New Summer Flavors: Now Swirling at Pinkberry

My Creation!

No one can appreciate Pinkberry more than a pregnant woman. Let me clarify- more than a pregnant woman due to give birth in one week. I proved this point this weekend. I was asked to try some new flavors Pinkberry is featuring this summer- Blueberry and Strawberry Margarita. Holy crap were they delicious!

Let me start off by saying how all summer long I have been desperate for a margarita. Talk about the epitome of a summer cocktail. Sweet, tart, refreshing. Being pregnant throughout the whole summer has made my margarita drinking impossible. I opted to try the strawberry margarita yogurt for this very reason. I could have some sense of normalcy and pretend I was sitting on the beach sipping a margarita.

Mmmmm Margarita!

Now those that aren’t in margarita withdrawal like me, don’t like alcohol, or are kids- Don’t worry! There is no alcohol in this dessert. It does come with a salty/sugared rim if you would like. The store I went to had run out of the rim. Otherwise I would be all over that. The yogurt was a perfect blend of tartness with a hint of sweetness. You can add unlimited toppings to your yogurt so I chose an endless array of fruit including watermelon, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. YUM! So refreshing.

Because I am pregnant and  everyone tells me I can eat whatever I want ( I am totally aware I shouldn't) I also tried the blueberry yogurt. It reminded me of blueberry Greek yogurt. Totally refreshing, not too sweet, but was missing the tartness I enjoyed with the strawberry margarita yogurt.

If you haven’t yet, go to Pinkberry ASAP and try these delicious new flavors! You will not be disappointed!

Breaded Baked Cod

Let me introduce you to my new favorite ( super easy) weeknight dinner. Preparation could not be easier. Ingredients are minimal. You literally throw it in the oven and wait for it to turn into a seafood masterpiece. Yup, I know. Read on.

Baked Mac & Cheese

I love mac & cheese. What's not to like really? Pasta is amazing.Cheese is amazing.And the creamy texture? Not to mention.. who doesn't want to sit snuggled on your coach when it is chilly out and eat a gigantic bowl of creamy mac & cheese. Don't make me go on.

Shopping for a Special Foodie in your Life?

Everyone wants to give a great gift to that special someone in their lives. Aren't we sick of receiving gift cards? Shouldn't we upgrade our gift giving experience? If there are any foodies in your lives this list is a great start to buy some amazing gifts this holiday season!

Maple Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese & Bacon

Can I tell you guys how much I LOVE brussels sprouts? I never ate these little morsels of amazingness growing up, but I sure make up for it as an adult. Whoever says they hate brussels sprouts please try them again. Not boiled. That is gross. Sauteed with some maple syrup, bacon and blue cheese crumbles. You can thank me later. 

Sausage Kale and Goat Cheese Frittata

Looking for a super easy breakfast dish that you can make one day and feed yourself for the whole week? I know I do. I appreciate sleeping as late as I possibly can every morning. If my breakfast is already made for me I will be way less likely to stop and get a bagel, croissant or even worse not have breakfast at all. Frittatas( basically an Italian omelet) are super easy to make, you can fill them with whatever you want.My favorite are filled with veggies and protein ( and sometimes potatoes!) What's not to like?

Vacation's Over! I'm back!

Ladies  & Gents! I am back. I am so sorry for leaving you all hanging waiting patiently for some yummy recipes and banter for the last month. I just needed a break BUT… Don’t worry. I have still been cooking every night! What you missed…

Are you Ready Rhode Island?Taste Trekkers is here!

Have you ever planned a vacation around food? (Yes.) Do you enjoy attending events where you can eat, drink and be merry? Yes. Ok then. Read on......

Founded in 2013, Taste Trekkers is the nation’s leading food tourism website providing travel tips and local food recommendations to thousands of traveling foodies around the globe. Geared toward people who plan their vacations around food, Taste Trekkers offers curated advice from culinary experts in the form of its Find Dining Podcast, Food & Travel Blog, and its nationally celebrated Food and Travel Expo. And lucky us, they will be in Providence Friday October 3rd to Sunday the 5th! 

Lightened Up Enchilada Pasta

Mexican Pasta Time!!

