Rise and Shine Breakfast Bakes

I’ve never been a big breakfast eater, but in the past year I’ve redoubled my efforts in that department. With longer days as a mom and business owner of sorts, I find my energy fizzling out on those days I don’t start with some morning fuel. And in my never-ending quest to eat more protein, eggs have become a recent staple in my diet, which makes breakfast food a no-brainer for some of our go-to dishes. But in my mind, “breakfast food” doesn’t mean that it can only be eaten in the morning. For years I’ve incorporated what my husband and I call “BFD” (Breakfast for Dinner) nights into our weekly rotating menu.

One thing I absolutely love about this recipe is that it’s a single serving. You can easily make one for your solo days, or a set of ten for a special occasion brunch, or even a larger one to share if you’re doing dinner-for-two. For meat-eaters, vegetarians, spicy-lovers, and cheese-lovers, too, you can customize each one to their liking.

August 8, 2016August 6, 2016

Homemade Tagliatelle al Ragu di Carne

Just the mention of Tuscany causes me to sway my hips from side to side and close my eyes, losing myself in a deep and melodic daydream. Those golden rolling hills captured in so many Renaissance paintings had me at first sight, and the traditions of its people have filled the pages of old and new books, alike. Oh, Tuscany, the way its sun enraptures every fold of fertile land below, holding still in a warm, lasting embrace.

Yes, we must all go to Tuscany, hopping from town to town, with one hand on our hearts and the other filled with purpose and Brunello di Montalchino. The way to a man’s heart may be through his stomach, but surely the woman’s way is via Tuscany.

July 18, 2016July 7, 2016

Garlic Chicken for Beginning Cooks

I love cooking. I’m constantly calling my mom for new recipes or perusing Pinterest for different dinner ideas. Sometimes, I’m even known to put my own twist on things, and after a bit of experimenting, this Garlic Chicken for Beginning Cooks quickly became one of my all-time favorites. It’s hands down one of the best recipes I’ve whipped up so far!

My favorite thing is that it’s simple, so if your skills in the kitchen are questionable, don’t worry! This recipe is easy and foolproof, not to mention, absolutely scrumptious!

Plus, if you know me at all, you know that I love ketchup…or really condiments of any kind. I use a lot of ketchup, and I put at least one kind of sauce on almost everything I eat. However, this is the first recipe I’ve found that’s perfect on its own. No extra seasoning or sauce required.

Sweet Potatoes Two-Ways | Model Behaviors

July 11, 2016July 8, 2016

Sweet Potatoes 2-Ways

Now that Darlington is eating solids, many of my mom-friends ask about her eating habits. Luckily, she’s a great eater, and she’s pretty adventurous, too. I attribute this newfound zest for solids to our months of cooking together and making her baby food.

From the age of six to ten months, I created a weekly menu that introduced a new fruit or vegetable to Darlington’s palate, while also incorporating the foods nicely into our own dinners. For example, on the night when we’d make sweet potato puree for Darlington, we’d also make Hassleback potatoes for us!

Fourth of July CarrHot Dog

“HOT DOG! GET YER HAWWWT DAWWWWG!!!”

I can still hear my favorite vendor with the handlebar mustache tempting us fans back in those days when I was a Wrigley Field regular. I’ve traced my love of hot dogs back to that particular time in my life. Before that, I was never a hot dog fan, but neither was I a hater. However, the traditional Chicago dog , Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, a mom-and-pop hot dog shop around the corner from my place, the street vendors downtown, and all those Cubs games hooked me. I became, not only a fan, but a superfan.