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

TAKE A BITE: 4 INGREDIENT DILL DIP

Summertime means picnic time, amiright?

Our standard picnic fare is cheese + crackers, fruit, and veggies + dip or hummus. I know, I know, nothing exciting- but it's all easy and quick. 

Since the veggie dips you buy from the store have about 20 ingredients and plenty of preservatives, I decided to make my own!

What you'll need to make it happen:

- 8oz Sour Cream

- 2 tsp garlic powder

- 1/2 tsp salt

- Fresh Dill (2 Tbsp, chopped)

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Mix all ingredients together & let sit for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Enjoy!

So easy. So good. 

Also, fresh dill smells amazing.

Also x2: Broccoli smells pretty gross.

What's your go-to food for picnics?

If you need a dip recipe, add this to your short list!

xo, lp

*For more food recipes go HERE!

*For more pretty pictures, go HERE!

BAKED CINNAMON SUGAR SWEET POTATO FRIES

Ohhhh Sweet Potato Fries. 

Remember when I made some spicy ones a while back with a Sriracha dipping sauce? 

Crap those things were good.

I figured not everyone loves spicy- so this version is sweet. Juuuust like all of you. I know. I'm full of it today. I blame it on the looong week at work.

Here it is folks, I dare you to eat just one...

What you'll need to make it happen:

For the Fries:

- 2 Sweet Potatoes

- 1 Tbsp CornStarch

- 1 Tbsp Canola Oil

- Cinnamon Sugar

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 1 Tbsp cinnamon sugar. 

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

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!

Step 7: When hot out of the oven, sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar- load it up if ya feel like it!

If you want to make these REALLY good, give them a light sprinkle of salt too, it'll make them that perfect balance of salty and sweet!

For the Spicy version with Sriracha aioli, go HERE!

For more snacky food recipes, go HERE!

What is your favorite snack to munch on lately?

I can't get enough of these fries, and these baked sriracha cream cheese wontons!

xo, lp

PSST: Want the inside scoop of daily B&B life? Go HERE! 

EASY + FAST 5 STEP FRIED RICE

I took these pictures AGES ago and totally forgot to post this recipe, but it's one that too good and too easy not to share! 

Vegetable Fried Rice can be sooo satisfying. Salty soy sauce, crunchy veggies, warm & filling rice.

This recipe just takes 5 steps- and assures you'll have a tasty meal or side dish in no time at all!

What you'll need:

- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice *it's best to cook it the night before- but not necessary!

- 1/2 cup diced carrots

-1/2 cup peas (thawed-not frozen)

- 1/2 cup diced white or yellow onion

- 1 large egg

- 2 Tbsp veggie oil

- soy sauce

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Heat your oil in a wok or large pan and saute your veggies for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Push your veggies to the side of the pan and crack your egg on the other side of the pan

Step 3: Lightly scramble the egg in the pan, until cooked and in small pieces

Step 4: Add your rice and toss all ingredients together

Step 5: Add soy sauce to taste (I usually use 1 Tbsp to start), and once rice is heated- remove and eat!

This is totally one of those recipes to pin now so when you're looking for a quick recipe you can pull it up and make it!

What's your favorite quick & easy meal to make?

For more recipes go here!

xo, lp

** want an inside look into B&B? be sure to go HERE! **

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: SUMMER STRAWBERRY GALETTE

It's still summertime, which means I'm going to milk every single second of it!

I actually made this galette a little while ago when we went strawberry picking, but completely forgot to post it!

It's simple, delicious, and pretty lovely too!

What you'll need to make it happen:

-1 pre-made pie dough

- 3 cups cut strawberries 

- 3 tablespoons sugar

- 1 tablespoon lemon zest

- pinch of salt

- 2 teaspoons flour

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Step 2: Mix strawberries with sugar, zest, salt, and flour in a bowl and drain out excess liquid.

Step 3: Roll out dough and begin to layer out strawberries in circles, forming heap in the middle (yes, heap 'em up! they'll bake down, I promise!)

Step 4: Fold over dough (like pictures below) and bake in oven for 22-24 minutes. Bake until golden brown & enjoy!

