The Perfect Potato Salad To Take To A Cookout

I don't know about you, but I think the side dishes at a cookout are the best part of the meal. I admit I will often pass up the grilled meats for a plate of just sides. One of my all-time favorites is potato salad. That is one dish that not everyone can make well. The food snob in me judges other people's potato salad mighty hard. HA! Seriously though, I make an excellent one that everyone raves about. Today I am sharing my recipe with you all.

Ingredients: 

Red potatoes (about 6-7 medium size)
2 whole large eggs
Finely chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and Italian parsley
1/2 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed
Dressing ingredients:
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp pickle relish
1 tsp white sugar
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
a few splashes of hot sauce (optional)

How to make it: 

Slice potatoes in even pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. I like to leave most of the skin on mine for added color and texture. Rinse and place them in a large pot of cold water. Salt generously! Place the 2 whole eggs on top of potatoes so they can cook at the same time. Boil until potatoes are fork tender about 10 minutes. Do not overcook! Scoop eggs out and place in ice water (this makes for easier peeling). Drain potatoes and place on a large plate or dish to cool down.

While potatoes cool, combine your dressing ingredients so that the sugar dissolves. Peel and chop the boiled eggs. Once the potatoes are mostly cool, you gently toss together all of your ingredients. Add salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Be careful with adding salt since your potatoes should already be salty and the dressing ingredients have salt in them. Chill in refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Enjoy!

Quick tips:
If you do not care for mayo, you can substitute it with fat-free sour cream or Greek yogurt.
You can customize your vegetables or add-ins by using celery, carrots, bacon, or whatever you fancy.

This potato salad recipe took me a few years of tweaking and perfecting and is what I have been using for years. I'm often asked to bring it to a cookout or party. I love that you can make it ahead of time so there is no stress on the day you need it. I hope you try my recipe. Thanks for stopping by today!

You may also like:
Best Deviled Eggs Recipe
The Perfect Margarita Recipe
Shelly's Easy & Moist Meatloaf

A Healthy Diet: 3 Health Benefits of Non Alcoholic Red Wine

There is a lot of evidence that points to the many health benefits of drinking a glass of red wine. It contains antioxidants, it helps with heart health and it can lower cholesterol. These are just a few of the noted health benefits.

If you prefer not to drink alcohol, no worries. You can drink non alcoholic red wine and still enjoy some of the same benefits. In fact, some studies suggest that non-alcoholic wine might actually have stronger health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of those benefits.

image credit

1. Lowering blood pressure

Both red wine and non-alcoholic red wine contain antioxidants called polyphenols. This antioxidant helps to boost levels of the body’s nitric oxide, which helps to lower blood pressure. This happens when the nitric oxide helps the blood vessels to relax, and it allows more blood to reach the heart and other organs.

Studies have also found that polyphenols are good for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can be helpful for those who are combating Type 2 diabetes, as well as being beneficial for heart health.

Interestingly, some studies show that the alcoholic version does not help as much as non-alcoholic wine. The theory is that the addition of alcohol somehow diminishes the health properties of the antioxidants.

2. Fewer Calories

Many people spend a good deal of time at the gym and trying to eat a healthy diet. This may be because you want to lose some weight or you are just trying to live a healthy lifestyle. With all the health benefits of red wine, is it possible to fit in a glass with your diet? Yes!

In fact, non alcoholic red wine has 3 times fewer calories than their alcoholic versions. This is a win for those looking to add glass in for the antioxidant benefits. It is absolutely possible to enjoy a nightly glass of non-alcoholic red wine, and you can easily fit those few calories into your daily diet and exercise plan.

image credit

3. More natural ingredients

Not only are non alcoholic red wines full of heart-healthy benefits and fewer calories, but they also contain better ingredients. When alcohol is added to wine, usually sugar, artificial colors, and dyes are added as well. The non-alcoholic red wine is not likely to contain these ingredients. This can be beneficial to those who are sensitive to artificial colors and dyes.

