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For a portion of our meals this summer, we’re swapping and topping. What does that mean? It means we’re cutting back on meat. Now don’t worry we haven’t given up on meat. I like bacon and a nice steak way too much for that. We’re just looking to lighten and brighten up our meals and [...]
Last June in Seattle was where I had my first taste of Copper River Salmon. I have my friend Angie to thank for that. She told me that it was just THAT GOOD and I needed to try it. When I saw it on the menu at the Four Seasons a day later I ordered [...]
It’s already sweltering. I know, just a few weeks ago I was saying it was too cold and now I’m saying it’s too hot. I know. I know. Apparently my happy medium is in my house with the AC blasting while sitting under a blanket. Even though it’s hot out, one thing I simply can [...]
I’ve had an old palette on my deck for over a year. One that I made my husband pull off the side of the roadside to get because I HAD to have it. I had grand visions of taking it apart and putting it back together again then distress for a super cool photo background. [...]
Disclaimer: I am working in partnership with the Tyson Foods and I am receiving compensation for my participation in this campaign. Chicken to me is like a chameleon. It takes to flavors like a horse to water (did you Grandparents say this? Mine did. All the time). Making it perfect for any cuisine out there. [...]
I have a thing for cooked cream aka panna cotta. It sounds better in Italian. Everything sounds better in Italian. Go ahead and try. Everything sounds better. Whenever I have to make dessert and I’m in doubt, my go to is panna cotta. Always. Why? It’s delicious, it lends itself to ANY flavor combination (reading [...]
I’m going to try to contain myself but it’s going to be VERY hard so please forgive me in advance for my giddyness. In case you didn’t hear me squealing about it last week, I have a recipe featured in the June issue of SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE. I’m still pinching myself. A national PRINT magazine [...]
I love eating outside. Let me clarify, I like eating outside in the spring time when the weather is nice and the bugs haven’t started swarming. There’s something so relaxing about dining al fresco (so much fancier than just saying outdoors). Last weekend after years of complaining suggesting what an awesome idea it would be, [...]
Just go ahead and get an extra package of napkins because you are going to need them. There is no lady-like, polite way to eat ribs. If you try you’re going to just end up with a rib in your lap and a nice big stain on your pants. And napkins are way cheaper than [...]
Did you know that you can make your very own Italian Seasoning mix? You sure can. I typically make this in the summer time when my fresh herbs are going nuts and I have more than I can possibly use. I just lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment and let them [...]
I have a love – hate relationship with the grill. Meaning I love for my husband to grill because I’m not so great at it, in comes hate. When he’s not around (meaning at work and I have something that MUST be grilled) I break out my trusty grill pan. I have control over my [...]
It’s swim suit season. Did you just exhale loudly? Do you dread swimsuit shopping as much as I do? If I looked like these gorgeous models maybe I wouldn’t BUT that’s not the case. Sadly for me it’s challenging and stressful BUT I’ve finally found an online company (hello no public dressing room meltdowns) that [...]
There’s something about being able to pick up your food and eat it with your hands that’s appealing or maybe I just like pretending I’m a cave-girl. Regardless I’m all for it. Give me a plate of ribs and/or wings and I will go to town. The saucier the better. That’s what napkins are for. [...]
One of of my most favorite flavor combinations is that of basil, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella (that’s been drizzled with a little liquid gold and a pinch of kosher salt). Pure bliss I tell you. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock you’re familiar with Caprese salad. It’s one of the reasons I grow a [...]
Disclaimer: I was compensated by Tyson Foods to produce this content. The countdown to summer is on! I don’t know about you but I can use all the help I can get getting myself ready for sundresses, shorts and gasp bathing suits. I’ve teamed up with Tyson Foods, makers of the Tyson® Grilled & Ready® [...]
I’m trying REALLY hard to incorporate more salads into our weekly meals. For me to get behind a salad it has to have some bang to it. This sesame seared ahi tuna salad does that and then some. It’s base is made up of endive and arugula that’s been tossed lightly in a honey [...]
(Disclaimer: I am working with Miracle-Gro for this project and was provided with samples and compensation-but all opinions are my own.) This season, Miracle-Gro wants to inspire everyone to get out and Gro something. There’s a way to incorporate “Gro-ing” into a myriad of different DIY projects-and you don’t have to be an avid gardener [...]
