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AT HOME


Beef Stroganoff
Some of my all-time favorite comfort foods involve egg noodles, and this recipe is no exception. This savory, protein-packed dish has a creamy tang from the sour cream and is sure to leave you wanting seconds! Best part- it all cooks in one dish and takes only about 30 minutes! Ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef (I prefer 93%) 1 yellow onion 1 shallot (optional) 8 oz of baby bella or cremini mushrooms (sliced thin) 3 cups of beef broth 3 cloves of garlic (minced) 2 tbsp of butt
laura
Oct 112 min read


Toddler Approved Breakfast: Pull-Apart French Toast Muffins
Here is a tried and tested recipe that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy! The recipe is very easy and a great way to use up bananas that are browning, or bread that is getting a little stale. This recipe should make about 10 smaller muffins, or 8 larger ones. Ingredients: 4 slices of bread, cubed 1 large banana, mashed 2 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract or paste 1 tsp ground cinnamon fruit to garnish, optional powdered sugar to garnish, optional Tools: muffin tin sif
laura
Oct 111 min read


PSL Jello Shots!
This post is dedicated to my fall obsessed, PSL loving friend, Jessica. When the weather creeps down to just cool enough for a sweater and boots she is fully committed to the season. I mean who can blame her? Bonfires, football, chili, soup, flannels, sweaters, hats, and of course the gorgeous changing leaves. Her birthday happens to fall right in the middle of the season so we try to go (f)all out for her with a trip to the mountains and a classic autumn theme! Pumpkin spice
laura
Oct 72 min read


Homemade Cheeze-its
Becoming a mom has made me seek out healthier homemade options for my favorite snacks to feed my son. The ingredient lists on most grocery store snacks are a mile long and full of processed foods and dyes that are really unnecessary. It's hard not to want to jump to the easy box from the store, but this recipe is honestly very simple and so easy to execute! INGREDIENTS: One 8-ounce block of Sharp or Extra Sharp Cheddar (coarsely shredded) 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (cub
laura
Oct 22 min read


Luck of the Irish
It's officially March aka St. Patty's Day month! In honor of this month's holiday we threw an Irish dinner party and I made a cheese and fruit board to celebrate the Irish Flag! For the green section I used a rosemary goat cheese "Rosie Goat", green bell peppers, cucumbers, granny smith apples, celery, kiwis, grapes, broccoli, and guac for dipping! For the white section of the flag I used Irish aged white cheddar, a chardonnay aged toscana, brie, muenster, and Havarti and ser
laura
Mar 1, 20211 min read


Egg Roll In A Bowl
My mom & I started Beachbody's 21 Day Fix this week so I needed to come up with some healthy, easy recipes that met the guidelines of the diet. This dish is a great way to satisfy your cravings for Asian food but much better for you! I swapped out the typical pork for a healthier turkey option, swapped soy sauce for coconut aminos, and left off the carbs but boy is this satisfying! INGREDIENTS: 1 lb Ground Turkey 1/2 Head of Shredded/Chopped Green Cabbage 1/2 cup shredded Car
laura
Feb 24, 20211 min read


Galentine’s Cheese Board
When my friend said she wanted me to make a custom board for her Galentine’s get together I was so excited! I knew it was the perfect...
laura
Feb 13, 20211 min read


Crockpot Turkey Chili!
For Super Bowl Sunday this year we had my boyfriends family over to watch the big game. Everyone was bringing a few apps but we wanted to make something a little heartier for everyone to enjoy. Nothing quite screams cold weather, football watching food to me than a big bowl of chili! We opted to use turkey this time for a healthier option and honestly, I couldn't tell the difference from ground beef. This recipe is so easy, healthy, hearty, and flavorful it is sure to be a hi
laura
Feb 11, 20212 min read


Pistachio Burrata Flatbread
This dish is such a great appetizer and it is so quick and easy to make, but best of all it is absolutely delicious. The combination of sweet & salty and creamy & crispy is sure to be a hit! INGREDIENTS: 1 Naan Flatbread (or make your own!) 1-2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1-2 slices of Proscuitto, chopped 3 oz of Burrata Cheese, sliced 2 tbsp Shelled & Roasted Pistachios Balsamic Glaze (to taste) Red Pepper Flakes (optional) Alternate option: Arugula or fresh herbs RECIPE: Pre
laura
Feb 8, 20211 min read


Get Organized!
Happy Monday! No better way to kickstart a new week then by getting organized in work (and in life!) One of my favorite things to do is...
laura
Jan 25, 20212 min read


January Amazon Haul!
Being an Amazon Affiliate means I get to recommend all of my favorite finds to you lovely people! These are all items that I think are...
laura
Jan 22, 20212 min read


Pete's Za Party!
When it comes to pizza, NY and Italy just do it better. I always push for my family to grab a pie when we're home on Long Island but my...
laura
Jan 21, 20213 min read


