This week, I completed my first year of college. You can applaud if you like; I’m quite proud of myself. There were many moments when I thought I just couldn’t do it, but I stuck it out. And through it all, I’ve been blog-blog-bloggin’ away. No matter how rough things got with my workload, I stuck with Smart Cookie. Maybe my priorities are out of order; college should probably be my main concern. But I have no passion for college, or the 75% useless fluff that I’m taught at college. My passion is food, making it, eating it, and of course, sharing it. So maybe, according to society, I should be more concerned with academics. Well, in my opinion, I should do what makes me happy.

Besides, I managed a 4.0, so I’d say I’m doing an okay job balancing both.

This week wasn’t just full of finals and freshman year completion, it was full of awesome food too. It was a particularly delicious week, if I do say so myself. Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look:

1. Tortellini Pizza
   Possibly the best pizza I’ve ever eaten. A crisp pizza crust is smothered in the most divine parmesan cream sauce on the planet then topped with tender cheese tortellinis, melted mozzarella, and fresh oregano. A-flippin’-mazing.
   
   
   
2. Chili Mac & Cheese with Roasted Squash & Beans
   This is mac & cheese on steroids. The super creamy double cheese sauce is full of zesty spices, so it’s packing some heat. Then, the mac & cheese is stuffed with sweet roasted butternut squash & hearty beans. It’s a full-blown meal in mac & cheese!
3. Loaded Taco Bowl
   This week’s healthy recipe will blow your mind with its epic heartiness & flavor. Tender beans, a whole black bean veggie burger, cheese, salsa, and more are piled into this vegetarian bowl, all for under 300 calories.
4. Chocolate Chip Lava Cookies
   My new favorite dessert! Warm, chewy chocolate chunk cookies brimming with velvety, rich, molten chocolate centers. It’s pure divinity.

Plus, make sure you don’t miss my newest video. I’m talking about the biggest dos and don’ts in the kitchen and, to my dismay, I’m demonstrating all the don’ts. DO watch. DON’T miss it!

Also, if you don’t like Smart Cookie on Facebook yet, get on it! You’re missing out on daily updates, photos, news, and daily foodie fun like this:

I hope you guys haven’t forgotten the biggest even of the week: Mother’s Day! Tomorrow is the time to show your mama just how much you love & appreciate her. Do you know what one of the best ways to express your affection is? Make her some delicious food! The fact that you’re willing to put forth the time and effort will make her so happy in and of itself.

Not sure where to start? Here are my most mommy-worthy recipes, sure to put a smile on that incredible woman’s face.

1. French Toast Cupcakes
   A heavenly treat that really says, “I love you, Mom!”
2. Mini Zucchini Frittatas
   Perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch.
3. Chocolate Chip Lava Cookies
   This is what your mom really wants: a little bit of sweet & sinful self-indulgence.
4. Fudgy Cocoa Brownies
   A simple but delicious way to say, “Thanks for everything, Mom.” Plus who doesn’t love brownies?
5. Babci’s Carrot Cake
   This is quite honesty the best carrot cake ever. Your mom will love this special cake, I guarantee it.

   

6. Cheddar & Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes
   What mom in the right mind wouldn’t love this creamy, cheesy dish?

   

7. Pancake Poppers
   These cuties make breakfast in bed a fun and delectable party!
8. Pierogi Casserole
   A comforting, classic dish that’s sure to treat your mom.

   

9. Eggplant Parmigiana
   This is a truly special dish. If you really want to show your mom you appreciate her, this is the dish to do it. It’s absolutely delicious, worth the time and love you’ll put into it.

   

10. Linguine with Brown Butter Sage Sauce
    A great option for beginner cooks. It tastes so divinely deep and flavorful, but requires minimal effort to make.

What are you guys doing to commemorate your mama? I want details! I have a special surprise in store for mine, but more on that next week.

Speaking of next week, here’s a little teaser: We’ve got a brand-spanking new video on Monday featuring some cute and colorful cookies, plus, get a load of this cheesy pizza bliss:

All this and more, coming up this week on Smart Cookie!