(Disclaimer: I am working in partnership with the KRAFT brand and I am receiving compensation for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own) I love this time of year when my local farm stands are open on road sides around my little water-tower town. Little pop up markets here and there. [...]
I have wild mint growing uncontrollably in my yard. If you happen to live nearby and need mint just let me know. I have an UNLIMITED supply and you’re welcome to come pluck some up. I’m not kidding when I tell you it grows like weeds. There’s no taming it. It comes back every. single.year. [...]
Raisin and nut wha? Agrodolce. Agrodolce is Italian for sweet (dolce) and sour (agro). It happens to be one of my favorite combinations and is a lot like me depending on how my day is going. What don’t tell me you’re never moody? This sauce, and it’s actually more salsa or compote than sauce but [...]
Have you noticed a grilling theme going on? Gold star for you if so. As soon as it warms up I’m all about throwing anything and just about everything on the grill. Including vegetables. Sometimes I even get a little crazy and sprinkle them with sugar. Glorious I tell you. Glorious caramelized crunchy outsides. Pass [...]
I know you’ve all heard of drunken pasta. Typically, it’s pasta that has been boiled in red wine. In theory it’s a good idea right, wine, pasta. Yes please. Well it’s yes until the plate arrives in front of you (at least for me). We eat with our eyes first, and red wine turns the [...]
Do you like to get your grill on? As in bbq grill not dental grill (which I have never ever understood – How do you clean those things? I mean just buy a ring or a bracelet already). IF you do, and you think you have what it takes my friends at Dole are hosting [...]
You know grilling isn’t just for meats and veggies (and fruits, can’t leave out fruits, have you tried grilled peaches? Oh sweet drippy goodness do it!). Why let them have all the fun? You can make desserts on the grill too! Sure can. In fact you can make an entire meal on the grill. Besides [...]
Finally grilling season is here. I’m just a tad bit excited about this after a VERY long winter. I love the smells that waft through the neighborhood as soon as the weather has heated up (and the pollen has past ugh). People are out walking the neighborhood (and gasp actually smiling and waving), flowers are [...]
I am a sucker for sweets. Always have been. I wish I was one of those “no thank you” dessert people, but I’m not. Sigh. I’m more of a you order this one and I’ll order that one so we can share. What, y’all don’t do that? Okay, seriously moderation is my motto but that [...]
I am a sucker for pizza. Thin crust please. I might be in the minority but thick crust or deep dish just isn’t for me. Thin it is and the crispier the better. Pizzas are fantastic because lets face it you can honestly top them with anything you like. Some combinations are way better than [...]
This post brought to you by dio. All opinions are 100% mine. Have you heard of dio.com? dio is a new creative and social experience that allows anyone to make and explore unique places based on anything. Food, Travel, Photography, Design. Cork collections. You name it. dio places are public (or private if needed) spaces [...]
You might not think that avocados and pasta go together but surprise they do! Once you’ve twirled your fork around these creamy fettucine noodles that have been slathered in avocado awesome-sauce you’ll be a believer. Avocados are something I can’t ever seem to get enough of. I’m pretty obsessed with them but not nearly as [...]
The countdown to summer is on like Donkey Kong AND yeah yeah I’m on the workout wagon. And by working out I mean walking. We have to start somewhere right. In addition to moving moving it I’m lightening my plate and eating healthier. We’re not talking or mentioning the D word because that doesn’t work [...]
Granitas are pretty much an adult version of a snow cone and what’s not to love about that. This version is made up of freshly pureed strawberries and my bubbly beverage of choice – Prosecco. Hence the name boozy berry granitas. I’m very smart like that. They’re perfect for a lazy afternoon on the deck [...]
Brushetta is one of my most favorite foods on the planet. It’s also one of the top 10 most mispronounced Italian words in my book. It is pronounced: brew-SKet-ta! I’ve actually had waiters in restaurants argue with me over this. Argue. Don’t get me started on that. Sideeye. Brushetta is an appetizer (or anytime all [...]
If I’m being honest, I have to admit that this whole having to wear shorts soon (let’s not even discuss the b word) is kind of freaking me out. It gets HAWT in Carolina people. So shorts are a necessity. One good thing about the weather is the fact that I don’t want to heat [...]
This past weekend we got started planting our deck container garden. I can not tell you how incredibly excited I am to have an abundance of fresh cherry and Roma tomatoes, herbs and PEPPERS right off of my kitchen at my finger tips. I like variety so in the pepper department we’ll have: chile peppers, [...]