Drinking a non alcoholic red wine allows you to enjoy the taste of wine, benefit from the antioxidants and not fill up on sugar or empty calories. Some people also feel that their sensitivity to artificial dyes and colors are what contributes to their headaches when drinking wine. So, people with these sensitivities can continue to enjoy a glass of non-alcoholic wine without fearing a headache.

Conclusion:
Non alcoholic red wine is a great alternative to an alcoholic version. You will still reap the same health benefits, consume 3 times fewer calories, and will not be bothered by artificial dyes or colors.

Give The Gift Of Gourmet Food & Wine This Mother's Day

We are already heading into the end of April, which means Mother's Day is rapidly approaching. It seems like year after year we spend a lot of time, and perhaps even stress out a bit over what to get the important moms in our life as a gift. Every year I tell my family that you can't ever go wrong with food. When that food is paired with wine, that makes it even better!

Gourmet Gift Baskets is here to make your gift-giving effortless. The hardest part will be choosing from their huge selection. Regardless of what Mom's taste is, you are sure to find the perfect gift.

I was thrilled to receive the Mother's Day Indulgence Gift Crate. This amazing crate includes an array exquisite treats including a bottle of Chardonnay, red wine, Summer sausage, savory cheeses, tasty crackers, and some sweet treats. The presentation of how it is packaged was quite impressive. I was all smiles and filled with excitement to tear into this tasty gift.

Disclosure: I received a product sample at no charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% mine as always.

This gift came expertly packaged to prevent any damage to the contents. It even came with a Mother's Day card which takes another thing off the list that you don't have to buy.

I am a wine drinker, so this gift was quite fitting. It is nice having both white and red wine to choose from. Having both sweet and savory treats were the perfect addition to make this the perfect gift. The crate that it came in is super cute and works as a serving tray.

Gourmet Gift Baskets does not skimp on quality at all. Every food item is scrumptious! The summer sausage with the spicy cheddar cheese on top of the cracked pepper water crackers was EVERYTHING! The perfect snack to go with a glass of red wine. I enjoyed the chocolate dipped pretzels on the side for a sweet finish. I'm hanging on to the milk chocolate cherries for the weekend. I have had them before and they are crazy good. I will NOT be sharing either! 

If your mom or a special mom in your life enjoys gourmet food and wine, this one is a winner. If she doesn't drink alcohol, no worries, there are dozens of other options to choose from. There's a spa day themed gift basket, snack towers, orchard fresh fruits, tea & coffee, cookies, and more. Show mom how much you appreciate her this Mother's Day with a lovely gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets. She will love it, and you will take the guesswork out of what to give. Just grab your credit card and head over to gourmetgiftbaskets.com. You can count on quick shipping once you place your order.

Be sure to follow Gourmet Gift Baskets on their social channels for product updates and promotions: Facebook Instagram Twitter

 Thank you for stopping by today!

The Best Keto Pizza

We have been steadily working on eating fewer carbs and lower sugar in our house. Of course, there are those days when we crave a good old-fashioned slice of pizza. I decided to try a keto pizza using a basic low-carb mozzarella (fat head dough) recipe. I have heard others say that it is just as good as traditional pizza, and it turns out that they are right! The vegetable pizza I made surpassed my expectations. Even my daughters were super impressed. If you are living the lower carb lifestyle, you must try this pizza recipe.

Ingredients: 

1 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
2 ounces cream cheese
3/4 cup almond flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
pinch of salt (optional)

For the toppings:
thinly sliced red onion
thinly sliced fresh mushrooms
fresh spinach
shredded mozzarella
pizza sauce (you can use low sugar)

Extra items you need:
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Pizza pan or flat cookie sheet
wooden spoon

Directions:

Heat oven to 425° and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. In a microwaveable bowl, heat mozzarella and cream cheese until melted, about one minute. With a wooden spoon, quickly mix in the rest of the ingredients. You need to then use your hands to combine the dough a bit more so all ingredients are better incorporated. Next, place dough ball between 2 sheets of parchment paper and roll dough into desired shape. Transfer dough to baking sheet and poke holes all over the surface with a fork. Now place in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. You will see it start to brown quickly in the last couple of minutes. 

