A Party in My Pantry

Baked Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna

So you might laugh at me, but even Florida has chilly evenings and requires some warm, comfort food. While there has been by no means snow this winter, we have dipped into the 40’s – cold, right?! As such, I’ve been on the mission to create some heartier dinners. One can only eat so many…

Silver Platter NB&J

I’m almost embarrassed to post this as an actual “recipe” but it’s just so darn delicious, I had to share it. We all know how to make a classic PB&J sandwich. Being probably the most classic meal that every kid & parent default to for lunch, it’s probably not what you think of when you…

Homemade Bolognese Sauce

I love bolognese. Shockingly though, as much as I order it out, I had never made it at home. I’ve made marinara, red sauce with meat, but never bolognese. So during this time of quarantine in the house, I decided I would dedicate a day to making this iconic Italian sauce. Dating back to the…

Christmas Chocolate Toffee Crackle

I may be referring to this recipe as crackle but in our family, it is simply known as crack. Sweet and salty, this absolutely delicious treat is a must at our family Christmas gatherings. In addition to being super tasty, it’s also super easy to make and can be done in advance. My favorite topping…

Roasted Beef Tenderloin Horseradish Crostini

Roasted tenderloin crostini are one my favorite hearty hors d’oeuvres for the holiday season. They are easier to prepare than it appears, yet they feel & taste very special. The kick of the Dijon Horseradish sauce is the perfect compliment to the beef and the crisp, toasted bread. The cheat for this starter is to…

Rudolph Oreo Chocolate Truffles

Since we are now a proud aunt & uncle of the cutest nieces & nephew, we cannot show up to a Christmas celebration with a lame, adult dessert. Not only does it need to taste delicious, it has to be fun! The classic Oreo truffle dressed-up as Rudolph is the perfect solution. Packed with gooey,…

Fig & Walnut Baked Brie

Have you ever seen an adult man lick a plate at a party? Or a Keto diet devotee throw in the towel at the passing of an hors d’oeuvre? This warm, sweet & savory cheese starter is that good. As my December go-to appetizer, it never disappoints and is easy to prepare. Prep the nuts…

Hot Apple Bourbon Cider

When the snow is falling, there is nothing better than sitting by the blazing fire (including socially distanced bonfires) while sipping on hot cider in the presence of family & friends. That is unless it’s spiked with bourbon! Even here in south Florida, it was 47 this morning. I think that justifies this hot cocktail….

Nutty & Sweet Thanksgiving Vegetables

If there was ever a side dish that captured the essence of autumn, this easy, make-ahead roasted vegetable dish is it. I came across this recipe from Julia’s Album years ago on Pinterest, and it has become a favorite of mine to make in the fall. At last year’s Friendsgiving, I served this autumn vegetable…

Cranberry Goat Cheese Tartlets

Are you looking for an easy but super delicious appetizer this holiday season? I have you covered. The rich, creamy goat cheese and the tang & sweetness of the cranberry make these hot tartlets the perfect flavor combination to kick-off your holiday evening. Recipe Shortcut – In the holiday season, one can often find a…

Traditional Spiced Cranberry Sauce

The age old question – canned or homemade cranberry sauce? I personally have always preferred the texture and flavor of homemade cranberry sauce. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be done in advance. Thanksgiving in our family is not complete without a large bowl of this traditional, homemade sauce being passed around the table….

Caramel Carrot Cake Trifle

Keeping in the #TruHolidaySpirit with TruWhip, I whipped up an absolutely delicious carrot cake trifle. Inspired by an AllRecipes I came across, this recipe is a fun play on a traditional carrot cake. Instead of having to save the best bite with all the cream cheese frosting, every bite in this trifle has a creamy…