Feeling Crabby?

Creamy Crab Risotto

Crab meat is delicious and light, but who has time to steam, crack, and find all the little pieces.  This risotto is creamy and satisfying as either a light meal or the perfect side dish.  I used imitation crab meat because it's what I had but canned crab or fresh crab from your local fishmonger would be so much better.  Don't skimp on the fresh herbs, they're what makes this dish great, especially the sage.  Be careful not to leave the rice alone when cooking, it needs constant love and attention.

Crab Risotto Recipe

Birthday Cake Everything...

Birthday Cake Waffles, Cupcakes, and Frosting

I don't like to cheat but a little yellow cake mix added to desserts and breakfast never hurt.  Birthday cake flavor can be enjoyed any day of the year, not just for birthdays.  Don't use that "funfetti" frosting or cake mix ever again, add your own sprinkles and watch the magic happen.

Taco Pasta

Taco Pasta Skillet

As easy as hamburger help but minus the helper and all of its salt.  Take all the goodness of a taco and wrap it up in the comfort of a mac and cheese.  Add fresh tomatoes rather than canned if you have them.  For a lighter version, use light or fat free sour cream and cream cheese (who needs all the added calories anyway).

Taco Pasta Recipe

The Ultimate Bunless Burger

Ramen Burger

 I heard about this through my cousin who visited NYC and said it was all the rage.  People would stand in line for hours just to get one of these burgers.  I find it funny because using ramen noodles seems far from gourmet.  They are the staple food for college students and people who are moving (which was us at the time).  I wouldn't wait in line for one because you can make them just as good at home.  The seasoned burger in between two ramen patties is a genius idea that I can't believe wasn't thought of sooner. The only semi-difficult part is forming the patties, just be sure to fry until crisp on one side before flipping them.

Burger Recipe

Stuffed Peppers- Philly Style

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

By far the best stuffed peppers I've ever had! Forget the bland rice and beef, that's what you feed your dog when they're sick.  The combination of shaved roast beef, caramelized onions, portobello mushrooms, and melty provolone cheese cannot be beat.  The use if a pepper instead of a carb-loaded roll makes you feel a little bit less guilty about this indulgence.

Philly Stuffed Pepper Recipe

Take-out at home

Easy Sesame Chicken 

This chicken takes about the same amount of time as driving to the local Chinese restaurant.  The catch is that is both cheaper and healthier.  If you're looking for that sticky rice that you get on the side, basmati or jasmine rice are the perfect match.  I made this recipe minus the seeds and it's still just as delicious!

Sesame Chicken Recipe

Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry

Sesame Noodles with Shrimp and Snap Peas

This stir-fry is quick, light and easy.  Newmans brand sesame ginger dressing works great.  To jazz up the dish a little you can always add other vegetables.  I think sliced onions, peppers, water chestnuts, or any vegetables would add to this simple Asian dish.

Sesame Shrimp Noodle Recipe

Pork Scaloppine

Pork Scaloppine

This recipe only takes about 10 minutes, so if you're looking for a quick pork; this is it.  The Dijon sauce is a great touch but I made the mistake of using just regular Dijon mustard and I think that the grainy kind would make it that much better.  Be sure to pound the tenderloin thin and tenderize it, don't overcook or it'll be like chewing in leather.  Serve over couscous or with potato wedges.

Pork Recipe

Alcoholic Cupcakes

Marguerita & Chocolate Porter Cupcakes

What's better than than a little beer or tequila in your cupcake (a woman's two vices: alcohol & desserts)?  These cupcakes are moist and surprising.  The marguerita cupcakes combine the tart lime, sea salt, and tequila turn the perfect Mexican cocktail into a dessert.  Details are a must, a sugared rim, lime wedge and straw are the finish touches that this drink, I mean dessert, needs.  The porter cupcake is my favorite chocolate cake recipe ever! It might be the beer or just the rich moist dense chocolate cake.  When making these I tried a new technique that was relatives easy; homemade chocolate curls.  The Pioneer Women does it best!

How to Make Chocolate Curls

Tomato Pie... Not Utica Style

Tomato Tart

I love a good slice of tomato pie (pizza without sauce) but this pie is literally tomatoes in a pie crust.  It's delicious and great for an end of summer meal to use up all of those garden fresh tomatoes.  I even cheated and used a store-bought crust to make it super easy.  Our new kick is to have one meatless night a week and with recipes like this one it's not hard to eat healthy and happy.

Tomato Tart Recipe

Egg in the Hole

Egg in the Hole

No it's not a dirty term, it's an actual recipe name. "Hey Mom, remember these?"  If you google it you actually get all sorts of different names and recipes for this simple little breakfast that my Mom's been serving up my whole life. A quick and easy breakfast that brings me back!

