Recipe

I Assembled IKEA Swedish Meatballs

April 26, 2020 by Kristen Leave a Comment

My husband and I always joke that we will know when we’ve “made it” when we don’t have to assemble our furniture anymore. Ten plus years married, and we have not yet made it. Not only are we still assembling furniture, now I am assembling IKEA Swedish meatballs.

IKEA recently released the recipe for their famous meatballs. Having had them several times, I knew I wanted to make them right away. They are the ultimate comfort food. After reviewing the recipe several times, I realized that, unlike their regular assembly instructions, these weren’t as clear. Want to learn how to make IKEA Swedish meatballs?

Let’s go to The Chalkboard.

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Looking for an Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer?

November 26, 2019 by Kristen Leave a Comment

Look no further!

This weekend my husband and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. Instead of the usual dinner out, we booked a food tour in NYC. We went with a group, explored, ate, and learned a ton! The tour checked out a bunch of Mom and Pop shops in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan. My husband and I ended the day with a full belly, great history on a neighborhood we’ve never really explored and so, so many food ideas!

One of the first stops was at an olive oil store for a tasting of their products. There we learned about the various varieties and processes of oil production. We had tastings of olive oil on bread, and it was delicious. But that wasn’t the real winner there. Truffle popcorn was. I can almost taste it as I write this.

It was simple but flavorful, you ate it and wanted more and more. As I watched everyone “gobbling” it up, I immediately thought of Thanksgiving. I knew this was going to be the easy Thanksgiving appetizer I was making. We visit family locally so Thanksgiving is a rare slow holiday for us. I don’t have to make the meal, I just bring a dish or two. This year, truffle popcorn is one of those dishes.

You need to make this simple Thanksgiving appetizer, too. It’s time to make Truffle Popcorn.

Let’s go to the Chalkboard.

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Bagel Spice Tomatoes

June 13, 2019 by Kristen Leave a Comment

I’ve been known to become a little overzealous when it comes to things. Like the time I wanted to learn how to make Italian food and that was all we ate for 3 months. Or the time I cooked through an entire Campbells soup cookbook because I wanted to learn about soup.

My current obsession is Bagel Spice Seasoning. You may have heard of it because it has been around for a while but I only recently got on the bandwagon and I may never hop off. It is delicious and I am putting it on so many things. I am already on my second bottle.

Enter the Bagel Spice Tomatoes. This is a vegetarian appetizer that comes together in minutes, is simple to prepare and everyone will love. You need to make this!

Let’s go to the Chalkboard.

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Easy Sheet Pan Chicken, Pears, and Potatoes

March 21, 2019 by Kristen Leave a Comment

I had the wonderful pleasure of my mom staying over while my husband traveled a week or so ago. It was so nice to have quality time with her and my kids were in heaven. She’s not too adventurous when eating so I always try to be thoughtful about what I’m going to serve her. This dish immediately came to mind because it completely fits the bill — simple, flavorful and didn’t take too long to prepare. Time to talk about Easy Sheet Pan Chicken with Potatoes and Pears.

Let’s go to the Chalkboard.

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Winter Meal Plan

February 7, 2019 by Kristen Leave a Comment

Winter has been all over the place here. It’s below zero one day then 60 degrees the next. It’s not a typical winter but I am still craving typical winter meals. This winter meal plan consists of hearty and cozy family-friendly dinners that won’t have you in the kitchen all evening.

Check out our Winter Meal Plan.

Let’s go to the Chalkboard.

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Spinach Salad with Truffle Vinaigrette

January 28, 2019 by Kristen Leave a Comment

I have long been singing the praises of truffle oil. My obession with Truffle Popcorn has not waned. I am trying to convince everyone and their mothers to buy it. It has so many purposes! So my best friend throws out the challenge, what are some ideas for a Weight Watchers friendly Truffle Oil recipe? Challenge accepted.

Enter the Shari Salad. Clocking in at five Weight Watchers Freestyle Smart Points this salad with its truffle oil vinaigrette is a great addition to your meal plan. Hearty and filling with different flavors and textures, this recipe with a few ingredients, is anything but boring. Try this Weight Watchers Friendly Truffle Oil Recipe with some grilled chicken or a good steak.

Let’s go to the Chalkboard.

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Chicken Meatball Soup with Pasta

January 16, 2019 by Kristen Leave a Comment

Winter has arrived! And here I am, longing for a chicken meatball soup with pasta. There are a ton out there but I wanted one that doesn’t take an hour to make and require the use of the stove and the oven. During weekdays, when I am trying to get dinner on the table, I need simple. And this recipe, which I’ve adapted, is just that.

You may not have used Great Northern Beans before but I recommend you try them. They should be easy to find in the bean aisle of the grocery store. Great Northern Beans are high in fiber, low in fat, and have no cholesterol. They are medium-shaped white beans with a firmer texture than Cannellini beans. They hold up well in this recipe and really make a great addition here.

I heard Rachel Ray use the term stoup, half soup, and half stew, years ago. This recipe would be in that category. It is not very brothy since the pasta, meatballs, and beans absorb a great deal of it. This makes it hearty but not at all heavy.

I didn’t even call this soup to my kids — it’s meatballs and pasta without sauce. It’s all about marketing, right?

Let’s go to the Chalkboard.

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How to Make Pumpkin Puree

October 18, 2018 by Kristen Leave a Comment

It all started with Curious George.

Storytime in our house is always an interesting time. It usually involves me reading while my little ones ask ten thousand questions. The conversations can be about anything from what are clouds made of to the most recent, what’s pumpkin pie taste like?

Curious George was eating a pumpkin pie and my husband pipes in, “Can you make a pumpkin pie?” I was ecstatic! My family never asks for any specific food. Let alone a vegetable! I’m counting pie as a vegetable in this instance. It’s an ingredient, right?

Before we make a pie, we need to make the pumpkin puree. Let’s go to the chalkboard.

Want to learn how to make pumpkin puree from scratch?

Let’s go to the Chalkboard.

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Quick Ramen Dinner

September 14, 2018 by Kristen Leave a Comment

The kids went back to school last week and our leisurely summer schedule was out the window. I had backpacks, school supplies, forms, lunch boxes and snacks all ready to go. And then the whirlwind happened. Shoes that fit weeks ago were too small, the big kid tried to put the little kids’ clothes on and tears were shed. We managed to pull it together to get outside in time — only for the bus to be a no-show. It was not the morning I had envisioned

By the time evening came, I had Meet the Teacher Night and was running out of steam. I needed a comforting dinner with little time commitment.