My guess is that most of you probably don't know what "Utica Greens" are. The fact is, up until I went to college in Utica, I didn't know what they were either! This regional appetizer is a specialty that you'll only find in Central NY, so when I moved away, I needed to find a recipe to fulfill my craving! The typical Utica Greens are a sautéed mix of escarole, cherry peppers, bread crumbs, prosciutto, parmesan cheese and then broiled to form a golden crust on top. This signature dish is ... [ Read More ]
Recipe: The Perfect Guacamole (With a Tropical Twist)
Growing up, whenever my family went out for Mexican food, they would always "hold the guacamole." Since they didn't want to eat it, I figured it was gross! It wasn't until about 5 years ago that I got up the courage to try this traditional dip. Once I did, I couldn't believe I went my entire life without it. From the moment I tasted "guac", I was determined to perfect the recipe and put a twist on it to ensure mine would be a stand out. My guacamole recipe is simple, but it has one ... [ Read More ]
Crispy Lemon Kale Chips
Everyone once in a while, I decide to go carb-free and stick to mostly a veggie-based diet (this usually lasts about 72-hours and then I want pasta). Whenever I do make this diet change, my saving grace is my delicious crispy kale chips. If you haven't had these before, you're missing out! Not only are they super nutritious and delicious, they don't really take much skill to make! Crispy Lemon Kale Chips Not only are they super nutritious and delicious, they don’t really take ... [ Read More ]
The 5 Best “Meat” Substitutes on the Market
Being a foodie, you'd think I would have grown up with a a foodie family or put myself in a relationship with someone who was equally as passionate about food. Wrong. My Dad is a vegan and my boyfriend is a vegetarian. I figured since life gave me lemons (and I mean that in the nicest way possible), I would have to try and make lemon "chicken" out of it. Whether you're a vegetarian yourself, or know someone who is, navigating the grocery store to find the best meat alternatives can be ... [ Read More ]
How to Make Fresh Pasta: Butternut Squash Ravioli
Last year, one of the most mystifying dishes to me was anything involving fresh pasta. I just couldn't get the courage up to try making it and sort of skirted the subject whenever anyone asked me if I knew how. This all changed when my boyfriends Mom, Wendy, told me I had to learn to do it and that it was simple (I wasn't about to argue with my new boyfriends Mother). So on one rainy Sunday afternoon, I headed into her kitchen and she taught me how to make pasta. Not only is it easy, it's ... [ Read More ]
Erica’s QUICK Chicken Pot Pie
Yesterday was the first day that I felt "winter" coming in Chicago. I know what you're probably thinking..."If she thinks THIS is cold, then just wait!" Yeah...I get it, and I don't care! If I want to be cold (and complain about it, I will). I digress... Anyways, because it was so cold, my boyfriend, Dan, and I decided we really wanted to have something warm and comforting for dinner. He told me he had has heart set on chicken pot pie. I've had a long 2 weeks (with no days off I might add), ... [ Read More ]
My Low Carb Pasta Alternatives
Real talk, I'm totally obsessed with pasta. ...and the reality is...my body type doesn't react well with carbohydrates. To put it bluntly, they make me fat. That is why I went on a mission to find some great pasta alternatives that would satisfy my craving, but help keep my carb intake low and my waistline small. Not only will I share my 2 favorite alternatives, but as a bonus, I'm going to tell you the best way to prepare them (because in reality, if I just told you about them, you probably ... [ Read More ]
Erica’s Crispy Chicken (or Eggplant) Parmesan
Since I can remember, it has always boggled my mind why people top their chicken/eggplant parmesan with sauce BEFORE baking it. In my opinion, it gets soggy and just doesn't taste very good. Growing up, every time my family would take us out to an Italian restaurant, I would always order "chicken parm with sauce on the side" (picture me at 6 years old ordering that. I knew what I wanted, even then)! It became a running joke in my family, but to be honest, I don't think I ever expressed to ... [ Read More ]
The Most Perfect Caramelized Onions
I figured there is no better way to start the "recipe" section of my blog, then to show you one of my most requested recipes, my caramelized onions! Once completed, this sweet treat can elevate almost any of your current dishes (try them mixed into your Mac and Cheese, on top of a pizza or even tossed into a salad). For years now, every time I host (or even go to) a dinner party, my friends always ask me to make something with these onions and then proceed to ask me for my recipe. Until now, ... [ Read More ]