Month: November 2011

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1.) I recently started eating brown rice once I realized I was not cooking it correctly!  Follow this recipe for tasty brown rice!
2.) Do you enjoy cheesy, gooey, toasty sandwiches? What about fresh herbs? Try this sandwich recipe for an amazing sandwich treat!
3) If you’re looking for a place to find baking recipes all in one spot, check out this link where everything is perfectly organized!
4.) These snowmen cupcakes are not only adorable but low fat!
5.) Do you need a fresh start after Thanksgiving? Try this fresh, healthy, green smoothie.
6.) This one dish lunch or dinner is easy and filled with nutritious ingredients!
7.) Of course you’ve had Jell-O shots before, but have you ever had rainbow Jell-O shots before?
8.) Cuban sandwiches pack a lot of flavor into two slices of bread and this version will have your mouth watering.
9.) If you’re looking for a hearty soup on a chilly night, this one is perfect!
10.) Do you have any leftovers from Thanksgiving?  If so, try this turkey Reuben recipe for one last turkey hoorah!

Last minute Thanksgiving ideas!

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In case you’re still in a pinch and looking for some Thanksgiving recipe ideas, I thought I’d share some past posts!
For an appetizer, start off with some hot artichoke dip.
Or Grilled Chicken Artichoke Pepper Crostini.
To start your meal, make a panzanella salad.
Or butternut squash soup.
For some healthy, unique sides try cauliflower mashed potatoes.
Or mashed turnips.
And for a tasty dessert, try this white chocolate banana cream pie!

And of course you’ll need some turkey but that is something I have yet to master.  Have a happy and healthy holiday!

My two cents before Thanksgiving.

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1.) Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving day dish?  Mine is sweet potatoes and here are some amazing recipes!
2.) Are you worried about consuming enough veggies this year? Try these squash rolls and you can have your carbs and eat veggies too!
3.) If you’re stuck on Thanksgiving appetizer recipes, here are a few to get you started!
4.) Looking for a unique side?  Why not try this butternut squash gratin!
5.) Are you still stumped on how you will cook your turkey!  No need to worry, here are some great ideas!
6.) If you need multiple Thanksgiving veggie ideas here is a consolidated list!
7.) Make this great dessert idea if you want to wow your guests and make the kids happy!
8.) Have you created the perfect décor for the big day? Check out these simple and fabulous linen napkins.
9.) Here are some beautiful tablescape ideas if you have yet to decide on how you will decorate!
10.) Lastly, enjoy this cute Thanksgiving video! 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Tomato Soup with Mozzarella Croutons

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As the pressure of the holidays slowly creeps in you’re either:
A.) Prepared and excited
OR
B.) Panicked!!!
I for one, am a huge Thanksgiving advocate. Although I would assume most foodies are. A day dedicated to food? Yes please. Luckily, I don’t cook Thanksgiving dinner. Yet. I plan on preparing the big feast myself one day when I have a massive kitchen, where I can cook for days.
Of course Thanksgiving dinner involves a lot of traditional items. But what do you serve before the big meal? Whether you serve hors d’oeuvres and you need something in between or you simply need a first course, soup is always a crowd pleaser.
While checking out some of Martha Stewarts’ healthy soup recipes I couldn’t help but think how perfect it would be to start off Thanksgiving with a unique, fresh soup.

Tomato Soup with Mozzarella Croutons

Ingredients

  • For the Soup
    • 1 28-oz. can whole peeled plum tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup diced onion
    • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • For the Croutons
    • 1/2 baguette, sliced (about 16 slices)
    • Olive oil, for drizzling
    • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
    • Fresh basil leaves

Directions

  1. Pulse tomatoes and liquid in a food processor until chopped. Heat oil and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion. Cook, stirring, until onions are tender, about 6 minutes. Add tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally, until slightly reduced, about 30 minutes. Puree until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
  2. Meanwhile, drizzle bread with oil. Toast in 375 degrees oven until it begins to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Top with mozzarella and return to oven. Cook until cheese begins to melt, about 1 minute more.
  3. Top with fresh basil, season with salt and pepper, and serve with soup.

Not only will this recipe fill your guests up and take the edge of their hunger, but it has a kick! And if you’re family is Italian and can’t stand to serve turkey without some kind of saucy dish (like mine) then this soup will fit perfectly into your menu. Enjoy!

Let’s share some links.

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1.) I have yet to try a mug cake but they always look so cute and tasty.  Have you tried one?  Here are some recipes for inspiration!
2.) Do you eat for comfort?  Here are some ways to break the habits and cycles!
3.) Risotto is one of the ultimate comfort foods!  Try this tasty recipe tonight with some veggies and you will have the perfect meal.
4.) If you love sites where you find new, unique, products, you will love this site.  Especially because you can find out where you can buy them!
5.) Have you ever thought about making your own sprinkles?!
6.) Is coffee good for anything other than starting your day?  Of course it is!
7.) Making the perfect pizza at home can be tricky but try these tips and your results will be perfectly tasty!
8.) If you’re missing summer veggies like zucchini in this tasty recipe.
9.) I’m sure you’ll be interested in anything that is called gooey chocolate chip cookie bars, so here it is!
10.) Looking for the perfect foodie holiday gift? Check out these ideas!

It’s Friday.

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Happy Friday and Veteran’s Day!  If you were or are in the service, thank you!  And be sure to check out these great deals today to honor you!
If you haven’t checked out my article on Jersey Bites about a local breakfast spot, make sure you do!  I can bet it will make you crave French toast and bacon!
Have a great day

Two Cents, It’s What I got.

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1.) If you want to make pumpkin pie with a twist for Thanksgiving this year, be sure to try making pumpkin pie in a jar!
2.) Sweet potatoes can be a great, healthy choice for the holidays.  But the toppings can sometimes add a lot of extra fat. Try one of these healthy versions for a real treat!
3.) This may just be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! Check this link out for a fun Christmas-y project/recipe!
4.) Looking to sneak some veggies in you mac and cheese? This recipe will be sure to have anyone fooled!
5.) Or try this tasty veggie calzone!
6.) Does rosemary remind you of the holidays?  Then you’ll love this comforting mac and cheese recipe that uses rosemary!
7.) For a different twist on chicken and waffles, check out this recipe.
8.) In case you have some extra candied yams this time of year, I suggest this sweet treat!
9.) Tired of traditional breakfast?  Try this savory breakfast pizza!
10.) Not only are these grilled cheese croutons adorable but they are also going to add so much flavor to your soup!