There it is, friends.

Super sweet- with a tart lemony bite! I'm a fan of it on its own- but if you love vanilla ice cream, i'm sure that would be fabulous with this!

What is your favorite summer dessert?

Anything with strawberries is good in my book!

xo, lp

*for more delicious recipes, go HERE!

* for instagram fun, go HERE!

BEST BITES: PETITE STRAWBERRY SCONES

It's strawberry season, my friends- which means you can expect a whole lot of strawberry recipes coming your way in the near future, starting out with these delightful little strawberry scones!

If you're not a scone lover, these may just convert you- they're soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. 

If you're a fan of more tangy fruit taste- there's also an optional lemon glaze to throw on these babies once they're cooled!

What you'll need to make it happen (makes 12 small scones):

For the scones:

-2 cups flour

- 6 tablespoons butter, cubed and softened

- 2/3 cup heavy cream

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

-4 tablespoons granulated sugar

- 1 1/3 cups diced strawberries

- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Optional Glaze:

- Juice of 1/2 large lemon

-Zest of 1 large lemon

- 1/3 cup powdered sugar

 (pssst, you can get these perfect bowls HERE!)

How to make it happen:

First- let me say this- it's messy, but the best way to mix up the dough is with your hands. It just is. So wash them THOROUGHLY, and get down to business!

Step 1: Stir your strawberries in a bowl with 1 tsp lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon sugar- set aside.

Step 2: Mix your flour, baking powder, and 3 tablespoons of sugar together in a large bowl, then knead in your softened butter cubes (with your hands!) until butter is well mixed, and you have a crumbly-textured mixture.

Step 3: Add in your berries and your heavy cream, and mix gently together until well mixed, but not overly mashed- you want to keep your strawberries in tact!

Step 4: Dusting flour on your hands, split the dough into two circles, and pat out into small domes about 2 inches thick.

Step 5: Using a knife dusted in flour- cut your circles into 6 pieces each, and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet, and top with sugar.

Step 6: Bake at 400 for 20 minutes, checking at 12/16 minutes to see how they're coming along They're done when they're a VERY pale golden brown!

Step 7: Allow to cool and top with glaze if so desired (glaze: just mix the 3 ingredients listed until a runny, liquid icing consistency).

Enjoy!

The finished product!!

 Like I said, these scones are soft- not at all tough or dry like those scones with bad reputations have ! ;-)

They'd be PERFECT for a summer tea party, breakfast get together, or a picnic dessert!

If strawberry scones aren't your thing, or you are just a mad-scone-lover, try my Blueberry Lemon Drop Scones, Cinnamon Brown Sugar Oat Scones, or Orange Cranberry Scones!

What's your favorite strawberry recipe?

If you try these out, be sure to take a picture and share it on Instagram- tag me @lpodlich so I can see your awesome work!

xo, lp

----

for more B&B, find me on instagram here!

CHOCOLATE DIPPED MACAROONS (yes, with 2 "o"s)

Long before the days of French macarons being the trendiest dessert on the block, there were coconut macaroons.

I mean, wait. Let me back up.

They were never trendy but they were a popular Jewish dessert, especially loved during Passover- and I have plenty of fond memories nibbling on them as a kid. 

They're sweet and crunchy on the outside, and extra soft on the inside. So- while they may not be as lovely as macarons, I think they taste a heck of a lot better! For all coconut lovers- give them a try!

What you'll need to make them happen:

-14 ounces sweetened coconut (make sure you don't grab the unsweetened!)

- 1 large egg white

- 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk

- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

- tiny pinch of salt

- Crisco

- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Get your oven going to 300 degrees- and get a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready!

Step 2: Whisk your egg white and salt until frothy- use a mixer or a hand whisk. This will take a couple minutes, so have some patience :)

Step 3: Once frothy, stir in your vanilla and condensed milk- and once well mixed add in your coconut. Mix until coconut is JUST coated.

Step 4: Time to get your hands dirty! Using a spoon and your hands, form small balls and place on the sheet. DON'T use a melon baller or other typical cookie-former-- you don't want these to be too compact- it's best to just lightly scoop some up, lightly mold, and drop it on the pan.

