For some reason I have always been intimidated by large roasts and the braising process. I guess it’s fear of the unknown. But after making barbacoa I’m not sure why I was so scared; it was one of the easiest dinners I have made. If you have been to Chipotle you are at least somewhat…
Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
I have always wanted to make homemade pasta. Having lived in Italy and knowing what fresh pasta tastes like, I know it’s worth whatever effort it takes to make it. Growing up I heard stories of how my great-grandmother, Filomena Bonini, made homemade pasta weekly, rolled it by hand with a long broom stick, and…
Mexican Pillows
Two cultures collide when I use Mexican flavors and wrap them up inside a Chinese wonton. It just works! I created this recipe for a Super Bowl appetizer and they were a lot of fun to make. The nice thing about them is you can substitute with any meat, cheese and/or vegetables you like! Ingredients:…
Stuffed Mushroom “Pizza”
If you are on a low carb diet, if you are a vegetarian, or if you like mushrooms and cheese, then you’ll like this creation! I had 2 leftover portobello mushrooms from our sandwiches (previous recipe) and I didn’t know what to do with them. I also had spinach in my fridge. After googling “spinach…
Portobello Mushroom Sandwich
When I saw a package of large and perfect portobello mushrooms in the grocery store this morning, I had to buy them. Immediately I thought about a pesto mayo on a delicious fresh bun. A big juicy grilled portobello can be just as delicious as a burger if you do it right. This sandwich is tender, crunchy…
Spaghetti with Zucchini, Mushroom and Chicken
During the busy week I managed to throw together a tasty pasta dish packed with protein, healthy fresh vegetables and some cheesy pasta. This dish is really easy to throw together and it can be modified to your liking! Ingredients: 1 Zucchini 1 package chicken tenders, cut thin and bite sized 1/2 package baby bella…
Healthy Bun-less Burgers
Who doesn’t love a big juicy burger on a fresh sesame bun loaded with all the toppings? While it might be tasty it isn’t the most healthy dinner in the world. I’ve found a way to really enjoy a weeknight burger without all the carbs and fat. I promise it is still delicious. Try this…
Red Wine Beef Stew
With the snow comes my cravings for a soup or hearty stew. Growing up, my mom always made us a delicious beef stew with carrots, celery, onion and served it over egg noodles. It was always so warm and comforting. I can never make it as good as hers but here’s my version. Ingredients 1.5 lbs…
Chicken Enchiladas Verde
Saturday night was girls night in after a beautiful snowy day, so Alex and I decided to do some cooking. We researched a few different chicken enchiladas recipes, compared them with what we had in my fridge and decided to make a healthier version, but trust me we didn’t lose out on flavor. We paired…
Bananaberry Bread
You all know I don’t bake. It’s too much of an exact science and I hate the lack of freedom. I also don’t care for sweets. But Kyle sent this recipe to me the other day after getting an email about snacks that power up weight loss. And with the new year always comes a…
Flank Steak Fajitas with Chimichurri Sauce
Flank steak is delicious, inexpensive and relatively easy to prepare. Pair it with some chimichurri sauce and you’ve got yourself a fresh and tasty fajita night with very little prep and cooking time. Use whole wheat tortillas to keep it healthy. Ingredients: 1 Flank steak Soy Sauce Beer (preferably a lager) Salt and freshly ground…
Shrimp Tacos with a corn, poblano pepper and black bean salsa
Anyone who knows me, knows I’m obsessed with tacos. At work, we make weekly Friday visits to the taco truck. Thinking about the endless possibilities of what you can put in a taco makes my mouth water. I’ve made quite a few versions of tacos over the last year but Kyle and I agree, tonight’s…
Stuff Your Own…Stuffed Pepper!
I had an urgent craving for stuffed peppers this past weekend and thought they would be nice for Sunday family dinner. I have never made them before but they seemed simple enough and I thought they have such potential to be delicious. Keeping things on the healthy side, I used a short brown rice instead…
Stuffed Pork Chops
Last night was one of those times where the fridge was pretty bare. I knew I had boneless pork chops and bok choy I bought a few days ago but not too much else to work with. I’m not a huge fan of pork chops because to me they don’t really have much flavor, but…
Eggplant Rollatini
Fried eggplant is so delicious and when you pair it with sauce and cheese it just doesn’t get any better. I made eggplant rollatini for the first time, for my non meat-eating friend, on New Years Eve 2012 and it wasn’t as difficult to make as I thought it would be. Ingredients: Eggplant (3…
Who Loves Popcorn? 🍿
In my family, we don’t have those bags of popcorn sitting in our cabinets ready to go in the microwave; we have pots, oil and kernels. You will never have better popcorn than the kind you make right on your stove at home. It’s easier to make than you think and the best part is…
Italian Latkes?
This Jew decided to make Italian inspired latkes from a recipe by Giada on Christmas Eve which coincidentally was also Hanukkah. I brought these as an appetizer to my aunt’s house. Giada’s recipe sounded too good to ignore! And while I have tried using zucchini and other vegetables for a healthier alternative to all…
Healthy, Hearty, Potato, Leek & Spinach Soup
When it gets cold, who doesn’t love a big bowl of hot soup? Well, Kyle. He detests soup which is so upsetting to this cook because I would make it almost every night in the winter if he would eat it! Soup is easy to make, hearty and can be very healthy. There are really…
Chicken Fried Rice
Jews love Chinese food, I’m not sure why but my family has been ordering Chinese delivery since I can remember. Often times however I find it too greasy and I feel sick as soon as I’m done eating it. Cooking any kind of Asian cuisine at home can be scary but I’ve found a way…
Mac n’ Cheese
What’s better than hot, cheesy mac n’ cheese with a nice crunch on top? Try this recipe and know it’s just as delicious leftover!! It’s up to you what cheeses to use- there are so many options! In my experience, Trader Joe’s has a huge selection for the best prices. Photo Courtesy of Snap Photography…
Mushroom Truffle Risotto
We slightly modified a recipe from Tyler Florence for Mushroom Truffle Risotto that was absolutely delicious! Photos courtesy of Snap Photography Ingredients 8 cups chicken broth, low sodium 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, diced, divided 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 pound fresh portobello and crimini mushrooms, sliced 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped 2…
Grandma Edie’s Stuffed Artichokes
Grandma Edie (our Jewish grandmother) made the best Italian stuffed artichokes around! We grew up making these as kids, taking turns stuffing each leaf and it’s been a fun and tasty tradition! This is one of the few recipes I just won’t vary and these artichokes are worth every minute of preparation. Photos courtesy of…
(Buffalo) Oven Fried Chicken
What’s better than fried chicken? Nothing. But let’s face it, fried foods are not good to eat on a regular basis. I have made many adaptations of Ellie Kreiger’s oven fried chicken recipe but tonight’s was the best! Really, you can make it any way you want but you have to know the trick- and…
Chili for the Non-Beef Eaters
Enjoy a healthy turkey chili on a cold fall afternoon! I learned this recipe when I was on a diet last year and adapted it to my liking. It also comes in handy when Kyle’s parents visit since they don’t really eat meat. I was originally scared of the ground turkey but in something like…
Mediterranean Tuna Fish
Do you get tired of the same old tuna fish? All the mayo isn’t good for you anyways. Try this Italian style version to dress up a lunch time favorite. Ingredients Can of tuna fish Capers Artichokes Red Onion White Beans Juice from a lemon S&P Garlic Powder Red wine vinegar Fresh Parsley (if you…
