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Caprese on a Stick : Cherry Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Skewers
I have a great recipe today for an easy, healthy and delicious summer appetizer that is fun to make. Instead of making a traditional tomato and mozzarella salad, try using skewers to create fun, pick-me-up “Caprese Sticks” that your guests will love. You can add variations to this recipe based on your favorite Caprese salad ingredients. I included Kalamata olives on some of my skewers for an extra twist!
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Chocolate Covered Banana Pops Recipe
This weekend my Mom and I made Chocolate Banana Pops for a delicious and healthy summertime dessert. Not only are these pops easy and fun to make, but they are a fabulous way to get a chocolate fix while enjoying fruit at the same time! The pops can be served refrigerated or frozen for an ice-cream-like treat. Try both ways and see which one you like best. Either way, you will keep coming back for more!! -
Rachael Ray’s Chocolate “Pots de Creme” Cups with Whipped Cream
One of my favorite desserts my grandmother makes me is Rachael Ray’s Chocolate Cups with Whipped Cream. This recipe is so easy, yet totally elegant and delicious at the same time. The chocolate custard is served in demitasse cups and topped with a dollop of whipped cream and sprig of fresh mint, making it a beautiful presentation to serve at a lunch or dinner party – or for an anytime treat! This is a no-bake recipe and contains ingredients you almost always have in your kitchen. The rich chocolate is accented by the addition of hazelnut liquer (I use Frangelico). If you are watching your calories, feel free to substitute the “real” whipped cream with no-fat Cool Whip or Reddi-Whip (just as satisfying!)
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NYC: Butter Lane Cupcakes
Yesterday I finally got the chance to visit Butter Lane, one of NYC’s premiere cupcake bakeries, located in the East Village. Upon entering the adorable East 7th Street storefront, a bountiful display of colorful cupcakes awaited. Butter Lane is one of the few bakeries that only sells cupcakes. (Fine with me). Their focus is mainly on providing the highest quality, pure ingredients, such as real vanilla bean, pure cocoa and local dairy. Another fun thing that sets Butter Lane apart is the choice they give you of French or American frosting. The French is made with egg whites, butter and granulated sugar, while the American version is made with confectioners sugar and butter. Both are fabulous, making it quite the tough decision!
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Paula Deen’s Magical Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Today I decided to make Paula Deen’s famous “Magical Peanut Butter Cookies.” Although Ms. Deen is known for her deliciously rich, butter and cream-filled, over-the-top creations, one of her most popular recipes (703 likes on facebook!) is actually good for you! What makes these cookies so magical is the fact that they are flourless, sugar-free, gluten-free, low-carb and absolutely scrumptious all at the same time. With only 4 simple ingredients that you almost always have on hand in your pantry, this recipe is a fabulous addition to your cookie repertoire and something all peanut-butter lovers will go crazy for. Pssst, don’t tell them they are sugar-free and flourless – they’ll never know! 😉
I modified mine slightly by making them bite-sized instead of regular-sized cookies. Keep reading for the recipe!
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Crazy for Cacio e Pepe? Check Out Two Recipes from NYC Hotspot Maialino…
If you have ever dined in Rome’s famous Roman Ghetto, you have most likely tried Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. Situated in the Sant’Angelo district, the Roman Ghetto is rich in history and boasts some of the best rustic “comfort-food” cuisine in all of Italy. Cacio e Pepe – meaning literally cheese and pepper – is so simple, but packs a major punch. The sharpness of fresh, salty pecorino romano cheese and freshly grated course black pepper tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti is pure heaven.
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Jacques Torres’ Secret Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Chocoholics from near and far have been flocking to Jacques Torres’ renowned chocolate shops in Manhattan’s TriBeCa and Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhoods for years — and for good reason. The French chocolatier gained famed while serving as the revered Pastry Chef at NYC’s Le Cirque restaurant and has been featured on numerous TV shows including PBS and the Food Network. Torres serves as a master chef and dean of pastry arts at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, where he teaches.
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Kale & White Bean Soup
Last night I made a delicious and hearty Kale & White Bean Soup. Overflowing with cannellini beans, greens, carrots, onions and chunks of kielbasa, this soup is bursting with flavor! It’s easy to make and perfect for a healthy and quick weeknight dinner. Serve with thinly sliced pieces of toasted ciabatta bread and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. -
Low-Sugar and Whole Wheat Zucchini Muffins with Pecans
I just finished a batch of healthy and delicious whole wheat zucchini muffins. I found this recipe on one of my favorite cooking blogs, Kalyn’s Kitchen, and I just had to try it out for myself! Because it calls for Splenda and agave in place of regular sugar, these muffins are low-sugar and perfect for those who are watching their carbs, but refuse to sacrifice flavor. The addition of chopped pecans makes for a hearty and crunchy texture. Perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime of day. Enjoy!!
