Category Archives: RECIPES

Meal Ideas

March 1, 2012

Filed Under : EAT - RECIPES

MEAL IDEAS MEAL IDEAS

Whenever I’m in a cooking rut (which seems to be happening a lot lately), I turn to Pinterest in search of new ideas.  Now I don’t mind eating turkey meatloaf every week (this really happens but OMG you guys, my turkey meatloaf is really delish), but sometimes it’s nice to incorporate a few new options into the mix.  Here are some ideas I can’t wait to try:

  1. Grilled cheese and tomato soup
  2. Lentil meatballs
  3. Lasagna cups
  4. Shrimp & roasted tomatoes fettucini
  5. Chicken & broccoli stir fry
  6. Skillet rosemary chicken
  7. Mexican corn soup
  8. Mini vegetarian pizzas

*PS – there are even more ideas on my food pinterest board!

[Images via: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8]

Chicken & mushroom pot pie

February 23, 2012

Filed Under : EAT - RECIPES

chicken pot pie

This chicken pot pie recipe from Real Simple is my favorite pot pie recipe EVER.  Like way better than Marie Callender’s you guys.  It’s not too heavy (which I love!) and it’s made in a slow-cooker (which I love even more).  The ingredients are so simple and yet they meld together so perfectly.  Meaty cremini mushrooms, crunchy green beans, fall-apart chicken, rich gravy – I’m really depressed I have no leftovers.

Oh and that little pillow of heaven resting on top of it?  Puff pastry.  It’s the “pie” in my chicken pot pie and it could be the best invention on this planet.  So flaky and chewy and buttery.  Also, I’ll have you know that all the unused pastry dough was used to make cheese straws.  My life motto is: never waste perfectly good puff pastry.

Can we also talk about how Real Simple is like the best and most helpful magazine on this planet?  I mean, who knew you could use bubble wrap as a jewelry organizer?

*PS – I used this recipe to make the cheese straws!

Busy Weekender

January 23, 2012

Filed Under : EAT - RECIPES

That right there is preeeetty much what my weekend looked like.  Yes, I have an office in my apartment but the kitchen table (and/or couch) suits me just fine.  Work, work, work!  The beginning of the year is always a busy time for me.  I get to experience so many fun and amazing things, but I also have to hunker down and do real work at the same time.  I’m not complaining though!

I also went back home to visit my family for a quick minute.  It was supposed to “rain” on Saturday so I wore my trusty rainboots.  It ended up looking like this and I was that loser wearing rainboots on a bright, sunny day (always happens!!):

Also, when I was back home, my mumsie made this amazing butternut squash caprese salad:

butternut squash caprese

So delish, I highly recommend.  She pulled the recipe from my Pinterest – is that not the most precious thing you’ve ever heard?!  I may do a full post on it in the near future, we shall see.

Hope your weekend was lovely and full of joy!  Cheers to the new week!

A last minute treat

December 22, 2011

Filed Under : EAT - RECIPES

peppermint bark

Yesterday, I gave all my coworkers little treat bags full of homemade peppermint bark.  They’re very special to me so what better way to thank them for always being so amazing than with layers of peppermint-infused chocolate??  Nothing is better, I tell you, nothing.

I tied off the bags with baker’s twine and added these DIY gift tags.  Aren’t they the most precious things?  I’ve been using these tags for EVERYTHING this holiday season.  I even affixed one to Kyle’s hot chocolate the other night just to tell him that it was “homemade with love” so he better appreciate it.

Back to the peppermint bark!  It’s super easy to make and so much more special when it’s homemade.  PS don’t let anyone tell you that making it yourself is cheaper than buying a box of it at William’s Sonoma.  Chocolate chips are expensive, yo!  But making it at home is more fun and thoughtful.  I promise.

peppermint bark

Peppermint Bark

1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)
1 bag of white chocolate chips (again used Ghirardelli)
1/2 tsp peppermint extract, divided
About 25 candy canes, crushed into pieces
A little canola oil (if needed)

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in intervals of 30 seconds at 50% power.  Make sure you stir the chocolate after every interval until it’s fully melted and smooth.  Stir in 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract.  Pour the chocolate onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet (it will not fill the entire sheet FYI) and spread evenly.  Sprinkle half of the crushed candy canes over the chocolate.  Refrigerate and let it harden for about 10-20 minutes.  Melt the white chocolate in the same fashion.  You may need to add a bit of canola oil because white chocolate seems to be a thicker consistency.  Stir in 1/4 tsp peppermint extract.  Pour the white chocolate directly over the semi-sweet chocolate and spread even.  Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes and refrigerate until completely hardened.  To serve, break into small pieces.

Add an adorable tag and give it to all your favorite people.

peppermint bark

peppermint bark

Friday Love List

December 16, 2011

Filed Under : DIY - EAT - RECIPES

decembrrr

Now that we’re fully into December (WHAT?!), it’s getting quite chilly in these parts.  All I want to do is curl up on the couch with a blanket and a giant cup of tea.  I think I will do that all weekend long, what about you??  Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:

  • I’m printing out these DIY gift tags immediately, if not sooner.
  • This perfect gray tee, please come into my life.
  • I’ve had Kate’s holiday mixtape on repeat.
  • The best chocolate mousse you’ve ever had in your life?  Count me in.
  • Last night, we went to the West Elm party at their new Beverly Blvd location.  Beyond the fact that the store looks absolutely gorgeous, the party was super fun and they served mini donuts.  Any party with donuts is amazing in my book.  Best part?  Emily Henderson was there and I almost died.  Love.  That.  Girl.

Happy weekend!!

Image via Scout’s Honor Co.