Back to School Healthy Lunches

Classes are back in session. Now it’s time to get the lunch situation back on track. Packing healthy lunches is key. I want to make sure my kids are getting healthy options, but I also want to make lunch fun for them so they don’t get bored of the sandwich in the plastic baggie. I…

Sweet corn ice cream

It’s been so hot here in Philadelphia lately.  All we have been craving is something cold. I love making homemade ice cream, but I currently do not have an ice cream maker, so it takes a little longer to make. This recipe will take up to 8-24 hours to set nice and firm, but it’s totally…

BBQ jalapeño poppers

I can’t believe the 4th of July weekend is already here. It’s time to celebrate our Independence with lots of delicious foods. I’m sure many of you will be hosting a BBQ or going to one. These barbecue jalapeño poppers are the perfect addition to any get together and will leave the crowd wanting more. I…

Superb pizza

Pizza is so versatile. You can let your imagination run wild when creating. Coming up with this combination was pretty easy. I have been obsessed with fennel lately, so I added it as a topping. I could have eaten this whole pie by myself but I decided to share it with the hubby (haha). The…

Italian Cioppino Soup

It’s officially winter, and soup is in full effect in our house. I grew up with my dad making soups all the time, and this was one of them. It’s called cioppino, an Italian American seafood soup or stew. It’s a one pot delight. Enjoy and hope your keeping warm.  Ingredients:  1 lb cod, cut…

Fennel and potato gratin

Most people know about a traditional potato au gratin dish, but I wanted to give this classic a twist and add some fennel.  The results were delicious. If you’re planning on bringing a side dish to a party or just making it for a weeknight meal. Enjoy! Ingredients: 2 large potatoes sliced into 1/4 inch…

Warm Pumpkin Salad

Pumpkins are a staple for fall decor and food. I love everything pumpkin.  I’m that person that will have everything pumpkin as soon as October hits. I love to incorporate it in my cooking. I’m lucky enough that my store carries per cut and peeled pieces.  I like to make warm salads during the cooler…

Apple chips

Sweet, simple, and healthy, these homemade apple chips have become a fall staple.  It’s hard to believe that fall is finally here. Pass on the potato chips and instead try this easy and healthy idea: apple chips. Sure, you can buy apple chips at the supermarket, but if you look at the ingredients they are full…

Homemade Poptarts

Sweet treats aren’t a hard sell, but somehow, we’ve decided to up the allure. Meet the homemade Pop-Tart on a stick. Inspired by the requests of some creative kiddos, this dessert is great alternative to store-bought pastries, which can be loaded with artificial colors and flavors. Ours, instead, opt for fresh fruit and no preservatives. You won’t need…

Festive Champagne Punch

Give a final burst of summer this Labor Day weekend with this delicious Prosecco punch. It’s packed with flavor and super refreshing on these last couple days of heat. This drink would actually be really enjoyable around the holidays too. Feel free to add your favorite fruits. Your guests will be coming back for more,…

Chipotle and cherry BBQ ribs

I can’t believe summer is almost over, but bbq season runs year round in my household. I asked my kids the other night what they wanted me to make on the grill. The response was an enthusiastic “RIBS!” One of the things I tell people when making ribs is go low and slow. It’s not…

Jalapeno and Peach Gelato

There is nothing better in the summer than a bowl of delicious ice cream. Being from Italian descent, I wanted to give gelato a whirl. So I called my dad up and asked for his recipe. He gave me the traditional ingredients but I wanted to bump it up a notch. This combo worked out perfectly. …