Growing up, one of my favorite sweet, breakfast breads was banana bread. Despite this, in the nearly 10 years that I've lived on my own, I've never tried to make it (mostly because baking freaks me out). This all changed yesterday when I saw that I had 5 bananas starting to go bad on my counter top. I knew I had to do something with them, because I hate wasting good food like that. I looked up a recipe for banana bread and found that all the ingredients were pantry staples. I modified the ... [ Read More ]
BBQ Chicken Shepard’s Pie
I think I've invented my new favorite dish. Last night I realized I had a frozen pie crust in the freezer that I should probably use, but I wasn't in the mood for a standard chicken pot pie. After looking around my kitchen, I realized I also had a sweet potato that was probably on its last legs. Then it hit me. Why not make a BBQ chicken shepard's pie and top it with mashed sweet potatoes? In theory, everything about it sounded so delicious. In reality, it was actually more incredible ... [ Read More ]
Low Carb Chocolate Peanutbutter “Poptarts”
I know what you're thinking. How the heck can a chocolate ANYTHING be low-carb? I have two words for you, Quest Nutrition. Since my recent discovery of Quest Protein Bars, breakfast has become a whole lot healthier, tastier and satisfying! If you've had these bars before, you know that they are decent (not amazing). Despite their average taste right out of the package, these babies turn to pure pleasure when you bake them in the oven for a couple of minutes. Oh and did I mention they all have ... [ Read More ]
Tangy Asian Slaw with Ramen
Whenever I make an Asian inspired dish, I'm always looking for a healthy side to help make me feel better about eating all the sweet sticky sauces and carb-laden rice dishes that typically come with the territory. Enter, my new asian slaw. This crunchy slaw is easy to put together and uses ramen noodles in a really unique way. It's topped with an insanely delicious (and from scratch) citrus vinaigrette that you'll probably want to bathe in. </br> Whisk together all the ingredients ... [ Read More ]
Homemade Butter
Last night I did something I thought only the Amish could do. I made butter. This recipe took me 10 minutes and only has 2 ingredients. I used my Vitamix, but I've read all over the internet that you can use a standard blender/food processor to do it as well! Homemade Butter This is much healthier than regular butter because you control the amount and quality of the ingredients. No additives here! 2 cups Cream (1 pint)Salt to Taste Pour the cream into your Vitamix (or ... [ Read More ]
Chicken Francese
Who doesn't love a delicious piece of tender chicken francese? I know I do! I live for that chicken with a soft, puffy coating covered in a delicious lemon sauce. I've been making this dish for years and every time I make it, I wonder why I don't make it more often. It's really easy to make and a great way to have an Italian guilty pleasure right at home! My version is insanely delicious. It's so moist and tender! If you cook it right, you won't even need a knife to cut through it. Enough ... [ Read More ]
Homemade Nutella
Last week, my friend Jess sent me a recipe for homemade Nutella and asked me if I wanted to give it a try. Normally, I'm not much of a recipe follower, but I figured why not give it a try (plus, I'm always down for a girls night). I have to be honest, the recipe we followed simply didn't work out. It was chunky, thick and didn't have nearly the same flavor or consistency as the Nutella we all love. Luckily, I was able to re-work the recipe a bit and come up with my own recipe that simply ... [ Read More ]
Cheese & Potato Pierogi
I grew up on pierogi. This traditional polish dish is basically an unleavened dumpling that is stuffed with potato and cheese (or other filling varieties) and served with cool sour cream or applesauce. They can be boiled, pan seared in butter or baked and they are just so delicious! Unless your from Western Massachusetts and are lucky enough to get Millies Pierogi in the refrigerator section of the grocery store, you will typically find these guys in the freezer section. Since I haven't lived ... [ Read More ]
Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls
Not only am I'm obsessed with making my own take-out, I love making fun and interesting twists on some of my favorite dishes. One of my most exciting twists is on the classic takeout dish, eggrolls. Did you know you they are super simple to make and you can easily play around with the recipe to come up with all different kinds? My two favorites kinds of eggrolls are buffalo chicken and a simple asian vegetarian. Today I'm going to talk about the buffalo chicken since I think if ANYTHING is ... [ Read More ]
Erica’s Mind Blowing Caesar Dressing
I never thought the time would come that I would share my caesar salad recipe, but I feel like there is not better time. Last night I hit (and then exceeded) 1,000 Facebook fans. I'm just so overwhelmed with how supportive you've all been. Having a blog has always been a dream of mine and you've helped make this dream come true with your support, engagement and words of love towards me. This dressing recipe is my thank you to you all. It is honestly the best caesar dressing you will ever ... [ Read More ]