Rachel Cooks
Rustic Apple Cake & Tea with Mom by The Vintage Cook
Toasted Almond and Chocolate Muffins by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Crumb Cake Parfait by Take A Bite Out of Boca
Rum and Raisin French Toast by Noshing With The Nolands
Cinnamon Raisin Banana Stuffed French Toast by Katie’s Cucina
Breakfast Cookies by Cooking In Stilettos
Berry Parfaits by Love and Confections
Rhubarb Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits by Kelly Bakes

Want to know more about the fabulous #BrunchWeek sponsors?  Check out their links below.

• Bob’s Red Mill
• California Walnuts
• Stonyfield Organic
• Lodge Cast Iron
• Flavors of Summer
• Black Gold Farms
• Food and Wine Conference and #SundaySupper
• Whole Foods Orlando

Disclosure:  Many thanks to California Walnuts – while I was not compensated for this recipe, I did receive some of their product to play in the kitchen with.  As you know, I don’t use anything or recommend anything I don’t personally adore.

So what are you waiting for – enter to WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for reading Cookies for Breakfast – Why Not! #BrunchWeek on Cooking In Stilettos™™. Want to get social? Join Cooking In Stilettos™™ on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest

Confession:

It’s no secret that I have had a torrid love affair with blueberries since I was a young child.  Recently, I have begun cheating on my beloved blueberries with its cousin, the blackberry, and using this delicious berry in more of my dishes.  With #BrunchWeek upon us, I figured I would make a blackberry jam but, the more I thought about it, well, it just sounded so – so – plain.  With all that is going on for #BrunchWeek, I wanted to do something special and play with flavors so, after running into some gorgeous looking blueberries, I figured it was time to marry the two and add a savory component to it.  A bit of thyme, a touch of citrus and *poof* this divine black and blue thyme jam was born.

I use the same technique I used for my easiest ever strawberry jam and mixed berry jam and just tweaked it a bit.  Obviously, I didn’t can it in a rolling water bath to make it shelf stable but you definitely could do it.  It’s more like a refrigerator jam that will keep for a few weeks.  It’s great on biscuits and toast but also, I served a bit of it with my Almond Crunch Coffee Cake.  The thyme flavor is not overwhelming and, as I’m marinating on the idea of other uses, I might even try it in sauce form with a bit of red pepper for some chicken this weekend.

When you want to try something that has people wondering “Hmmm..what is that deliciousness”, try this – and let it be our little secret.  I’ll never tell.

On to the recipe:

Gather the ingredients

Is there anything better than freshly squeezed OJ?

Letting the Berries work their magic with the sugar and zest

Adding the Thyme to the Berries

Bring it all to a rolling boil, let simmer and

VIOLA!

Check out what other fabulous recipes the #BrunchWeek Bloggers cooked up:

Brunch Recipes with Eggs

Asparagus and Leek Frittata by Rachel Cooks
Baked Ham and Egg Cups by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Deviled Egg Spread with Home Rolled Crackers by Vanilla Lemonade
Veggie Quiche Cups by Take A Bite Out of Boca
Asparagus and Eggs in Mornay Sauce by Noshing With The Nolands

Brunch Recipes with Potatoes

Traditional Home Fries by Sarcastic Cooking

Meat, Poultry and Fish Brunch Recipes

Chicken Pockets by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Turkey Dill Crepes by Kokocooks

Breads, Grains, Cereals and Pancake-type Yums

Cherry Coconut Granola by Katie’s Cucina
Brioche by poet in the pantry
Gold Goddess Steel Cut Oats by The Vintage Cook
Quick and Easy Early Morning Parfaits by Cravings of a Lunatic
Caramelized Onion & Bacon Croque Monsieur by The Kitchen Prep

Belgian Liege Waffles by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen

Fruit and Vegetable Brunch Recipes

Warm Salad Three Ways by Cook the Story

Spreads for Brunch

Black & Blue Thyme Jam by Cooking In Stilettos

Brunch Dessert Recipes

Crumb-Top Blueberry Muffins by Love and Confections
Banana Walnut Scone (Gluten Free/Dairy Free) by Around My Family Table
Croissant & Chocolate Bread Pudding by White Lights on Wednesday
Honey Poached Pear “Sundae” by Amanda’s Apron
Strawberries and Cream Muffins by The Domestic Mama & The Village CookLemon Poke Cake by Real Housemoms

For a listing of prizes and more being given away during #BrunchWeek, you can check out my Hangover Breakfast Burrito post and to find out more about the fabulous #BrunchWeek sponsors, you can check out their links below.

