There’s one summer fruit I can never seem to get enough of: cantaloupe. It tastes like candy and is so refreshing in the summer heat. I may have eaten an entire one by myself for dinner last week … I’ve always loved the sweet and salty combination of melon wrapped in prosciutto, but this appetizer […]
Recipes
Grandma Cattaneo’s Oatmeal Cookies
I was named after two amazing women — Grandma Barbara Cattaneo and Grandma Barbara Harrington. I’d like to think we share more than just names. Grandma Barb (my dad’s mom) was a lover of nature, books and the Cubs. Some of my favorite memories are of weekends spent at her and Grandpa Cork’s house in […]
Weeknight Chicken Sausage Pasta
Sometimes, you just don’t have enough time or energy to whip up a healthy, homemade meal. You come home from work, collapse on the couch, prop your shoes up on the coffee table and drift off into the world of Real Housewives marathons (team Vicki and Tamra 4ever). This pasta is for those times. It takes […]
Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps
What is it about a bad day that makes you want to call for take-out and curl up on the couch? Maybe I’ve watched too many episodes of Sex & the City? (I’m totally a Carrie.) I’m definitely an emotional eater. For me, food is comfort and I’m always tempted to reach for unhealthy options in those situations […]
Two-Ingredient Creamy Salsa Dip
A quick and easy salsa dip that will be gone quickly at your next party.
Pepperoni Pizza Party Bread
So much cheese. So much garlic. Really, does it get much better? This party appetizer was inspired by everyone’s favorite food group: ‘ZA! I whipped it up over the weekend for an impromptu get-together with some of James’ friends. I wanted to make something that was easy, portable and crowd-pleasing. It only takes a few […]
Muddy Fork Bakery Sourdough Workshop
For me, cooking has always been a form of therapy. On a bad day, throwing myself into an unfamiliar recipe helps free my mind — I can focus solely on the task at hand. With so many of us programmed to constantly multitask, it’s liberating. I spent all day Saturday learning how to make sourdough bread […]
Lightened-Up Beer Chicken Enchiladas
That pan of enchiladas barely lasted 24 hours in our house. I found myself staring at them in the fridge at 7 a.m. the other day, debating whether or not it was responsible to eat chicken enchiladas for breakfast. The answer is always yes. This recipe is one I tweaked based off of two How […]
Lightened Up Cinco De Mayo Recipe Roundup
Tomorrow is Cinco de Drinko Mayo. What better way to celebrate than with some festive food and drinks? Here’s the thing — I love Mexican food. I would probably eat it for every meal, if I could. But, many of the dishes you’ll find on restaurant menus are covered in fat-laden cheese, deep fried in oil […]
Mom’s Lasagna
There are few foods more comforting than a pan full of homemade lasagna. My mom’s recipe is the best and substitutes turkey sausage and low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version of the classic.
Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas
If I had it my way, I would eat Mexican food for every meal. I can never get enough of the comforting, spicy cuisine. This recipes is one my favorites — my parents have been making it for years. It’s easy, healthy and makes enough meat to feed an army. They threw this in the crockpot […]