Prosciutto Crostini with Ricotta, Arugula and Honey is one of my favorite appetizers to order at an Italian restaurant. It's also just as easy to make it at home! This simple appetizer is easy to assemble, beautiful and definitely a fun menu item for parties. I can't get enough prosciutto in my life. Ever since I met my husband, I was introduced to Italian meats. That was quite awhile ago, but my point is, Italian meats are seriously the best - they never get old. We love prosciutto … [Read more...]
Roasted Balsamic Garlic Vegetables
Roasted Balsamic Garlic Vegetables are beautiful, healthy and delicious. There are so many ways to enhance the flavor of vegetables and one way is to roast them with fresh, flavorful ingredients. These vegetables are roasted and flavored with balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic and fresh thyme! You know...for a blogger that likes to bake, it seems kind of funny to share recipes for vegetables. But that's who I am. I eat cookies and I eat veggies, too. It's the best of both worlds in … [Read more...]
7 Layer Salad
If you haven't heard of 7 layer salad then I'm glad you're here. This is classic recipe I have grown up with but recently started making again. 7 layer salad is layers of lettuce, vegetables, sweetened mayonnaise, cheese and bacon. It's simple to make, pretty and the perfect salad to bring to a barbecue. I can't believe I just started making this recipe again. I grew up eating 7 layer salad all the time. I think it's a midwest thing or maybe an Iowa thing, but wherever it originated, it's … [Read more...]
Favorite Dinner Salad
Looking for a delicious salad to go with your dinner? This is it! This is my favorite dinner salad - tons of fresh ingredients with a classic vinaigrette that tastes great with all types of meals - pasta, steak, or chicken. I know this recipe comes across perhaps a little too simple but I often get a lot of requests for this salad from friends. I like to serve a "heartier" salad when I have guests over - something that tastes great and is pretty. This is one of my favorite salad … [Read more...]
Mexican Chicken Salad
A twist on chicken salad - Mexican Chicken Salad! Same great idea but different flavors. Sweet corn, red onion, cilantro, avocado, and chicken are stirred together with fresh lime juice and a little mayonnaise to make the most delicious lunch ever! This recipe received quite a few good reviews so I had to share it with you! It was inspired by an avocado chicken salad recipe I came across but didn't didn't fully execute the way I was supposed to. I didn't love the idea of mashing up … [Read more...]
Cranberry Sauce
It's the prettiest addition to the Thanksgiving meal. Cranberry Sauce is a must for Thanksgiving. Do you agree? It adds that subtle tartness and sweetness to a meal that is full of very savory dishes. It's also goooorgeous. Cranberries are the most beautiful color and they get even prettier when they are cooked down. There are two reasons why I love cranberry sauce. One being, it's delicious with the Thanksgiving meal and two, it's the best spread for turkey sandwiches, toast, rolls, etc. … [Read more...]
Sweet Potato Casserole
What's your favorite Thanksgiving side dish? Is it sweet potato casserole? Ok good. Because you're going to love this post then! I have to admit, I haven't been the biggest fan of sweet potato casserole - I just didn't grow up with it. We were the cheesy potato side dish kind of family. BUT, I got married and celebrated Thanksgiving with my husband's side of the family a few times and his Aunt made a mean sweet potato casserole. I asked her for the recipe and it of course was one of the great … [Read more...]
Festive Fall Farro Salad with Kale, Cranberries, Pecans & Goat Cheese
Do you need to take a break? The day after Thanksgiving can be quite overwhelming sometimes. We typically stuff our faces until we are uncomfortable. I think Vin said "I need to stop" 48 times yesterday. I however, felt perfectly full. I have no idea how that happened - perhaps the 16 month old toddler running around helped. There are usually leftovers and we typically eat them around noon the next day and do the same thing over again leaving us grouchy full, but totally satisfied. … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Holidays = stuffing. Stuffing = holidays. It's just part of the deal. There's no getting away from it. Stuffing is just as important as the Turkey or the ham or the roast. It's what I go back for seconds for and it's what compliments every other dish on the plate. It needs to be good. And pretty! Yes, I think stuffing it pretty. It's a casserole which isn't always the most eye appealing dish, but with herbs, spices, and pretty ingredients like cherries, stuffing can look beautiful. I … [Read more...]