I'll have some cheese with that, please!

Parade!  I made it 40 days and 40 nights with no cheese, and let me tell you, it was NOT easy!  I told you about my vow to give up cheese for lent, here, and I think the hardest part about actually giving up cheese was seeing all the AMAZING recipes with cheese around blogland.  Here are my top 10 that made me crave cheese and wonder why I ever gave it up!

1. Mozzarella, Tomato and Avocado Salad

Val's creation looks like a party made for my mouth!  I would have never thought to include avocado in this mixture, but have to admit, it looks mighty good!  Recipe found {here}.

2. Artichoke & Goat Cheese Strata

This was featured on Alissa's last "Tasty Tuesday" and, oh boy, does it look good!  I love goat cheese, and surprisingly, it's one of the "healthier" cheeses out there.   Recipe found {here}.

3. Blueberry-Lemon Cheese Crumbcake

I'm a big fan of cheese in dessert and this looks like no exception.  I love the blueberry and lemon components...Laura definitely nailed this one.  Recipe found {here}.

4. Croque Monsieur

Word on the street is that a good croque monsieur is a piece of heavenly deliciousness!  I've never had one but hear that they are absolutely to.die.for.  Kristin's is the real deal.  Must try this soon!  Recipe found {here}.

5. Fiesta Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms

Jenn featured this delectable dish on her blog recently and started to drool a bit!  I love the black beans and cheddar...she told me that I could have these sans cheese but I can't imagine them being as good!  Recipe found {here}.

6. Chickpea Salad with Feta and Heirloom Tomatoes

Chickpeas is one of my absolute faves!  I have it in my salad everyday and just love the consistency...and they also have a lot of health benefits to boot.  Mary's salad looks delicious.  Recipe found {here}.

7. Prosciutto and Brie Sandwich with Fig Jam

Brie and fig jam has to be one of my ALL time favorite combos!  Have a little with some red wine and you're golden.  This take on brie and fig jam, by Emily, looks phenomenal!  Recipe found {here}.

8. Spring Vegetable Pizza

 

Val nails it again with the cheese...this pizza looks like everything I've been craving the last 40 days!  Love that she uses Gruyère in this pizza!  Recipe found {here}.

9. Soft Pretzels with Jalapeño Cheese Sauce

Ok, these pretzels look glorious and everyone knows you can't have pretzels without cheese sauce!  These would definitely be a crowd pleaser for the next ball game!  Recipe found {here}.

10. Grown Up Mac & Cheese

Ummm how elegant does this look??  It's definitely not your kid's mac & cheese...that is for sure!  Alissa's addition of sun-dried tomatoes and of course the bacon makes this a dish to remember.  Recipe found {here}.

Now do you see why it was SO hard to stay away from cheese?!?  I definitely recommend you check out these recipes and the wonderful blogs they belong to ASAP!  You won't be dissapointed {unless of course, you've giving up cheese!}.

xo natasha