Remove from oven and top with pizza sauce, vegetables, and cheese. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until you reach the desired color and cheese is melted. You can sprinkle some crushed red chili flakes if desired. Slice and enjoy!

You can add any toppings you like, but if you do use any meats, be sure they are precooked since the final baking is just enough to melt the cheese. This pizza, paired with chicken wings cooked in the air fryer will be our new Friday night dinner to replace takeout. I'm surprised by how easy is to make!

Be sure to check out these other low carb and Keto recipes:

• Keto Hot Dogs With Buns
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Mushrooms
• Low Carb Italian Zucchini Boats

Keto Hot Dogs With Buns

If you are fairly active on social media, I am sure you have heard about the Keto diet. It seems to be the biggest trend in health and dieting. Although I am not doing Keto, I have changed a lot of what I have been eating this year. We have been eating very low carb foods, and have done away with sugar (mostly). Of course some days you need something more than just meat and vegetables. I won't lie, I have moments where I just want a few hot, crispy fries, or a slice of bread on the side of my breakfast omelet. I have been searching for different low carb and no carb bread substitutes. I did make a macadamia fat bread last weekend, but the overpowering nuttiness and richness just weren't for me. 

I have been hearing about keto fat head dough, so I took a basic recipe and tried it wrapped around premium hot dogs. The result was nothing short of amazing. I decided to share the simple recipe for those who are doing the lower carb lifestyle. 

Fat Head Dough Ingredients: 

3/4 cup almond flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 ounces cream cheese

2 large eggs

Everything bagel seasoning or topping of your choice (dehydrated onion flakes, garlic, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, Parmesan) 

6-8 dinner size or jumbo premium hot dogs (I like to cut them in half)

Directions: 

Heat oven to 400° and place parchment paper on a baking sheet. Mix almond flour with baking powder in small bowl and set aside. Crack eggs into a small bowl and lightly beat with a fork. In a large microwaveable bowl, add cream cheese and mozzarella. Microwave for up to 2 minutes until completely melted. Add in the almond flour and eggs to the melted cheese mixture. Mix quickly with a wooden spoon until completed combined and a dough forms. The dough will be sticky! Place dough onto parchment paper. Cut into equal portions according to how many hot dogs you have. Shape each piece of dough into a rectangle that can be wrapped around the hot dog. Place each wrapped dog on baking sheet and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. Bake for approximately 14-18 minutes or until nice and golden brown. 

These hot dogs with keto buns really hit the spot and took care of that pesky bread craving.  And trust me, using premium hot dogs makes a big difference. If you have a Kroger store nearby, I suggest the Private Selection Brisket Dogs. My husband and daughters loved them so it looks like these will be added to the weekend menu a few times each month. Next weekend I will make a fat head pizza. We are all looking forward to it!

Be sure to check out these other recipes:

• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Mushrooms
• Low Carb Italian Zucchini Boats
• The Best Keto Pizza

Thank you for stopping by today.

N.C. Red Restaurant Opening In Charlotte, NC April 17th

From the award-winning creator of Barrington’s, Good Food on Montford, and Stagioni, New England-New South restaurant N.C. Red is officially ready to debut with an opening on April 17. Owner Bruce Moffett is also proud to reveal the restaurant’s menu. For starters or “Northern Smalls,” the menu includes Point Judith Calamari, Stuffies (NC clams with peppers, bread crumbs, and Chouriço), Baked Seafood Casserole, Seafood Cakes, and Lobsta Roll. An impressive oyster and clam program sourced from both coasts made the menu as well, served up as Grilled, Rockefeller, Casino, or Broiled. As if that doesn’t already make your mouth water, the “Fixin’s” section includes a large selection – from Buttermilk Biscuits, Smoky Mac and Cheese, and Braised Collard Greens, to Corn Pudding and Fried Pickled Green Tomatoes. View the full menu here.

A look at the Oysters Rockefeller, featured on the menu at N.C. Red, opening April 17

“N.C. Red is unlike any of my former restaurants,” explained Moffett, owner of Moffett Restaurant Group. “The artwork in the space along with the atmosphere of Plaza Midwood give it this unique quality that just makes you want to come and stay for a while. I’m thrilled to share this with Charlotte.”

