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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

Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls

I’m excited to announce that I’m working on a new series of e-Cookbooks that will be focused on European recipes that I discovered during my travels. This will be a series of 3 books filled with delicious recipes from France, Italy, Greece and many other countries and I’m super excited to be sharing them with you! These books are available only to my newsletter subscribers so if you’re not currently on the list be sure to sign up now so you get the first ‘chapter’ when it launches very soon! But speaking of international cuisine, today I’ve got a totally… Read More

Meatballs, Greens and Beans Pasta

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyCarandoMeal #CollectiveBias After spending two months in Italy during my European adventure, I came to realize that delicious Italian cuisine does not have to be complicated. Yes, I love to make homemade pasta and that can take some time, but there are so many delicious dishes that are quick and easy to prepare and still offer robust and hearty flavors. Since I have been home I have been trying to find new products that keep with this theme of easy Italian recipes and… Read More

Scallion-Ginger Beef and Broccoli

I am an absolutely fanatic when it comes to Chinese take-out and unfortunately during my time in Europe I could not fulfill this desire too often. There was a Chinese restaurant near our apartment in Florence, Italy that was rather inexpensive but not the best. But we ate it because it hit the spot given that we had been without Chinese food for so long. We also had it once in Scotland, but that was also mediocre and the restaurant was strange. Also, you had to buy your rice to go with your meal, unlike here in America where it… Read More

Scottish Highlands Whisky Tour

After leaving France in the middle of July, we spent some time visiting new areas of Europe that we had not seen before. After a few days of sightseeing in Amsterdam we flew to Scotland to begin a week that was sure to be memorable. While Aberdeen may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Scotland, there was one very specific reason for starting our trip through Scotland in this northern city. Scotch, or what the locals simply call “whisky,” is what drew us to this rugged city which is deeply tied into the… Read More

Celebrate Cholesterol Awareness Month with Lightened Up Moussaka

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ChooseMazola #CollectiveBias Now that I’m back in town from Europe, I have been eager to open up all of the cookbooks that I purchased during my travels and dive into more European cuisine. One of my favorite discoveries during my time abroad happened while I was in Athens, as I discovered my love for moussaka. This is an eggplant-based dish that includes other vegetables and ground meat. Since it’s Cholesterol Awareness Month, I thought that I would make a better-for-you version of this… Read More

Tomato Chickpea Flatbread

You know the old saying, ‘Time flies when you’re having fun’? Well that is exactly how I’m feeling right about now on my European adventure. Over the past couple of weeks constant thoughts of ‘how is it that I’m going home soon’ have been filling my head. While we are coming home just shy of 1 year, the past 11 months have flown by! People keep asking about what our favorite part of our trip has been and honestly, everything has been my favorite. It has been such a wild adventure, a learning experience, and a time filled with so… Read More

Le Marais Food Tour in Paris

I can remember back in September when we first arrived in Europe being excited and anxious to be away for one year. I can also remember thinking about how far off Paris was from our arrival but it finally arrived when we paid a visit last month! I know that a lot of people have mixed feelings about Paris but I really do love the city for the beauty and romance it presents. I only had one spat with a cloakroom attendant at a museum, but we won’t talk about that. Today I’m sharing the details of my food tour… Read More