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Spicy Coconut Curry Lentils

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MazolaHeartHealth #CollectiveBias We are a full month into the new year and I have to say, I’ve been doing quite well with my better lifestyle! I had a small snag in the past week when I caught a cold but I am back on the bandwagon! Now we’re in February and that means that it’s Heart Health Month. This month I’m going to be focused on making recipes that are better for you including more leafy greens, things with low cholesterol, beans and of… Read More

Creamy Paprika Chicken Stroganoff

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CreateCozyComfort #CollectiveBias Every December practically everyone that lives in Wisconsin talks about how the winter really isn’t that bad….yet. And every winter I have to remind my friends and family that the worst of the weather comes in January and February. And here we are, in February and it’s cold and there are piles of snow on the ground. It’s these cold days and nights that have me craving tasty comfort foods like this Creamy Paprika Chicken Stroganoff. It’s no secret that the… Read More

Best Date Ideas in Milwaukee

With all of the traveling that I do it dawned on me that I haven’t taken the time to talk about my hometown! My husband and I don’t often go out when we’re home because we prefer to stay in, cook dinner together and enjoy a nice bottle of wine. Recently I decided that we were going to enjoy a few date nights and days right here in Milwaukee. What I learned is that there are a lot of really amazing places to dine and fun things to do here and I don’t always need to rush out of town… Read More

How to Frost Cupcakes with a Ziploc Bag

I’ve been sugar-free for the month of January and while I have felt so much better than I did while indulging on sweet treats during the holiday season, posting this makes me really want a tasty chocolate cupcake! You may have seen on that I’m now writing for Taste of Home and today I’m sharing my recent article: How to Frost Cupcakes with a Ziploc Bag. I’m not a fancy baker so this is a great way to snazzy up your homemade cupcakes and make people think you’re a decorating pro! Head on over to Taste of Home and check… Read More

Baked Falafel Salad Bowl

This is my first post of 2020 and so far it has been a good start to a new year. I’ve been focused on eating healthier and getting back into shape after the holiday season. Is anyone else in this same boat? I have been focused on eating clean, healthy recipes loaded with fresh ingredients and cutting out sugars. Believe me, I had plenty of cookies, cakes and treats over the holiday season to hold me over for a while! This Baked Falafel Salad Bowl has been my go-to lunch meal in the past couple of weeks and I love… Read More

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Let me take a minute and ask you a question…. Are you ready for Christmas? I saw a meme today that was about this question basically insinuating that nobody is ever really ready for Christmas. I’m not even done with my shopping yet and I have a laundry list of things to prep this weekend. But if you need a little inspiration for your upcoming holiday events I’m sharing 8 Christmas Party Appetizers including my recipe for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels! I’m a sucker for a cheesy appetizer and these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels include 2 types of cheese: feta and cream… Read More

Sausage and Pesto Pizza

Well, we’re down to one week left before Christmas is finally here! We had a little dusting of snow the other night that had me feeling like I was ready for the celebrations. I’m going to be off work between Christmas and NYE and am looking forward to some down time, just relaxing with a good movie and so today I wanted to share a tasty pizza recipe perfect for making during your down time with your friends and loved ones. This sausage and pesto pizza is easy to make, loaded with flavor and turns out perfectly when made on… Read More

Stovetop Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Christmas this year has literally crept up on me! I think I’m nearly done with my shopping and I’m about ready to celebrate. I found myself feeling more festive this year and I think it’s because we missed out on a lot of celebrating last year when we were in Europe. Don’t get me wrong, celebrating the holiday season in Prague, Munich and Italy was seriously magical but there’s something about being surrounded by friends and family that makes it extra special. This year I’m soaking up all of the holiday festivities and also enjoying time alone with home with… Read More

Air Fryer Crab Wontons

Ever since I have returned home from Europe I have been wanting an air fryer. While abroad I would find endless ideas online and ‘pin’ them for my return. When I got back I rushed out and got my own air fryer and then my friends at Hamilton Beach sent me their fancy Air Fryer Countertop Toaster Oven and my obsession was taken to a new level! This thing cooks crispy fries in minutes and is perfect for making Air Fryer Crab Wontons to entertain your holiday guests! PLUS I’m offering up this awesome little appliance to one lucky reader… Read More

5 Tips for Easy, Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine. #hillshiresocialplattersatmeijer #Collectivebias It’s the holiday season and I have already hosted one gathering at my house and many more gatherings are to come! I am all about hosting, and even attending, parties around the holiday season but it is honestly a lot of work! Wouldn’t it just be so easy to snap your fingers and have your house cleaned and decorated and the food ready to serve! Today I’m sharing 5 tips of easy holiday entertaining so that you can keep… Read More

