Springtime Eats + Drinks

Spring is here. Even though there’s still snow on the ground and it’s still a little chilly, knowing that we’ve (at last) reached spring is such a sweet feeling. I’m so ready for picnics and walks around Lake Calhoun, reading outside over the lunch hour and lightening up my diet!

I didn’t gain weight over the winter, but even after a week-long holiday, I’m feeling heavy and draggy. Cue lighter, healthier fare! Okay, so some of these recipes are for desserts, but they don’t look so delish and springy? Which one will you try first?

Greek yogurt cream cheese lemon coffee cake
Red wine berry spritzer (just red wine + La Croix, love it!)

Creamy meyer lemon bergamot orange and fresh ricotta tart

Berry almond smoothie
Roasted grapes with thyme on ricotta grilled bread
Coconut creamsicle margaritas

Happy Spring, everyone! X

 

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Loaf

Although Thanksgiving is over,  pumpkin is one of my favorite treats to enjoy into the Christmas season.  From pumpkin cheesecake to pumpkin cinnamon rolls, this is one ingredient I love every which way. The other night I tried a new pumpkin recipe and was pleased with the results. The recipe is specifically for muffins, but I turned them into little loaves and was very pleased with how they turned out: moist, flavorful with just enough sweetness.

What is your favorite holiday treat? Anything you must have to make it feel like Christmas? I’m a sucker for my Grandmother’s perfectly thin sugar cookies.

Have a great morning everyone,

Em

Happy Friday

Audrey’s Halloween Costume. Needless to say, she thought she was terrifying.

Thank goodness it’s Friday, right? Even though it was a short week for me, I’m not complaining and I’m looking forward to catching up on life this weekend. Laundry is overflowing. Our apartment needs a’cleanin’. Audrey wants to go to the dog park. Beyond that, my family will be in town tomorrow for both of my brothers’ football game and I’m excited to finally watch Drew and Luke in action! On Sunday, my cousin and best friend will be visiting with her new husband. He’s English and I never tire of listening to his accent!

Can you believe November has begun? Have a lovely weekend everyone and enjoy the following tidbits…

For Jane Austen admirers

A thought provoking read on God

What a delightful idea for breakfast tomorrow

Easy fall decorating ideas

Tea is the new black?

18 things to get rid of right now

This woman has killer taste

Wouldn’t these brighten up your desk?

What to read this weekend

Just one more Halloween costume!

Seven Savory Soups For Fall

It’s been chilly this week—the kind of cold which makes you want to curl up in bed or on the couch with a warm blanket and cup of tea. Or soup. There is something so homey about a bowl of soup on cool fall days and even though I only live with one other person (being my husband), when do make up a pot, we never have trouble going through it. We transport it to work in mason jars for something cosy at midday and if we’re too lazy to cook once we get home, we know supper is already made.

Here are seven recipes sure to warm you up and make your tummy happy—two of which are my own tried and true favorites.:)

Butternut Squash Soup

Ginger and Curry Chicken Soup

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Roasted Cauliflower and Aged White Cheddar Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

And last but not least, Carrot and Curry Soup! This is my sister-in-law’s recipes and it’s rich and creamy and so healthy! Stay warm everyone and happy cooking! X, Em

The Best Ever Semi-Homemade Pizza

The work week is busy enough and so when it comes to dinner, I’m always on the lookout for easy, great-tasting recipes. This is one of them.

My family is half Italian and when it comes to our pizza, I’m a bit of a snob. This recipe is reminiscent of some of the best pizzerias I discovered in Italy (though the crust is slightly thicker) and, equally important, that it always turn out.

For these pizzas, you will need:

1)      Tandori naan bread ( available at Costco or Trader Joe’s)

2)      Fresh basil

3)      Ripe tomatoes, I used campari tomatoes, but just about any variety will do

4)      Mozzarella

5)      Olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice mozzarella and place on naan bread with sliced tomatoes and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

 

 

Cook for 10-15 minutes. If desired, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve with a bottle of Chianti.:)

 

 This recipe is also delicious with prosciutto! Other great toppers include goat cheese and caramelized onions, and, one of my newer favorites, pesto sauce and parm!

 Enjoy!