Easter weekend in my kitchen.

Gas prices and a recent unplanned trip back to see family kept Jeremy and I home for Easter this year. It's always a little sad to know that family is gathered but you aren't there (though I heard the group was smaller this year).

I spent much of my time in the kitchen this weekend. During the week I don't draw as much enjoyment from cooking, mostly because it feels quite rushed. But on weekends, I enjoy trying new recipes.

Yesterday morning after a trip to the farmer's market and grocery store, I came home and whipped up a breakfast cheesecake and a frittata. In the afternoon I cooked a pot of black beans and made a vanilla custard topped with balsamic strawberries (amazing!).

Although it was just the two of us celebrating Easter today and Jeremy was sick with a respiratory thing and therefore I attended church alone, I still wanted to make something special for our meal. The menu included: sweet potato egg cups, chicken-apple sausage, lemon roasted asparagus, and the leftover breakfast cheesecake topped with strawberries (all pictured above). I also made a batch of granola and chocolate walnut brownies made with coconut flour.

Now I'm sort of pooped! I'll be posting some of the new recipes on The Cooks Next Door throughout the next couple weeks if you're interested.

I hope you all had a blessed Easter Day!