Sunday, September 29, 2013

Sweet & Spicy Potatoes and a Fitness Milestone!


Does it make sense that now that summer is over I am working out more than ever? You think I would have gotten myself in check four months ago to look uber fit in a bikini, but those months came and went. Don't get me wrong, I am still kickboxing 3-4 times a week,but I needed another goal in mind. Running. My entire 28 years I have spent HATING running. As a child with asthma, I always thought running for me just wasn't possible. I get all wheezy,my lungs burn, I am gasping for air after two minutes of running. I am no runner. I'm lucky I can even do cardio. WRONG. I gave myself a goal of running a 5k. Not a lofty goal, just to run 3.5 miles and not die.




Monday, September 23, 2013

Taste Trekker's Food Tourism Conference



I am still feeling so amazing after the Taste Trekker's Food Tourism Conference in my little state Rhode Island! Did I mention they sent us home with the most amazing gift bags? I couldn't have gone to this event without the help of I Heart Rhody! Haven't checked out here blog? Click here! 


Friday, September 20, 2013

Skillet S'mores



Not ready for summer to end? Like s'mores but not the hassle of setting up a fire,getting sticks and roasting marshmallows.then I have the easiest and most delicious dessert for you.  Has this happened to you before.... 

You and your honey are laying on the couch after dinner wishing for something sweet. I thought about making s'mores brownies but honestly it was 8pm and I was too lazy. I played dessert roulette on Pinterest and voila! Skillet S'mores. As far as my husband was concerned I was the best wife ever. Score!this is perfect for football games, quick snack for the kids or a dessert for when company comes over unexpectedly. The fact that you literally pour in chocolate chips, pour in marshmallows and bake had me sold. So go ahead... Keep summer alive in your house!! 


Skillet S'mores

 Serves 2 

Ingredients:

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
2 handfuls of marshmallows ( mini or regular)
1 sleeve of graham crackers for dipping

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450F.
2. In a cast iron skillet ( I used a small one) add chocolate chips first then marshmallows on top. Cover with foil. 
3. Bake for 5 minutes then uncover for marshmallows to toast for 2-3 more minutes. 
4. Serve with gram crackers!! 


Sunday, September 15, 2013

"Southern Style" Sweet Tea Lemonade


Oh hello my new favorite drink.This drink is a complete game changer for those ( like myself) who LOVE having parties at their homes. It is so easy to put together and it is such a hit! I am a sucker for sweet tea vodka. Anyone ever try it? It is literally vodka that just happens to taste exactly like iced tea. Yeah... I know.. it's dangerous. This drink combines this golden elixer with lemonade ( yup I know it's been done) and then topped off with fresh mint and Southern Comfort. That's right. Pop this mixture in a mason jar and you will be singing sweet home Alabama in no time.




Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Lighten Up! Bacon Mac & Cheese


Mac and cheese makes me happy. I don't know what makes me happier. The cheesy sauce, the little shells, the crunchy topping. <sigh....>Cut to a mac and cheese that you don't have to feel THAT guilty about eating, and has no less flavor than the full fat version.If I am going to eat healthier versions of the food I love then it needs to taste good! Welp, this recipe fits the bill.  I only used three strips of center cut bacon ( crumbled) which is actually not that fatty. Buuuuut you can always add something healthier like broccoli!




Sunday, September 8, 2013

Rhode Island Seafood Fest!

Oh my husband the Joker. Meatball made it to the fest too!

Can I just say how much I love my little state? Yes, I know. You all probably love your states too and who says mine is better than yours, but I happen to really feel strongly that Rhode Island is the best state around. Travel & Leisure happened to name it the #1 Foodie City so clearly I am not alone. So there. ( Insert me sticking my tongue out at all non-RI residents.
So I am writing this post all about my amazing day at the Rhode Island Seafood Festival  today! What an amazing event. I have actually been wanting to go to this event for the last couple of years but have always been busy the weekend of. Imagine by excitement when I got the chance to go today!



Thursday, September 5, 2013

Very Berry Muffins


It is so great to start baking again. With the move, unpacking and traveling I have not baked in forever! Let me start by saying, these muffins are freakin amazing. They are way more healthy than regular muffins. Do you know some muffins can have up to 1000 calories in them? The size portions of muffins are insane these days. So why not make them at home where you can control the ingredients,portion size and time stopping in the morning at your favorite coffee drive through.



Monday, September 2, 2013

Roasted Corn, Bacon & Goat Cheese Salad


Yes, it is labor day, but I refuse to think summer is ending. Tomatoes are still so delicious this time of year and especially corn in the Northeast!So I will still be eating delicious salads like this one.  Sometimes a regular ole lettuce salad will just not do!I like this salad because it is so simple, has limited ingredients and has such bold flavors!Plus you can practically serve it with anything.