1 piece of bread, with a hole cut out of the center ( save the centers to toast up in the pan kind of like a donut hole, who'd waste those?)
1 egg
Cooking spray
Salt & pepper to taste

Spray a pan good and heat over medium high heat. Place bread and holes in the pan.  Carefully crack an egg in each hole. Cook for 1 minute then flip and cook for about another minute.

Pizza Perfection

Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil Pizza

I love a good marguerita pizza, not like the drink although those are good too, but this pizza just might be better.  It has the same idea as a marguerita pizza with tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella.  The difference between the two is that this pizzas sauce is a basil pesto (easy to make and tastes great).  I have a whole bunch of Roma tomatoes from my garden so I used about 3 of those sliced thin instead of the heirloom kind.  I'm sure you could use whatever kind of tomato you have available.  Don't cheap out on the mozzarella the creaminess and taste of the fresh stuff can't be beat.

Pizza Recipe

Curry in a Hurry

Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous

This is a great one pot meal for the back to school rush of September.  It only takes about 10 minutes with no prep work. Great flavor, low calorie, and loaded with veggies.  Not much more to say, other than try it out!

Curry Couscous Recipe

Spiced up Egg Salad

Egg Salad Sandwich with Bacon and Sriracha

By far the best egg salad I have ever eaten.  There is a hospital test that requires you to eat an egg salad sandwich with the medicine in it that I've had to have done twice.  If you've ever eaten hospital food, especially at 9am, you can only imagine how great that egg salad sandwich was.  I've had trouble eating one ever since, unti this recipe.  The spice of the Sriracha is not overwhelming so don't be afraid of a little spice.  The bacon and green onion add such great flavor.  If you want to lighten up the carbs in this meal, have it as an open-faced sandwich.  I suggest doubling the recipe so you can have great leftovers for lunch.

Egg Salad Sandwich

Green Spaghetti

Spaghetti with Parsley Pesto and Sausage

Delicious spaghetti that used up the rest of my parsley plant.  Pesto is actually pretty easy.  All pesto takes is a fresh herb (basil, parsley, arugula), some garlic, salt, Parmesan cheese (or another like it), a little oil; combine all ingredients except oil in a food processor.  Drizzle oil in until a smooth sauce is formed.  A spicy sausage and salty cheese are all the toppings that are needed.

Pesto Spaghetti Recipe

Tacos of the Sea

Fish Tacos with Lime-Cilantro Crema

Light and flavorful tacos minus the fishiness.  These tacos were a big hit in my house! They are quick to make and the Crema makes them taste so fresh.  I didn't find red snapper so I used a couple skinless haddock filets which worked great.  I'm sure you could substitute other kinds of fish such as tilapia or a mild flavored white fish.  The fish rub seems like it would be spicy but don't be scare, the Crema cools down any heat that there may be.

Fish Taco Recipe

Garden Fresh Ravioli

Tomato Ravioli

A great way to use up those end of summer tomatoes.  Such a simple things by itself, ravioli can be used in many different ways.  When I was a kid I knew only red sauce and raviolis but now I find so many ways to use them that still make them my favorite food!  This dish is another weeknight winner taking just minutes to prepare.  I actually skipped baking the tomatoes and just sautéed them in a pan until the tomato skins popped and became soft (a huge time-saver and still so delicious).  The only bad part about this dish is that my husband and I ended up eating the whole pan full in just one sitting.

Ravioli Recipe

Egg on my face? Nope it's on my pizza!

Burger Style with the Lot Pizza

This pizza may seem odd but it's delicious.  The egg on top oozes over the pizza when you cut into it and adds a great flavor.  If you really hate 'spilly yoke' eggs then you can hard cook it or leave it out but the pizza just won't be the same. Also, I would use a homemade crust rather than the pre-cooked store-bought one that is recommended.  Don't knock it before you crack it ( the egg that is).

Recipe:

Best Little Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate Porter Cupcakes

I don't normally like to share my cupcake baking secrets but this one is too good not to.  Chocolate cupcakes are good enough on their own but add a little beer and it's a match made in heaven.  They're so moist and delicious.  I use a nice bittersweet chocolate frosting so that they aren't overly sweet.  You can make large ones but the minis are so cute and it's as if you can eat 5 to 1.  These particular cupcakes were made to celebrate the start of our new home-buying adventure.

Anything but Iceberg

Grilled Eggplant with Caramelized Onion & Fennel

This is not your everyday side salad, it's so much more.  The perfect recipe for those fresh summer veggies.  The bitter balsamic dressing is cut by the creaminess of the goat cheese.  Find new ways to eat your veggies every day!  I hated plain vegetables but there are so many ways to dress them up and keep them healthy.

Salad Recipe

Eggs Kind of Benedict

Vegetarian Eggs Benedict with Thyme Sabayon

I love a good eggs Benedict but I don't love the time it takes to make at home.  This eggs Benedict takes a little work because the sauce takes time but it's actually great to make for dinner.  It has portobellos instead of ham but it's still meaty.  Just be careful when making the sauce that you whisk constantly or you'll end up with scrambled eggs or something that resembles cottage cheese.

