TAKE A BITE: BAKED CINNAMON SUGAR CREAM CHEESE WONTONS

This isn't the first wonton recipe to grace this lovely blog. I've gone spicy with the sriracha wontons, and I've gone savory with the blue cheese & cranberry wontons ... and now it's time to go downright sweet!

I bring to you:

Like the other wonton recipes I've shared, this one is so dang easy. You only need a few ingredients and a few minutes!

What you'll need to make it happen:

For the wontons-

- Wonton wrappers (I get nasoya from Target)

- Olive Oil Spray

- 1/2 brick of Cream Cheese 

- 1 tsp cinnamon + 2 tsp granulated sugar (to mix with cream cheese)

- 1 Tbsp cinnamon + 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (to top wontons with)

For the sauce-

- 1/2 cup raspberries (frozen or fresh)

-  1 Tbsp granulated sugar

- Water

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Mix together your cream cheese, cinnamon & sugar 

Step 2: Scoop about 1 Tbsp of your cream cheese mixture onto a wonton shell, and after wetting the edges, fold the shell in half, pressing the edges closed.

Step 3: Spray lightly with olive oil spray and sprinkle with your remaining cinnamon sugar mixture

Step 3: Bake in a 350 degree oven for 6 minutes, flip, and bake for another 6 minutes or until golden brown!

Step 4: Eat while still hot (just don't burn your mouth!)

While your wontons are baking, throw together your dipping sauce:

Step 1: Put your raspberries, sugar, and water in a microwave and heat for 30 seconds at a time until the raspberries are fully softened.

Step 2: Mash your raspberries together with a spoon until mixture is well combined.

If you want a smoother sauce, throw it in the blender or food processor until the chunks are gone!

Ugh these are good. I'm a bigger fan of savory things than I am of sweet usually, so I can only eat a couple of these- but the tangy raspberry sauce really helps balance these out!

What sweet snack is your go-to?

For more Food Recipes go HERE!

xo, lp

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follow B&B on instagram here: @lpodlich

TAKE A BITE: CILANTRO LIME QUINOA

I haven't done a recipe on the blog in a while - so I figured it was high time to post another...and a healthy one, at that! 

Most people like cilantro lime rice - so this is a version that's a little healthier. Quinoa is seriously a superfood, and while I looooove me some white rice, sometimes I try to health-it-up by replacing it with quinoa.

This recipe just takes 4 ingredients and about 15 minutes to make- and is great on its own- or in tacos or burritos

What it takes to make it happen:

-1 cup quinoa

- 2 teaspoons lime juice (or more if you really dig limes)

- Handful of cilantro, roughly chopped

- pinch of salt

How to make it happen:

Step 1: RINSE. YO. QUINOA. No but really. Rinse it well before you cook it.

Step 2: Cook your quinoa per directions on the package. (Typically 1 cup quinoa/2 cups water)

Step 3: Let cool slightly and stir in lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Eat warm or cool- it's delicious both ways!

 I made this and added it to a veggie burrito (with a ton of avocado) and it was SO good!

Anyone else have a great quinoa recipe I should try?

If you're looking for more, try my:

 Quinoa Caprese Salad // Quinoa Mac & Cheese // Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

xo, lp

**still can't get enough food recipes? go here!

** like instagram? me too! let's be friends here!

4TH OF JULY TIE-DYE CAKE

BAH! Thanks for all the love from Pinterest you guys! Follow along for more colorful ideas HERE!

xo, lp

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Today's recipe ROCKS. I'm not gonna lie, it takes a little bit of time to make - but it's super easy, and the reaction you'll get from your friends or family is worth EVERY minute of time you put in!

If you've been following this blog long enough, you know I LOVE a good ol' holiday.

Making some baked treats or cocktails with a theme is right up my alley, I don't care how lame that is!

In years past for the 4th of July I've focused on cocktails (like these mixed berry mojitos)...but this year I decided a cool cake would be just the ticket.

4th of July is just a couple weeks away, so be sure to pin this idea now to Pinterest or share the link to this post on Facebook (I'll love ya extra if you do!).

So you want to know how to make it happen? Here ya go:

What you'll need to make it happen:
- Red & Blue food coloring
- 2 containers of white frosting (you could totally make homemade buttercream, I just didn't!)
- White cake mix (or make your own, like I did using Martha's recipe)
- A whole bunch of bowls!
- Two 8" round cake pans

How to make it happen (full picture instruction at the bottom of the post):
Step 1: Preheat your oven and grease your cake pans well.
Step 2: Mix up your cake batter and separate evenly into 3 bowls, coloring 1 blue, 1 red, and leaving 1 white.
Step 3: Using either a melon baller, large spoon, or 1/4 cup measuring cup (no shame in any of those!) pour in about 1/4 cup of white cake batter in the center of the pan.
Step 4: Repeat the same step with your blue batter,pouring directly in the center of your white batter.
Step 5: Yup, you guessed it, repeat this exact same thing with the red batter! Keep doing this for each of the cake pans until you're out of batter and your pans look like 3 color bullseyes.