Andrew Dodd will join Moffett at N.C. Red as a partner and Executive Chef, transitioning from his previous executive chef position at Stagioni. A native of Nashville, Dodd has an impressive background of working in the restaurant industry since he was 15 years old. Dodd moved around the U.S. and worked in kitchens in Seattle, Spokane, and Boston before moving to Charlotte in 2007 to attend Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte.

“The more we worked together, the more I loved the vision Bruce had for N.C. Red, and I look forward to introducing an elevated culinary experience to our guests,” says Dodd. “Coming up with a menu that included a mix of classic Southern cuisine with Northeastern style seafood, with a focus on sustainably-farmed bivalves from coast to coast farms, was really exciting. Additional dishes featured on the menu include Nashville Hot or Fried Classic Chicken, Firestyle Steamed Mussels and Clams, Rhode Island Clam Chowder, Poached Crab Salad, and a daily special of pies."

The restaurant will open in the former Penguin Drive-In space in Plaza Midwood, with some original design features remaining from the drive-in. The restaurant selected award-winning, local artist, Randall Kane, known for his mural art and decorative painting, to add local flair to the space. Some of Kane’s work will include an octopus painting on the exterior of the building, and hand-painted oyster wallpaper in the restrooms.

Stemming from Moffett’s upbringing along the New England seashore, the restaurant is a nod to both his past and present. The name N.C Red combines his love for his adopted home of North Carolina with Rhode Island’s state bird, the Rhode Island Red Rooster. Moffett plans to continue expanding in Charlotte with a fifth restaurant, Bao + Broth, opening later this spring. The restaurant will be located within the forthcoming Optimist Hall with executive Chef Larry Schreiber at the helm.

What is the Difference Between Organic, Fair Trade, and Direct Coffee?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with 1 in every 2 Americans over the age of 18 report consuming coffee each day.

Of course, as any coffee consumer knows, not all coffee is created equal. The Keurig K-cups you purchase at your local store tastes drastically different than the premium coffee you can enjoy at your favorite coffee shop.

The type of coffee beans, the location where the beans were harvested, and even roast date all play an important role in the quality and taste of your coffee.

For example, Tradecraft suggests using coffee beans no more than three weeks after they are harvested to get the most out of the coffee.

While the quality of the ingredients of your coffee is a big part of the final result, the type of coffee you consume is also a crucial factor to consider.

In this brief guide, we’ll be exploring the differences between organic, fair trade, and direct coffee.

Organic Coffee

An increasingly popular type of coffee to consume, coffee that is labeled organic must meet a certain standard of guidelines.

While the requirements can differ slightly depending on various country regulations, organic coffee uses coffee beans where the beans are grown in organic conditions. Organic coffee is produced without any chemicals -- like pesticides.

Because of the unique standards in which the coffee must be produced, organic coffee often costs more than non-organic. Many health-conscious coffee drinkers believe the alleged health benefits and improved taste are worth the price premium.

Fair Trade Coffee

Fairtrade International is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure that corporations and producers of common goods are able to establish a mutually beneficial and ethical relationship with their production partners. 

Coffee produced under the Fair Trade USA label requires that the farmers, importers, and exporters all operate within a set standard of rules, with the intention of promoting equality and growth for everyone involved in the coffee production process.

Fair trade coffee is considered to be one of the more ethically sourced types of coffee as it prohibits its partners to use child and forced labor. Additionally, producers who have a Fair Trade certificate must pay their workers a fair and living wage as well as commit to healthy and ethical business practices. 

If you’re looking to consume coffee that is ethically sourced, fair trade coffee is a great option to consider.

Direct Trade Coffee

Unlike fair trade coffee, which operates under a single organization, direct trade coffee involves coffee production where the coffee roasters and coffee producers have a direct, ideally mutually beneficial relationship. Direct trade coffee is not overseen by any one person or organization.

Because the distributors work directly with the coffee farmers, they are often able to have a more significant say in the quality and price of coffee beans in which they purchase.

