This is 14-1/2. I love that her half birthday come This is 14-1/2. I love that her half birthday comes as we wrap up family summer birthdays so she is included too. 🥰 She loves lululemon, fountain Coke, and long hugs. She is a fiercely loyal friend, is the best debater I know, and sleeps later than I ever did when I was a teenager. 😂 She is quiet and loud all at once and is forever the biggest cheerleader her brother and I could ever have. My rainbow baby is growing up before my eyes and I love it and hate it all at once. Love you to the moon and back kiddo. 💛
“Everything good, everything magical happens bet “Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August." Jenny Han
The disco ball was hung there temporarily for a ho The disco ball was hung there temporarily for a hot minute but when it starts showing off at sunset, how could I move it anywhere else? ✨
Did the lyrics to “Sitting on the Dock of the Ba Did the lyrics to “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” just run through your head or are you young? 😂 I despise Parkway traffic in the summer but love that our kids get to have a Jersey shore summer just like we did when we were their age. 💛
Any time my kids ask to have dinner with me, I con Any time my kids ask to have dinner with me, I consider it a win… dinner date with my oldest at Cava to close out the weekend, perfection. 🥰
The five grandkids recreated one of the candy boar The five grandkids recreated one of the candy boards from @ainttooproudtomeg’s cheese board deck. They may have eaten about half as much as they arranged, but that’s the point, right? 😍
We hope today made you as happy as this little chi We hope today made you as happy as this little chippy who hit paydirt with a $100,000 grand candy bar he found. 😍 (he actually had found himself TWO candy bars from we don’t know where, but we squired one away bc that felt like a sugar coma waiting to happen 😂)
If burrata is the question, the answer should be a If burrata is the question, the answer should be a loud and emphatic YES. Unless you’re lactose intolerant or somethin’.
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

June 29, 2020 · Sweets

Can homemade cinnamon rolls be “quick and easy” to make? Turns out, the answer is YES!

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

When my oldest was in the 12-14 year range, he hung out at the mall a lot, and more often than not, he would scarf down a cinnamon roll from Cinnabon while he was there. Although he doesn’t really have a sweet tooth, that was one of his few indulgences.

His days of aimlessly wandering the mall are mostly long gone, but the occasional craving for a cinnamon roll still pops up, so when I spied a recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls, I was intrigued.

Baking many different breads (along with gardening) has been a sort of therapy for me over the past few months. Basically after years of passing by any recipe that had yeast in it, I am now making all the recipes that have yeast in it. When the world seems so heavy and upside down, the idea of putting a few simple ingredients into a bowl and letting it do its thing is about all the energy I can muster.

True to its promise, these cinnamon rolls were very simple to make. Although they have to be left alone to rise for a bit, you can make them when you wake up and still be enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

One last note: I usually get really put off by recipes that are LONG, but don’t let that deter you. It may be long, but it’s still simple, and the result are soft pillowy bits of deliciousness slathered in cream cheese frosting.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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Recipe: Nutella Stuffed and Rolled French Toast {TikTok}

May 15, 2020 · Narrative

If you like Nutella and you like French Toast, you’ll love this mash-up of Nutella Stuffed and Rolled French Toast.

Nutella Stuffed Rolled French Toast

So my kids introduced me to Tiktok a little over a year ago, and I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little hooked. First, I love that it’s something we can enjoy as a family – I try to find good “Tiktok locations” to shoot their short videos in, and every once in awhile, they let me be in it. While the app may have been intended for a much younger crowd, the demographics are really all over the place. Between kids lip syncing and doing short choreographed dances, to the #humanizethebadge movement featuring cops doing the dances, to even recipes and hair tutorials, there is literally something for everyone. My favorites are the videos that make me laugh until I cry.

And yes, I said recipes. We’ve made a riff off the Stackers from Taco Bell, a new breaded chicken recipe, an egg wrap sandwich situation, and this Nutella Stuffed and Rolled French Toast.

Both of my kids love Nutella (we’ve going through a jar a week here!) and French Toast, so I figured this mash-up would be right up their alley, and I was right. It’s so quick and simple to prepare, you can be enjoying it in no time flat too. I didn’t measure, and most Tiktok recipes don’t include measurements, but have included the basic guidelines below – it’s super simple. Be sure to drop a comment below if you try it out! Any TikTok recipes you’ve liked that we should be trying?

Nutella Stuffed Rolled French Toast

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Recipe: Triple Veggie Skillet {Whole30, Paleo}

February 3, 2020 · Narrative, Whole30

Healthy, filled with vegetables, and a delicious way to start your day. Let’s make this Triple Veggie Skillet.

