Skinny Dessert: Beet Brownies

3
Skinny Dessert: Beet Brownies
Don’t feel guilty about grabbing that brownie. Satisfy your sweet tooth while getting your veggies, too. Yes, you read the title right—beets in brownies! It’s January and we’re all striving to add more vegetables to our diet and focus on living a healthy lifestyle. So start your year off right with this awesome beet brownie recipe! With my husband growing up in an Italian family, we have a hard time giving up those sweets. I just love... Read More

Spicy Pineapple Margarita

3
Spicy Pineapple Margarita
The perfect cocktail trifecta, as far as I’m concerned, is a mix of salty, spicy and sweet. This Spicy Pineapple Margarita fulfills every aspect. And, because it’s January and I’m in healthy-pants mode, I’m pleased that the pineapple is so naturally sweet that no simple syrup is needed! The heat in this cocktail comes from fresh jalapeno pepper. The nice thing is that the heat level is fully customizable.  Want less heat?  Use f... Read More

Smoothies That Don’t Suck!

0
Smoothies That Don’t Suck!
Here’s a secret - smoothies don’t have to be a snooze-fest! Chocolate smoothies? Yup, that’s a possibility. How about a boozy smoothie? Also doable! With fruit, yogurt and a little imagination you can rock the smoothie like it’s never been rocked before! Basic ingredients: Fruit (Obv.) + Yogurt (I prefer Yoplait Greek – thick and creamy = delicious smoothie consistency) + Liquid (water, milk, juice, or alcohol if you’re f... Read More

Host a Progressive Dinner Party

1
Host a Progressive Dinner Party
Tired of being cooped up on chilly nights? Gather your friends and go progressive! A progressive dinner is simply a party where each course is eaten at a different host’s house in the same evening. In other words, the guests progress from house to house. Think of it like a potluck, but extended across three or four locations. Progressives are fun because they allow several guests to showcase their homes or cooking skills. And giving your di... Read More

How to Cook with Wine Like a Connoisseur

2
How to Cook with Wine Like a Connoisseur
Want to add character to a dish? Pour in some wine. Wine adds character to a dish with a depth of flavor and richness of aroma that intoxicates even while not intoxicating (since, after all, the alcohol cooks out—or most of it at least). But wine can ruin a recipe just as easily as it can complete it. Learn to cook with wine like a connoisseur by following these guidelines. What Kind of Wine? Typically, the best kinds of wine to use in cooki... Read More

2012 Cocktail Trend Predictions

0
2012 Cocktail Trend Predictions
What cocktail concoctions will we find in our glasses this year? 2011 was an exciting year in the world of mixology – the modern-day cocktail movement has upped the liquid ante and increased the quality of libations across the country. And things are about to get more exciting. 2012 will undoubtedly bring a bevy of new drink trends. Some started to become popular in the last year, while others are just on the horizon. Here’s a primer of tren... Read More

Skinny Blueberry Daiquiri

2
Skinny Blueberry Daiquiri
The holidays are over. Wasn’t it grand?  The cookies, the cakes, the candies, the pies, the cheese plates, the potato puffs, the champagne for toasting, the shopping fueled fast food binges – oh yes, I can (and did) go on.  And yes - it was all that and a bag of (literal) chips . . . and here I am, at the same spot as every January – craving something a bit greener, and leaner so I can get back into my skinny jeans minus the muffin top (... Read More
Chinese New Year Party: Year of the Dragon!
Ring in the Year of the Dragon with your own Chinese New Year party. Chinese New Year is one of the most important, long-running and festive holidays in China. The Chinese celebrate with two weeks of events and outrageous celebrations — sounds fun! In my home, we like to celebrate holidays like Cinco De Mayo and Chinese New Year by cooking some traditional foods specific to the culture. It’s a great way to teach children about different c... Read More

Kid’s Snow Day Party!

0
Kid’s Snow Day Party!
Oh, no—school’s canceled due to snow!? Now what? When in doubt, throw a party. After all, kids are best behaved when entertained. Here are some ideas to keep this impromptu snow day fun for everyone. Bring in the troops: You’re not the only one whose plans got snowed on when school closed. Share party duty with other families and friends in the neighborhood. In progressive style, give each house a different outside game, an inside ac... Read More

Snow Day Ideas for Grown Ups!

0
Snow Day Ideas for Grown Ups!
Whether you’re 4 or 34, everyone loves a good snow day. Who wouldn’t enjoy having a built in excuse to stay snuggled up on the couch watching movies while pigging out on your favorite comfort foods? Keep your eyes on the weather report, and when you see snow hit your Doppler radar, start planning for a fabulous snow day! S’more snow please! Picture this: Snowflakes are falling outside your window and suddenly you get a hankering for... Read More