Who says brunch’s sparkle has to be limited to beverages?

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and here at Marvelous Girl we’re in love with these fun and festive treats from Harry & David.

Children and adults should consume less sugar to lowers the risk of diabetes, heart disease and, most commonly, body fat.

While food abounds, so does stress. Temptation after temptation causes many to fall off the (fitness) wagon during this merriest of seasons. Not to worry—Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez, author of Mind Over Fat Matters, offers advice to avoid packing on the pounds this season!

New Survey: More American Women Would Consider a Less-Revealing Swimsuit This Summer Than Would Cut Back on Summer Treats.

I got this cookie recipe from Jae Steele’s book, Get It Ripe. The treats are super easy to make and taste so delicious. And to top it off, they’re good for you! The flax seeds in these cookies are an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, also known as, the “good” fats. Flax seeds also contain lignans, which have antioxidant qualities. Last, but not least, flax is also a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

If you’re looking for the perfect treat for an upcoming wedding or baby shower, these cookies are perfect! Adorable as well as delicious, rose water madeleines are delicate and feminine, ideal for a party with the girls. Here a marvelous recipe from Martha Stewart…

The holidays are here and who isn’t looking for a festive recipe to celebrate the occasion? When my good friends, Brinton and Charlotte Colburn, said these cookies were fantastic and their three kids loved them, I knew I had to share them with Marvelous Girl readers. Here’s the recipe from About.com:

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour, all purpose
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup purchased eggnog
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large egg yolks
2 to 3 teaspoons ground nutmeg
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 300°. In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Blend well with a whisk and set aside. In a large mixing bowl cream sugar and butter with an electric hand-held mixer. Add eggnog, vanilla and egg yolks; beat at medium speed until smooth. Add the flour mixture and beat at low speed just until dry ingredients are moistened. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to a flat surface with a spatula.

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Makes about 3 dozen

If your family isn’t into nutmeg, Charlotte substituted cinnamon on her cookies instead. Another option is using canned icing. Whatever you do, make the recipie your own. Then’ll you’ll have a special treat your family will look forward to every holiday.

Thanks again to the Colburns for this marvelous recipe!!