The direct relationship also allows distributors to offer a higher price to the farmers for their coffee beans than when additional importers and exporters are involved. Direct trade coffee is also often beneficial for the farmers as they can invest their higher profits into building a sustainable coffee production farm.

Though there are many other types of coffee other than what we explored today, understanding the difference between organic, fair trade, and direct trade coffee can help you decide which types of coffee you feel good about investing in.

Simple Fried Mushrooms In The Air Fryer

One of my most favorite times of year is when the South Carolina State Fair comes to Columbia. I used to enjoy the rides in my younger days, but now it is all about the food. I don't think anyone goes to the State Fair with the expectation of eating healthy food. If you do, you might be going to the wrong place! One of my state fair must-haves, aside from the sweet treats, is the deep-fried mushrooms. You can smell them cooking from what seems like a mile away. As much as I love them, I do find that I start feeling a little queasy after a while because the oily fried taste starts to get to me. 

I got an air fryer a few months ago and decided to experiment and make my own "fried" mushrooms at home. They were so simple and delicious that I knew I had to share the recipe. You can't go wrong with the perfect crispness without the grease or guilt. 

Ingredients:

fresh mushrooms, cleaned with stems trimmed and cut in quarters
egg, slightly beaten with a little salt and pepper
seasoned bread crumbs
extra virgin olive oil

How to make them:

Preheat air fryer to 400° for up to five minutes. Dip your mushrooms into beaten egg, then coat in bread crumbs. Once your mushrooms are breaded, carefully add them into your fry basket. Spray with olive oil or whatever oil you choose. Cook for 4 minutes and then shake basket to toss mushrooms around. Let them cook for about 4 more minutes or until golden brown. Serve with ranch or condiment of your choice.

Tip: You can add a little grated parmesan to your bread crumbs for a bolder taste. You can also use this recipe for other vegetables like zucchini. I also recommend getting an oil spray bottle like this one for your olive oil. It has been the best thing to use with my air fryer since cooking sprays can cause damage to the unit, and olive oil is healthier.

If you have an air fryer and love mushrooms, you have to try this recipe. If you don't have an air fryer, you are missing out!

Also, check out:
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs 
Perfect Greek Pasta Salad
The Best Keto Pizza

IT’SUGAR Partners with Doughnuttery and Tipsy Scoop In Myrtle Beach

IT’SUGAR, the largest specialty candy retailer in the world with over 100 retail locations, announces its exclusive partnerships with Doughnuttery, an innovative, family-owned doughnut company, and Tipsy Scoop, a liquor-infused ice cream and sorbet company. Doughnuttery and Tipsy Scoop will open shops in the IT’SUGAR Broadway at the Beach location in Myrtle Beach, SC on March 9th.

Doughnuttery will provide customers with a treat for the senses as they freshly prepare their famous sugar-topped mini doughnuts live in-store. The shop will house an insanely sweet toppings bar, featuring over 25 unique sugar flavors that customers can mix and match to customize their doughnuts. Signature sugary combinations include Paris Time (Lavender, Pistachio, Vanilla, CocoMint Patty (Coco Mint Sugar), Fruity Cereal, House of Cardamom (Cardamom, Orange Zest), Speckled Strawberry (Strawberry, Rainbow Sprinkles, and Lemon-Thyme).

The IT’SUGAR Myrtle Beach location will also include exclusive toppings flavors like Beach Nuts (Old Bay classic seafood seasoning, cornmeal, and sugar), Unicorn Nuts (cotton candy, edible glitter, and sugar), and Candy Nuts (vanilla glazed doughnut topped with IT’SUGAR candy).

Tipsy Scoop’s in-store “barlour” will feature alcohol-infused (21+) ice cream, sorbets, sundaes, and pints as well as non-alcoholic options. Cocktail-inspired ice cream flavors include Dark Chocolate Whiskey Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean Bourbon, Cake Batter Vodka Martini, Spiked Hazelnut Coffee, Spiked Mint Chip, Maple Bacon Bourbon, Red Velvet Martini, Tequila "Hot" Chocolate, and "Hot" Buttered Rum. The sorbet selection will feature flavors like Mango Margarita Sorbet, Raspberry Limoncello Sorbet, and Strawberry White Sangria Sorbet. Non-alcoholic options include Virgin Shirley Temple ice cream, Virgin Root Beer Float ice cream, Virgin White Russian ice cream, and Virgin Mudslide ice cream.

