While I love monkeying with recipes of my own, I also enjoy trying the amazing recipes I find scattered around Pinterest and the interwebs.  Throwing or attending a party is always reason for me to find a new dessert or salad or snack food, and this week was no exception.

So, this begins a series of recipe reviews.

1. Mad Hatter Salad at AllRecipes.com … This is a basic Ramen noodle salad recipes – one of my standby’s and everyone’s favorite at any party.  Sweet, savory and super quick to make.
   My changes:  I used broccoli slaw instead of cabbage, didn’t use broccoli or nuts at all.  I would have added slivered almonds if I’d had them, but didn’t.  I also used Oriental-flavored Ramen rather than chicken.  It was delicious, but maybe I should just write my own recipe since I made so many changes.
2. Brown Butter & Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies at Ambitious Kitchen … These cookies were flying around Pinterest and I absolutely had to try them last weekend. They were literally gone within the hour (didn’t even make it until dessert at the cookout).  Everyone was surprised by the salt – but ended up loving them.
   My changes:  None!  I wanted to try these in all their glory, as is.  And it was worth it.  I’ll make these again!
3. Best Chocolate Chip Cookies at AllRecipes.com … We had three little girls over for a sleepover on Friday, and making cookies is something they all loved.  I wanted a quick and easy recipe, and this fit the bill.  They were delicious – soft, chewy in the middle and crisp on the edges – as advertised.
   My Changes: I used half Heath toffee pieces and half chocolate chips in these and they were outstanding.  Nothing beats a fresh cookie out of the oven.  With cold milk.  I might have to make another batch.

I’m always looking for a new reason to bake, so I love weekends that have two (a sleepover and a party). So does my family – but this weekend, there’s nothing left for the family!