Bob’s Red Mill

California Walnuts

Stonyfield Organic

Lodge Cast Iron

Flavors of Summer

Black Gold Farms

Food and Wine Conference and #SundaySupper

Whole Foods Orlando

So what are you waiting for – enter to WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for reading Tried and True: Black and Blue Thyme Jam #BrunchWeek on Cooking In Stilettos™™. Want to get social? Join Cooking In Stilettos™™ on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest

Grab that morning coffee because I have a doozy of a post for you (as well as a recipe you will find yourself making again and again) because it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year – Brunch Week!

What’s Brunch Week you ask?

Well – some amazing bloggers, led by Christine of Cook the Story and Terri of Love & Confections, got together and started to chat about all things brunch. Well, one thing lead to another and next thing you know, there’s over 30 bloggers participating, major giveaways with some fabulous prizes and the recipes – oh the recipes  – let’s just say, bookmark these recipes because there’s a slew of good eats going on!  Over the next week, I will be contributing a few of my fave tried and trues, including this fabulous one by one of my fave stiletto chefs, Candice Kumai – a Hangover Breakfast Burrito.

This recipe is from Candice’s latest cookbook, Cook Yourself Sexy, which really has changed my outlook on cooking and making better choices.  Now – don’t let the word “hangover” mislead you. These burritos are not only for when you have a hangover from way too many cocktails (not that I’ve ever had that happen *cough*), but can be the perfect jump start to a busy day. Packed with some great FWB (foods with benefits), this easy to prepare breakfast burrito packs a punch. In today’s “go-go-go” world, we need every edge we can get and grabbing a bagel or a quick breakfast sammie might not be the best choice.

I made a few slight changes to her recipe and also made a bit extra so I can grab and go in the mornings. I roasted the veggies to get a bit of extra umph in the flavor and instead of Gruyere, I grabbed some sharp cheddar to top it off. Add a touch of fresh thyme and *viola* you have a burrito that is fantastic for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

So – let’s get to the recipe shall we?

Grab your ingredients

Is there anything better than roasted asparagus

Adding some spice to the eggs

Time to build – eggs and a bit of asparagus

And some sweet potato

With a slight touch of cheese and

Viola – the perfect breakfast burrito!

Now – onto all things Brunch Week Detail and, what you are really curious about – the Giveaways!

We are so grateful to have such amazing sponsors for Brunch Week who have given us a fabulous bunch of incredible (INCREDIBLE!) prizes for our giveaway.

Prize #1:

From California Walnuts one lucky winner will receive:

A KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer model number: KSM150PSGA. Mixer comes with: 2-piece pouring shield, 5-quart stainless steel bowl, flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip.

A Walnut Prize Pack containing 1lb burlap bag of fresh California Walnuts, 1 portion control tin, 1 heart shaped cookie cutter, 1 flexible cutting mat, 1 mini spatula, 1 chip clip and 1 water pouch. .

Prize #2: (but with lots of winners)

From Lodge Cast Iron one lucky winner will receive:

One lucky winner from the rafflecopter below will receive a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, three silicone pieces (a hot handle holder, a pot holder and a trivet).

In addition, one lucky participant from our TweetChat on Sunday May 5th from 2-3pm Eastern will also win a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet and the three silicone pieces. PLUS five lucky participants will get a set of the three silicone pieces. (Search for hashtag #BrunchWeek to follow along. Use the hashtag in tweets during the chat to enter to win).

AND, everyone who comments in our PinChatLive on Saturday May 11th between 2-3pm Eastern will also be entered to win one prize of a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet and a set of three silicone pieces and 4 prizes that contain three silicone pieces each. (For the PinChatLive go to The BrunchWeek Pinterest Board at 2pm on May 11th and comment on the questions pins there. Refresh your screen often so you don’t miss any new questions).

Prize #3:

From Flavors of Summer one lucky winner will receive:

A Flavors of Summer Entertaining Package including (get this!) a $100 gift card to Sur la Table! In addition to the amazing gift card, this entertaining package includes a variety of goodies including cookbooks, kitchen utensils, entertaining partyware like a chip and dip server, beverage container and more. From free products, to fun stuff for decorating – you’ll be able to make the most of your next summer party.

Prize #4:

From Black Gold Farms one lucky winner will receive:

A Martha Stewart Collection Kitchen Prize Package including a 3 quart Enameled Cast Iron Casserole, Magnetic Spice Grinders, a Pot Clip, Cheese Grater and a Silicone Head Spatula.

