Pasta never gets old to me. But as much as I love it, I also understand that I need to make it healthier from time to time (I’ll never cut pasta out of my diet though, because who wants to cut carbs?). I was craving some creamy pasta, but fettuccine alfredo doesn’t provide much in the way of nutrients. I thought that I could flavor … Continue reading Creamy Pasta With Sautéed Veggies
I don’t love chicken, but I do love cream cheese. Honestly, I could probably just eat cream cheese right out of the container—but I don’t (usually). However, a cream cheese mixture cooked over chicken? That’s the type of protein I can get behind. This might not be the healthiest meal on the planet, but I’ll do a few extra situps at the gym tomorrow—tonight’s dinner … Continue reading Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Summertime often brings huge, unpredictable thunderstorms in the Northeast. So when the power went out today, I was immediately in search of a tasty, summery meal that I didn’t have to cook. Thankfully, I bought some pre-cooked shrimp a while back, so all I had to do was defrost them in room temperature water, and they were good to go. While I tried not to … Continue reading Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad in Avocado Bowls
The first day of summer is my favorite day of the year—because it’s officially summer. Of course, I had to kick it off with my favorite meal (mac and cheese, if you couldn’t already tell). Yes, I know turning on the oven in June isn’t the best option. But it’s hard to live off of cold foods all summer. Sandwiches and salads are great for … Continue reading Jalapeño Cheddar Mac and Cheese
The only time I can eat chicken is if it’s stuffed with something I like (or if it’s fried, or in the form of chicken nuggets, or whatever). For this recipe, I was originally going to make chicken stuffed with spinach and artichoke dip. But then I thought, “That’s been done so many times.” I decided to think a little more unconventionally—I created a new … Continue reading Stuffed Sundried Tomato and Basil Chicken
I feel like side salads are a staple at backyard parties. But sometimes cole slaw gets boring, and standard deli macaroni salad always tastes a little sour to me. As someone who loves spice, my first inclination is always to make a spicy salad—one that would add a kick to the backyard menu. This Southwest salad is tossed in a jalapeño dressing, which adds the … Continue reading Spicy Southwest Pasta Salad
Growing up on the coast, seafood has always been a huge part of my diet. I’ve had a vacation home near the beach (down the shore, as we NJ natives call it) since I was young, and if I’m there, I’m digging into a crab cake sandwich or an order of oysters Rockefeller for any and all meals. Shrimp are such a versatile seafood. Grilled, … Continue reading Sweet Chili Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Healthy eating in the new year is always a good thing—but it doesn’t have to be everything. It’s important to still allow yourself to indulge in your favorites. Otherwise, you’re starting off the year living miserably (because honestly, who is happy with salads every day of the week) and not treating yourself; that’s the perfect way to ruin your diet. I splurge on pasta. While … Continue reading fettuccine in roasted red pepper cream sauce
Mac & cheese has always been my favorite food. I remember feeling so empowered when I was little, whenever my mom would let me take the reins and stir the powdered cheese sauce into the perfectly cooked Kraft noodles. Yes, it’s pretty easy to make boxed mac & cheese, but when you’re young, cooking anything alone is an accomplishment. I’ve upped my cooking game a … Continue reading Chipotle cheddar macaroni and cheese
When I was in college, I worked in a pizza place—there is one every 500 feet in New Jersey. However, this wasn’t any kind of pizza place. It was actually an artisan, wood-fired pizza place. A high, high step above Pizza Hut (no offense, Pizza Hut). My boss went to Culinary Institute of America, and it was from watching these pizzas made every day that … Continue reading Spicy Soppressata Pizza
simply delicious. 