March 25, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts

I am obsessed with all things breakfast and wanted to share this simple life hack, omelette bites. 

My husband and I began Whole30 this week. Whole30 is a clean eating plan where you cut out sugar, grains, legumes, alcohol, and diary. People often do Whole30 to see what food does not agree with their “system,” however, I am only doing Whole30 because I want to see how much weight I can loose from cutting out carbs and dairy, mostly. The truth is that I eat wayyyy wayyyy wayyyyy too much cheese and bread. Cheese and bread are my love languages, I am not joking. I want to be the best version of myself, so I begged my husband to jump on board with me, to keep me accountable. We are in day 5 of the challenge. Today has actually been the most difficult day, thus far. I am attributing that to the fact that it is Saturday and we would usually be brunching, carbing, and enjoying a mimosa or 3.

With that being said, I thought it would be fun to give a few updates and recipe ideas over the next few weeks. I love everything about breakfast food, but there is not a whole lot of options when you have to cut out all of the good stuff. Luckily, you can eat eggs on Whole30. Whole30 goes much smoother when you do A LOT of meal prep. These omelette bites are great for anyone on the go. I made 16 on Monday and my husband and I ate them for the rest of the week. For anyone not on Whole30, you could add cheese, bacon, and sausage to them! YUM!

{Ingredients} to make 12 omelette bites

• 8 Eggs
• 1 pepper, chopped
• 1/4 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• pinch of sea salt
• pepper to tase
• muffin/cupcake tin

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet and sauté chopped pepper and onion for 5 mins over medium heat.
3. Coat the muffin tin with olive oil so the eggs do not stick. I usually use a paper towel and quickly run my finger along each muffin opening.
4. Place a small spoonful of sautéed pepper and onion into each muffin spot.
5. Scramble the 8 eggs in a large bowl and fill each muffin spot 3/4 of the way. Sprinkle on desired spices.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Keep in touch,
Dani

January 20, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts

Give your loved ones the gift they really want this Valentine’s day, a homemade Stromboli. Sharing a family recipe that always takes the cake.

{Ingredients}

makes 1 Stromboli. appetizer serves 6 people. 15 mins prep, bake 45 mins 

• 1/2 pound thinly sliced salami
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced capicola
• 1/2 thinly sliced mozzarella cheese or 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 remade ball of pizza dough (you can ask for in most bakery sections of any grocery store)
• 1 beaten egg
• oregano
• salt
• pepper
• utensil: Rolling Pin

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Sprinkle flour on your counter where you will roll out the dough. Sprinkle flour all over your rolling pin as well, so that the dough does not stick.
   
3. Roll out the dough until completely flat. Should be able to roll until 12-14 inches in diameter.
   
4. Leave 1.5  inches around the perimeter/edges and layer capicola, salami, and cheese. I use about 12 pieces of each lunch meat. Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. 
5. Roll the entire dough long ways. Make sure it is sealed shut and pinch the edges.
   
6. Beat 1 egg in a bowl and use it to brush the outside with egg wash. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
   

Don’t know what appetizer to bring each time a new party or gathering rolls around? Don’t worry, this Stromboli will have your back every. single. time. My mom has been making her great-aunt’s stromboli since my father and her got married. I recommend doubling the recipe if you are making it for a party. I can honestly say that I am not sure why I have not posted this recipe sooner. Maybe I was trying to keep it to myself because I don’t want people to know how simple it really is! I wanted to share this recipe in time for Valentine’s day that way you could make it for your loved ones. Hope everyone has an awesome weekend.

Keep in touch,
Dani

November 21, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts

Sharing a stress-free pecan pie recipe just in time for your thanksgiving food prep!

{Ingredients}

• 3/4 (5 tablespoons) cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup light kart syrup
• 2 cups toasted pecans
• 3 beaten eggs
• 1 shot of bourbon (optional)
• prepackaged or homemade pie crust (I use pillsbury pie crust for everything)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Toast the pecans. Place them in a skillet on the stove, on low for a few minutes.
   
2. In a pan, mix: butter, brown sugar, sugar, karo syrup, and vanilla extract. Bring these ingredients for a boil and then immediately remove from the stove top to cool down.
   
3. Place the pie crust into the pie dish. Once the mixture has cooled for a few minutes. Add in the 3 beaten eggs and pecans. Stir all the the ingredients together and pour them into the pie crust.
   
4. Fold down sides of the pie crust. Bake for 40 minutes on 350.
   

I decided to switch up my usual pumpkin pie this year and replace it with pecan pie!! These pecans are extra special to us because my husband’s grandfather picked and shelled them from his pecan tree before he passed away. They have been in our deep freezer and we have been meaning to make a pie with them for awhile! To be honest, until I began making pumpkin pie a few years ago, I did not realize that pies are simple and fun to make! This pecan pie only took about 20 minutes of prep work and is delicious! What desserts will you be making for thanksgiving? If you have a recipe, please share!

Besides pie, what are you thankful for this year? I am beyond thankful that the Lord blessed us with our baby boy this year! We have so much to be grateful for. I hope you all enjoy a wonderful holiday with family and friends.

Keep in touch,
Dani

October 12, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts

Apple nachos are a simple life hack and the perfect treat to kick off fall!

{Ingredients} 

• 4 apples
• dark chocolate chips
• 2 crushed graham crackers
• 1/3 cup shaved coconut
• 1/3 cup carmel sauce

Other suggestions: chocolate sauce, M & M’s, Reese Pieces, crushed cookies, or any of your favorite candy bars!

I am sharing a simple, yet genius life hack known as apple nachos. When life gets busy, it is nice to have some effortless recipes on hand. As a new mama who has been craving sweets ever since I became pregnant, I was in need of “semi-healthy” treat recipes like this one! The awesome thing about apple nachos is there are endless ingredients that you could use AND it is an awesome activity for children! Using 4 apples would be enough to serve around 8-12 guests- everyone would be able to grab a couple of slices. If you plan on hosting fall dinner or party where children will be, this would make an excellent DIY, eacb child could top their own apples slices. I can’t wait until Tanner is old enough to get messy in the kitchen with me!

What fall treats will you be making this year??

Keep in touch,
Dani