Triple Veggie Skillet

I did my sixth round of Whole30 (where you give up dairy, alcohol, grains, legumes, and sugar for thirty days) last month, and even though it’s over, I’m still going strong with most of the guidelines. To be honest, I just feel better when I do, and although I’ve brought back my coffee light and sweet, I’m just going to keep on keeping on. Feed yourself good food, and you feel good. Sometimes it really is that simple.

So with that in mind, I spend a few hours on the weekend to prep food and meals for the week. It’s a huge key to my success on Whole30, and just sets me up for a much easier week food-wise.

Yesterday afternoon, I made this Triple Veggie Skillet for breakfasts this week. This morning I paired it with two eggs up and avocado, and it truly was one of the most satisfying breakfasts I’ve had in a long time. I made mine with tomatoes, potatoes, and spinach, but you could certainly mix-and-match the vegetables with others. Super simple to make, using basic ingredients, I just don’t think you can go wrong with food cooked in bacon grease. Am I right? ;)

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Recipe: Sweet Potato Egg Casserole

October 13, 2019 · Narrative

Super simple and crazy delicious, this Sweet Potato Egg Casserole is a great way to start your day.

Untitled

For the past few months, I have been trying to do some big batch cooking on the weekends to set our household up for a slightly easier week. I have been sort of successful. I say “sort of,” because no matter how much prep I do on the weekends, one or both of my children will undoubtedly throw open the refrigerator that is seriously packed to the gills and ask, “do we have anything to eat?” Followed by them closing it, grabbing pretzels, and declaring that we have “NOTHING to eat.”

#reallife

You can make this in about half an hour, including baking time, and you’re rewarded with something that tastes like it’s good for you … because it is. As I described it in a recent Instastory (are you following me?), when you take a bite, you just know you’re doing something good for you body.

Whether you’re following a Paleo lifestyle, doing a round of Whole30, or just want a guilt-free breakfast that is hearty enough to keep you going until lunch time, this is it.

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Recipe: Broccoli & Cheddar Quiche {Cabot}

April 23, 2019 · Narrative

The simplest recipes are usually my favorite. This delicious Broccoli & Cheddar Quiche is perfect for a light meal and takes just a few hands-on minutes to prepare.

Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche

Farm to table is one of my favorite paths to getting a healthy and delicious meal on the table for my family, and now that farmer’s markets are in full swing, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the bounty that is available. Although broccoli is available year ’round, its peak season is ending in just a few weeks, so now is the time to stuff yourself silly of the green goodness, and this Broccoli & Cheddar Quiche is just the way to go.

This is one of my favorite Springtime recipes because it is so simple to make and so adaptable to different taste buds. Once you have the basic guideline down pat, mix it up and add different vegetables and cheeses – you are only limited by your imagination. Because broccoli is one of the green vegetables that everyone in my family agrees on, that’s often my choice for this quiche, and when my kids aren’t around, I add in portobello mushrooms as well. With only a few minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of baking time, if you keep these basic pantry ingredients on hand, you’ll be able to whip this up for crazy busy weeknights, a week’s worth of simple breakfasts, or unexpected guests.

Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche

Now for the cheese … you can’t go wrong with any cheese really, but I usually stick to Extra Sharp Cheddar, or a mix of Extra Sharp Cheddar and something creamier like a Monterey Jack or Colby Jack. And I know it’s a little bit more time consuming, but please, please, please hand grate your cheese instead of buying the pre-shredded mix. A few extra minutes of effort on your part imparts so much extra flavor in the finished product. And, well, you know how much I love Cabot, so that’s my go-to source for all things cheese. The next time you head to the grocery store to stock up, you may notice that their packaging has changed. They are celebrating their 100th anniversary with a little refresh.

Add a nice simple green salad dressed with just olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and a fruit salad to this quiche and you are all set. Enjoy!…

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Recipe: Filipino-Style Torta

January 19, 2018 · Narrative

A super pretty, very delicious Filipino-Style Torta that is hearty enough to keep you full until lunch … and it’s Whole30 approved!

Filipino-Style Torta

If you’ve done a Whole30 round before, you know that you might find yourself eating a lot of eggs. Not because you HAVE TO, but just because they’re an easy breakfast option, and even a fail-safe go-to for a quick and easy dinner. So knowing that, I wanted to make sure to keep an eye out for recipes that may feature eggs, but were slightly different enough to keep things interesting, and this Torta delivered.

I spied the recipe in an issue of People magazine of all places, and with minor tweaks, I could make it be Whole30 compliant. The recipe notes that it’s ready in twenty minutes, and, well, I beg to differ. Closer to 40 minutes seemed a little more accurate, but it is still simple to make, and totally worth it.