Breakfast Parfait Tarte
When an impromptu brunch get together was thrown my way I tried to think what can I make that’s easy, healthy, and delicious? Well parfait is a pretty great option but not always crowd worthy”. This recipe is beautiful, sweet, healthy, but most importantly delicious! INGREDIENTS: 1.5 cups of honey and oats granola (I got mine from Aldi but any granola will do!) 1 cup of chopped nuts or seeds (I used pecans, almonds, and pistachios but use anything that makes you happy!) 5 tbs
laura
Jan 10, 20211 min read


Mojo Marinated Pork
While watching the movie "Chef" the other day, I had the insatiable craving for one of Jon Favreau's Cubanos. After doing some research I found the recipe and decided to try it out for myself and boy, is it good!!! Chef Roy Choi created this recipe for the movie specifically and he made them look so good we had to give it a try. Step one for the Cubano recipe, is to make this juicy, slow-cooked pork. Packed with garlic, herbs, and citrus, Mojo should be your go to marinade fo
laura
Jan 8, 20212 min read


Blueberry Lemon Brie Grilled Cheese
This is one way to add some zest into your normal lunch routine...pun intended! This spin on a classic grilled cheese is tart, sweet, and oh so creamy. INGREDIENTS: 4 slices bread 1 cup blueberries 2 tsp water 1 tsp sugar or honey Brie (sliced) Lemon Curd (homemade or store bought) 4 tbsp butter RECIPE Cook blueberries, water, and sugar together in a pan over medium heat until they have popped. Remove from heat. Spread butter on one side of bread and cook over medium heat. Ad
laura
Dec 23, 20201 min read


Slow Braised Short Ribs
Coming home to NY to visit my family for the holidays is always one of my favorite things to do. We spend so much time around the fire and cooking in the kitchen together. After weeks of stalking the weather to see if we'd get snow on this trip (and it was not looking good,) on our first full day together it started snowing! After seeing the snow fall down, I knew that we needed to make something good for a cold day. My brother had requested Daniel Boulud's Short Ribs and alt
laura
Dec 21, 20203 min read


Epic Winter Salad
When the Christmas parties and holiday gatherings have left you feeling unhealthy or in need of a quick refresh, this is the type of salad I like to turn to. In my opinion what makes a great salad is variety. I like to mix textures, flavors, sweetness with a kick of spice, and colors. This winter salad is a great option for a dinner party, a night home, or a quick lunch! Top it with your favorite dressing and meat of choice or eat it as is and keep it vegetarian! Recipe: 1 ba
laura
Dec 16, 20201 min read


Aunt Betsy's Walnut Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
This coffee cake has a secret ingredient - sour cream! The sour cream makes this cake so moist it is almost like pound cake. With swirls of cinnamon and sugar, and chunks of chopped walnuts mixed throughout, this is a great fall or winter baked treat. The good news is- this cake is fantastic at any time of the day. The bad news is- you'll probably eat too much of it and hate yourself, (or me....) As Kate Spade says... "Eat Cake For Breakfast!" Ingredients: 3 cups All-Purpose
laura
Dec 15, 20203 min read


My Favorite Restaurant: Washington DC Edition- Le Diplomate
Around this time last year we were preparing for our trip back to see my family for the holidays. One of the best ways to break up a long...
laura
Dec 8, 20201 min read


Almond Honey Baked Brie
When it comes to appetizers...nothing beats melty cheese wrapped in puff pastry to me. The creamy, salty, sweet, buttery flavors all work so well together but it's definitely a guilty pleasure. This is not your average low-carb, low-cal, low-fat dish but boy, is it worth it! This baked brie is doused in honey and covered with almonds then wrapped perfectly up in a rolled out puff pastry & designed to fit whatever your theme may be. This is perfect to slice up and serve plain,
laura
Nov 30, 20203 min read


The Christmas Kapitan
This Christmas cocktail is sure to be a crowd pleaser! This is my spin on a White Russian, but with a Cap’n Crunch twist! Ingredients: 2 oz Vodka 1 oz Kahlua 2 oz Milk Cap’n Crunch Cereal Cinnamon Stick (garnish) Ground Cinnamon (garnish) Whipped Cream (optional) Pour approx 1 cup of cereal into a glass or bowl and pour milk on top to soak for 5-10 minutes Fill a cocktail glass with ice and top with 2 oz of vodka and 1 oz of Kahlua Top glass with strained cereal milk and stir
laura
Nov 28, 20201 min read


Low Carb Asian Chicken Stir Fry!
When I was doing the Keto diet a while back I discovered these low carb noodles that saved me from the boring routine of just meat and veggies. Shirataki noodles are made of a flour derived from the konjac plant and have little to no carbs or calories. They're called the "miracle noodle" for a reason! They also make this flour into a rice substitute and thinner/thicker noodle shapes for a variety of options. I really enjoy them when I'm doing low-carb as they're the closest t
laura
Nov 25, 20202 min read


Bulgogi Beef
If you've ever met my family, you know my dad is not afraid to try recipes from any cuisine. He is particularly obsessed with Asian food...
laura
Nov 23, 20202 min read


Coconut Chicken Tenders
This is one of my go to recipes when I want to make something that can last or transition into multiple meals. These tenders go great on salads, as a stand alone, with rice, or as a part of a quick and easy lunch like the photo below! They only take a few ingredients and a few minutes and you're done! I made mine with a mini caprese salad, some cucumbers & ranch, and some avocado slices with "Everything but the Bagel" Seasoning from Trader Joe's. INGREDIENTS: 2 tbsp Coconut O
laura
Nov 19, 20201 min read