Tipsy Scoop will also offer seasonal treats, with plans to debut their “Spring Break” Sundae at their new location in IT’SUGAR Myrtle Beach. The Spring Break Sundae will include one scoop of Strawberry Sangria, Mango Margarita, and Raspberry Limoncello Sorbet, served in a bowl with Sour Gummy Sharks, Runts, and Salt Water Taffy - garnished with a licorice wheel and a Beach Ball lollipop.

 If you're heading to the beach this Spring Break or Summer, be sure to check them out!

Espresso vs. Drip Coffee

How do you like your morning coffee? Some people opt for a latte whereas some go for a cup of Americano to wake them up. When it comes to coffee, there’s drip coffee and then there’s espresso. They’re both made from coffee and are similar in appearance— so, what’s the difference between the two?

Pour Over or Press?

Drip coffee is made by pouring boiling water on top of the coffee grind, letting the flavor seep in as it makes its way to the bottom of the cup. A filter is required to make drip coffee, which separated the coffee grind from the cup.

This brewing method is perfect for preserving the flavors and aroma of the coffee grind. So, if you’re into a strong and bold flavored cup of joe, then drip coffee is your best bet.

Espresso, on the other hand, is made by pressing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans. This is also known as “pulling a shot” since espresso is served in ‘shots’ which measures 1 ounce each.

Textures Matter

Drip coffee has a coarser grind compared to espresso. The textured grounds make for a fresh and flavorful brew. It is recommended that medium grind should be used for drip coffee.

Espresso is often made with a smoother and fine ground. The finer the ground is, the better the espresso. However, grounds that are too fine can actually clog the brewing process. So, it’s wise to aim between small and medium grounds when making an espresso.

The folks at Coffee In My Veins made this infographic which has more information on the difference between espresso and drip coffee. Check it out below.

Infographic: The Difference Between Espresso and Drip Coffee

Courtesy of: Coffee in My Veins

4 Finger Food Ideas for Parties and Fussy Eaters

Hosting a great party can be lots of fun and very rewarding, but it can take a lot of hard work too. One of the keys to a successful party is to have high-quality food available, and that means food which looks good and tastes even better. You can't cook while the party is in full swing, so finger food is the perfect solution as you can prepare it well in advance. When creating finger food, it's important to think of all the guests, including fussy eaters, but here are four finger food ideas which are sure to prove a hit with guests young and old.

1. Cucumber Sandwiches

This may sound too simple, but in fact, they're also simply delicious, which is why cucumber sandwiches are still a staple part of a traditional afternoon tea. Simply cut up cucumbers and place between some high-quality bread. We recommend the use of the best wooden cutting boards for all food preparation purposes, as you can quickly wipe them down and they make chopping, cutting and slicing a quick and easy process. Cucumber sandwiches are great for cleansing the palate after spicy food as well, and they're vegan-friendly which can be an important consideration.

2. Sticky Chicken Wings

Sticky food is always a popular choice for a finger food buffet, as it's always satisfying to lick your own fingers clean afterward. Sticky chicken wings are a perfect choice for this purpose, and they're incredibly easy to prepare. One marinade that even the fussiest eater will appreciate is honey and soy sauce. Simply mix these two ingredients together in a bowl so that it forms a clear yet dark-colored liquid and then coat the wings in it before transferring to the oven or frying pan. Ten minutes is all it takes to create a snack that's delicious and full of flavor.

3. Avocado Toast

Avocado is possibly the most fashionable ingredient of them all at the moment, and it's perfectly suited to a finger food environment. It has the added advantage of being supremely tasty too, which is why avocado toast is always the sign of a high-quality buffet. Presentation is the key here, so cut slices of toast into alluring triangles, before spreading mashed avocado onto the surface. To add an extra texture and flavor, you can then further top the toast with a slice of boiled egg; quail's egg is a great option here if you're really trying to impress your guests, but a standard hen's egg will be fine as long as the portion size fits daintily atop the avocado.

