Appetizers

Whole Wheat Homemade Pitas.

Last night my youngest christened her newly renovated bedroom with a sleepover (long awaiting this daywith her newly renovated room).  She has two days off from school so why not invite a bestie over and we’ll have a fun dinner and hangout.  I wanted to make homemade pitas to stuff with turkey meatballs tonight, roasted … Continue Reading »

When a vanilla balsamic reduction met up with red beets.

Okay I admit it, I’ve always been leery of the beet!  I’m not sure why.  The red hands, the production, or so I thought to cook them…. in my mind it just wasn’t worth it.  Then, one day, I was pretty much forced to choose either tuna atop of a bed of greens or beets … Continue Reading »

Mango Jalapeño Salsa.

*Stamped spoon can be found at:   http://www.etsy.com/people/pumpernickelandwry Sometimes you need to lighten up a gray day with some tropical salsa.  Today, is a bit gray and going to be rainy… I thought this would be the perfect way to brighten up dinner.  I make this salsa early and let the flavors blend in the … Continue Reading »

Panko Breaded Baked Chicken Tenders.

  There’s something about crunchy breaded chicken.  I love that I managed to get this super crispy but not by frying – but baking in the oven.  This recipe is super adaptable and easy – great for a weeknight meal.  Pair it up with your favorite veggies and you are set.  Kid approved and parents … Continue Reading »

Classic Hummus.

  If you’ve never made hummus, you don’t know what you’re missing.  Store bought hummus pales in comparison.  This took me about 3 minutes to make.  It tastes unbelievably good and can be used as a dip, sandwich spread… whatever!  So healthy and even the kids love it!  I made it for a party that … Continue Reading »

Turkey Sausage & Pepper Calzone. Customizable.

I used King Arthur’s Italian Style flour (but you can buy pizza dough at the grocery store).  I used their recipe on the back of their product to make the dough.  You can use other pizza dough recipes (I have several on my blog that you can search). Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. You … Continue Reading »

Smoked Gorgonzola Rosemary Cheese Balls.

The holidays will be here before we know it & I always need a few good staple appetizer recipes that I can prepare easily and ahead of time.  I had leftover smoked gorgonzola from yesterday’s dinner and I thought I would use it.  You can use regular gorgonzola if you couldn’t find smoked.  Blue cheese … Continue Reading »

Manchego & tomato crostini.

Oh Manchego cheese is one of my very favorites!!  I picked up a large slice of it today and just knew I had some fresh tomatoes at home… viola! This recipe is super easy.  Broil up some sliced baguette pieces (drizzled with a bit of olive oil) until nicely toasted and golden brown on both … Continue Reading »

Mixed olive tapenade.

I love olives!  This is one of my favorite go-to appetizers and I’ve been craving this for about two weeks.  I finally purchased some of my favorite olives and just got done making this… I had to share!  Easily prepared ahead of time.  All you need are some toasted baguette slices or even Melba toast. … Continue Reading »

Vegetarian Rolls.

Perfectly vegetarian. This recipe is totally customizable.  I’m still perfecting my “wrapping” skills but this is one of our favorite lunches ever!  Totally filling without any of the guilt from a heavy lunch or light dinner.  These would also be super fun to make at a dinner party – think of Vietnamese “tacos”. Rice paper … Continue Reading »