Caramelized Onion & Cheese Puff Pastry Bites!
When I was going through my kitchen today looking for something fun to make I tried to take inventory of what I had in my house already. I always have a handful of onions in the pantry, butter is a staple, and I usually have an assortment of some cheeses. Luckily, I also had some puff pastry in the freezer so I decided to do my take on a appetizer I've made before. This recipe is an easy crowd pleaser but note it will usually require defrosting of the puff pastry and carameli
laura
Nov 13, 20202 min read


Mom's Famous Penne Alla Vodka Sauce
This recipe is one of my all time favorites, dating all the way back to childhood. My mom isn't Italian but growing up on Long Island we certainly ate a lot of pizza and pasta, and let's face it, NY just does that better than most other states. I always thought my mom's recipe gave restaurants a run for their money and with her addition of prosciutto, you're left with a hearty, crave-worthy dish. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as we do! INGREDIENTS: 1/2 lbs Prosciutto Di P
laura
Nov 10, 20202 min read


Quarantine Reads!
Quarantine got you down? Ready for your next escape somewhere? Anywhere but here? Unfortunately I can't suggest places to travel to...
laura
Nov 1, 20206 min read


#TGIF- Thank God It's Fryday!
Exercise? I thought you said extra fries!! This post highlights one of the best foods on this planet AND its an adult and kid favorite!...
laura
Oct 30, 20201 min read


Fall Charcuterie Board
As I've mentioned before, my favorite way to feed a crowd is good charcuterie board! We had an impromptu bonfire last weekend with a few...
laura
Oct 28, 20201 min read


Potato & Leek Soup
Move over PSL...it's PLS season! Potato & Leek soup has been a favorite of mine for years. This creamy soup is so versatile, you can really make it your own with a variety of toppings. This recipe is topped with bacon and loaded with flavor...the perfect soup for fall! Ingredients: 8 Slices of Thick Cut Bacon 2 tbsp Butter 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, Diced 3 Leeks, Chopped (Rinse thoroughly & only use the white/light green portions) 2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced 1 Medium Onion, R
laura
Oct 25, 20202 min read


Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon & Maple Cream
Fall is the perfect time of year to experiment with your soups. This recipe is inspired by Jet Tila and was a big hit with our family! The butternut squash pairs so well with carrots and Granny Smith apples, making it perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. Topping it with bacon and a maple sour cream is the perfect touch for a nice fall, fireside lunch! Ingredients: Dutch Oven (or a heavy large pot) 2-3 slices of thick sliced bacon 2 Cloves of Garlic (minced) 2 Sprigs of
laura
Oct 22, 20203 min read


Asian Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
This dish is one of my mom's staple crowd pleasing dishes. It's not too spicy but is packed with flavor and vibrant colors. Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Chicken 2 tsp Fresh Ginger- Minced 1 Clove Garlic- Minced 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes 3 tbsp Soy Sauce 1/2 Bottle of "House of Tsang Bangkok Radang Peanut Sauce" 1 tbsp Corn Starch 2 tbsp Peanut Oil or Vegetable Oil 1/3 cup Water Chestnuts- Finely Chopped 1/3 cup Green Onions/Scallions (Sliced Thin- for garnish) 1/4 cup Chopped Pea
laura
Oct 11, 20201 min read


Tongue Thai'd- Authentic Thai Vegetable Spring Rolls
This post includes a recipe I learned from an authentic Thai Chef while visiting the incredible city of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. My friend Jenn and I experienced these dishes first hand and had such a fun time making (and eating) them all! Part 1- Features Vegetable Spring Rolls! POR-PIA THORD (Vegetable Spring Rolls (or Egg Rolls!) with Sweet & Sour Sauce) Ingredients (Yields 10 spring rolls- double up for bigger batches!) 1/2 cup Thinly Sliced Cabbage 1/2 cup Thinly
laura
Oct 10, 20202 min read


Let's Stick Together!
Let's face it...food on a stick is more fun to eat. From fondue to hors d'oeuvres, shish kabobs to roasted marshmallows- you can't go...
laura
Oct 7, 20201 min read


Conchinita Pibil
I first heard of this dish while watching the Netflix Show "Chef's Table: BBQ". There was an episode that featured the Mayan Chef, Rosalia Chay Chuc, and her iconic "Conchinita Pibil" dish. In typical Mayan culture, they would cook this pork dish in a pit in the ground. The beautiful meaning behind this, as she describes in the episode, is that what you take from the earth you give back to it. After watching the entire season of great BBQ recipes, I decided to try my hand on
laura
Oct 1, 20204 min read


Theme "Du Jour"
Ben and I love having people over, especially when we can pull together a fun themed dinner. Our first theme night we hosted in our home...
laura
Sep 3, 20206 min read


Char-cute-rie Boards!
One of my favorite parts of hosting friends or family is building a charcuterie board fit for a centerpiece. I love the creation process,...
laura
Jul 29, 20202 min read
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