A trip to New York City brought our group to Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen. From appetizers like homemade dumplings — to ramen for midday lunch, read my first impression of Real Kung Fu and whether or not I would recommend going back.
Chilaquiles Verdes with Chicken and Sunny-Side Egg
A recipe I fell in love with growing up in a town with one Mexican restaurant. This week, I’m making chilaquiles verdes with chicken and sunny-side-up egg. Fresh cilantro and oven roasted tomatillo come together to form a homemade salsa verde. Rotisserie chicken makes this an easy week-night recipe.
Caprese Crostini with Homemade Pesto
Just in time for spring! A healthy appetizer: Caprese crostini with homemade pesto. Building off of the Italian ingredients from last week’s homemade pesto, I’ve used fresh ingredients from the market to make delicious caprese bites. Less than 10-minutes of assembly and you’ll have an impressive appetizer.
Homemade Pesto with Basil and Pine Nuts
This week, I’m using my new mortar and pestle to make homemade pesto with basil and pine nuts. This recipe calls for fresh ingredients that make for a delicious sauce, spread, or dip. I love the garlicky flavor and deliciousness. Plus, you get a good work-out pulverizing the ingredients. Watch the video and download the recipe card to see how it’s made.
How to Season a New Mortar and Pestle
This week on the blog, I’m sharing my new purchase: a mortar and pestle! I’m going through the basics of mortar and pestle’s as a kitchen tool, and also how to season a new mortar and pestle. Watch the how-to video and get ready for a new recipe using the mortar and pestle.
Homemade Hummus
An easy, homemade hummus that will impress your friends and family! Start with fresh ingredients and improvise with your final toppings to create a delicious homemade hummus recipe. Great to take as a healthy snack for work, or to pack with you for a party. Watch the video and download the recipe card to see how to make it.
Trattoria Zà Zà Firenze | My Last Meal in Florence
My last meal in Florence brought me to Trattoria Zà Zà . This uniquely branded restaurant had a spectacular menu to choose from, worthy of my last meal before heading back to the States. Read about what I ordered and where I went for dessert.
Agricola Toscana | The Search for Homemade Pasta
An unplanned wander after climbing the Duomo in Florence led me to Agricola Toscana — and my search for homemade pasta! Read my lunch experience at Agricola, the pasta debate, and an informative museum recommendation if you’re traveling to Florence.
Homemade Purple Cabbage Coleslaw
This week I’m tackling a recipe from my “to-made” list with homemade purple cabbage coleslaw. Fresh grated veggies, two types of cabbage, vinegar and mayo — read my thoughts about the final recipe, tips for making it, and watch the video! Share your favorite coleslaw recipe, I’d love to hear how you approach this classic dish.
Vegan Fig Newton Energy Balls
Sticking to my New Year’s resolution to eat more whole foods — I’ve decided to follow the recipe from @onelastbite_ to create these raw, vegan fig newton energy balls. Made with dried fruits and nuts these energy balls are healthy and perfect morning commutes. Check out how I made them and my thoughts about the final product.
I Ghibellini Cafè | My Best Florence Morning
I Ghibellini Cafè was the best breakfast I had during my trip to Florence. Plus, an adventure to the top of Florence’s Duomo and Bell Tower. Read the breakfast review, the local area, and see the view from the top of the city.
Vegetarian Pitas with Roasted Cauliflower
Keeping up with my New Year’s resolutions: to eat real, whole foods — thoughtfully. Vegetarian pitas with roasted cauliflower are healthy and bold. This recipe offers shawarma-style seasonings, fresh herbs, and my favorite toppings. It is a great meal for a group or weekend dinner. Watch the video to see how it’s made!
The Uffizi Gallery and Tuscan Pizza
Gallery lines, famous artwork, my first Tuscan pizza, and delicious dessert. Read my adventures of Day 3 in Florence in Part 2.
Osteria Pastella and the Central Market
Osteria Pastella and exploring Florence’s Central Market was one of my favorite parts of my trip. In Day 3 | Part 1 I share my thoughts from the market and take you through the beautiful meal I had in Osteria Pastella.
Snowball Cookies
Also known as Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, and snowball cookies — I tried these for the first time several years ago, and fell in love. These powdered sugar cookies are decadent! They call for one bowl and lots of butter, and are a great holiday dessert.
Leftover Ham Bone Soup
Inspired by my grandmother’s use of the leftover Christmas ham, I decided to create my version of her soup. Using the ham bone from our breakfast, I created an easy, one-pot, leftover ham bone soup, perfect for lunch or dinner. Check it out!
Ristorante il Paiolo
Day 2 | Part 3 of my adventures in Florence brings me to a popular part of the city. An amazing dinner reminds me of some family favorite recipes, while a lucky dessert shop finishes out the day with a view!
Panini & Vini
On my second full day in Florence I spent the afternoon hiking up to the Piazzale Michelangelo in San Niccolò. I explored a historic church and captured some amazing photos of the city. But the best part? An amazing off-the-path panini shop I found by chance. Check out my lunch review of Panini & Vini.
La Milkeria and the Bridge of Gold
My first full day in Florence is broken up into 3 parts: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For the breakfast segment, you can read about my trip to La Milkeria — and my adventures across the Bridge of Gold. Coming soon in Part 2 is my adventures on the other side of Florence, and where I went for lunch!
Chianti and Cheese | Le Cappelle Medicee
Part 2 of my first day in Florence, Italy! I had my first meal in Florence at Le Cappelle Medicee, in the Piazza di San Lorenzo. Check out my thoughts about my appetizer, entree, and surprise treats, and my recommendations around Le Cappelle.