Absence Makes the Heart...

You know the rest.

It's rare that while we're up in Boston that we're apart for a full 24 hours. Mishka has to go back to his home town for medical reasons and so it could be a week or more before I see him again. It's not hard when I'm at home too because I have my family to laugh with. But this week will mark the first time that I've really lived alone for any extended period of time.

I know a week isn't really all that "extended". But I come from a family of six and since Mishka and I have been dating there was never a day we didn't spend tons of time together. It will be a bit of an adjustment. I'm sure there will be many times over the course of our marriage where one of us will have to be alone, so I'm considering this practice.

And one of my little plans for how to pass the alone time is: set up a few special treats for our reunion. I'm an avid chef so I think I'll plan a special menu for our week back. Want to get a little preview?

I've been waiting to make these forever:

They are Healthy and Crunchy chicken cones with Mango coleslaw. It just looks so delicious, and Mishka is also very excited for them which is a plus. Sometimes it takes some convincing to get Mishka to try new things, but this is not one of them :).

As a snack we may also try a bit of:

Spinach and Artichoke dip. Mishka, though not a fan of artichokes, tried some Spinach and Artichoke dip at my house during my family's "mini christmas" celebration. He loved it and has asked a few times whether I have a recipe for it. Seeing as I have several I thought I'd try this one from "Healthy and Delicious" since we're trying to treat our bodies well in this new year.

You're not going to believe this next one:

What is that you ask? BUTTERBEER!!! A recipe straight out of Harry Potter. Don't worry, it's not alcoholic. Since Mishka recently got us a copy of the new Harry Potter movie, I thought it would be an awesome treat to enjoy two foamy, creamy mugs of butter beer while watching the latest Harry Potter installment.

Then there's these:

They are cheddar chipotle scones and I thought they would pair perfectly with another recipe I've been dying to try: Tomato and Raviolli soup. There's nothing like a grilled cheese with tomato soup, but sometimes it's nice to take a break from the ordinary.

And finally, though I don't have a picture, there's a mac & cheese recipe that I know Mishka will love. It's cheesey, baked, and loaded with savory herbs and bread crumbs.

Mishka, if you're reading this, I hope your mouth is watering and I can't wait until next week when we can start making our way through this list! Bon Appetit! I miss you :).