Pesto Peas with Bacon and Red Potatoes

Pesto Peas with Bacon and Red Potatoes
inspired by Food Network Magazine 50 Things To Do With Pesto 
serves 4 as a side dish

3 Slices of Bacon, Chopped Into 1-inch Pieces
2 Red Potatoes, Cubed Into 1/2-inch Pieces
1 Cup Frozen Peas, Heated
2 Tablespoons Pesto
Salt and Pepper, To Taste

Add bacon and potatoes to a skillet and cook until bacon is crisp and potatoes are fork tender.  Add heated peas and stir in pesto.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

I'm a bad blogger... I missed my 2 year anniversary!  I had a whole basil themed week idea months ago but completely dropped the ball on that one.  So, to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of Basil Development, I give you this, a recipe with pesto.   Basil, as you know, is a main ingredient in pesto. Enjoy!

Almond Cupcakes with Butter Cream Frosting

Almond Cupcakes with Butter Cream Frosting
makes 24 cupcakes

Cupcake:
1 Box White Cake Mix
Butter, Melted
1 Teaspoon Almond Extract

Follow instructions on box mix except substitute melted butter for the oil and add almond extract to the mix. Bake as directed.

Frosting:
from foodnetwork.com
3 Cups Powdered Sugar
1 Cup Butter, Softened
1 Teaspoon Almond Extract
1 to 2 Tablespoons Milk

Beat powdered sugar and butter together on low speed until well blended then increase to speed to medium and beat for another 2 minutes.  Add almond and milk and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 more minute, adding more milk if needed.

M and I just celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary.  To commemorate, I thought it would be fun to make these cupcakes since our wedding cake was a white almond.  For our main course we had Jimmy John's, which we also had on our wedding day.  I have to admit I sometimes feel like I'm cheating when I bake with a mix.  However, when I add a little something extra and make it my own they can taste delectable.