4. Lettuce Wrapped Steak

Steak and salad are a classic mealtime combination, but this can easily be adapted for finger food purposes with individual steak slices wrapped inside a lettuce leaf. Simply fry or grill the steak until cooked (be careful not to overcook it or it can become tough), slice into small pieces and then place one piece inside the cupped leaf of a baby gem lettuce. You can serve a mayo or chili sauce to accompany it. This is finger food that looks superbly inviting, it tastes great and the lettuce and steak slice combined with crunchy lettuce gives a satisfying textural contrast as well. Be sure to prepare plenty of these, because they always prove to be the most popular item in a buffet.

Steak wrapped in lettuce, avocado toast, cucumber sandwiches, and marinated chicken wings all look as good as they taste, and there's nothing in them that will make a fussy eater turn up their nose. Remember to prepare more food than you think you'll need rather than taking the risk of running out and always have vegetarian and vegan options available, as well as suitable desserts. It's a good idea to check for special dietary requirements beforehand, such as gluten intolerance, so that you can plan the buffet accordingly. With all this in place, you'll have happy guests and you'll be a happy host.

Shelly's Easy And Moist Meatloaf

Do you ever crave a hearty home cooked meatloaf dinner? I never used to be a huge fan of meatloaf, because it always seemed to come out too dry or rubbery in texture. That has changed since I have played around with recipes over the years and finally perfected it. My recipe is easy since you will probably have most of the ingredients on hand.

Shelly’s Easy and Moist Meatloaf

• 2- 2 ½ pounds ground beef (chuck)
• 1 medium onion finely diced
• 4 cloves of garlic minced finely
• Fresh herbs (I use basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. You don’t need a lot, like a sprig of each, and use what you prefer) 
• Finely diced jalapeno to taste (like half of a small one with seeds removed)
• 2 slices of white bread (torn into tiny bits)
• ½ cup milk
• Dry seasonings of your choice (Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc) Here are my favorites
• A few dashes of steak sauce (optional)
• A few dashes of hot sauce (optional)
• ½ cup Ketchup

Heat oven to 350 degrees. I like to lightly saute the onion and garlic in a tiny bit of olive oil first, then add jalapeno and herbs. Empty on to small plate and set aside to cool down for 5 minutes. In large bowl, add ground beef, seasonings, sauteed veggies, bread crumbs, and milk. Mix everything together by hand and form into loaf shape, and place into loaf pan. Cover the top with ketchup. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit about 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips: You can line loaf pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
Be sure you do not overcook or you will not have a juicy meatloaf.

This delicious meatloaf goes nicely with traditional mashed potatoes, or mashed cinnamon brown sugar sweet potatoes, and fresh green beans or asparagus. Oh, and the leftovers make the most scrumptious sandwich the next day!

Check out these other delicious recipes:

• Small Batch Homemade Mac & Cheese
• Perfect Potato Salad
• Southern Caviar

Enjoy, and thank you for stopping by.

All About Butter

If you are going to be cooking and baking this holidays season using real butter, you should take a look at this helpful infographic. You can also read more here regarding butter grades and standards. 

Great Places To Eat at When Your Family Visits Germany

Image credit

A family vacation to Germany is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is so much to see and do you definitely want to plan accordingly ahead of time. One thing you definitely want to plan is where you will eat. There are numerous famous restaurants around the country. Whether you visit Berlin or one of the smaller towns an hour or so outside the capital, there is plenty to eat. Here are some of the most popular establishments to eat at in Germany for locals and tourists alike.

Hofbräuhaus München

This restaurant dates back to the 16^th century. It is easy to see why it has lasted for centuries once you step foot inside. It is a glorious three-floor beer hall that offers incredible Bavarian cuisine. It proudly boasts itself as the world’s most famous tavern. While you can certainly grab a beer, it has some classic German dishes on the menu, including roast pork with crackling, wiener schnitzel and beef goulash. With both a rich history and rich food, the entire family will find something to love here.

