Skirt Steak Quesadilla

Let’s be serious–quesadillas are a Mexican version of grilled cheese. Carbs glued together by melty cheese can never be wrong.  I’ve certainly eaten more than a few quesadillas but never made them for dinner before. I don’t know why these aren’t in my regular rotation but I will be adding them. Skirt steak was an…

Italian Clams Casino

Coming up with a new and fun party app rather than reverting to the favorite classics is always difficult and risky. I never thought to make clams casino before, but I enjoy them at restaurants all the time, so why not try it? They are not too heavy or filling and are a great appetizer….

Steak Tostadas

We’re trying to eat healthy at this particular moment in time–it comes and goes. My sister’s shower, bachelorette and wedding are fast approaching so indulging with some greasy Mexican just because it’s National Margarita Day wasn’t in the cards. When I told my sister I badly wanted a Steak Tostada, she said a healthy version…

Chicken Dumplings & Wontons

So who doesn’t love Chinese food? Dumplings, won tons, fried rice, general tsos chicken… all of it. Recently I’ve tried making some of my favorite take out items and these dumplings/won tons were a winner! I used the same recipe to make each and then pan fried some and boiled the rest for soup. It’s…

Blistered Shishito Peppers

It’s always good to have easy appetizers in your back pocket. This recipe can be thrown together in 10 minutes and will please any crowd. Pair it with a creamy dip:  it’s healthy and not too spicy–just full of flavor. Ingredients Shishito peppers Kosher or Sea Salt – don’t be shy, they need salt! Garlic…

Homemade Salsa

Homemade salsa is one of the easiest appetizers to make. You can do it in advance and pull it out in seconds. I recommend making it the day before you want to eat it for best results. It also will stay in your fridge for a while in an air tight jar. So many people…

Pork Carnitas

Initially I was weirded out by the technique of cooking pork carnitas…so much so that I almost scratched the idea. But I didn’t have 8-12 hours to slow cook the pork all day so I was really forced into the decision. And I’m so glad. This pork was so delicious and so tender and unlike anything…

Prosciutto Wrapped Arugula with Pear and Blue Cheese

It’s nice to have easy go-to recipes in your back pocket that taste delicious. This particular recipe also happens to be pretty healthy for you as far as summertime BBQ dishes go. It can be used as an appetizer or side dish, it’s easy to serve and eat with your fingers. The one downside to…

Baked Chicken Egg Rolls

I love coming up with game time food during football season. Something about the fall and watching sports on Sunday that really makes me want some delicious homemade food. I’ve never met anyone that doesn’t like an egg roll and I figured it was worth trying some out to see if you can make them…

Grilled Jalapeño Poppers

Finding delicious new appetizers to bring to a summer BBQ is always a fun challenge for me. It’s a risk trying something new, especially when bringing it to a large group of people but if you just have confidence in your ingredients it will turn out great! I’ve seen a lot of Jalapeno Popper recipes…

Italian Antipasto Crostini

In search of a new fun appetizer, I spent some time on Pinterest and Food Gawker this week. I was going to a coworker’s house for a BBQ after a 9 hole golf tournament so I needed something I could make in advance and pack in a cooler. I came up with a combination of…

Spicy Italian Baked Zucchini Chips

I often am looking for a salty and crunchy snack in the afternoon or after dinner late night. Sweets don’t do it for me: I need the salt. Given that zucchini is a vegetable and you are baking them (rather than frying) this recipe is a smart alternative to the typical fried potato chip or…

Prosciutto Bread

Prosciutto bread has been in our family for years and usually shows up on Christmas Eve courtesy of my aunt Joyce. A few years ago I tried making it at home with my cousin and we changed up the recipe. No matter what ingredients you choose, it is easy to make and it is decadent….

Italian Garlic Bread with a Twist

Garlic bread is simple and delicious comfort food. No matter how you make it, garlic with bread and oil or butter is going to be amazing. But, there is a way to fancy it up a bit if you are so inclined. Where we grew up there was an Italian market where we always ordered…

Eggplant Balls

Italians are very familiar with meatballs, it’s part of our vocab from the time we can form words. “Eggplant balls” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. They could really use a new name. But ever since I saw Giada make these I couldn’t get them off my mind. They are crunchy on the outside, tender…

Texas Caviar

This is a recipe I cannot take credit for.  My friend Alexandra made it for me on my birthday two years ago and we fell in love with it.  Because it’s so healthy and versatile I started making it for family parties.  Turns out they love it too.  It is somewhat of a bizarre recipe….

Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups

Chicken lettuce wraps exploded as a popular appetizer/entree mostly because of P.F. Changs. They are delicious and healthy, or at least you would think. Check out the nutritional facts on PF’s version and you’ll be shocked at the sodium content. I made these a few years ago for my cousin’s wedding shower and recreated them…

Tacos de Barbacoa

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…

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…

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip

This delicious dip tastes just like wings but with out all the mess and fatty skin! It’s so easy to make and great for a party. Since I started making it, people often ask me to make it. It’s the ultimate party or game day app! Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Total…