Posts

This BBQ chicken salad is a fresh and colorful combination of grilled BBQ chicken, veggies, cheese, beans and tortilla strips, all tossed in ranch dressing. It’s WAY better than the California Pizza Kitchen version! When I want a hearty salad, I turn to favorites such as Greek salmon salad , black eyed pea salad , Italian pasta salad and this fabulous BBQ chicken salad. I understand that California Pizza Kitchen is technically a pizza restaurant, but I cannot resist ordering their BBQ chicken chopped salad every time I go there....

This beet salad is full of red and yellow beets, avocado, feta cheese and pecans, all tossed with greens in a homemade balsamic dressing. An easy and beautiful salad that’s perfect for the winter and fall months. I love hearty and colorful salad recipes such as chicken salad with grapes , Christmas salad , chicken pasta salad , Chinese chicken salad , green bean salad and this fresh and totally delicious salad that features roasted beets....

This recipe for blueberry shortcake is vanilla ice cream and homemade blueberry sauce sandwiched between lemon shortcake and finished off with whipped cream. This easy and elegant dessert is perfect for any occasion! Move over strawberry shortcake, there’s a new summery fruit recipe in town! This blueberry shortcake with vanilla ice cream just can’t be beat. Spring has sprung here in California and I couldn’t be happier about it! The temperature is a constant 70 degrees, the trees are full of blossoms and my twins will be turning 5 (!...

This recipe for Buddha’s delight is a classic Asian dish full of mixed vegetables and tofu in a savory sauce. Make your own take out in less than 30 minutes! I love to make stir fry, it’s fresh, easy and totally delicious. I often make chicken and broccoli stir fry , honey garlic shrimp stir fry and this meatless Buddha’s delight. I’m always looking for more ideas to incorporate protein into my family’s diet, especially when it comes to creating a balanced diet for my kids....

This chicken adobo is a Filipino inspired dish made with chicken pieces simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. An easy dinner option with minimal ingredients that always gets rave reviews! When I’m looking to dress up plain old chicken into a special meal, I turn to popular dishes such as baked chicken breast , cider glazed chicken , Moroccan chicken , Hunan chicken and this super easy chicken adobo....

This chicken and rice casserole recipe is a one pan meal that’s full of tender chicken and creamy rice, all baked together to golden brown perfection. A classic dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Casserole recipes always hit the spot, and my family enjoys favorites such as pierogi casserole , King Ranch chicken , chicken enchilada casserole , beef noodle casserole and this creamy chicken and rice dish. This easy chicken and rice casserole is actually a family recipe that comes from my mother-in-law....

These chocolate covered cherries are made with maraschino cherries, a creamy center and plenty of dark chocolate. A homemade version of the classic treat that’s impossible to resist! Chocolate covered cherries are one of my all time favorite candies, along with rum balls , rocky road fudge and peppermint patties . These dessert recipes make great holiday gifts, party favors, or a snack to satisfy any chocolate craving. These cherries are also perfect for Valentine’s Day along with a homemade heart cake !...

This recipe for Fruit Sushi (Frushi) is a fun and delicious snack or dessert made with lightly sweetened coconut rice and fruit – no special kitchen tools are needed to make it! Move over raw fish, this fruit sushi is a a unique treat that kids and adults alike will love. It’s perfect for parties, snack time, or even tucked into school lunchboxes. This dish also makes a great sweet finish to a sushi bowl meal!...

These easy garlic knots are smothered in butter, garlic, herbs and parmesan and are baked to golden brown perfection. A quick side dish for any meal! My family loves Italian inspired appetizer recipes and side dishes like fried ravioli , caponata and these hot and delicious garlic knots. Serve these rolls with a side of marinara for dipping and watch the compliments come in! When I go to my favorite local pizzeria, I always have to order a serving of garlic knots....

These Instant Pot short ribs are flavorful beef ribs cooked with vegetables and seasonings until tender. The fastest and easiest way to prepare succulent short ribs that always get rave reviews! When I’m looking for a hearty meal that I know will please a crowd, I turn to classic such as slow cooker pot roast , baked mac and cheese and these simple yet succulent pressure cooker short ribs. I happen to love short ribs – they’re full of flavor, inexpensive and are elegant enough for company....