Step 5: Bake in the oven for 25 or until light golden brown- and set aside to  cool.

Step 6: After melting your chips & Crisco together, either dip your macaroons in it or drizzle the tops of them.

Step 7: Let chocolate cool, and enjoy!

----

Your egg should look frothy like this:

Your mixture should be sticky, & there shouldn't be any excess liquid!

Pop them out when golden brown:

Dip & enjoy!

Weigh in on the debate: 

Macaroon vs Macaron- which is your favorite?

xo, lp

for more dessert recipes, go here!

5 INGREDIENT, 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE.

Yup.

5 minutes. 5 ingredients.

I have your new last minute go-to treat recipe, and it's going to make you oh-so-very-happy.

What you need to make it happen (easy to double the recipe too!):- 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

How to make it happen:
Step 1: Combine your salt, sweetened milk, chocolate chips, and salt in a microwave safe glass bowl/vessel.
Step 2: Microwave on med-high heat for two 30 second intervals, and again as needed until chocolate chips are melted. After each 30 second interval, STIR. The milk will get hot and melt the chips as you stir it- so don't overheat the chips or they'll sieze up!
Step 3: Spread out on parchment paper on a baking dish until it's about 1/2 inch thick. Yes, I know fudge is normally these HUGE thick bricks, but this makes it so much easier for people to enjoy- it's really rich!
Step 4: While the fudge quickly cools in the fridge- microwave your PB until liquid.
Step 5: Drizzle your melted PB over the fudge, and set in the fridge to cool.
Step 6: Cut into squares, and prepare yourself to be the most popular person in your office/friend group!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Really-just microwave it all together! Doesn't look pretty, but it sure is good!

Use a silicon spatula & you won't have any issues with the fudge sticking to it!

The final product! 

 I can't stress enough how easy this recipe is! It's sure to satisfy any chocolate-peanut butter lover's sweet tooth.

What's your favorite chocolate/peanut butter dessert?

If you're looking to add some more recipes to your repertoire, try my PB Oreo pops or Reese's Cupcakes!

xo, lp

CRANBERRY ORANGE DROP COOKIES

Get ready people, you're about to have a new favorite cookie.

Bold claim, I know- but just make these and see if you can disagree!

What you'll need to make it happen:

2 1/4 cups flour  //  1/2 teaspoon salt // 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 sticks butter // 1 cup granulated sugar // 1/2 cup brown sugar // 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg // 1 tablespoon orange zest // 5 tablespoons orange juice // 2 cups dried cranberries 

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Step 2: In a bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking soda- set aside

Step 3: Cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined

Step 4: Add egg, vanilla extract, orange juice, orange zest, and beat well.

Step 5: Mix in half of the dry mixture- mix well, then mix in the second half.

Step 6: Stir in cranberries until well distributed.

Step 7: Drop heaping tablespoons onto a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes or until very light brown- don't overbake or they'll get hard!!

Step 8: Enjoy the heck out of them!

Now if you're thinking "wait laura-you've made fruit cookies before"- then I'd love to give you a big hug for having such a good memory and paying such close attention to the blog! Yes, I've shared some Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies and some Orange Meltaway Cookies. These cookies just combine those two magical worlds into one. A little crunchy, a little chewy- a little sweet, a little tart.

What's your favorite cookie?

I'm clearly partial to these right now- but I'm easily swayed!

xo, lp

BAKED POTATOES MADE BETTER WITH KERNEL SEASON'S!

Like I mentioned yesterday, we hosted a Baked Potato Bar dinner at our house this weekend and it was a HUGE hit. I think any time your guests can build-their-own meal, it is going to guarantee satisfaction!

In addition to a ton of toppings available, I had a few of my favorite Kernel Season's available - just to give each combination a little extra flavor! (Yes, KS is technically marketed as popcorn seasoning- but it goes great on any type of food!)

Here are a few combinations I'd highly recommend you try:

TEX MEX: Potato, Bacon, Jalapenos, Co-jack cheese, Kernel Season's Nacho Cheddar (+sour cream if you so choose!)

