Ah, the martini! A classic cocktail, if ever there was one! While a Cucumber Martini is nothing out of the ordinary, it’s a wonderful, refreshing rendition of a drink that is familiar and satisfying. It’s made with gin and Vermouth (though vodka martini lovers can certainly substitute vodka!), cucumbers, fresh lime juice, and St Germain. It’s light, crisp, and drinks easily (the best cocktails do!). Let’s make the best ever cucumber martini! For more light, refreshing cocktail recipes, consider trying my pomegranite tequila cosmo, this Southside gin cocktail with mint,…
Continue ReadingTender-Baked Ground Beef & Ricotta Meatballs
Say hello to my favorite meatballs recipe: homestyle Ground Beef Meatballs with Ricotta! These are large (think baseballs, not golf balls) and are perfect as a hearty appetizer or a main meal. You can serve them the traditional way with pasta (who doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs?!), but we really love them over creamy, cool ricotta cheese with marinara sauce, grated Parm, and black pepper on top. True Italian comfort food! Why do I love them so much? It’s the texture! They’ve got a crisp exterior, but are fall apart…
Continue ReadingTender Grilled Eggplant Skewers with Za’atar
What sets this grilled eggplant recipe apart from the rest? Simple – the texture! Marinating and seasoning the eggplant overnight helps to cut the natural bitterness sometimes associated with the vegetable, and also seasons it from the inside out. That means the center will be creamy and tender. If you’ve ever ordered a Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce, you know exactly the type of texture we’re referring to. It has so much moisture it will literally melt in your mouth! In addition to a fantastic, creamy texture, it’s the flavor…
Continue ReadingLight, Refreshing Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche
Why Ceviche Is My Go-To Refreshing Summer Dish When the temperatures rise, there’s nothing better than a light, refreshing dish that requires zero cooking. Enter shrimp ceviche—a bright, citrusy seafood dish that’s packed with bold flavors and crisp textures. I could live off of this, Peruvian salmon ceviche, and scallop crudo with soy and ginger all summer long and be very happy. The shrimp gently “cooks” in fresh citrus juice, absorbing a zesty marinade that pairs beautifully with ripe tomatoes, cool cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a hint of heat from…
Continue ReadingSarabeth’s Copycat Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Crisp Edges
This Lemon Ricotta Pancake recipe is inspired by my favorite pancakes at Sarabeth’s in New York City! They’ve got a delicate texture, with light, crisp edges that I am just crazy about. And don’t even get me started on that beautiful lemon flavor. It shines! We love to serve them with a blueberry syrup for pancakes (though duh, it’s fantastic on french toast as well!). Because if we know one thing, it’s that lemon and blueberries are a flavor match made in heaven, ya know? If you have any leftover…
Continue Reading10-Minute Homemade Blueberry Syrup (For Pancakes)
Blueberry season is one of the best parts of summer, and this homemade Blueberry Syrup recipe is a delicious way to make the most of fresh berries! It has just 6 ingredients, takes about 5 minutes (or less!) to prep, and can be on the breakfast table 5 minutes later next to a large stack of pancakes, waffles, or french toast. Yes, please! You’re going to love this syrup recipe! This would also be fantastic drizzled over my overnight French toast casserole. My kids would go bananas! For more easy…
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