Skinnytaste Cornflake-Crusted “Fried” Chicken with Romaine Slaw

This post is sponsored by Peapod. All opinions expressed are my own. Have you jumped on the Air Fryer bandwagon yet? I’ve tried two versions of these hot new appliance and love how you can make crispy, crunchy food without having to deep fry anything! I was recently sent the The Skinnytaste Air Fryer Cookbook from Gina Homolka at Skinnytaste and am totally obsessed with her delicious recipes including the one for Cornflake-Crusted “Fried” Chicken with Romaine Slaw. To celebrate the launch of Gina’s new book she has also launched a collaboration with Peapod, the grocery delivery service, bringing healthy meal-delivery… Read More

Roasted Squash with Farro Fattoush

I know what you’re probably thinking….It’s the holiday season, is she ever going to do giveaways again?! YES! I’m super excited to be teaming up with some fun brands this holiday season and bringing you FIVE fun giveaways before Christmas. I’m starting today with something that I recently discovered and totally fell in love with; SPICES. I honestly have one of the most stocked spice cabinets you will ever find because I love trying new flavor combinations and always have a tendency to grab new spices at the store before I even know what I’m going to do with them…. Read More

How to Host an Italian Brunch with Mionetto

After spending a couple of months in Italy during my year abroad, I have become very accustomed to the Italian-style of brunch and breakfast. Traditionally, Italy has preferred to stick to the typical breakfast, lunch and dinner meals but in recent times things are changing where Italians are big fans of the weekend brunch. You’ll often find a frittata on the menu, as well as cold meats and cheeses, fresh fruits and of course, prosecco. When planning to host your own Italian-style brunch at home, I always like to suggest starting with the cocktail. Mimosa’s are a typical breakfast drink… Read More

Chimi Chicken and Yellow Rice Bowls

I spent my weekend working on recipes for my soon to be released French cookbook. It really took me back to the past year using ingredients like fresh herbs and brined olives that I had picked up at the market and really made me miss my time abroad. I’m hopefully going to soon post a recap of my entire year and things that I took away from my European life so keep your eyes peeled for that! French cooking aside, I also took the time to make a tasty rice bowl with chicken, roasted peppers and onions and a fresh… Read More

Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja

Ever since I learned how to use my Instant Pot properly I have found myself avoiding my slow cooker. I sometimes find myself disappointed in how meat turns out in the slow cooker, often overcooked if you don’t really watch it. But alas! I found myself enjoying the flavors of this perfectly cooked Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja, a Cuban dish perfect for chilly fall nights! I’m a huge fan of Cuban food and it’s one of my favorite reasons for visiting Miami. Cuba is a country that is on my list of places that I’d like to visit in 2020… Read More

Homemade Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BakeItYourself #HomemadePizzaDough #CollectiveBias There are a lot of different styles of pizza out there, from New York thin crust to Chicago-style deep dish. I do love a good NY-style pizza, but my preference is for a Neapolitan-style pizza with a fluffy, chewy crust. We had our fair share of this pizza style while living in Florence, and it has become my mission to figure out the recipe for the perfect Neapolitan pizza dough. I think I finally may have achieved the perfect pizza dough… Read More

Pumpkin Spice Caramel Pecan Ice Cream

It may be cooling off outside but that doesn’t mean that my love of ice cream is going anywhere! I often forget that I own an ice cream machine but every time that I bring it out to make a homemade treat I’m delighted with the outcome! My friends over at Litehouse recently launched a Pumpkin Spice Caramel Dip and since pumpkin spice is one of my favorite fall flavors I decided to swirl it into a batch of homemade ice cream! And so, here’s my recipe for Pumpkin Spice Caramel Pecan Ice Cream! I don’t know what it is… Read More

Blackened Chicken Strips and Cajun Rice

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine. #TysonBlackenedChickenStripsAtMeijer #CollectiveBias Since I spent so much time in Europe over the past year I decided that this next year would be devoted to US travel. There are so many places right here at home that require my attention such as Yellowstone, Charleston and New Orleans. I have been to New Orleans in the past but not really for a foodie adventure and I feel like this city has so much to offer from a culinary standpoint. I’m not… Read More

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Tacos

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PaceTacoNight #CollectiveBias One of the foods that I found myself craving constantly while in Europe was tacos! Unfortunately, Europe just didn’t seem to be able to make decent Mexican food so I was stuck trying to make my own at our apartment with limited spices and cookware. Now that I’m back home I am looking for any reason to celebrate a Taco Tuesday and am utilizing all of my cooking tools at my disposal to make delicious fillings. Last week I pulled out… Read More

One-Pan Chicken Parmesan and Roasted Vegetables

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #McCormickONEatMeijer #CollectiveBias Ever since I arrived back in the US I have found myself more pressed for time than ever! I’m back into the full swing of life with getting my house back in order, the usual weekly errands and cooking like crazy to make up for lost time. While eating out at some of my favorite restaurants was high on my list upon my return, this isn’t always the best option for trying to live a balanced lifestyle. With limited time I’ve… Read More