Filipino-Style Torta

The wedges, once sliced, are filling enough to keep you satiated through the morning with just a little fresh fruit on the side. And what I also loved about it is I could warm up a slice and wrap it in a napkin for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. You could easily swap out the ground beef and use sausage instead, or skip meat entirely and make an all-vegetable version. I made my layers fairly wide, which made for some interesting maneuvers when it came time to flip it, and ended up with five layers. You could make your layers smaller, and then you’d have a higher stack, or do two smaller stacks. Whatever you do, you can’t mess this one up.

Hungry for more Whole30 recipes?
With the Super Bowl coming up, you can have these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs and still stay on course.
Everything is better with bacon, and this Broccoli & Bacon Salad is no exception.
Avocado Fries are soooo good, and on my list for this weekend.

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Recipe: Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

August 30, 2017 · Narrative

A simple, delicious, make-ahead breakfast that will set you up for a week of easy mornings.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Truth be told, my kids don’t really like oatmeal. Unless it’s in a cookie (like these or these), or ground so fine that they don’t notice it when I use it as a binder in meatloaf, they really want no part of it.

Which means every time I make Overnight Oats, I don’t have to share.

#silverlining

I taught a recent kids craft and cooking workshop, and my client wanted me to share a healthy recipe for the kids to make. Overnight Oats completely fit the bill, and it’s easy to make with a large group of high-energy kids. Open your jar, layer the ingredients while following the recipe, seal, refrigerate, and enjoy the next morning. And if they whined that they didn’t like oatmeal either, I told them to share it with their parent.

Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t need an easy morning? Now that school is starting (we start next week in New Jersey), I’m a big fan of making a big batch of something on the weekend and having breakfast for the week, and although my kids won’t eat this, I can make MY breakfast for the week in under ten minutes.

And if your kids don’t like oatmeal either, gather a group of girlfriends together and make a few different recipes for overnight oats and swap them — you can have yourself a different breakfast offering for every morning with little prep time.

Like most Overnight Oats recipe, this one is really just a guideline. I use almond milk, but feel free to substitute whatever kind of liquid you prefer. If you don’t like brown sugar, you can use maple syrup or agave as a sweetener instead. You really can’t screw it up … and, well, that’s the best kind of recipe, isn’t it?

Hungry for more Overnight Oats recipes?
This is a delicious peanut butter and banana version I love as well.
And while it’s not overnight oats, THIS is one breakfast oatmeal recipe that my kids can agree on.

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Recipe: Broccoli and Cheddar Dutch Baby

January 10, 2017 · Narrative

Are you bored by the same offerings for breakfast? This Broccoli and Cheddar Dutch Baby is a delicious and unique way to start your day.

Untitled

When it comes to breakfast, there are days when I just cannot look at another egg.

No matter how I’m preparing it.

Because whether I’m eating clean or practicing strict Whole30, it’s ALL EGGS, ALL THE TIME.

And … well, ugh. Plain and simple.

So since I’ve largely resigned myself to mostly eating some form of eggs almost every day (except for satisfying a bagel craving once in awhile), I need to switch things up a bit.

And here we are, switching things up a bit. Going savory with a Dutch Baby.

Dutch Baby, which is similar to an Oven Pancake, usually falls in the sweet category, served with just a smidge of melted butter and a light dusting of confectioner’s sugar.

This is not that.

Kind of, but not.

Like a more traditional Dutch Baby, it takes just minutes to throw the ingredients together, twenty-some minutes in the oven, and you’re done. And since the twist is just simple small-bite vegetables and cheese, you can certainly change this up to suit YOUR individual tastes. Maybe roasted zucchini with Monterey Jack cheese? A few diced tomatoes and mozzarella? Just use the basic guideline and do your thing.

Let’s change up the egg routine … just a smidge.

Hungry for more?
If you have a hankering for the sweet, more traditional Dutch Baby, this is our go-to recipe.

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Recipe: Two Ingredient Pancakes {Whole30}

October 20, 2016 · Breakfast, Narrative

Two ingredient pancakes that come together lickety-split AND are super healthy? I’ve got you covered.

Untitled

Even though I make pancakes for my kids fairly often, I’ll be the first to admit it … I don’t really like pancakes. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve had pancakes over the past ten years, and I’d still have fingers leftover.

Just not my thing.

But what IS my thing is changing up breakfast a little bit, especially while doing Whole30, so it’s not eggs every day.

Because a person can only eat so many eggs.

So when I spied a mention for two ingredients pancakes, I was intrigued.

Eggs.

