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. 

Banana Crunch Muffins

Happy Easter Everyone!Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday. And if you have this week off for school vacation I am incredibly jealous because I have to work. 

Pesto Quinoa Salad

Can I just say how much I LOVE quinoa. If you haven't gotten aboard the quinoa train you better hurry up. Quinoa is becoming increasingly popular due to its superfood properties. So much so, that the farmers in South America can barely afford to eat it themselves anymore. In that case, maybe we can get plant based protein somewhere else so there is more to go around. Anyway, let me get off of my soap box. This salad is amazing. I came up with the idea because I saw a recipe for pesto pasta salad and I thought, " Well, why can't I just make the same flavors, but with quinoa. And thus, pesto quinoa salad was born. 

Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce

Spring has officially sprung!It has finally stopped snowing in Rhode Island so I am one happy gal. With the winter gone that means one thing, GRILLING! We had reason to celebrate this week because my father in law finished our farm house style table! Yey! Ribs for all!

Cauliflower & Carrot Fritters with Feta Yogurt Sauce

And I am back! Wow, it is funny how much a stomach virus can make you crumble under its wrath.Rest assured ( and I did get ALOT of rest) I am back in action and ready to share a delicious recipe with you!

Stomach Virus Strikes Down Food Blogger!

Woa Everyone! I am back from the dead. I am just now feeling myself after a 72 hour stomach virus bender. Whew... am I glad that is over. I will be back in action Monday with some AMAZING recipes for you all. As for now.. I am sticking with gatorade and saltines. 

Anyone else get this terrible virus going around???

Calling all Animal Lovers: Help out this Family!

Hi everyone! I come to you today not with a recipe, but with a plea. Can we help out this dog that needs knee surgery?

Maggie is a rescue that a local Rhode Island family owns.They have five other rescue pups and due to multiple surgeries in the last few years they are tapped out. Maggie started off life after Hurricane Katrina after she was thrown in a trash can with her sisters the day after Christmas. She was rescued by this amazing family and has had a great life ever since! Any donation you can spare for this amazing survivor would be great!

Here is her Go Fund Me Page: http://www.gofundme.com/7nf2f0

Big thanks from the Whole Rescued Family!

Thank You!!

Outside the Kitchen: Fort Lauderdale,FL

Fish Tacos From Aruba Beach Cafe

Hey there! Happy to be back blogging for you guys! Last week I went to visit my mom and stepdad in Fort Lauderdale, Florida! What a much needed vacation. I was getting sick of 20 degree New England days. I am so over you, Polar Vortex. 85 degree weather, a pina colada and a good book was just what the doctor ordered. 

"Almost Spaghetti" Spaghetti Squash

Let's be real. Spaghetti squash will never be spaghetti. To the people that think so.... I envy you. I have to say though, it is growing on me. I could never bring myself to eat spaghetti squash with tomato sauce ( bleh) but this version is just divine. This spaghetti squash is sauteed with tons of garlic, tomatoes and broccoli. Top with some nutty parmesan and you are in business! 

Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs

WARNING! The cheese you see in the picture is exactly what it looks like in person! It is rare that my husband and I have a dish that we both like that we both enjoy having for dinner. Hey, I am just stating facts. I love spicy, he likes bland, he likes burnt brussels sprouts, I don't, I love Mexican.. he.. gasp.. hates Mexican. But these little cheesy babies.. they are loved by both of us. 

Coconut Chai Protein Smoothie

I have the most amazing and delicious recipe to share with all of you! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I know what you are thinking... BUT I DON'T HAVE TIME! Well, make time! So many studies show that by eating breakfast you actually eat less calories throughout the day. Plus it gives you energy! If your excuse for not eating breakfast is because you have no time than this recipe is for you!

Challenge is Over! Some things I learned about eating healthy!

Hi Everyone! Sorry I was MIA last week. Work was INSANE and I legit did not have a night to blog. I made all of my favorites that have helped me lose weight during this challenge like curried cauliflower soup,grilled chicken skewers, and quinoa cucumber-avocado salad!)And for good reason! In a month I lost 8 pounds! For a shorty like me that is like another person! And that was with working out the same amount as I have been ( 3-4 times per week.) Whoop!

