Summer is here so check out these helpful tips for picnicking down the shore including the basics, food and entertainment. As a young child, some of my fondest summer memories include my family renting a small efficiency in Point Pleasant Beach each summer on the Jersey Shore for a week where we would go deep sea fishing, lay on the pristine beaches with our picnic lunches and entertain ourselves with fun and games in the evening on the Point Pleasant Boardwalk. When I got older, my ... Read More about Tips for Picnicking Down the Shore
Crispy Ranch "Fried" Chicken
Chicken thighs soaked in ranch buttermilk dressing, dipped in flour and seasonings; then baked until a crispy, golden brown. If you love fried chicken, but can do without the excess oil, this recipe for Ranch Fried Chicken is for you. They're baked, not fried for a crispy, delicious coating with less fat. I have to say this chicken was really tasty and crispy and everyone loved it. I probably could have shaved off some extra calories and fat by removing the skin, but opted ... Read More about Crispy Ranch "Fried" Chicken
Pesto Chick Pea and Kaniwa Salad
Pesto Chick Pea and Kaniwa Salad is a light, flavorful grain salad made with fresh basil pesto, chick peas, and tomatoes. I'm back, did you miss me? I missed you! What a fun, jam packed week my family and I had while we were gone. This is our last getaway for the summer as next month already starts cheering season, so only day or weekend trips from here on out. My family and I headed south from NJ to FL and stopped to visit potential colleges along the way for my oldest to attend next ... Read More about Pesto Chick Pea and Kaniwa Salad
Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad
Tomato and fresh Mozzarella tossed with basil, red onion, balsamic vinegar and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of our favorite classic salads. Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad or Caprese Salad is so easy to make, yet the flavor is so distinct it's popular worldwide. It's one of my favorite flavor combinations and you will find several recipes utilizing these flavors. Some of them include Caprese Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups, Caprese Stacks with Pan Seared Prosciutto ... Read More about Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad
Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice Baked Potatoes made with Russet potatoes, milk, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, scallions, and butter make a tasty side dish. My family loves Twice Baked Potatoes; however, if you cook the potatoes in the oven it can take a long time to make. That's why I cook my potatoes in the microwave; especially if I'm serving them during the weeknight. I've made a few variations like Garlic and Rosemary Twice Baked Potatoes, Antipasto Twice Baked Potatoes and Twice Baked Lime ... Read More about Twice Baked Potatoes
Grilled Iceberg Wedge with Pecans in a Balsamic Goat Cheese Vinaigrette
Grilled Iceberg lettuce wedge salad topped with whole pecans and crumbled Goat cheese; then drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette. I can't remember the last time I ate Iceberg lettuce, but it used to be the only kind my mother purchased while we were growing up. Somewhere along the way, I started using Romaine as my go-to lettuce and will also use the mixed baby green variety. So while I was out shopping recently, I decided to purchase a head of Iceberg lettuce and make this Grilled ... Read More about Grilled Iceberg Wedge with Pecans in a Balsamic Goat Cheese Vinaigrette