RECIPE REFRESH!

I've had this blog since 2011, back when Michael & I lived in Virginia.

We had no family or friends nearby- so I chose to start documenting our life out there. Over time I started sharing the recipes I was trying, the crafts I was making, and the trip we were taking.

Sharing recipes is by far my favorite thing to do still- and I recently refreshed my recipe index.

Some images are back from when I had a point and shoot camera (flash. omg. so bad), and some are new & a whole lot nicer to look at.

The recipe index is still under works- I'm hoping to add some images soon- but it's now broken down into clearer categories that makes it much easier to find a specific kind of food or drink- from mojitos to scones to quinoa.

So check it out HERE. 

Share it. 

Enjoy! 

& for more food pictures I don't share on the blog, go HERE! 

xo, lp

BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES w/SRIRACHA AIOLI

I've tried to make baked sweet potato fries multiple times- and each time they end up being a nasty soggy mess. I can't decide whether it was bad recipes or user error...but either way- not delicious.

I decided to give it one more try after seeing my favorite gals at A Beautiful Mess share a recipe I hadn't tried yet! I tweaked the seasoning a bit, and made up a different dip to go with them- but the base recipe was the same- and they turned out absolutely perfect!

What you'll need to make it happen:

For the Fries:

- 2 Sweet Potatoes

- 1 Tbsp CornStarch

- Salt, Pepper to taste

- 1 teaspoon Cayenne (less if you don't like spicy!)

- 2 Tbsp Canola Oil

For the Sriracha Dip

- 1/4 cup mayo

- 1 tsp Sriracha

- 1/8 tsp salt

- 1/4 tsp garlic powder

-1/8 tsp cayenne

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Cut potatoes into evenly cut fries- the more even, the better cooking

Step 2: Soak the fries in water for 15 minutes

Step 3: Drain, Pat dry, and throw in a Ziplock bag with the cornstarch and cayenne

Step 4: Toss with 1 Tbsp canola oil and spread out evenly on a baking sheet lined with tinfoil

Step 5: Sprinkle with pepper and salt, and drizzle with other Tbsp of canola oil

Step 6: Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, flip, and then bake for another 15 minutes. If you cut your fries a little thicker, they may need more time- so bake until crispy!

Once they're cool, taste- and sprinkle with more salt/pepper to taste.

Step 7: Mix all dip ingredients together and enjoy!

You guys.

They are seriously addictive. The dip is so damn good. Yup.

 These are totally going to be my new go-to snack for the weekend when I'm craving some super unhealthy chips :)

Raise your hand if you're gonna be giving these a try this week!

Let me know how they turn out!

xo, lp

For more food recipes, be sure to go HERE!

Let's be friends on Instagram, okay? You can find me here --> @lpodlich

SUPER BOWL SNACKS: 9 easy recipes any crowd would love!

I almost didn't do a Super Bowl food post this year because my heart is so bummed about the Packers not being there this year!

BUT, just because my team isn't in it to win doesn't mean there still can't be a great Super Bowl Party, right?!?

Here are 9 super easy recipes to make that are sure to please any crowd. They're all way more fun to bring to a party than packages chips or crackers, I promise!

While they're all vegetarian friendly, carnivores will love them just as much :)

SRIRACHA CREAM CHEESE WONTONS (+spicy soy dipping sauce): Who doesn't like cream cheese wontons? These are great because you can make them less spicy for the wimps in your friend group (kidding!) or EXTRA spicy for those who like a little kick!

HOT OR COLD BRUSCHETTA: I know, bruschetta is totally NOT a typical football food- but I promise if you make these they'll disappear. Enough bread to soak up the beer you're drinking, but there's nothing fried or overly greasy to give ya a stomach ache!

FRESH GUACAMOLE: I mean, do I need to justify guac? No? Good.

BAKED EDAMAME 3 WAYS: These little buggers are freaking addicting. This recipe has 3 different flavors so everyone will find something they like.

BLEU CHEESE & CRANBERRY WONTONS: Bring these and people will talk about them more than the game. But fuh real. Creamy, crunchy, tart perfection!

CHEESE STUFFED JALAPENOS: Love spicy stuff? Look no further.

GARLIC PARMESAN POPCORN: Nothing is more addicting than popcorn, amiright? 

CROCKPOT SPINACH DIP: The great part about this recipe is you just get to throw it all in the Crockpot and let it go. #win

WHITE CHEDDAR CAYENNE POPCORN: I stand by my popcorn statement above...

What snack are you going to have at your Super Bowl party?

Be sure to share pictures of the great food on Instagram!!

xo, lp

if we're not already- let's be friends on instagram! you can find me here --> @lpodlich

BEST BITES: BRIE + APPLE PIZZA

Oh my friends, do I have a treat for you!

This pizza is just...everything.

Am I being dramatic? Eh I mean maybe...but really, it's one seriously delicious dinner. Or lunch. Or brunch. Or breakfast?

One of my favorite places to eat in Madison makes a seriously delicious wood-fired brie & apple pizza- and this was my desperate attempt to re-create it. Since I don't know their actual recipe it's not identical, but it's pretty darn close!

What you'll need to make it happen:

- Pizza Dough Mix (I use this Betty Crocker kind!)

- 1/4 Granny Apple, sliced thinly

- 1 shallot, cut small

- 1/3 wheel Brie (any brand)

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or other pizza mix)

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425

Step 2: Make your dough as package instructions direct!

Step 3: Sprinkle half your cheese on the dough, and layer on your apple, brie, and shallots.

*yes, cut the rind off the brie. 

Step 4: Top with the rest of the shredded cheese, and bake in oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown!

Step 5: Let slightly cool, and enjoy!

And the finished product! 

Golden.

Cheesy.

Salty.

Sweet.

This is one of those recipes that you're going to want to Pin and save to make for every summer dinner party this year!

What's your favorite summer dinner to make?

If you don't have a go-to yet, make this one yours!

xo, lp

For more recipes, go HERE!

Let's be Instagram friends! Find me here --> @lpodlich

MEDITERRANEAN PITA POCKET (so easy!)

Let's talk for a second about food kicks. 

You know, when you get into something for a while and eat it every. dang. day?

For a while in college I made pita sandwiches every day for like...eh...3 months? Let's not get into details. It was an obsession. It was just so easy! And healthy! And filling! 

Mmkay, I'm going to stop justifying myself here, and just share one of the "recipes" I used to go for:

What you'll need to make it happen:

- Wheat or white pita pockets

- Hummus (any flavor!)

- Spinach

- Feta (I used tomato basil)

-Cherry tomatoes

 How to make it happen:

Okay, clearly this isn't  rocket science:

Step 1: Spread your hummus, about 2 Tbsp onto both sides of the pita.

Step 2: Layer your spinach around the pocket!

Step 3: Add you tomatoes, olives, and feta..

Step 4: Enjoy!

Normally I'd actually have red peppers instead of tomatoes, but man- when you don't have what you want, you gotta improvise, right?

What food have you gone on kicks of before?

My glamorous list includes grapefruit and string cheese, so I promise anything you share can't be much more ridiculous!

xo, lp