Classic Tarte Aux Fraises

Wedding planning is in full force and I am in complete heaven. However, aside from marrying Nathan, the wedding day is almost like a road block to the most exciting part: the honeymoon! A passion among many that Nathan and I share is traveling. Our days usually consist of at least one conversation about where we want to go, what we would do if we went there, and how we could make the trip happen. We are so fortunate to be heading to Europe the day after our wedding for a little over three weeks! We will start out in St. Tropez, France, head over to Paris, then Bruges, Belgium to Heidelberg, Germany, and finally England (we may squeeze Italy somewhere in there, too). Of course, with such an amazing trip less than two months away, my excitement is almost paralyzing! Today I decided it would be fun if I started baking and cooking dishes that represent the places we will soon be! What is more French than a classic tart?This tarte-aux-fraises is simply to die for, and a real crowd pleaser! I can’t wait to eat this on the shores of St. Tropez and along the Seine in wedded bliss!

Baby Steps: 3 Easy Meal Ideas for the Man Who’s Never Cooked For Himself!

While many men know how to slap a steak on the barbeque, they may feel a little awkward in the kitchen. The reality is that if you can cook on a barbie you can cook in an oven, and if you can read, a recipe is actually pretty easy! Since cooking on a barbecue is so fool proof guys seem to keep there culinary skills strictly at the barbecue. These skills can be translated directly to the kitchen, and what better time of year to take that leap of faith than around Valentines Day! In fact, the modern barbeque is becoming more and more like an outdoor kitchen where you can cook almost anything! Check out these awesome barbecues at BBQ’s Galore and see just how amazing some of these new up and coming contraptions can be! Why not treat yourself with a new barbecue AND spoil your significant other with the great meals you will make on one of these beauties!

Keep reading for a few easy meal ideas for the man who’s never cooked for himself but wants to make a big impression this Valentines Day!

Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein

I am a HUGE fan of chow mein. However, I am not a huge fan of the baggage it leaves behind (remember the saying, “a moment on the lips forever on the hips?”) Since I am currently in the process of downsizing my hips, chow mein is not really in the cards for me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think about it a whole lot. Spaghetti squash is my new saving grace. Whenever I crave noodles, spaghetti squash will do the job! I have grown to love this squash and in the midst of my health craze it makes me feel comforted and satisfied. This chowmein spin is so amazing I will make it over and over again! Enjoy.

Avocado Toast with Lime

Today was very green. Breakfast was a kale smoothie, lunch was avocado toast, and dinner was salsa verde. It rocked and it was healthy. Avocado toast has been one of my favorite foods since birth. I came into this world eating avocado, it is in my DNA. Avocado toast with a little lime, sea salt and a few chili flakes is really truly magical – it’s up there with grilled cheese for me. Anyways I know it is simple but I love it SO much I had to shout it from the rooftops by sharing with you. Enjoy!

Salsa Verde

Salsa is a staple in my life, especially when I am trying to live a healthier manner. Salsa is good to me even when I am in the mindset of eating whatever the heck I want, so I eat it while I’m being healthy and I don’t feel deprived! The amazing thing about salsa is that it is guiltless and makes everything THAT much better. If I am eating vegetables, you better believe I douse it in salsa. Pretty much everything is an opportunity for me to eat salsa! I have always been a red salsa girl; the tomato, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, and lime combo is my go-to jam. Today I wanted to switch it up and get out of my usual comfort routine, so I bought every green chili I could find in the grocery store. The results were stellar and just absolutely beyond mouth watering, and – guess what – SO healthy! Since I am on a health train extreme, I home made cashew cheese, and let me tell you SUPER good! I used fresh corn tortillas, cashew cheese, and this green salsa, and it was to good to be true! Vegan and gluten free! If you are interested in getting the cashew cheese recipe, let me know in a comment!

Broiled Zucchini and Potatoes with Parmesan Crust

These potatoes and zucchini are absolutely amazing. When you coat potatoes and zucchini in parmesan, feta and garlic, you cannot go wrong! This delightful dish works perfectly as a side dish for dinner or even a breakfast staple, enjoy!

Bittersweet Chocolate Tart

I think a rule of thumb when it comes to being a great hostess is always having something delicious on hand for unexpected visitors. Whether you have some good cheese and crackers, assorted olives, or even something sweet, you will be sure to impress your guests! I recently got the gorgeous Sweet Paris cookbook and came across this chocolate tart. The description reads, “I frequently make this sumptuous chocolate tart as my ‘wow’ factor dinner-party dessert. It’s relatively easy and nearly always elicits the desired amount of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from my guests.” This description had me sold. Let’s face it, we all love a little positive feedback, especially when the recipe is easy! This tart is undoubtedly beautiful, yet somehow tastes even better. The easy process was fun and I think it is something gorgeous to have on hand! I can imagine putting it on my counter on a fun cake platter, serving it to my friends, a little decadence is so fun and goes a long way! This will quickly be a new regular in my rotation of desserts!

Beef Stew and Mashed Potatoes

This day, this week, this month, perhaps, has been less than ideal. I felt on edge about something and I can’t put my finger on it. However I love this blog because the entire process for me is therapeutic. I love to make pretty food that makes family and friends happy. The photography process is a fun artistic release and the entire editing part is mindless, yet rewarding and fun for me. Today felt particularly funny, so I was ready to dive into something with quite a process, which brought me to beef stew. I love what a man’s man meal this is, I feel like its something Americans have been eating for years. Good old mashed potatoes and a chunky stew filled with beef, what could be more simply delicious!?

White Pizza

When it comes to pizza, to be grossly honest, Domino’s does it for me. Before you tell me I haven’t experienced great pizza, think again, I lived in Italy for a month; I probably experienced the greatest pizza there is. Still, when I imagine a delicious pizza my mind turns to good old, low-budge Domino’s or Rusty’s. Another thing about pizza – when it comes to homemade, let’s be honest, it is hardly ever that good! I said it. I mean the idea in theory is good : “aw it will be so cute and fun to homemake pizzas tonight…” The result is usally less than stellar. Truth hurts. But THIS pizza – THIS pizza is good. I am absolutely smitten by it and will most def make it over and over again. The crust and flavoring reminded me of those delicious Italian pizzas I experienced in the past, sigh, be ready for some amazing pizza!

Vegetable Soup

I love soup because it can contain nearly nothing and be so completely fulfilling. This hearty soup is filled with tons of healthy ingredients and is the perfect guilt free meal for a cozy January night. Since this soup contained virtually nothing to feel guilty for, (i.e. heavy cream, butter…..), I decided to add a hunk of fresh mozzarella on top and a few slices of avocado for some delicious creaminess! So simple and yummy, enjoy!