Bananas.

That’s it.

They take just a minute or two to mash and mix, and before you know it, you’re already putting them on your hot griddle to cook.

Sidebar: If you’re doing Whole30, you’ll want to use ghee or coconut oil in your pan, to keep compliant. Everyone else can use straight-up butter.

Because these pancakes don’t have the heaviness of their flour-filled counterparts, they cook up super quick. Like, just a minute or so on each side and you’ll be digging into a heaping plate of pancakes in no time flat.

And the taste?

Delish. I know it sounds weird, but they kind of taste like they have maple syrup inside them. Which, of course, they don’t.

They’re slightly sweet, and moist, and tender, and the perfect thing for when you just can’t look at another egg breakfast.

And because they have just two ingredients, they also satisfy the requirements if you are paleo, gluten-free, dairy free, grain free, or sugar-free.

Dig in.

Hungry for more breakfast ideas?
This Egg and Kale Breakfast Quiche is perfect when you’re looking for something a little heartier.
This Danish recipe that I created for Pillsbury is amazeballs.
Cinnamon Roll Muffins are a tasty, sweet bite that is perfect to pop into your mouth as you head out the door.
And these Banana Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins will always be my kids’ favorite weekday breakfast.

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Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Braid

April 7, 2016 · Breakfast, Narrative, Sweets

A very simple, very delicious recipe for a beautiful Cinnamon Sugar Braid … perfect for an easy breakfast morning or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Untitled

My teenage son loves cinnamon rolls.

So when I see a recipe that mimics the flavors he loves so much, I usually bookmark it.

Or pin it.

Or take a screenshot of it.

And man, is my phone ever filled with screenshots.

So much so that I wish the Apple gods would invent a way to categorize them in folders.

To save me from myself.

But this recipe…

I had a few minute after Madeline’s dance class, and before I needed to get started on dinner, which was exactly enough time to whip this up.

As soon as the cinnamon sugar smell started wafting through the house, Nick came running downstairs looking for cinnamon rolls.

Naturally.

He happily settled for ripping off a piece of the fresh-from-the-oven Cinnamon Sugar Braid.

I’m not a big cinnamon roll fan myself (too sweet), but man, I was just happy to look at the finished product.

Gorgeous.

Just gorgeous.

Perfect for an easy and sort of special breakfast.

An after school snack.

Or a ravenous teenager.

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Recipe: Sour Cream Waffles

March 15, 2016 · Breakfast, Narrative

Waffles so tender and delicious, they’ll make a convert out of the most ardent waffle-hater…

Untitled

As much as we use our waffle maker (this one!), I really don’t like waffles.

But you know how that story goes.

You don’t like something, until you have it a particular way, or with a particular recipe, and all of the sudden, everything has changed.

This is that.

Breakfast for dinner is probably a weekly occurrence in our house.

Because it’s easy, everyone loves it, and I can play Short Order Cook and make everyone their (different) favorites, but still be done within half an hour.

Which is pretty perfect for the average weeknight in our household.

Because between homework, showers, and extra-curricular activities, who needs a meal that takes forever to make?

Definitely not me.

So… I’m always looking for new recipes for waffles, whether sweet or savory, to continue to keep it interesting.

And I stumbled on a recipe for Sour Cream Waffles.

Checked the fridge. Have all the ingredients. It’s a done deal.

Like any basic waffle recipe, the batter mixes up in nothing flat, and bonus points for using basic ingredients that you likely have on hand already.

For some reason, likely starvation, I snuck a bite of the first waffle that came off the press.

And then I finished it.

Because it was THAT GOOD.

No butter or syrup needed (although my kids might disagree).

So tender. With a slightly crispy outside and a soft bite inside.

THIS recipe has converted me to liking waffles.

Whether you eat it hot off the waffle iron in all of its naked glory, or you add your favorite toppings … you can’t go wrong with this one.

EAT UP.

Hungry for more waffle recipes? I’ve got you.
Falafel waffles are a unique savory twist … and delish when topped with a soft avocado and a runny egg.
Rainbow waffles make a fun dinner or a perfect sleepover breakfast. And heck, they’re just pretty to look at.
Pizza Waffles were a crowd pleaser, and got a huge thumbs up from the kids. No surprise there.
And for a unique breakfast alternative, give these Bacon, Egg, and Spinach Wafflesa try.

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Recipe: Silver Dollar Pancakes

January 14, 2016 · Breakfast, Narrative

Untitled

I have no problem admitting it.

I don’t like pancakes.

Never have (with the exception of one particular diner’s version, Broadway Diner in Summit).

Although I do make them for my kids fairly often.

Recently though, things shifted.

I was making a new recipe for the kids on a Breakfast for Dinner night.

I love Breakfast for Dinner, and so do Nick and Maddie. I can totally be a short order cook and make everyone something completely different, exactly how they like it, and still be done within thirty minutes.

Who can’t get behind THAT?

But when it comes to pancakes, it gets a little bit more challenging.

Nick always wants banana pancakes.

And Madeline wants chocolate chip.

And I mostly hate making two separate batches.

(And combining the two doesn’t fly with them, I tried)

So every so often, I try out a new recipe in the hopes that I will find one that they both like.

THIS IS THAT.

With the magical addition of sour cream, you are rewarded with the most lightest, fluffiest pancakes every to hit your fork.

And they remind me a bit of the diner pancakes that I love.

I make these in the silver dollar (smaller) size and the kids gobble them up.

One batch makes (roughly) twenty small pancakes, which is enough for the two of them for two breakfasts.

I usually make them on the weekends, so I have enough pancakes for one or two weekday mornings too.

Because although she likes to sleep AS LATE AS POSSIBLE, Madeline likes to have a “nice” breakfast in the morning.

Which usually equates to grabbing a granola bar or one of these muffins (a house favorite in regular rotation) or these as she dashes out the door for the bus.

But, sometimes, if I’m lucky, and she knows there are pancakes … she moves just a little faster.

So, winning.

Whether you have pancake lovers in your house or not, give this version a try. If they can convert me, there’s hope for everyone.

Hungry for more pancake recipes?
These Rainbow pancakes just make me happy.
These Blueberry Banana pancakes were (mostly) kid-approved, and super quick to make.
Buttermilk Pancakes are the perfect thing to make when you have a little buttermilk to use up (I always do!).
I haven’t made these Pumpkin Spice Pancakes in FOREVER, but they are totally worth making.

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This is 14-1/2. I love that her half birthday come This is 14-1/2. I love that her half birthday comes as we wrap up family summer birthdays so she is included too. 🥰 She loves lululemon, fountain Coke, and long hugs. She is a fiercely loyal friend, is the best debater I know, and sleeps later than I ever did when I was a teenager. 😂 She is quiet and loud all at once and is forever the biggest cheerleader her brother and I could ever have. My rainbow baby is growing up before my eyes and I love it and hate it all at once. Love you to the moon and back kiddo. 💛
“Everything good, everything magical happens bet “Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August." Jenny Han
The disco ball was hung there temporarily for a ho The disco ball was hung there temporarily for a hot minute but when it starts showing off at sunset, how could I move it anywhere else? ✨
Did the lyrics to “Sitting on the Dock of the Ba Did the lyrics to “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” just run through your head or are you young? 😂 I despise Parkway traffic in the summer but love that our kids get to have a Jersey shore summer just like we did when we were their age. 💛

Pinterest

This is 14-1/2. I love that her half birthday come This is 14-1/2. I love that her half birthday comes as we wrap up family summer birthdays so she is included too. 🥰 She loves lululemon, fountain Coke, and long hugs. She is a fiercely loyal friend, is the best debater I know, and sleeps later than I ever did when I was a teenager. 😂 She is quiet and loud all at once and is forever the biggest cheerleader her brother and I could ever have. My rainbow baby is growing up before my eyes and I love it and hate it all at once. Love you to the moon and back kiddo. 💛
“Everything good, everything magical happens bet “Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August." Jenny Han
The disco ball was hung there temporarily for a ho The disco ball was hung there temporarily for a hot minute but when it starts showing off at sunset, how could I move it anywhere else? ✨
Did the lyrics to “Sitting on the Dock of the Ba Did the lyrics to “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” just run through your head or are you young? 😂 I despise Parkway traffic in the summer but love that our kids get to have a Jersey shore summer just like we did when we were their age. 💛
Any time my kids ask to have dinner with me, I con Any time my kids ask to have dinner with me, I consider it a win… dinner date with my oldest at Cava to close out the weekend, perfection. 🥰
The five grandkids recreated one of the candy boar The five grandkids recreated one of the candy boards from @ainttooproudtomeg’s cheese board deck. They may have eaten about half as much as they arranged, but that’s the point, right? 😍
We hope today made you as happy as this little chi We hope today made you as happy as this little chippy who hit paydirt with a $100,000 grand candy bar he found. 😍 (he actually had found himself TWO candy bars from we don’t know where, but we squired one away bc that felt like a sugar coma waiting to happen 😂)
If burrata is the question, the answer should be a If burrata is the question, the answer should be a loud and emphatic YES. Unless you’re lactose intolerant or somethin’.

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