For this dish I am combining two of my favorite cuisines: Mexican & Italian. Well, the only Italian part is that there is pasta in it, but whatever. You get my point. You can find enchilada pasta all over pinterest these days, but I thought I would bring you a lighter version so you don't have to worry about your waistline. 

Like Whiskey? Like Politics? I Have Just the Event...

Hello Whiskey lovers everywhere! Did you know about an awesome event at Sons of Liberty Spirits in South Kingstown, RI? Sons of Liberty Spirits will be hosting  “Eat Drink RI’s: Food Will Help Rhode Island Grow” Gubernatorial Town Hall Debate on Wednesday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m-8:30pm.

Tropical (Pup)sicles

Pup recipe alert! I couldn't help but sharing one of my new favorite summer pup recipes with all of you! Meatball has loved all of the pupsicles I made for her last summer. Basically if you add any fruit your pup likes ( except grapes) you can't really go wrong. The other reason why I love serving Meatball pupsicles is that it takes her forever to eat them. That means we can eat dinner in peace. If any of you have a pug you understand. 

Oreo Explosion Ice Cream Cake

So Sunday was National Ice Cream Day. What better way than to celebrate with an ice cream cake! It also happened to be my Hubby’s birthday and this amazing cookie explosion cake was his only request. 

Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I'm sorry. Did I just make a bread with NO BUTTER or OIL? Yup. I did. Was it super moist and totally amazing? YES! This is actually a similar rendition to a recipe I have made before for coconut banana bread. I have been on a chocolate chip kick lately so I of course added them to the recipe.You can also use carob chips if you would like! This recipe is perfect if you have a couple of old bananas sitting on your counter that you are wondering what to do with. Don't throw them away! They are perfect for banana bread. The browner the banana, the better. 

Taking a Moment for Meso

So I am taking a break today from writing about food to partake in a campaign  to spread awareness about mesothelioma - a cancer caused only by asbestos exposure with everyone. The goal is just to make people more aware of the cancer and to understand where it comes from. If the entire campaign can save one life, it is all worth it! Please read on to understand some facts about mesothelioma.

What causes Meso? Are you at risk?

What are the symptoms?

Crunchy Blue Cheese Celery Slaw

Obsessed with buffalo chicken? Yup, me too. I tried out a new recipe from one of my favorite food shows The Chew. Haven't watched it yet? You are missing out! Clinton Kelly one of my favorite TV personalities came up withe the most amazing buffalo chicken dish. Grilled buffalo chicken a blue cheese celery slaw. Get it? It is a play of buffalo wings, but surprisingly healthier. 

Healthy Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

Finally! A recipe that satisfies my sweet tooth and is healthy! What drew me to this recipe is the sheer volume of dark chocolate. These bars looked so chewy and chocolaty that there was no way I could say no. Did I mention the words ( idiot proof) were in the title?So for all of you non-bakers.. this is the recipe for you!

Summer Fruit Salad with Orange Vanilla Syrup

What is the perfect addition to any brunch, cookout, picnic or breakfast? Fruit Salad!!

Yup. Fruit Salad.Fruit ( especially in summer) is naturally sweet so does it REALLY NEED SYRUP? No. Is it totally delicious with it? YES. Thank you Pinoeer Woman!

Sweet Potato Samosa Burgers

I love Indian food. Samosas are my weakness. Potatoes. Sweet Peas. All wrapped up in a flaky, perfectly fried pouch. Doesn't get much better than that people. So then I thought, why not take samosa flavors and make them into a healthy veggie burger. 

Dog Friendly" Pupcakes"

Oh.. you are one of THOSE people who make cupcakes for your dog's birthday. Roll your eyes if you may ,but I make my fur baby lots of treats. Most of them are super easy to make and I already have the ingredients on hand, which was the case for these pupcakes. It was Meatball's fur friend, Pheobe's 1st birthday so her moms wanted to throw her a birthday party. Cue in the pupcakes. 

Mexican Quinoa Casserole

Ok, I won't lie. This is not the most beautiful picture I have ever taken of my food. Can you just take my word that this casserole is not only easy to make, but tastes delicious. SO delicious in fact that you will not miss that fattening Mexican food you are used to. I swear.