Prize #5:

From the Food and Wine Conference and #SundaySupper:

The Food and Wine Conference is being held in Orlando, Florida from July 19-21st at the unbelievably beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek. Speakers include Sara Moulton (of Food Network fame), Michael Green (a true celebrity in the wine and spirits world) and Jaden Hair (cookbook author and creator of Steamy Kitchen). This prize is for a single Full Conference Pass with a value of $250. (Accommodations can be booked at the Rosen Shingle Creek at a highly discounted rate for all conference attendees).

Prize #6:

From Bob’s Red Mill one lucky winner will receive:

A Bob’s Red Mill Kitchen Prize Pack: A beautifully emblazoned Bob’s Red Mill canvas tote bag containing the Bob’s Red Mill Cookbook, assorted Bob’s Red Mill products, a Salter® Baker’s Dream Aquatronic Baking Scale, Norpro® Silicone Heat Resistant Spatula, Best® Standard French Whip and a $40 Bob’s Red Mill Gift Card.

Prize #7:

From Whole Foods Orlando one lucky winner will receive:

The Whole Foods Orlando Breakfast In Bed Basket: Mixing Bowl, Allegro Organic Breakfast Blend Coffee, Allegro Coffee Mug, Cooking Whisk, Microplane, Delamotte Champagne, 365 Organic Amber Maple Syrup, Whole Pantry Cinnamon Sticks, French Brioche and a $25 Whole Foods Market Gift Card

Prize #8:

From Whole Foods Orlando one lucky winner will receive:

Whole Foods Flavorful Delights Basket: Full of fun items and ingredients to play with in the kitchen: 5 qt Colander,, Servino Homemade Pastas, 365 Organic Balsamic Vinegar, Macadamia Oil, Marmigiano Regiano, Key Lime Savory Oil, Branfords Original Hot Sauce, Cheese Grater, Vosges Black Pearl Bar Chocolate, Vosges Fire Bar Chocolate, R.C. Buck’s Gourmet Rub – Sweet Orange Habanero, Divina Pickles – Sweet Watermelon Rind, Composta Di Fragole – Strawberry Compote with Modena Balsamic Vinegar, Sabatino Tartufi – Truffle and Honey

Prize #9:

From Stonyfield Organic one lucky winner will receive:

A Stonyfield Kitchen Prize Pack: A Prize Pack full of yogurt fun From Stonyfield Organic Yogurt is just ONE of the amazing prizes in our #BrunchWeek 2013 giveaway.Preserve Colander, Preserve portable yogurt carrier, Preserve cutting board, Stonyfield cookbook, Stonyfield oven mitt, Travel sandwhich carrier made out of 100% reused plastic bottles, Stonyfield water bottle, Stonyfield tote bag, 10 free cups of Stonyfield Greek.

Today’s #BrunchWeek Recipes:

Brunch Beverage Recipes

Irish Cream Coffee by Sweet Remedy

{Grown-Up} Lemonade by {i love} my disorganized live

Brunch Egg Recipes

An Easy Italian Egg Recipe by Cook the Story

Asparagus Tomato Frittata by Big Bear’s Wife

Sausage and Egg Muffins by Small Wallet Big Appetite

Mennonite Gold Hash & Eggs by The Vintage Cook

Eggs over Wilted Spinach by The Vintage Cook

Brie and Herb Omelette by Noshing With The Nolands

Hangover Breakfast Burrito by Cooking In Stilettos

Brunch Recipes for Breads, Grains, Cereals and Pancake-Type Yums

Almond Croissants by Love and Confections

Granola Pancakes by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner

Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze by Katie’s Cucina

Strawberry Scones by Real Housemoms

Blueberry Vanilla Muffins by Take A Bite Out Of Boca

Brunch Dessert Recipes

Marcona Almond and Duck Fat Brittle by Vanilla Lemonade

Kiwi and Rose Cream Trifle by Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Banana “Ice Cream” by Amanda’s Apron

Grilled Strawberry, Brie, Chocolate and Walnut Sandwich by Confessions of an Overworked Mom

Chocolate Coated Mini Donuts by Kokocooks

So what are you waiting for – ENTER!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for reading Tried and True: Hangover Breakfast Burrito #BrunchWeek #Giveaway on Cooking In Stilettos™™. Want to get social? Join Cooking In Stilettos™™ on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest