One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta To Die For!

One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta To Die For! was going to be called “The Only One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta You’ll Ever Need” until I quickly realized how incredibly easy, delicious, and amazing this dish is that I most certainly will be making many more one pot pastas in the near future! I’ve always been curious about this one pot pasta trend and didn’t have much faith in its alleged & wondrous glories. I am happy to report that despite my cynicism these can truly be incredibly flavorful meals.  Woo-hoo!  KISS factor on and topping out at the highest of tastebud scales!  This particular one pot pasta dish features camembert, mushrooms, tomatoes, peas, and basil for a full on flavor explosion. Not to be missed, messed with, or frowned upon, I assure you. I’ll even stamp it with my 100% guarantee.  Sold, or at least I certainly hope you are!  

I had no basis for a recipe when coming up with this one pot pasta.  All I knew, like I always know, is that I wanted a ton of flavor. I am not one for the bland.  I am a flavor junkie for sure.  Are all foodies this way?  Who knows. Anyway, I pretend that they are. Hubby was away visiting his other most favorite person on the planet for the weekend (yes, he most definitely has a bromance with an English lad. Cheers to you, John.  Miss you! Xx – PS- they would both HATE that I used that word)  and doing a photoshoot with wee man G can be crazy at best.  I took full advantage of his nap (though much later in the day than I would’ve liked for my natural light…sigh, can’t win ’em all!) and went to town, creating as I went.  The result?  Magic!  Magic in one freakin’ pot!  Top that!  I dare you. I was delighted to learn that one pot pastas kick some serious a**!  It was slightly creamy and exploding with flavors, especially from the mushrooms and basil.  I can’t suggest a pasta dish for your next meal more highly than I suggest this One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta To Die For!  Mangia!

One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta To Die For!One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta To Die For!One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta To Die For!One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta To Die For!One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta To Die For!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta To Die For!
Yields 6
One Pot Lightly Creamy Pasta To Die For! is quick, delicious, and your next & new favorite pasta dish. Camembert, mushrooms, tomatoes, peas, & basil make up this unbelievably amazing dish.
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb whole wheat spaghetti
  2. 1 wheel of camembert cheese - remove skin & dice
  3. Lg handful of basil - loosely chopped (about 3/4 - 1 C)
  4. 13 cremini mushrooms - sliced
  5. 10 small - medium ripe tomatoes - halved or quartered depending on size (should be about 1 1/4-1 1/2 C)
  6. 2 C frozen peas
  7. 1 shallot - diced
  8. 3 cloves garlic - diced
  9. 3 vegetable stock cubes
  10. Olive for pan (a healthy amount)
  11. 5 C water
  12. Sea salt & cracked pepper to taste (I'm not stingy!)
  13. Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. Add olive oil to pasta pot, heat on low, and add shallot - 1 minute
  2. Add garlic - 30 seconds
  3. Add mushrooms, salt & pepper. Stir. Cook for about 3-5 minutes
  4. Add tomatoes & half of the basil. Stir. Cook for 1-2 minutes
  5. Add veggie cubes and stir frequently for 1 minute
  6. Add water and bring to boil. Then add pasta and stir
  7. With 5 minutes left in your cook time for your pasta, add the peas. Stir
  8. When pasta is done, turn off heat, add the rest of the basil and the camembert. Stir well
  9. Cover pot with lid and let sit for a few minutes. Stir again & serve!
To serve
  1. Garnish with basil & parmesan cheese
Notes
  1. This serves either 4 large bowls or 6 medium sized bowls.
  2. To reheat, add a smidge of veggie broth with a wrist flick of olive oil
Pair with the following wines (or any wine of your choice)
  1. Red- Rioja or White- Unoaked Chardonnay
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Amsterdam and some…

Okay, this past Chinese New Year I had the absolute pleasure of going to Amsterdam and spending a night and day in Warsaw, Poland.  Amazing!  That one word sums it up perfectly.  We rented an Airbnb in what appeared to be China Town (I know, I know… we just left Beijing – haha) and a couple blocks from the Red Light district.  We were overlooking a canal which was fabulous for the wee man, as he is currently obsessed with ducks & water.  He spent 75% of his time at the kitchen window screaming “gaga! wawa!”  Easily entertained. Done. Walking around the city was probably my favorite part!  The architecture was amazing.  We did a canal boat tour (I officially want to live on a house boat, the canals were lined with them), palace tour, Van Gogh Museum (almost positive G recognized two of the paintings from Baby Einstein World of Colors-incredible), I saw (by myself…ahhh) a concert at the Concert Gebouw (the guest pianist played my favorite Chopin Prelude as his encore, yes, I almost cried), and ate, ate, ate, and ate copious amounts cheese, bread, croissants, and stroopwafels.  I also started every morning with a million gazillion cappuccinos, which were accompanied by both croissants & stroopwafels (two thin waffles that sandwich the perfect amount of caramel with a slight cinnamon flavor – holy yum! I brought back about 5 bags). Thomas’ (hubby) mom partook with me.  I fully overloaded on beemster & a variety of other gouda cheeses.  Naturally, they were washed down with the assistance of some incredible beers and vino.  I need to stop now before I find myself booking the next flight out.  The drooling is just beginning… Anyway, if you ever, ever, ever get the chance to go, do it!  Perhaps my pictures will entice you…

Amsterdam (canals, apple pies, tulips…oh my!)/Windmills (45 minute bus ride from the city)/Warsaw (Old City)

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View from our Airbnb balcony

View from our Airbnb balcony

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Hubbie & wee man (G)

Hubby & wee man, G

Beautiful Windmills

Beautiful Windmills

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Cheese shop in this little village. Yum...

Cheese shop in this little village. Yum…

And the beer...

And the beer…

And the food...

And the food…

 

Old City, Warsaw, Poland

Old City, Warsaw, Poland

Beautiful architecture as well!

Beautiful architecture as well!

It would've been sacrilege to go and not have my favorite - perogies!

It would’ve been sacrilege to go and not have my favorite – perogies!

Pesto Mushroom & Chick Pea Spinach Salad

Pesto Mushroom & Chick Pea Spinach Salad is an incredibly delicious, easy, quick, and simply awesome recipe!  Very few ingredients but loaded with flavor… now, that’s my kinda meal!  Especially with a baby, blog, full time job, massive move prep, and my current “quest” to shed some lbs.  Now that is not so simple, so shedding time, eating well, and assisting said “quest” makes this Pesto Mushroom & Chick Pea Spinach Salad my current favorite dish of the day.  I think I average eating this delight about 3 times/week for sure.  

Okay, I know I’ve said this before but it’s not like I’m on a permanent diet. I don’t think I could cope with that. However, I am officially trying to shed .6kgs/month (1.3 lbs).  Sound like an odd number?  Haha.  I’ve sorted it out that from the time I began my weight chart (a simple but effective chart I made for myself) until when I leave Beijing for good in June that .6 kgs/month will get me to my goal weight.  Bless you Jillian Michael’s for your assistance in this “quest.”  Thus far, I’m doing fairly well. I’ve hit a plateau though and felt myself getting demotivated. Therefore, I…sigh…ugh…sigh again… am now going to have to cut back on some calories, mainly carbs, and outside of Greyson, that is my biggest love.  Am I calling this a diet? Absolutely not! Not that there is anything wrong with dieting! I just need to get things moving again (em-hem, the scale!) and need to start seeing numbers that make me smile and for a moment, a meer wrinkle in time, make me forget about the carb I would’ve been enjoying at dinner.  This brings me to my point, I know right?  You didn’t think I’d get there!  Why did I go on this tangent?! I’ll tell you, SALAD.  I love it.  It completes me.  Well no, carbs do, but it’s not a far second or third.  I believe salads should be delicious and specifically not boring.  If I’m gonna shed some lbs I want to do it whilst catering to my tastebuds and not going bland, bland, bland!  Pesto Mushroom & Chick Pea Spinach Salad will definitely be a recipe to add to your collection if you’re going down this rabbit hole with me, or even if you just love salad and want an awesome new and easy recipe.  Let me know your thoughts!  Enjoy!

Pesto Mushroom & Chick Pea Spinach SaladPesto Mushroom & Chick Pea Spinach Salad

Pesto Mushroom & Chick Pea Spinach Salad
Yields 1
Pesto Mushroom & Chick Pea Spinach Salad is a delicious, healthy, and easy salad recipe.
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Prep Time
2 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
10 min
Prep Time
2 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. Large handful of spinach leaves
  2. 1/2 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  3. 5-7 shiitake mushrooms (you could substitute with other mushrooms) - sliced thin
  4. 3 Tbl pesto
  5. Parmesan cheese to taste for topping (optional)
  6. 2 tsp lemon juice (optional)
  7. tsp oregano (optional)
  8. Sea salt & cracked pepper to taste
  9. Olive oil for pan
Instructions
  1. Place your spinach in the bottom of a bowl and set aside
  2. Heat oil in pan and add mushrooms, salt & pepper, oregano, 1 Tbl of pesto. Mix and let cook for 2 minutes
  3. Mix again and add add chickpeas, any more s & p you'd like, lemon juice, and 1 more Tbl of pesto. Cook for 2 more minutes
  4. Add last Tbl of pesto, toss, and cook for one more minute then remove from heat
  5. Place pan ingredients on top of spinach and garnish with parmesan cheese & pepper
  6. Toss well and enjoy!
Notes
  1. If your ingredient balance is a bit different and you want more dressing, consider adding a sprinkling of olive oil, more lemon juice, or more pesto.
  2. I've also tossed in some hummus just for the heck & deliciousness of it!
  3. Serve with a crisp white wine if you'd like (I prefer a nice sauvignon blanc with this)
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G’s Snack & Small Meal – Toddler Food

G’s Snack & Small Meal – Toddler Food is just an idea if you’re struggling for new and healthy ideas for your wee one that are easy and yummy.  Greyson is a vegetarian right now like his momma.  People always ask me “what in the world do you feed him?” As if there is no food life outside of meat. Honestly, I’ve received the same question myself for the past 27 years.  Lord, there is SO very much food and incredibly easy, delicious, and healthy options out there that I’ll never tap into a majority of them!  I do, however, understand for heavy meat eaters how this could seem challenging.  I assure you though, it is anything but!  If you’re looking for a snack or two, a meal, or general ideas on what to feed your baby/toddler, vegetarian or not, check out this recipe and Greyson’s Grub (baby food) portion of this blog.  So many suggestions that at least one is guaranteed to grab your interest and attention!

G's Snack & Small Meal - Toddler Food

G's Snack & Small Meal - Toddler Food
G's Snack & Small Meal - Toddler Food. Simple, easy, and healthy snack or meal for any toddler.
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Prep Time
5 min
Total Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Total Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 1/2 an avocado
  2. 1/4 C hummus
  3. 1/2 cucumber - peeled & finely diced
  4. 1 small ripe tomato - finely diced
  5. 1 slice whole wheat bread - diced
  6. 1 slice baby friendly cheese - diced/cubed
Instructions
  1. Put the bread & cheese in one bowl
  2. Put the other ingredients placed separately in another bowl
  3. Scoop out the avocado on a spoon
To serve
  1. Mix & match the ingredients as desired. Let your little one pick up the bread and cheese him/her self.
Notes
  1. This is simply an idea for a snack (in this case, many snacks can be had), or two meals. You can add other ingredients, replace ingredients etc. Do what suits your little one best! It doesn't have to always be a specific meal or jarred food. Be creative and put together foods your baby likes for a nice and healthy variety!
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G’s Arugula & White Bean Quesadilla

G’s Arugula & White Bean Quesadillas are a protein packed meal full of flavor and done in 15 minutes or less!  Healthy, delicious, and guaranteed to make any toddler actually eat their entire portion!  I make one quesadilla, give my wee man (G) 1/4, save another 1/4 for the following day, and eat the other 1/2 myself.  This is most definitely a meal that is for any age.  I had all of these ingredients left over in my fridge (remember my food philosophy? “Like the mind, food is a terrible thing to waste”) and wanted to make something different for Greyson than he’d been eating over the past few days.  I quickly pieced together these ingredients and was left with my mouth watering.  Not only did G eat his portion and practically lick his plate (lots of “more” baby signing came afterwards), but I had to go and make another one for my work lunch the following day.  I, too, was in love.  As a veg-head, I’m always packin’ with protein everywhere I can. Make the recipe as is or adjust for your lil’ one or yourself however you deem fit.  Use as much or as little of the ingredients as you’d like.  Now go chow down with your kiddo in total bliss!  

G's Arugula & White Bean QuesadillaG's Arugula & White Bean Quesadilla

G's Arugula & White Bean Quesadilla
Yields 2
G's Arugula & White Bean Quesadilla is packed with protein and flavor. Toddler's food of choice & mom's food of choice, too! Healthy, easy, and delicious.
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
10 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. 4 whole wheat tortillas
  2. Handful of arugula
  3. 3/4 can of small white beans or cannellini beans
  4. 1 avocado
  5. 1/2 brick of tofu (I used firm)
  6. 1 ripe tomato - chopped (finely chopped for toddler)
  7. 2 Tbl pesto
  8. 4 slices gouda cheese
  9. Small handful cilantro
  10. Cumin to taste
  11. Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, toss the tomato and pesto together. Mix well
  2. Put one slice of cheese on top of each quesadilla
  3. Divide then smash white bean (leave some whole as well) on two of the tortillas
  4. Smash half and avocado on top of the each white bean half and sprinkle with a pinch of salt
  5. Divide the tofu and smash on top of the avocado with another pinch of salt and the cumin
  6. Top each with tomato and cilantro
  7. Top again with arugula and a pinch of cumin
  8. Put the other tortillas with the gouda on top of the two filled tortillas
  9. Heat pan on low - medium heat. Cook on both sides until golden brown
  10. Done!
Notes
  1. This recipe came from what was in my refrigerator so feel free to make something similar and change up the ingredients to accommodate what is in your fridge!
Food Galley Gab https://foodgalleygab.com/

Premier Tomato Bruschetta with Olives & Capers

Premier Tomato Bruschetta with Olives & Capers is just a few turns away from a classic bruschetta recipe.  Just as easy and even more delicious in my humble opinion as well!  I love this appetizer because I almost always have all of the ingredients on hand.  It’s fabulous for a small snack, party, or when I have friends turn up and want to make something nice but simple.  I was in Nha Trang, Vietnam over the Xmas holiday and went to a restaurant that served a bruschetta similar to this so I was inspired when I came back to make my own. For New Year’s I was wanting quick & healthy appetizers so I thought this would be the perfect time to create the recipe I had concocted in my mind.  It was amazing!  After a few glasses of champagne I was feeling extra proud of this pretty dish. Crowd pleaser?  For sure!  Done in 15 minutes or less? Indeed!  Prep time 8 minutes? Uh-huh! What’s not to love?!  Next time you have a soiree or some unexpected guests, whip this awesomeness up in no time! 

PS- My favorite vegan parmesans right now are Violife & Follow Your Heart. 365 also came out with a great shredded parm!

Premier BruschettaPremier Bruschetta

Premier Tomato Bruschetta with Olives & Capers
Yields 24
Premier Tomato Bruschetta with Olives & Capers is just a few turns away from a classic bruschetta recipe. This is quick, healthy, delicious, and crazy easy!
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Prep Time
8 min
Cook Time
7 min
Total Time
15 min
Prep Time
8 min
Cook Time
7 min
Total Time
15 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 1/2 lbs very ripe tomatoes - diced (about 4-5 medium round tomatoes or 10-12 plum tomatoes)
  2. 10 basil leaves - sliced thinly (save a bit for garnish)
  3. 1/2 C diced black olives - sliced (or any olive or your choice)
  4. 1/4 C capers
  5. Parmesan cheese (to garnish the breads with)
  6. 3 cloves garlic (2 cloves minced)
  7. 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  8. Olive oil for brushing on breads
  9. Sea salt & cracked pepper to taste
  10. 1 large baguette (or a similar bread of your choosing)
Instructions
  1. Slice baguette approximately 1cm thick (sometimes I like it a bit thicker) and toast
  2. Brush each bread/toast with olive oil and cut in half the whole garlic piece and rub on each piece
  3. In a bowl add & toss tomatoes, capers, olives, balsamic, salt & pepper, and basil
  4. Distribute evenly over all toasts and garnish with a healthy amount of parmesan cheese and basil if you'd like
Notes
  1. You can replace the parmesan cheese with a nice crumbled feta if you would like. Equally as delicious!
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Easy & Amazing Fettuccine Alfredo

I am sitting in this awesome Airbnb rental in Amsterdam as I write this.  Not too shabby, right?!  Husband’s putting the wee man to sleep and it has just occurred to me that I haven’t posted in a week!  I’d been posting everyday to get this blog up and running but oh, Amsterdam!  You’ve been a pleasant and well needed distraction and I have not touched my blog or my book (I am currently writing a book about the craziness of my last 5 years in China) in the past week.  So, with my delicious beer, full on far too much cheese & bread, I sit here, looking out over the awesome balcony, ready to post.  If you’ve never been, I can’t recommend it enough! Anyway, there will be a large Amsterdam post upon my return.  

Easy & Amazing Fettuccine Alfredo is just that- easy & amazing.  This to me is one of those sauces like a pesto sauce.  Very few ingredients, easy to make, but I rarely enjoy it.  When I do enjoy one of these sauces they are one of my top choices & favorites for a sauce.  However, for some reason, I find myself a stickler for the perfect balance of ingredients in order to make sauces like these tasty.  Anyone else this picky or find this to be true?

As my mom used to call this dish – “a heart attack on a plate” – I won’t even pretend to paint a pretty picture of health & weight loss.  You are swimming in a sea of fatty deliciousness.  A true comfort food.  Let’s be serious. There’s almost always a time and a place for this type of food.  I am quite a healthy eater on the day-to-day but sometimes, just sometimes, I must indulge, and when I do, I dive right in for a creamy & rich swim in this here Alfredo sauce.  Yes ma’am.  This is the recipe for when the boyfriend breaks up with you, a hell of a day at work, or anything that involves comforting your inner self.  Enjoy!

Easy & Amazing Fettuccine Alfredo

Easy & Amazing Fettuccine AlfredoEasy & Amazing Fettuccine AlfredoEasy & Amazing Fettuccine AlfredoEasy & Amazing Fettuccine Alfredo

Easy and Amazing Fettuccine Alfredo
Serves 6
Easy and Amazing Fettuccine Alfredo, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta recipe, creamy pasta recipe
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Total Time
20 min
Total Time
20 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb (16 oz) of fettuccine pasta (fresh if possible)!
  2. 1 1/4 C heavy cream
  3. 1 stick of butter
  4. 1 3/4 C parmesan cheese - grated
  5. 2 Tbl lemon juice
  6. Salt & pepper to taste (I use a lot of cracked peppercorn)
  7. Fresh basil for garnish
  8. Optional: 1 garlic cloves (minced) or 2 tsp garlic powder
  9. Optional: 1 very ripe tomato – diced
Instructions
  1. Boil pasta
  2. Over medium heat, put in butter (let melt for a few seconds) & add cream (I dash some s & p here)
  3. Add lemon juice & garlic (optional), and then stir in cheese until melted with the rest of your s & p
  4. Remove from heat and add pasta into sauce - stir until pasta is fully covered in sauce
  5. To serve: (optional)
  6. Top each bowl with diced tomato & garnish with fresh basil and additional cracked pepper
Pair with the following wines
  1. White wine- Chardonnay for you chard lovers! (I don't love Chardonnay myself so I often opt for a Pinot Grigio)
  2. Red Wine- Pinot Noir
  3. This dish takes less than 15 minutes if you use fresh pasta!
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Super Bowl 50, Game Day, Game Changin’ Eats!

“Super Bowl 50, Game Day, Game Changin’ Eats!”  9 amazing appetizers for the big day that are more than guaranteed to satisfy your crazy crowd.  Have you been wondering what to serve other than plain chips and plain sliders? Well, here is your answer and some! There is no way, and I mean no way, that these 9 appetizers will not only be crowd pleasers but have people, dare I say it, at times almost forget about the game.  Ahh!  Crazy!  Sacrilege!  Don’t hate me. Promise, you will thank me later when you are rolling your guests out the door with their ever-so-content bulging bellies.  And yes, they will be half beer bellies as well, no doubt.  So, start makin’ your list and sortin’ out next Sunday.  Go ______! Insert team of your choice. 😉

The list: (Click on the colored link to bring you to the recipe page)

Holy Sh#& Nachos! This is maybe the best thing in the entire world.  

Classic Guacamole.  Great to top the nachos with AND for an awesome dip!

Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For! Make these into sliders for game day.

Cheesy Mushroom & Onion Pizza.  Serve as slices or small square bites.

Classic Creamy Mac n’ Cheese.  Serve in large slices or as small bites in cups.

Easy Spinach & Mushroom Quesadillas. Serve in small triangles.

Classic Hummus.  Honestly, when and how could this ever not be a perfect app? Serve with pita chips, pretzels, veggies, whatever! Make in 5 minutes!

Parmesan & Artichoke Dip.  A super creamy and 5 minute dip that can be served with the same options as the hummus!

Mediterranean Pita Platter.  Throw some of the already made hummus on here, plus some other easy & quick do-dads, and done!

 

Holy Sh#% Loaded Nachos!

Amazing Classic Guacamole

Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For!Cheesy Mushroom & Onion PizzaCreamy Classic Baked Mac' n CheeseEasy Spinach & Mushroom Cheesy Quesadillas

Classic Creamy Hummus

IMG_8213Mediterranean Pita Platter

Parmesan & Artichoke Dip

Parmesan & Artichoke Dip is a creamy and divine dip that everyone must be serving at virtually every fun, fancy, or low down/hoedown affair.  This dip is compliments to my very first guest poster.  A big welcome and HUGE “thank you” to my Beijing bestie, Ms. Alana Martin!  Not only is she amazing, but her dip is as well.  She serves this at every party and I’m pretty sure it’s always the first thing to go.  I was saying that I wanted one more recipe to add to my game day post (to come) and was hoping that she’d kindly find some time (like asap, as I asked her last minute) out of her extremely busy work day, mommy day, and wife day, to make this, let me photograph it, and of course, let me eat some as well.  In all of her fabulousness, she agreed, and lucky for all of you and every party that you may have in the future, for her easiness & agreeability.  Healthy? Ummm… Can it be made healthier?  Totally! Replace all mayo with Greek yogurt. You can serve this with almost anything as well and it takes a mere minutes to make. So let me get this right? Divine? Check. Delectable? Check. 5 minutes or less? Check. Guaranteed crowd pleaser? Check, check, check, check, check! Why are you still reading this? Get your artichokes and start stirrin’! Game day awaits!

Disclaimer: Had to be shot at night.  I’ve been trying SO hard to only shoot during the day but alas, this simply wasn’t possible this time around. 

Parmesan & Artichoke DipParmesan & Artichoke Dip

 

Parmesan & Artichoke Dip
Parmesan & Artichoke Dip is a creamy and delicious crowd pleaser. Make it in under 5 minutes!
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Total Time
5 min
Total Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 3 Tbl mayo
  2. 1 1/8 C plain greek yogurt (260 grams)
  3. 1/2 C shredded fresh parmesan cheese
  4. 1/2 lemon - squeezed
  5. 1 clove garlic - pressed
  6. 1 tsp of dried oregano and a dash more for garnish
  7. 1 can artichoke hearts
  8. Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
  2. Garnish: (optional) with a sprinkling of oregano & shredded parmesan
Notes
  1. Serves enough for a small party (in conjunction with other appetizers of course) - approximately 2 1/2 cups
  2. Serve with veggie sticks, baguettes, bread sticks, or anything you like!
  3. Great with a crisp white wine
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Mediterranean Pita Platter

This Mediterranean Pita Platter is incredibly easy, extremely loaded, and absolutely beautiful.  You will impress your guests with this display without a doubt.  What is better than loads of hummus, pita, feta (optional for vegans), veggies, garbanzo beans, arugula, and balsamic?  Nothing, that’s what.  Well, almost nothing!  As usual, I had a lot of stuff left over in the fridge that I simply could not let go to waste.  What was, in my mind, going to be a simple meal turned into this incredible looking platter!  Before I knew it, I was adding more and more, then finally, grabbing my paella pan (yes, I love serving platters in here, check out my nacho pics as well), and voila!  A star was born in the form of this gorgeous platter.  Get down with your inner Greek (or Greek inspired) self and see visions of Santorini! I mean, hey, why not?! Disclaimer: Night shots below, sadly. 

Mediterranean Pita PlatterMediterranean Pita PlatterMediterranean Pita Platter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mediterranean Pita Platter
This Mediterranean Pita Platter is incredibly easy, extremely loaded, and absolutely beautiful. Impress your guests with this display! Absolutely divine.
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Total Time
20 min
Total Time
20 min
Ingredients
  1. 5 pitas (I use whole wheat) - cut into triangles
  2. 2 C hummus (or your desired amount)
  3. 1 head of broccoli - florets
  4. 1/2- 3/4 C red & yellow peppers - diced
  5. 1 large red onion - diced
  6. 1/4 C olives -sliced
  7. 1 package of feta - crumbled
  8. 3-4 super ripe tomatoes - sliced
  9. 1/2 package of arugula
  10. 1/2 C garbanzo beans
  11. Olive oil for pan
  12. 3 Tbl dried oregano
  13. 1/4 fresh basil - chopped (if not, you can use 2 Tbl dried)
  14. Salt & pepper to taste
  15. Balsamic for drizzling
Instructions
  1. Heat oil in pan and cook onion for about 5 minutes
  2. Throw in peppers, salt/pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes
  3. Throw in broccoli & beans - cook for about 2-3 minute more (adding half the oregano)
  4. Remove from heat
  5. Lay arugula on bottom of platter
  6. Place the veggie mixture in the center and sprinkle the basil and the rest of the oregano on top
  7. Organize the pita and sliced tomatoes nicely around the edge of the platter
  8. Top the veggie mixture with hummus and sprinkle the feta & olives all over the platter
  9. Lightly drizzle platter with balsamic vinegar
Notes
  1. Serves a large group
  2. Serve with the these wines: (or any wine you love of course)!
  3. Red- Pinot Noir
  4. White- Sauvignon Blanc
  5. Remember, any ingredients can be optional. Get creative with what's in your fridge!
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Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For!

Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For! are a twist on a childhood recipe.  I loved these growing up!  Now, I smother these in cheese, however, if you want it a tad healthier or you would like to make it vegan, forget the cheese!  Still totally delicious, cross my heart!  I have to say, I’ve never had a real sloppy joe, as I have been a veg head since I was 8 yrs old.  I can honestly say that I don’t really think I’d love one.  I am, and always have been, a lover of the lentil so this is truly an amazing recipe whether or not you enjoy the real deal.  Thinking of what to do for a meatless Monday perhaps? These are your jam.  Thinking of alternative or twists on the ol’ classic? Again, these are your jam.  I think I’ve mentioned before how my mother told me to never eat spaghetti on a date (me + pasta = hot mess).  Well, these should never be eaten in the company of a first date or anyone you are trying to impress.  You will less than impress, as you will be a sloppy mess!  Sorry, had to do it. Sloppy & delicious.  Wash it down with a cold brew and you’re golden.  Bring your napkin (or ten) and slop your way to heaven.

Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For!Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For!Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For!Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For!Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For!

Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For!
Yields 6
These Lentil Sloppy Joes truly are to die for! Easy, delicious, and loaded with flavor. Bring them out for your next party or on a meatless Monday!
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Total Time
25 min
Total Time
25 min
Ingredients
  1. 6 large toasted buns of your liking
  2. Oil for pan
  3. 2 cans lentils
  4. 20 oz (about 2 1/2 C) shredded pepper jack cheese
  5. (Optional) Some sort of soft & creamy spreadable cheese for the bottom bun - I used cracked pepper cheese
  6. 1 avocado - sliced
  7. 1 large onion - diced
  8. 6 cloves garlic - minced
  9. 4 celery stalks - diced
  10. 1 small carrot - diced
  11. 1/4 good ketchup
  12. 1/4-1/2 tomato paste
  13. 2-3 Tbl dijon mustard
  14. 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  15. 1 Tbl brown sugar
  16. 1/4 veggie broth
  17. 2-3 Tbl dried oregano
  18. Hot sauce to taste
  19. Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat pan with oil and add onion & a dash of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes
  2. Add garlic, more salt/pepper & cook for 30 seconds more
  3. Add celery, carrot, and half the oregano - cook for about 5 minutes or until soft
  4. Add tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, broth, balsamic, brown sugar. Stir for 1 minute
  5. Add lentils, hot sauce, and rest of oregano, plus any more salt & pepper you'd like
  6. Cook for about 10 minutes stirring often.
To assemble
  1. On toasted buns, spread creamy cheese on bottom halves & add half of the pepper jack on top
  2. On top bun add avocado and the rest of pepper jack
  3. Slop the lentil mixture on top of bottom bun, carefully put the top on
  4. Throw some awesome potato chips on the side of each plate!
Notes
  1. These make 6 large sloppy joes but can be make into slider style buns for a party!
  2. Serve with a cold brew of your liking!
  3. I always serve with potato chips on the side (these were jalapeno flavored...yum)!
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