Amsterdam Day 2 | Part 2 — See how I ended up at a small restaurant in Hoofdweg’s neighborhood for dinner. This is my first sit-down restaurant review and it includes pumpkin pizza! Day 2 is my last night in Amsterdam before I fly to Italy.
Dutch Donuts and Van Gogh
The largest museum in Amsterdam, a rainy afternoon canal ride, and my first Dutch cappuccino are some of the highlights in Part 1 of my second day in Amsterdam. See how I ended up in Amsterdam’s restaurant district and my thoughts on Dutch donuts! Stay tuned for Part 2 of this post, where I dive into more of my restaurant reviews.
Cheese Churches and Poffertjes
Day 1 of my adventures in Europe — beginning with Amsterdam. Read about my first foodie experience in the Netherlands, including a popular Dutch dessert and street food for dinner. I also share some of my thoughts about Amsterdam’s landscape and my experience traveling around the major monuments!
Easy Pumpkin Soup
This week, I decided to use the leftover pumpkin puree from my pumpkin whoopie pie recipe and make an easy pumpkin soup. Perfect for an impressive first course or as the main entree, this one-pot soup is an easy weeknight meal.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Inspired by on-the-go Halloween treats, I decided to take a classic East Coast dessert and put a fall twist: Pumpkin whoopie pies! Learn how to make these delicious treats, rich with fall flavors like cinnamon, pumpkin, nutmeg and cream cheese frosting!
The Pioneer Woman's Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Starting with a large container of whole wheat biscuits, I was reminded of a delicious breakfast I had with my best friend during our trip to Massachusetts. This week, I decided to re-create the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, by following The Pioneer Woman’s recipe. Quick, one-skillet cooking for a hearty dish, you’ll want to try this one!
A Weeknight Dinner in Downtown Denville | Thai Chef
A humid Tuesday evening inspired me to get a head-start on this week’s restaurant review. I adventured to downtown Denville to try a Thai restaurant called Thai Chef. Now I’m sharing what a weeknight in the dining room looks like, what the restaurant has to offer, and my three-course meal. Read more to find out!
Julia Child's French Onion Soup
The temperature in New Jersey this week finally dropped into fall. Heavy rain and overcast skies took over a few days this week, causing the bearable 60-degree weather to feel cold and raw. Inspired by Julia Child (after watching Julie & Julia last week), I decided that I was going to make soup: French onion!
Boniello’s: A Neighborly Italian Restaurant with DIY Charm
Sign your wine cork and see it immortalized on the wall. Try a delicious personal pizza or craft your own pasta dish. Boniello’s in Riverdale, New Jersey is a popular Italian restaurant that is both homey and charming.
Mini Fruit Tarts with Crème Anglaise
Inspired by the fresh fruit in my fridge and a trip to the farmer’s market, I decided to make my own fruit tarts for a Saturday night dinner. This was my first time making a fruit tart! Improvising with my materials, my final product are these buttery, vanilla creme anglaise tarts.
From the Train to the Dining Room | De Novo European Pub
Step off the train from New York and into the old train station converted into a modern restaurant. De Novo European Pub in Montclair has an elegant and bright dining room, busy bar, and delicious food. Check out my review of my Wednesday night dinner!
Banana Fritters with Caramel and Cream
Warm, banana-bread inspired fillings with a golden outside. A drizzle of rich caramel sauce and homemade whipped cream. Treat yourself to this delicious, yet simple dessert. These banana fritters are perfect for the upcoming fall weather as we wrap up summer.
Lakeside in Lake George | The Shoreline Restaurant
A pre-Labor Day weekend trip brought me back to Lake George. With gorgeous sunny weather, we were able to visit a popular seasonal restaurant right on the water called The Shoreline Restaurant.
Eating lakeside with a view of the water from the deck makes this a perfect Lake George restaurant for lunch or dinner!
Strawberry and Cream Hand Pies
Creamy vanilla filling, fresh strawberries, and small little pockets — this week, I’m excited to make an on-the-go dessert. These strawberry and cream hand pies are great for a morning commute or with a cup of coffee. Customize the recipe based on your favorite flavors or try making my version!
A Vegan-Friendly Restaurant | Veggie Heaven Teaneck
A vegan-friendly restaurant which is kosher, non-GMO, uses organic ingredients, with great prices? I’m excited to share a food review about Veggie Heaven Teaneck. It’s a restaurant for classic Asian dishes, sushi, and ethnic foods like Thai and Indian. You have to check it out!
A Tea-riffic New Jersey Tea Room | High SocieTea
High SocieTea is a charming tea room in Wayne, New Jersey. My grandmother first took me to this tea room several years ago, and I’ve been going back ever since. On a stormy day, I decided to visit again, to see if my memories hold true to the wonderful experiences I’ve had in the past. I’m excited to share that High SocieTea is just as wonderful, and they have some new additions to the menu.
My Grandmother's Teacups
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "There is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea." Lately I've been reflecting on the people who've influenced my love of food and passion for time spent around a table. My grandmother is a major influence, especially when it comes to tea, and the traditions she's instilled in me.
Parmesan & Zucchini Casserole with Red Wine Mushrooms
Inspired by fresh grown zucchini, I decided to make a summertime casserole! My first casserole blends cheesy filling with Italian flavors like garlic and red wine. Try my recipe or tweak the ingredients to make your own fresh dish! Perfect for a summertime side dish or double for an entree.
Cinnamon Knots with Cream Cheese Icing
After a long wedding weekend and a hectic Monday at work, I came home craving something sweet and warm. Inspired by Pinterest, I decided to make cinnamon knots with cream cheese icing (basically, an imperfect version of cinnamon rolls). Steaming from the oven with tangy icing, these cinnamon knots were what I needed after a long day!
Homemade Potato Gnocchi
Another recipe “first” this week — making homemade pasta! And not just any pasta, gnocchi. Pillow-y dumplings perfect for summer sauces and fall weather. I’m excited to tackle my first time making homemade potato gnocchi, and see where I can grow the recipe from here. Check it out!