Image credit

Restaurant FACIL

You will definitely want to make a reservation before stopping by Restaurant FACIL. It is a fine dining establishment that boasts minimalist décor and huge glass windows. It features a seasonal menu, so you can visit it at different points of the year to enjoy unique dishes. It has been awarded with two Michelin Stars, so when you look for something a bit more upscale around Berlin, this is the place to go to.

Bayerischer Bahnhof

On lists of the most popular German restaurants in Leipzig, Bayerischer Bahnhof frequently ranks toward the top. It is a restaurant, beer garden and inn all in one. This restaurant was first built in 1842, and it is the perfect location if you will host a large event or if you want to check out whatever soccer match is on. In addition to offering a variety of homebrewed beer, it also serves up pork steak as well as pumpkin and apple cream soup.

Monsieur Vuong

Monsieur Vuong is small but personable. It serves up simple Vietnamese food, such as noodle salads and pho. The food is light, and you can be certain your dish will be free of any MSG. You can also enjoy an exotic tea or fruity cocktail along with your meal. Most meals will not last long, so it is perfect if you just want a quick bite before going about your day.

Osman’s Tochter

There is a sizable Turkish population throughout Berlin, and you can enjoy some of the finest Turkish cuisine around as Osman’s Tochter. It draws influence from classic dishes but puts a modern twist on them. Some of the dishes you can order here include lamb chops, fish köfte and grilled meatballs in yogurt. Many tourists prefer sitting outside to partake in some people-watching.

These are just a few of the amazing restaurants you can eat at while visiting Germany. There are plenty of others to find, so do sufficient research to find establishments you will remember for years to come.

Go To Marco's Pizza For Your Game Day Eats

If you live in the south, you know just how important college football is. My family loves to support our teams, and trash talk our opponents' teams. It's all good, clean fun that we really look forward to every year. One key component to any tailgate event, or even if you are catching the game from home, is definitely the food! We feel like you can't ever go wrong with pizza and wings. We went over to our local Marco's Pizza to pick up a takeout order, *compliments of the restaurant, for our at-home tailgate party. It's hard to get all five of us together at once to dine out, so takeout if often a better choice.

Marco's Pizza offers a delicious variety of specialty pizzas, subs, salads, and sides like chicken wings and chicken dippers. One thing I can say for sure is that Marco's offers high quality ingredients, and they do not skimp on toppings or portions. Let's talk about what we ordered. We got the XL Chicken Florentine pizza, family size Greek salad, Buffalo wings, and for dessert, Cinnasquares.

When Marco's Pizza says extra large, they mean it! The pizza is enormous and generously topped with delicious grilled chicken, spinach, onion, Roma tomato slices, and their three-cheese blend along with feta. Did I mention that they do not skimp on the toppings? Their pizza is mouthwatering good with the perfect texture crust. I judge all pizza on crust and cheese, as well as how well it reheats. I enjoy how light and crisp the bottom of the crust gets when reheated in the toaster oven. It's is SO good!

We went with Buffalo wings that came with ranch and blue cheese dip. The wings surprised us because they weren't hard or dried out like some can be. Even my husband who isn't a huge Buffalo wing fan gave it a thumbs up.  

The wings were perfect as a side to the pizza. Marco's offers a barbecue version that we will be sure to try next time. 

The family size Greek salad did not disappoint! It was HUGE. I love that they use Romaine lettuce, and not iceberg like some pizza places do. The combination of the lettuce, tomato, black olives, red onion, banana peppers, and feta were a true winner. 

You can't have a meal without dessert. The Cinnasquares hit the spot, and satisfied our taste for a sweet finish. The cinnamon sugar on top of the perfectly baked buttery pastry was perfection. The vanilla icing was just enough. I'd definitely get this again!

If you live in Columbia, SC, be sure to stop by the Forest Drive location that is right across the street from Trader Joe's. You can easily place your order online and get either delivery or takeout. Take a day off from cooking and head to Marco's Pizza today! Find a location here. 

*Disclosure: We were given a complimentary meal in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own as always. Thanks for stopping by today.