ONION + GARLIC: Potato, Diced Yellow Onion, Diced Scallion, Parmesan Cheese, Kernel Season's Parmesan Garlic

CHEESE LOVERS: Potato, Parmesan Cheese, Chives or Scallions, Monteray-Jack Cheese, Kernel Season's White Cheddar

What do you throw on top of your baked potato?

I'm a cheese lover for sure...and Michael just puts a copious amount of butter on his. Can you tell we live in the Dairy State?

xo, lp

*this post was NOT sponsored by Kernel Season's- I was not paid to write this, I'm just Midwestern enough to love me a good baked potato, and Kernel Season's are something I actually use to top mine!

CROCKPOT SPINACH DIP (so. so. good.)

This recipe will make you popular. Yup. Not empty promises, my friends, it really will.

It's that good.

Ask the friends I made it for at the last Packer game. Ask my coworkers from the last potluck.

They'll agree.

All you need it a crockpot. WAIT. If you don't have a crockpot, you CAN make this in the microwave- but I can't promise it will be this easy or clean!

 What you'll need to make it happen:

- 8oz cream cheese

- 8 oz sour cream

- 10 oz frozen spinach

- 4 large cloves garlic, pressed/minced

- 1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan/mozzarella blend cheese (or just use parm. either way.)

-  2 tsps paprika

-1 Tbsp olive oil

- 1/2 tsp cayenne optional

**also: you will note there are no artichokes in this dish. it's not because i hate them, or that i'm trying to be original, i just happen to like this recipe without them. by all means, add artichokes as necessary!**

How to make it happen:

Hold onto your hats, it's going to be a wild ride:

Step 1: Defrost your spinach in the microwave.

Step 2: Put all your ingredients into the crockpot. Yup. All of it. 

Step 3: Put crock on high for 1 1/2 hours or until bubbling. Enjoy with crackers, chips, or whatever.

Rough, right? That's the beauty of crockpots! 

 So creamy. So delicious.

So let's recap:

If you're looking for a great Super Bowl dip recipe, pin/print this.

If you're looking for a crowd-pleaser to bring into work, pin/print this.

If you're going through a rough week and need some cream cheese in your life, pin/print this.

Have a great CrockPot recipe?

Share it (or a link) in the comments- I'd love to see it!

xo, lp

Looking for more great gameday recipes? 

Try my Baked Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños, Parmesan Garlic Popcorn, Baked Sriracha Cream Cheese Wontons !

AGED WHITE CHEDDAR MAC & CHEESE

 The only homemade mac & cheese I liked as a kid was the stuff my mom made with Velveeta. It was just butter, milk, and Velveeta microwaved until melted and poured over noodles. Basic, delicious, salty (as everything with Velveeta is).

This is a little bit of an upgrade from those days- mainly because the cheese I used was some 4 year aged white cheddar from a local cheese company. I mean, can you do any wrong with 4 year aged cheddar? No, no you can't.

Now before you hightail out of here thinking this is going to be an pretentious post that includes talking about eating this dish with a nice pinot in a room full of aged mahogany- I promise it's not. This recipe is crazy easy, but saying "aged white cheddar" just makes you sound hella fancy.

Here it is, team:

What you'll need to make it happen:

4 Tbsp butter

4 Tbsp Flour

3 cups milk (I use skim)

2 cups Aged White Cheddar Cheese- shredded

1/2 box elbow mac noodles (you can use more if you don't want the noodles as coated)

Salt, Pepper, Paprika to taste

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Cook your pasta about 1-2 minutes less than you usually would, drain, and set aside.

Step 2: Melt your butter on medium-low in a large sauce pan, stirring as it melts.

Step 3: Add in your flour, and whisk until well incorporated. Continue to stir for another 3 minutes, and if your burners run hot- lower to low heat. If your burners are too hot you WILL burn your mixture. And it will smell. And it will make you sad that you have to wash your pot and start again. This definitely happened to me the first time around. ARGH.

Step 4: Add milk and stir until well mixed and thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add in 1 1/2 cups of your cheese, stirring until melted. This will probably take a LONG time. Took mine about 15ish minutes to make a full, creamy, thick sauce. Pain in the butt, but worth it!

