Tag: hosting

My Christmas Menu

My Christmas Menu

This Christmas, I’ve curated a menu that features six recipes that promise to add a touch of nostalgia to your festive table. I have developed, loved and leant on these recipes for so many years – some being adapted from my mom and precious childhood memories, and others having been discovered and adapted in more recent years.

Festive Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake (One Bowl & SO Moist)

Festive Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake (One Bowl & SO Moist)

This is the perfect Christmas, holiday season cake – my festive Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake is made in one bowl, can be made ahead of time and just so happens to be gluten and dairy free. It’s incredibly moist, dramatically high and even better the next day!

My Labor Day Menu

My Labor Day Menu

Labor Day is almost here, and you know what that means – it’s time to gather around and celebrate the last hurrah of summer with the people who mean the most to us. I don’t know about you, but for me, this holiday isn’t just about the long weekend; it’s about creating moments that we’ll cherish long after the leaves start to change.

This Labor Day Menu is all about embracing the flavors of the season and bringing a little bit of joy to the table. From great grilled classics to unexpected flavor combos, I’ve handpicked five recipes to share that I’ll be reaching for this Labor Day to share with my loved ones, and just maybe you’ll join me and do the same!

salt and vinegar smashed potatoes

1. Zucchini ‘Tzatziki’ Dip (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)

If your garden (or local farmer’s market) is overflowing with Zucchini, here’s a super simple twist on a Tzatziki you can whip up in minutes! A refreshing twist on the classic Greek recipe, this dip is tailor-made for your summer gatherings, bursting with the vibrant flavors of freshly harvested Zucchini, creamy yogurt and lots of herbs. 

We’re replacing the traditional cucumber in Tzatziki with this season’s bountiful Zucchini supply and with just a few minutes of simple prep, you’ll create a creamy, tangy masterpiece that’s a fantastic way to utilize your garden’s summer surplus.

2. Tuscan Kale Salad with Peaches, Parmesan and Toasted Walnut Vinaigrette

There’s something so quintessentially ‘Summer’ about the smell of peaches, and this season they’ve been growing in abundance – I’m certainly not complaining! In fact, I’ve been dreaming up new, delicious ways to use them; I’ve fallen head over heels for this salad.

It comes together in just 15 minutes, is gluten-free, and can be adapted to share with any dairy-free/vegan friends. Imagine the juiciest peaches harmonizing with the soft nuttiness of Parmesan, the delicate tartness of nutrient-rich kale and the paprika adding just a touch of smokiness to balance every bite… I hope you’ve got your big spoons at the ready, because, trust me, this Hungry Lady Salad calls for big bites!  

3. Grilled Steaks with Cherry Pepper Butter (Gluten Free)

Summer’s winding down, but we’re not done grilling yet! This grilled steak recipe is guaranteed to impress.

I love spicing up simple dishes, and compound butter is my secret weapon. This Cherry Pepper Butter in particular is a super simple way to add a ton of flavor, but it would be nothing without a perfectly grilled steak. I have a few tips up my sleeve to help you make that happen!

salt and vinegar smashed potatoes

4. Crispy Salt & Vinegar Smashed Potatoes

Salt and vinegar potato chips are a big thing around our house.
What’s not to like? Salty, crispy, with that bright acidic flavor? Yes please.
But we try not to eat potato chips with our dinner (unless it’s burger night, then it’s perfectly acceptable.)
My solution? These potatoes.

They are everything you love about that salt and vinegar flavor profile, but in a crispy, creamy smashed potato. We love them with steak or fish and leftovers are amazing on a green salad with some good quality canned tuna and olives.

Chips will always have a place in our home, but now we eat them at 11pm after three hours of Netflix, like civilized people.

5. Blueberry Dump-It Cobbler (Half The Fat & Sugar) (Gluten Free)

This dessert so effortless, it practically begs to be enjoyed all day long – from lazy summer evenings to a cheeky morning treat (don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me!). It practically makes itself!

This cobbler has half the fat and sugar of its conventional counterpart, plus, if you’re navigating hosting for a group with a variety of dietary needs, this recipe has your back. It’s a testament to the idea that you can have your cobbler and eat it too.

If you give my Labor Day menu a try, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment and rate the recipes. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations! 

If you like full recipe videos, you’ll want to follow me on Facebook and Youtube as I publish new videos daily!

Holiday Charcuterie Wreath

Holiday Charcuterie Wreath

This is always one of my favorite times of year, and as a staunch ‘delicious but not filling’ appetizer supporter, I considered this the perfect opportunity to combine two of the holiday season’s best features: charcuterie and Christmas.

Chili Caramel Brussels Sprouts (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar Free)

Chili Caramel Brussels Sprouts (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar Free)

My Chili Caramel Brussels Sprouts are an adventure in flavor, featuring a stunning umami glaze and picture perfect caramelization that makes me want to stand over the stovetop and finish them all by myself.