I don’t know why I have been hesitant to embrace the flavor combination of beans and eggs before. Before now I should say. Honestly, I don’t know why this flavor combination works, all I know is that it does. I think it falls under the crazy but true tab. I’m going to be making up [...]
Apparently spring doesn’t know it’s spring because we’ve taken a u-turn and appear to be right back into winter. Who authorized this? Obviously I am not happy about this. I’ve had to turn the heater back on and pull out all of the scarves and boots I had put away for the season. The only [...]
I don’t know about you but I feel better about eating a cupcake than I do a slice of cake (not that I’d turn that down mind you, ’cause I would not). Something about it’s size makes me feel quite alright about indulging in one. Okay who am I kidding, you all know about my [...]
There are so many things to love about pasta. I could literally go on for days about it, but mmmmmm better not. Instead I’m going to tell you one reason I love it (delicious is obvious). Versatility. If you tell me you get bored with pasta I won’t believe you. There are too many shapes, [...]
I have a confession to make. I fully intended on cooking and posting these lovely lamb chops last week in time for Easter. Guess what? Life got in the way of that. Did it make these any less special? Absolutely not. In fact I’m pretty sure these are going in my category of Weeknight Wonder [...]
Now that the weather is turning (somewhat) warmer I’m already starting to think about when I can drop the top on my new (to me) convertible, putt around town and enjoy the sunshine. It also means I gotta shed a few lbs that I’ve put on over the “it’s way too cold to go outside [...]
Have you noticed a re-occurring theme of EGGS across the blogosphere this month? Of course you did eggs happen to be one of the stars of the Easter season (hello Easter Eggs) and you guessed it, deviled eggs. Did you happen to catch our CLASSIC DEVILED EGGS post earlier this month? We waxed poetic about [...]
One of my absolute favorite vegetables is asparagus. I love it steamed, roasted, grilled or sauteed. I like it cooked just enough so it still has a little bite to it. Al dente if you will (mushy is not a term I’m going for with asparagus). I fell in love with asparagus in Italy. My [...]
I love pork products. Probably more than the average person (well not as much as Chef Michael Symon who has multiple pigs tattoos – but close). So naturally when I had an opportunity to partner with the National Pork Board it was a big giant no brainer. I am official now. Yes officially a Sister [...]
The incredible edible egg. It’s such a little powerhouse (good things DO come in small packages) and it just happens to be one of the star ingredients for the Easter season. With good reason. It’s incredibly versatile. When I think of eggs, deviled eggs immediately come to mind. They are a classic appetizer and they [...]
If you’re on a diet, click away, OR just plan on getting on the treadmill for a little longer. Fried dough (aka doughnuts, donuts, fried dough, just gimme). There’s something completely irresistible about it. Doughnuts are my weakness. Especially warm right out of the fryer. Swoon. I feel better about eating these small little doughnut [...]
You all know how much I LOVE Italy. Any time you mention the word I can not help but smile. I could talk about it (preferably in Italian) for hours on end. I spent my formative years living in Fruili. It’s my home away from home and where I feel incredibly connected. Once you’ve been [...]
Surprise it’s still COLD. Good thing “Ada” my KitchenAid Range is such a workhorse. She’s been getting a massive workout EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. Especially the oven portion. Besides massive amount of chocolate chip cookies there have been a plethora of pasta bakes. I’m a fan of the pasta bake, aka casserole or cheesy carb-y goodness. You pick. [...]
Whiskey and Caramel went into a bar and they came out sauced! Seriously sauced. Okay okay so then went into a pot instead but the results are the same. This is one boozy sauce that besides eating it by the spoonful (are you not supposed to do that?) it’s amazing drizzled on all sorts of [...]
I’m not sure what took me so long to jump on the couscous train. I suppose better late than never eh? Regardless I’m glad I finally did. It is pretty incredible. Little balls of pasta-liciousness bursting with flavor. Almost like savory boba balls (you know the ones in bubble tea or at the fro-yo [...]
Oh salmon, you’re so gorgeous with your peachy pink flesh and shimmering silvery coat. You’re quick, easy and good for me (how many things can we say that about). Truth be told, I don’t eat nearly enough fish. It’s not for lack of not loving it, ’cause I do. I need to put it [...]