Step 6: Add salt & pepper (about 1 1/2 tsp each) and stir in your cooked noodles.

Step 7: Pour into a 9x13 pan, top with the rest of your cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is fully melted & bubbling.

This mac & cheese is KILLER. It doesn't just taste like your run of the mill mac & cheese, I can guarantee you that. It's thick, creamy, salty, and completely satisfying.

What's one of your comfort food dishes?

It's gonna be cold here for a while, so pass them my way!

xo, lp 

* looking for more comfort food recipes? try my parmesan garlic quinoa, salty & spicy parm pasta, or this gnocchi mac & cheese! 

LEMON BALSAMIC ROASTED CARROTS

Like I mentioned yesterday- this isn't a recipe that you'll probably say "OMG I NEED TO MAKE THIS NOW!" but it will be one that you'll want to Pin and save for later. 

Why?

Because if you're anything like me, when you have a dinner party (for the holidays or otherwise) you think:

"Shoot. I have the main dish and some unhealthy sides..I need to convince my friends/family that I'm healthy by having some kind of vegetable served"

Thus, I give you, Lemon Balsamic Roasted Carrots:

What You'll Need to Make it Happen:

- 10 medium carrots or 20 baby carrots

- 2 Tbsps balsamic (i use lemon-balsamic)

- 2 tsps brown sugar

- 1 tsp olive oil

- zest of 1 lemon

- salt & pepper to taste, parsley to garnish

 How to Make it Happen:

Step 1: Cut any bad ends off your carrots, wash thoroughly. 

Step 2: Toss in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, half of your lemon zest.

Step 3: Roast in a 375 degree oven for 25 minutes on a foil-lined baking sheet. (20 for baby carrots).

Step 4: Combine your balsamic and brown sugar, and drizzle over hot carrots.

Step 5: Return to oven for 3 minutes to carmelize.

Step 6: Serve up in a dish, sprinkle with lemon zest and parsley for garnish!

 I knowwww they don't look beautiful at this stage of the game, but once served up they look (and smell) amazing!

 The final product! If the sound of brown sugar scares you, cut the amount in half for a little less sweetness!

They're tender, sweet, citrusy, and salty all in one. Doesn't get much better, my friends.

What healthy side do you make when you have people over for dinner?

I need some more options here, people!

xo, lp

(looking for other side ideas? try my bruschetta or asian cabbage salad!)


find me on instagram here:

**For all you online shoppers, don't forget to use EBATES! find out more HERE ** 

WHITE CHEDDAR CAYENNE POPCORN ("gourmet" popcorn files, part 2)

Today I bring you installment #2 of the Gourmet Popcorn Files.

If you're new around here, this isn't really gourmet popcorn, but it's something a little elevated from your average microwave popcorn! You can see the whole background here.

Today's popcorn recipe: 

What you'll need to make it happen:

- Popcorn Popper (I use a stir crazy)

- 3/4 cups unpopped White Popcorn Kernels

- 2 Tbsps Vegetable Oil

- 2 Tbsps Kernel Season's White Cheddar Seasoning

- 1 tsp Cayenne

- 2 Tbsps Butter

- 2 tsps dried parsley

- 1/2 tsp garlic powder

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Pop your popcorn as directed 

Step 2: Melt your butter and drizzle evenly over the popcorn

Step 3: Immediately after, sprinkle your White Cheddar seasoning, cayenne, parsley, and garlic powder over your popcorn.

Step 4: Enjoy! 

If you're not a big spice fan, skip the cayenne- the popcorn will still taste great without it!

What snack have you been making lately?

If you need a new recipe to try, pin this and give it a go!

xo, lp

For more Kernel Season's Recipes, try my Garlic Parmesan Popcorn, and my Ranch Pumpkin Seeds!

*I was not paid to write this post, nor is it a sponsored post by Kernel Season's. Once again, I buy this seasoning all the time on my own, even though they have sent me flavors to try at times! Either way, this is truly a recipe I make multiple times a month and I wanted to share it with you, and give Kernel Season's some credit for making a great product. xo, lp*