Eggs Benedict Recipe

Wine in a Burger, the Perfect Pair

Cabernet Balsamic Burgers 

Again, not your average burger.  Crack open a bottle of your favorite Cabernet and get cooking!  The onions caramelized in wine and balsamic are the best part of this juicy burger.  Sautéed mushrooms, the onions, and a blue cheese spread all add to the flavor explosion in this burger.  If there's only two of you, then make up the patties, wrap in Saran then foil, and freeze until use (great for a day when you don't feel like cooking).

Burger Recipe

Easy Peasy Panini

Turkey Panini with Watercress and Citrus Aioli

An easy sandwich for lunch or dinner.  If you can't find watercress, arugula works great.  The citrus aioli is a must and takes this generally boring turkey sandwich to the next level; never at plain mayo again.

Panini Recipe

One Fine Day

My First Wedding Cake

One of my good friends from work recommended me to a friend of hers, I was both excited and extremely nervous that I'd mess it up.  I've made a million cupcakes but never for a wedding; and they were actually the easy part.  The cake was the epitome of my anxiety.  If you're looking for a quick and easy cake this isn't it.
  Step 1: make 2- 8 in cakes and cool completely
  Step 2: pipe an edge of frosting on the bottom cake (be sure it's thick enough)

  Step 3: spread your filling in the middle (be careful because too much filling will make your cakes shift and leak)
  Step 4: place top cake on with the bottom side up
  Step 5: dirty ice the cake (a thin layer that looks crumby), let sit in fridge for several hours

  Step 6: ice the cake with a thicker layer by starting with a big pile of frosting on top and working your way to the bottom (to finish it off use the wet knife technique)

  Step 7: decorate and add borders with different tips

Chocolate cake, homemade strawberry filling, and buttercream frosting.

Chicken Roll-ups

Roasted Red Pepper and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken

Hubs actually made this dish and it was awesome; and not just because I didn't have to cook it.  It seemed relatively basic with only a few ingredients.  Please note that a chicken breast that you buy at the grocery store is not one serving, it needs to be cut into 2 or 3 smaller pieces.  Also, to make rolling the chicken easier pound it out thinner.

Chicken Recipe

Squash Pasta

Pasta with Butternut Sauce, Spicy Sausage, and Baby Spinach

Butternut squash makes a deceivingly creamy sauce in this dish without all the fat and added calories.    Growing up, I always hated the slimy bowl of spinach or texture of pureed squash; as an adult I still have issues with textures.  This dish combines both textures but the flavor takes over to make a great meal.

Pasta Recipe

The Best Cake

Lemon-Blueberry Bundt Cake

The first time I had this cake, my husband made it as a surprise for my birthday.  It was his first cake and so amazing!  I've made it since then and taken it to parties where people rave about how moist it is.  The only thing that I caution is to make sure the bundt pan is properly greased and floured or you'll end up leaving parts of your cake in the pan.  Also, fresh blueberries are always best; so this makes a great summer cake.

Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe

Zesty Summer Salad

Gemelli Salad with Green Beans, Pistachio, and Lemon-Thyme Vinaigrette 

Who isn't getting a little bit tired of the same old mayonnaisey pasta and potato salad that you'll find at every picnic?  I know I am, so I'm always looking for new salads to spice up those summer get-togethers.  The fresh lemon and thyme in this recipe give it such a great flavor.  The green beans fill out the salad and minimize the carbs.

Pasta Salad Recipe

Sassy Swordfish

Swordfish Milanese

I'm not a huge fan of certain kinds if fish; salmon, raw seafood, etc.  This is one fish that's delish!  It's light, flaky, and flavorful.  The lemony vinaigrette over the greens on top takes away any chance there was of having a fishy taste.  The panko breading gives a great texture but is still much lighter than a heavy fried batter.  It's also a quick-cooking meal.

Swordfish Recipe

Lasagna that'll please those crazy vegetarians!

Eggplant & Roasted Pepper Lasagna

I'm certainly no vegetarian, I love meat!  This eggplant lasagna is so delicious and meaty despite the lack of sausage or ground beef.  It does take some time so I would make it on a Saturday or Sunday and have delicious leftovers throughout the week.  My husband hated eggplant before I found all these new ways to flavor and cover it up.  If you don't feel like roasting your own peppers you could always buy a jar of roasted red peppers. The best part about this lasagna is that it's under 400 calories for a large serving size.