This recipe for kung pao shrimp is chock full of veggies and peanuts and is cooked in a savory yet spicy sauce. Make your own take out in just 20 minutes! My version of this classic Chinese dish is even better than what you’d get at your local restaurant. It’s one of my favorite stir fries along with tender moo goo gai pan and spicy szechuan beef ! I’ve back with yet another make your own Chinese takeout recipe....

This Mexican lasagna is layers of flour tortillas, cheese, beans and ground beef, all baked together until golden brown. The ultimate Mexican casserole that’s sure to get rave reviews from the whole family! I make Mexican food at least once a week, my kids always request Chipotle carnitas , carne guisada , black bean soup , chicken tinga , green chile chicken enchiladas , carnitas tacos and this easy and satisfying Mexican lasagna....

This pesto chicken recipe is seared chicken breasts topped with pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection and served with fresh tomatoes. A quick and easy dinner option that’s full of flavor. When I’m looking for a way to dress up plain old chicken breasts, I make bacon wrapped chicken , baked chicken parmesan , or this simple yet satisfying pesto chicken. Pesto, tomato and cheese is a classic flavor combination that never goes out of style....

This popcorn shrimp recipe is tender bites of shrimp coated in seasonings and deep fried to golden brown perfection. An easy appetizer option that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whenever I’m hosting a party, I offer a variety of hearty snacks including cheesy corn dip , baked chicken wings , and these irresistible popcorn shrimp. Popcorn shrimp is one of my all time favorite appetizers to order at restaurants, I just can’t resist those crispy little snacks!...

This pumpkin cake is filled with plenty of pumpkin puree and spices, then baked and topped with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting . The ultimate fall treat that’s perfect for gatherings and makes for a show stopping dessert on Thanksgiving day. You can never go wrong with a pumpkin dessert during the fall season, whether it’s pumpkin dump cake , pumpkin chocolate chip cookies , or this simple yet totally satisfying pumpkin sheet cake....

These S’mores cookies are chewy graham cracker cookies loaded with gooey marshmallows and milk chocolate. All the flavors of S’mores with no campfire needed ! When I get a cookie craving, I typically whip up some dessert recipes like M&M cookies , no bake peanut butter cookies , molasses cookies , haystack cookies , red velvet cookies , or these amazingly delicious S’mores cookies. I have to say, these cookies are some of the best that I’ve EVER had....

This shrimp Alfredo pasta is made with fettuccine in a creamy parmesan sauce, topped with sautéed garlic shrimp. An easy dinner that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant ! Shrimp fettuccine Alfredo is one of my favorite dishes to order when I go out to eat. Now I can make it at home for a lot less money, and it tastes absolutely amazing. Serve your pasta with sautéed broccolini , mandarin orange salad , sautéed mushrooms and onions or a wedge salad for a memorable meal....

This sushi bowl recipe is assorted fresh fish, avocado, cucumber and seaweed, all served over rice with spicy mayo, picked ginger and wasabi. Sushi bowls have all the great flavors of traditional sushi rolls, but with less work ! My family happens to love Japanese food, and I’ve learned to make some of their favorites at home such as salmon teriyaki , yakitori and shrimp tempura roll . When I don’t feel like rolling sushi, I make these sushi bowls and they’re always a big hit....

This taco dip is a creamy layer topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cheese and other taco toppings. A quick and easy appetizer recipe that can be on the table in just 10 minutes! When I’m entertaining, I look for quick and easy party snacks such as cranberry jalapeno dip , caprese skewers , potato skins , and this colorful and festive taco dip. Tacos are a fun and festive food that are a welcome addition to any party menu....

This recipe for Thai peanut chicken is a quick and easy stir fry with seared chicken and colorful vegetables, all covered in a homemade peanut sauce. Serve it with a side of rice for a complete meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes! When I get a hankering for Thai food, I whip up my favorite homemade versions including Thai cucumber salad, peanut noodles and this fabulous peanut chicken....