Happy Friday, all!

Personally, I often prefer a very busy day. So this week, when I had to take it down a notch for health’s sake, I tried to embrace my more low-key evenings. A little extra TV, a little more chill. It was actually quite nice! And while I am looking forward to a busier routine come Monday, I came to appreciate the forced “slow down” a bit more than I anticipated.

This week’s Buffet is full of all the goods and plenty of options for the weekend’s events: the Kentucky Derby is on Saturday! Cinco de Mayo is on Sunday! So grab your biggest, best hat, whip up some guacamole, and gear up for a fun couple days.

Have a great weekend! 

Read

Just used this beauty of a feature to pick a dinner! Check out this article that rounds up 48 (!) quick weeknight meals that are well-suited for everyone - no matter how busy your day may be. 

Here’s a sign that May will be a fun, exciting month: my spring dessert horoscope, thank you Bon Appétit, is a gluten free (!!!) Spiced Honey Cake. Hi, I need to get baking. Click the link to find yours!

And now for something completely different... healthy clubbing! Um, what? This isn’t a joke. Check it out.

Cook

Extra recipes this week! You’re welcome.

If I were to host a Cinco de Mayo gathering, there would most certainly be this beef queso dip available upon your arrival. I’d just use GF flour. ;)

And I would also serve these cheddar jalapeno chicken burgers. Because wow.

Wait, more? Yes, I can’t resist a dip. I’ll make this poblano corn cheese dip, too. Sound good?

Perhaps you’re getting ready, a little early, for Mother’s Day! I’m thinking this Vegan Lemon Asparagus Risotto may be a delicious gift - so appropriate for spring!

Back to the horses. Another reason for a party! There are so many great ideas out there for Derby Day party menus, but here are a few that sound extra-awesome to me…

First off…a guide to The Mint Julep.

Next, let’s get to the food.

Brown Sugar and Brown Butter Pecans - a sweet and salty snack!

Bourbon Meatballs - decadent and bite-size!

And to really impress the crowd: Kentucky derby mini chocolate-pecan cakes with vanilla bourbon smash ice cream - these look to be easily made gluten free. ;)

Dine

Heading out to watch the Derby? We had a lot of fun watching it from the Legal Harborside third floor rooftop! Enjoy platters of sushi, delicious drinks, and a stellar view - plus watch the race!

On Sunday, I recommend heading to Burro Bar for Cinco de Mayo festivities. Or Adelita. Or Lone Star Taco Bar. All excellent options; the tortilla chips at Adelita are safely gluten free, pairing perfectly with guacamole. The carnitas taco at Lone Star is unreal. Cocktails and tacos at Burro Bar are very good.

Another option? Might I suggest spending the afternoon at Oak Long Bar and Kitchen? It’s one of our all-time favorites. I hear they have a great Derby Day party in store. ;)

Shop

Starting to plan for summer, it will arrive eventually, and I need this shirt. Such a sucker for stripes.

We just bought these Siete Foods grain-free taco shells. I’m so excited to try them!

This 25-piece bakeware set is called a dream and that’s entirely accurate. Because it’s a total dream set of equipment! But where would I store all of it? Time to dream…

Enjoy! 

Mollie