easy recipes

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Casserole

It’s graduation day! Our youngest brother, Tarik, is leaving high school behind to start his journey in college.

It’s a big day for us all. It always seems like the youngest takes forever to catch up to the rest of us who have already found our career paths, or are finishing up college in that first step towards adulthood and responsibility. So when the youngest of the pack is growing up and reaching a major benchmark, that’s a pretty big deal. (more…)

Homemade Bang Shrimp

Bang Shrimp

It’s Wednesday and that means $5 Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill, one of my favorite restaurants. Lucky for me, it isn’t too far away. Unfortunately, the DC area has been drowning in scattered thunderstorms lately, and today is no exception.

If you haven’t tried it out, you have got to get yourself to a Bonefish Grill as soon as possible! (more…)

Bacon and Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon and Puff Pastry Wrapped Asapargus

Over the weekend, we celebrated Mother’s Day. The boys and I usually take mom out for a bottomless brunch at a fancy restaurant, but this year we decided to change it up a bit… a simple brunch at home. The weather was gorgeous on Sunday, so we were able to eat outside on my parents’ deck. Obsessed with party planning, I picked our theme and started working on decoration ideas and drafting a menu almost a month in advance. Needless to say, I consulted Pinterest. Although I did all the cooking and craft making, the boys really came through for me, helping me prepare, decorate and pick up last minute things. It was absolutely gorgeous — a Pinterest-worthy party, if I should say so myself. (more…)

Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon

Cedar Plank Salmon

65 F degrees mid-February … yes please!

I cannot tell you how much I’ve missed the spring. As one of my friends, Ruby, has told me, I get inspired when the weather is nice – that is, any day above 60 F and sunny. And she is absolutely right. That’s why the minute I found out we’d be having a gorgeous 65 F degree day, I planned a low-key afternoon BBQ complete with my favorite Crab Parmesan Dip, burgers, garlic yogurt marinated chicken and cedar plank salmon. (more…)

Skillet Smores

Skillet Smores_2

 

Yes, I’m that person that complains and complains about the weather. But rightfully so, I think, since this has been one of the most brutal, coldest winters I’ve ever experienced in the DC area.

I’m over heavy winter coats, and slushy snow. I’m over the fear of sliding on ice during my morning commute to work, before the sun rises. I’ve worn my boots, and cute winter outfits and I’m ready for some warmer weather. 50 F just doesn’t cut it. I’m so ready to fire up the outdoor grill and try out some new recipes. So despite the fact that there’s still snow out, I’ve decided to create my very own indoor BBQ, complete with my favorite summertime dessert; smores! (more…)

Zesty Salmon Kabobs

Salmon Kabobs

We’ve all heard about the health benefits of salmon, namely that it has tons of omega-3 fatty acid. Did you know that it’s also packed full of vitamins D and B12? Well, you just learned something new. I love salmon but I haven’t gotten very creative with it. Aside from baking it, I did try making cedar-plank salmon on several occasions. Smoked salmon is amazing on eggs benedict and surprisingly good as a dip with Chobani Greek Yogurt, olive oil and fresh dill. (more…)