Step 6: Bake your cake per the direction in the recipe or on the box and let cool completely.
Step 7: If needed, cut the rounded edge of the top of the cake off so they stack well. Apply a thick layer of frosting on the first layer and add the top layer.
Step 8: Apply a "crumb coat" - frost the entire cake with white frosting to seal in all those pesky crumbs.
Step 9: Split your second can of frosting  into 3 bowls and dye 1 red, 1 blue. Rough frost red at the bottom of the cake, blue in the middle, and white at the top edge and full top of the cake.
Step 10: Using a flat spatula, smooth and slightly blend the frosting out on the side until the cake is fully smooth.
Step 11: Top with some decorations, cut, and enjoy!!

Can we talk about the WOW factor when you cut into this cake? 

What 4th of July food or drinks will you be making?

Bonus points if you'll be making this!

xo, lp

Looking for a no-bake 4th of July dessert idea? Try this awesome marbleized bark HERE! 

psssst: for more colorful stuff, go here

If you're more of a picture person, here's the full tutorial in one image! Pin away or share to your hearts content, m'love!

AVOCADO + CHIPOTLE + SWEET CORN CAESAR SALAD

I have been MAJORLY slacking in the new-blog-recipe department, so it's time to share this SUPER easy vegetarian recipe.

You know when you find something you love at a restaurant, and so you get it each time you go there? Well this is a version of a salad I order every time I go to a local place in Madison called Cooper's Tavern. The recipe is slightly different there- their version has hard boiled eggs, croutons, and poblano peppers...but the tast is JUST as delicious!

This recipe is the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, spicy, and sweet:

What you'll need to make it happen:

- Romaine Lettuce, chopped

- Parmesan Cheese- shaved or shredded

- Avocados, sliced

- Red pepper, diced

- 1 ear of Sweet Corn

- Caesar Dressing

- Chipotle Peppers (canned)

- Food processor or blender

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Clean off your ear of sweet corn and boil in a pot of water for 2-3 minutes, or until bright yellow. Put in refrigerator to cool. 

Step 2: Using a food processor or blender, blend 1 chipotle pepper (~2 inches long) with 3/4 cups Caesar dressing. If you're looking for less spice, add more dressing, or a smaller pepper!

Step 3: Remove cooled corn from the refrigerator  and cut kernels off the cob

Step 4: Assemble your salad! On a bed of romaine, top with red peppers, corn, avocado, and cheese. Finish with your chipotle caesar dressing, and enjoy!

 The dressing is spicy, the red peppers are tangy, the avocados are creamy, and the sweet corn..is..well..sweet..duh.

What go-to dish do you have at a restaurant?

I bet you can recreate it at home & it'll taste even better!

xo,lp

Want more easy recipes? Go HERE!

PSSSSSSSST: Are we friends on Instagram yet? If no, why not?! Find me here--> @lpodlich

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! 

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

TAKE A SIP: SPARKLING CARAMEL APPLETINI

Okay my friends, it's officially time for HOLIDAY DRINKS!

I mean, not that any of these drinks coming up on the blog aren't good all year long..but..they're perfectly holiday party ready!

First up: Sparkling Caramel Appletini.

What you'll need to make it happen:

- 1.5 ounces vodka

-  Hard Cider (angry orchard preferred!)

- Caramel Sauce 

-Apple Slices (honeycrisp is best)

- Ice

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Swirl caramel sauce in the martini glass

Step 2: Shake ice & vodka until chilled & add to glass

Step 3: Top off with hard cider, stir, and garnish with an apple slice.

Step 4: Sip & enjoy!

Simple, right?

The caramel sweetness assures no bite from the vodka, and the fizz from the hard cider is an extra surprise!

What holiday drink are you making this season?

If you don't have a good one in your repertoire yet, make this one!

xo, lp

**psst: let's be instagram friends! -->@lpodlich

BEST BITES: QUINOA CAPRESE SALAD

I can't believe I haven't shared this recipe yet.

Ridiculous.

It's one of my vegetarian, healthy recipes that even the carnivores in my life love. 

It's ridiculously easy to make, and it's full of protein and fiber. The mozzarella is creamy and salty, the sundried tomatoes are slightly sweet, and the quinoa is super filling!

What you need to make it happen:

- 1 cup quinoa

- Basil leaves

- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes

- 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls

- olive oil (preferably garlic or basil infused!)

- salt & pepper to taste

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Cook your quinoa to the directions on the package, and set aside to let cool.

Step 2: Once cooled, stir in your basil, sundried tomatoes, mozzarella, and 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Step 3: Season to taste with salt & pepper.

Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve!

 Garnish with a few basil leaves:

Do you have a favorite healthy recipe to make?

Leave the recipe in the comments, I'd love to try it out!

xo, LP

Looking for more Quinoa recipes?

Try my Garlic Parm Quinoa or my Quinoa Stuffed Peppers!