Some things I discovered about myself this month. 

Cucumber & Avocado Quinoa Salad

Avocado.Feta.Cucumber=Amazingness

Hooray! My kickboxing Healthy Lifestyle challenge  is over!I have my final weigh in Friday so I will let you know how much weight I lost! Not that having a healthy lifestyle will fall by the wayside. My friends and I plan on continuing this challenge for the next year. But more importantly I can now have a much deserved glass of wine. I actually missed drinking this month much less than I expected to.As for healthy eating,  I have probably made this salad twice a week during this challenge because it is full of protein, good fats and tastes delicious! Even better, it keeps me full for so long! 

Curried Cauliflower Soup

22 days down 8 days to go! My kickboxing challenge is going really well. The only few times have that have been tough is when we go out with our friends. Everyone is drinking, but me. Not even one. Other than that, the clean eating has been great. I will be able to update you all on what my final stats were, but I am hoping to lose some fat and gain some muscle!That leads me to this amazing recipe! Cauliflower is so amazing to help you eat something delicious, but still be eating healthy!It is high in fiber, vitamin C and potassium.

Quinoa Pizza Bites

I WANT PIZZA. I should not eat pizza. This is my moral dilemma. My friends and I have been talking about pizza and beer for the last 17 days and it kills me every time. Yes, of course I can have a slice, but my willpower is telling me to stay strong for the contest!So, I found a new treat that is satisfying and "pizzaesque." Quinoa Pizza Bites!

Lightened Up! Cheesy Enchiladas

Cheesy Enchilada Goodness

Happy Monday everyone! I am in week two of my kickboxing challenge. I have to say, it is getting much easier to make healthy choices. The more you say no to cookies and chips the easier it is to stick to the plan. Did I mention I have had NO ALCOHOL for 15 days. Friday I really wanted a glass of red wine to unwind from the week. But I had club soda and lime instead! ( See.. good choices!) It has been pretty simple to track calories on my fitbit and work out 4-5 times a week. Good news is I have lost another two pounds. Random thought: It is MUCH easier to gain two pounds than to lose two pounds! 

More DIYing: Make Ikea Furniture Beautiful with O'verlays

My Masterpiece

More DIYing from a self proclaimed worst DIYer. More success! In addition to the stenciling, I now have a completely new piece of furniture in my bedroom. Let's be honest- Ikeafurniture isn't the most aesthetically pleasing. But hey, it's cheap and you can easily transform it into something so amazing!

Week 1:Citrus Chicken Skewers

Week one is of the challenge is officially over! Three weeks to go!Week one had some highs and lows. I passed by numerous french fries, chicken fingers and even said no to tacos. TACOS! Yes, I am serious. Every day at lunch my husband and I would take walks along our manufacturing floor to get some steps in and I even ignored the daily movie style popcorn my company has every day. EVERY DAY. The smell was intoxicating, but I soldiered on! I said no to alcohol twice when my friends were drinking, but don't worry I watched longingly as they sipped their red wine.

Making Changes in 2014.. Will you?

I cannot wait to tell you all about what I have been doing for the last week! For those of you who don't know, I love kickboxing ( what up I love Kickboxing.com) because it pushes me to do WAY more in a workout than I ever would and frankly, it  makes me feel badass.For January they challenged us to make 2 changes to our diets ( adding more water, veggies, giving up sweets etc.) When I saw this challenge I had to jump on it. 

Stenciling Through the Snow

Hello everyone! Here is something you don't see everyday. Me not talking about food. I gaze longingly at DIY projects on Pinterest, yet never do any because I know I do not have a DIY bone in my body. I will usually start a project and ten minutes in get annoyed it doesn't look like it should and give up. But that all changes now!

Waldorf Kale Salad

Happy New Year Everyone!This dish is full of flavor so you won't miss out on anything. That is one of my biggest pet peeves. Healthy food that tastes bland and gross. It is so easy to make healthy food a staple in your diet if you make it taste delicious and fool your brain into thinking. " Wow! This is delicious." Well, look no further. This salad is it.