Lasagna Recipe

Salad & Pizza in One

Salad Pizza

We always have salad with our pizza; you've gotta eat your veggies with every meal.  I've never put the two together but why not?  If you're in a pinch and need a crust fast a nice flat-bread would work great.  You could also throw this on the grill if you don't want to use the oven (just be sure to spray your grates and keep the heat lower).  Now if you're not sure what mesclun greens are, I didn't know either, just a fancy name for mixed greens or a baby arugula (really you could use any greens you like).  I didn't pile the salad on the whole pizza in case we had left overs (that way the lettuce wouldn't get soggy because I have texture issues).

Salad Pizza Recipe

Murphy's Favorite Sausage Mushroom Pizza

Sausage Mushroom Pizza

This isn't your every day pizza with some canned mushrooms and bulk sausage thrown on top from the greasy little pizza shop in town.  This pizza is absolutely delicious, only thing to make it better would be a homemade crust.  Sauteeing the veggies first really brings out the flavor and allows the onions to caramelize.  Also, the pizza holds a nice surprise.  At first glance, it looks like a lovely cheese pizza but after just one bite you find so much more hidden underneath.  Make it for a pizza party or just a night in with some great comfort food.

Pizza Recipe

Porky Pig Goes Asian

Pork and Bok Choy Stir Fry

Some of these ingredients were new to me but worth the try.  Bok choy may be tricky to find but Wegmans usually has it (there's two kinds, you want baby bok choy for this done).  The pork comes out so tender and the whole meal is finished within a few minutes. Be sure to use fresh ginger because the powder just won't do.  I will say that the black bean sauce is extremely salty, my husband loved it but I would've liked a little less.

Bok Choy Stir Fry Recipe

Stuffed Tomatoes instead of Peppers

Stuffed Tomatoes

You say tomato, I don't say tom-otto, but I like to stuff them.  These tomatoes have some unique flavors that some how work in harmony.  They make a nice light meal.  If you're growing tomatoes this season and have an abundance; try these out!

Tomato Recipe

Golden Goodness

Sausage & Polenta

Polenta, an Italian creamy golden goodness made of cornmeal.  You can make polenta from scratch or buy it in a log at the store (I like the logs).  This is a great summer dish for fresh squash and peppers! For a spicier kick, use hot turkey sausage instead if mild (gianelli is of course the best in town).  If you want to fill up for less calories, add more veggies to the dish.

Polenta Recipe

Berry Good

Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

I can't live without dessert even if I'm trying to cut back a little; it'll make me go sugar-starved crazy! This dessert comes in the form of a cute little cupcake without all the added calories.  As good as it may be a piece of cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory can cost you all your calories for the day; insane right?  These little cheesecake cups are only about 100 calories each, which in my mind means why not have two.  The lemon zest really brightens them up, I bet you could even use lime or orange zest/juice for a whole new experience.  I topped them with blueberries instead of blackberries due to a recommendation from my hubs.  Don't skimp out on the fruit because it can add that little bit more to fill you up, if you're not me.

Cheesecake Cups Recipe

Bananas!

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

What to do with bananas that are on their way out? I was looking for something that seemed a little bit healthier and different from the usual banana bread.  Also, my husband's work has a biscuit day every week and this week the muffin man never came; I decided to fill in.  I love eating peanut butter straight on my bananas so what could go wrong with these muffins.  The only thing I was disappointed in is that they came out a little bit boring and not as moist as I'd like. To jazz them up a bit, I added an oatmeal crumble made of melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and oats.

Banana Muffin Recipe

Give me a head....of cabbage

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

It's a notsagna; lasagna without the noodles and minus a few carbs (as much as I miss them, this one is still very good).  Even if you don't like cabbage, don't write this one off!  My dad has always hated it but absolutely loved this casserole.  When you're cooking the cabbage, and there's so much it's flying everywhere, it's okay because it cooks down a ton.  Also after baking I found that a little extra marinara was nice, but I'm a little saucy.

Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Red, White, and Blueberry

Fruit & Cake Skewers

A quick and fun summer dessert.  I made these for the forth of July on accident and then realized they were the perfect color.  I also had tons of strawberries to use up.  I must admit, for once, I cheated and bought an angel food cake at Wegmans (so much easier).  The nice thing is that you could really substitute any kind of fruit or remove the cake all together and have fruit kabobs.  The dipping sauce is great on any fruit just be sure that the cream cheese is softened before you mix or you'll end up with what looks like cottage cheese.

Fruit Skewer Recipe

5 Star Mac & Cheese

Truffle Mac & Cheese

Anything is better with truffle oil, if you've never had it you're really missing out.  This mac and cheese is so flavorful with garlic and the different cheeses.  I hated mac and cheese as a kid, as I've gotten older I realized that I just didn't like the cheeses being used.  A blend of different cheeses are always better than just one; just like 2 helpings are better than 1.  Also some sort of topping is a must: bread crumbs, croutons, crushed cornflakes, etc.  Serve on a weeknight or as a special side dish for guests.

Mac & Cheese Recipe