ALSO:

Follow me on Instagram for more food photos!

Find me here ---> @lpodlich

TAKE A SIP: CLASSIC STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI

Alright, the "last hurrah of summer" continues!

Today's recipe isn't one of my out-there, random, themed recipes- it's just a good old classic Strawberry Daiquiri.

Sweet, tart, fruity-and dangerously easy to drink...

What you'll need to make it happen:

-1 cup fresh strawberries

- 2 ounces white rum

- 1/2 ounce triple sec

- 1 teaspoon lime juice

- 1/4 cup sprite

- ice

How to make it happen:

 - Blend ice, rum, triple sec, strawberries, and lime juice

- Top with Sprite & stir

- Garnish with lime wedge & strawberry slice

(I know, soooo difficult, right?)

So there you have it, One last hurrah for summer drink!

What drink would you sip on to say goodbye to summer?

xo, lp

for more drink recipes, go here!

for instagram fun times, go here!

TAKE A BITE: SUMMER GUMMI BEAR MINI CUPCAKES

Labor Day has come and gone, but I'm just going to hold onto summer for fewww weeks longer.

These cupcakes scream SUMMER...er...END OF SUMMER!

So- if you're having a "I'm not ready for fall to come yet" party, be sure to make these sweet gummi cupcakes!

Just your average gummi bears chillin' in gummi tubes.

What you'll need to make it happen:

- Gummi Bears

- Lifesaver Gummies

-  White Cupcake Mix OR Recipe

- Vanilla Frosting

- Blue Food Coloring

How to Make it Happen:

Step 1: Bake your cupcakes!

Step 2: Color your frosting blue & frost your cupcakes when cooled - using a frosting knife to pull up on the frosting, making waves.

Step 3: Squeeze a gummy bear into a gummi lifesaver and voila! You have the cutest little mini cupcakes ever.  

Not a bad end of summer treat, right?

I brought these in to work (as I do with all sweet treats) and they were a big hit!

How are you celebrating the end of summer?

If you make these, be sure to Instagram them and tag me (@lpodlich) so I can see your awesome handywork!

xo, lp

for more sweet treats- click HERE!

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!

take a bite: SHARK WEEK cupcakes!

Here's the thing-

I was pretty scared of sharks for a solid amount of my life.

Actually.

Wait.

Yeah, no, I'm definitely STILL fully afraid of sharks. I wish I could be one of those people who's like "Sharks are our friends! Beautiful powerful beings" - but I just...can't.

All I think of is TEETH! Big. Huge. Teeth.

So that leads me to talking about Shark Week. I used to be unable to watch it- in college I would stay in my room to avoid it when roommates would watch it. YES I'M THAT LAME. GET OVER IT.

I'm finally at the stage where I think it's not completely horrifying to see seals get annihilated by some great white...and thus, I've learned to love Shark Week (Which starts Aug 10th!).

So clearly that calls for cupcakes, right?

Of course it does.

The recipe itself isn't anything fancy- just a basic white cupcake recipe, and a jar of vanilla frosting...along with some blue food coloring + gummy sharks!

Here's how to make it happen:

Step 1: Dye batter blue & bake away!

Step 2: While cupcakes are cooling completely, add blue food coloring to your frosting, but don't fully mix. 

Step 3: Add a few more drops of food coloring to the frosting so there are dark blue lines running through it- this'll make the waves look even better :)

Step 4: To create your waves, frost your cupcake & using a knife-press down and lift up, creating little curly waves.

Step 5: Add a shark gummy, and you're good to go!

 Alright- tell me friends- what are YOU going to do to celebrate Shark Week?

Anyone else going to make some cupcakes??

xo, lp

oh, and for those of you that REALLY love it, here ya go!:

TAKE A SIP: BEST BLUEBERRY MOJITO

 Normally recipe days are Tuesdays...but I just couldn't hold this one back, because it's too good!

 It's been in the seventies in Wisconsin, which means optimal Mojito weather. 

I mean...I guess any weather could be optimal Mojito weather, but I'm just going to use these 70+ degree days as an excuse to share this, mmmmkay?

Here's what you'll need to make it happen:

 - Mint leaves

- Blueberries

- 2 tsps Sugar or simple syrup*

- 2 ounces White Rum

- Sprite or Soda water**

- Ice

* if ya don't have simple syrup, granulated sugar will work!

** sprite if ya like it sweet, soda water if you don't/

 How to make it happen:

Step 1: Muddle a few mint leaves + blueberries with your sugar & rum

Step 2: Add ice & top with sprite

Step 3: Garnish with mint leaves + blueberries

Step 4: ENJOY!

So yeah.

It's basically just a regular mojito but with blueberries instead of limes. But daaaaang it's good!

 What's your mid-70s summer drink?

If you don't have one yet- I highly recommend a blueberry mojito!

xo, lp

ps: for more drink recipes, go HERE!

pps: for instagram fun, go HERE!