Burrata & Peaches: two things I can't get enough of. This summer, the beau and I have been living on a diet of peaches and tomatoes. (A bit of an exaggeration, but they do currently qualify for our core food groups.) Sadly, I haven't found many ripe peaches here in Virginia like I'm accustomed to back home. Which is why on a recent trip to Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, I brought home a ...
Party Food
Pear + Prosciutto Appetizer
I love to host people, whether it be for a long weekend or just for a couple glasses of wine. It always excites me, and I want everything to be perfect. For me the greatest compliment is hearing that my friends have enjoyed my hospitality!! When hosting, I feel it's my job to make everyone comfortable. I try to anticipate the needs of my guests so that there's no stress -- just great ...
Jeweled Cauliflower Rice (Whole30 + Paleo)
If you've never had Persian or Iranian jeweled rice, you're in for a treat! This delicious side dish is aromatic, fruity, and truly beautiful due to the addition of nuts, berries, orange zest, saffron and spices. It's traditionally served at weddings or large celebrations on big platters. While on the Whole30, I was looking for some fun dishes that would keep me motivated and excited about ...
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles (Whole30 + Paleo)
This recipe was inspired by the bacon-wrapped green bean bundles that my grandmother, Nana, makes for family gatherings. They're usually one of my favorite things on the table -- buttery, salty, sweet, and so bacon-y that you forget there are green beans in there. It sure is delicious, but no one ever said it was good for you. This year for Thanksgiving, I decided to try whipping up a ...
Valentine’s Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Our mint thumbprint cookies are one of our most-loved recipes on the blog. For Valentine's Day, I decided to create a new version of the Montgomery, AL classic: almond thumbprint cookies! Just like the originals, these little babes are buttery, crispy crunchy, and just sweet enough. If you haven't read about the mint thumbprint cookies in our previous post, they're a copycat recipe from a ...
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Tomatillo salsa is a great way to spice up your condiment game! Salsa can be served at all times of the day - think salsa on eggs in the morning for breakfast, salsa as a substitute for salad dressing at lunch time, and salsa atop a grilled chicken breast for dinner. Often, store-bought salsa is highly processed with added salt and preservatives, so why not make it at home? This is a simple, ...
Veggie-Packed Turkey Meatloaf Muffins (Whole30, Paleo, DF)
Several years ago, while in grad school, I apprehensively picked up these Turkey Meatloaf Muffins from Trader Joe's. I was studying at the time to become a medical illustrator, and spending most of my time in class or in my studio. While I tried to eat healthily, I also had time constraints that kept me out of the kitchen, so frozen meals were a substantial part of my diet. These meatloaf muffins ...
Pickled Shrimp
Pickled shrimp are a easy, make ahead appetizer for your next party- especially if you need a last minute idea for this New Years Eve. Make these a day (or two) before to reduce prep time on the actual party day. They also travel well in the jar to take with you if you are attending your NYE party instead of hosting! We chose this recipe found in Saveur magazine inspired by local Georgia ...
Sausage Pinwheels
For this final week leading up to Christmas, we decided to share recipes that are personal for each of us — recipes that remind us of home. As each of you make your journeys home for the holidays, I’m sure you’re thinking of holidays past and special recipes your family makes each year. Maybe you make a big breakfast spread on Christmas morning, or order Chinese on the 25th every year. Or maybe, ...
Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Often times, the best gifts are often the easiest and most thoughtful. This double chocolate banana bread is an inexpensive and quick gift to bring to your host, your neighbors or your office for any occasion. My Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a waste not, want not way to get rid of those yucky brown bananas and using ingredients that most likely are already in your pantry. I often whip ...
