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

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! **

POMEGRANATE MOJITOS

Pomegranate & Citrus season is still in full force, and after having made a handful of grapefruit or clementine cocktails , it was time to get some pom in the mix.

If you're a mojito lover, this is SO for you- still minty & fizzy, with just a hint of pomegranate tang!

What you need to make it happen:

- 1 1/2 ounces white rum

- 1 ounce pomegranate simple syrup

- mint leaves

- pomegranate seeds

- sprite or soda water

- ice (I freeze mint leaves & pom seeds in mine!)

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Muddle a few mint leaves with your pomegranate simple syrup

Step 2: Add rum, ice, fill with sprite (for sweeter taste) or soda water

Step 3: Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and mint leaves!

Step 4: Enjoy!

This drink is crisp, refreshing, and just sweet enough to be called fruity.

Like I said- I freeze mint leaves and pomegranate leaves inside ice cubes- doesn't really add any flavor, but it sure looks pretty!

What cocktails have you been mixing up lately?

If you are looking for more ideas, I have a ridiculous amount of tried and true recipes here!

xo, lp

PSST: want to see a little more in the daily B&B life? 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

FALL FLOWERS.

Happy Monday you wonderful people!

I know sometimes my Monday recaps can be pretty chatty- but this week I'll keep it short & sweet with 4 fabulous things:

1.  Every year I make this Cranberry Apple Galette about twice- and this weekend was one of those times. We had a fabulous Friendsgiving dinner and this treat, per usual, got rave reviews!

2. Fall flowers man. I dig 'em. 

3. AHHH. Is anyone else obsessing over the Faribault Woolen Mills items at Target? I CAN'T DECIDE WHAT TO GET. The throws? The zip pouches? The most affordable, quality items Target has had in a while. LOVE.

4. This week's recipe is a major favorite. I actually made it a while back and forgot to post about it- get ready- it is SUPER healthy, but SUPER delicious.

Alright, has anyone bought anything from the Faribault for Target collection?

If you have, you've got to tell me what you bought!!

xo, lp

Psst: let's be friends on Instagram, mmkay?

Find me here ---> @lpodlich

FALL FOOD RADAR

I've been in a food funk lately. I haven't been making any fun dishes- mainly because it's been about 95 degrees every day for the last few weeks. Baking and cooking is just NOT fun in that kind of heat...right?

Now that it is finally starting to cool down, I can turn to my trusty old food Pinterest board full of great recipes from creative minds for some inspiration:

1. Pretzel bites via My Baking Heart- These bites with spicy cheese dip look like the PERFECT Sunday football snack!

2. Classic Swedish Cinnamon Rolls via Have A Yummy Day- I've never made cinnamon rolls from scratch, and I think early fall is the right time to try them out.

3. Nectarine & Fried Mozzarella Stacks via Half Baked Harvest- Nectarines are some of my favorite summer fruit, and I've never thought to put them with mozzarella, basil, and balsamic. Genius!

4. Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn via Eclectic Recipes- With the last bit of sweet corn at the markets I think this recipe is absolutely in order. Deeeelish.

5. Tequila Battered Onion Rings via Life as a Strawberry- Along with those pretzel bites, I think tequila battered onion rings would be perfect tailgate food!

6. Parmesan Baked Potato Halves via Fav Family Recipes- Michael will eat any potato dish out there, and this is one I'd happily nibble on too.

7. Basil Mozzarella Wontons via Return to Sunday Supper- Now that I've perfected the sriracha cream cheese wontons, it's time for a new kind of wonton to try- these look fantastic!      

What recipes are on your radar?

Leave a link to your Pinterest boards in the comments so I can check it out!

xo, lp

EASY PEASY PASTA SALAD

This recipe is one I use all the time for camping, work potlucks, and family events- because it is super easy, and everyone loves it! It isn't fancy or complicated, and is ready in 3 quick steps. It's a vegetarian dish that is a crowd pleaser even for meat-eaters!

 What you'll need to make it happen *serves a ton of people:

- 1 box bowtie pasta

- 1 container Light or Fat Free Italian Dressing

- 1 can large pitted black olives (cut into rings)

- 1 large red bell pepper (cut into bite sized pieces)

- 2 cups broccoli (chopped small)

- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (asiago works too!)

- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

-1 teaspoon black pepper

How to make it happen:

I know that looks like a lot of ingredients, but what makes it easy is that you can pretty much throw it all together, mix, and be good to go.

Step 1: Cook your pasta as directed on the box. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Once the pasta has cooled down a bit mix in your dressing, veggies, and cheese. 

Step 3: Mix in your spices and enjoy!

Keep refrigerated until you're ready to enjoy it- and add an extra sprinkle of cheese when you serve it, just for looks :) 

 If I had to guess, this recipe would probably make 9-10 servings if served as a side? I know that using the dressing is a total cheat-move, but like I said- the purpose of this recipe is to be FAST & EASY!

What recipe do you have that you "cheat" in?

I might have to steal your tricks of the trade!

xo, lp

I COULD NEVER BE A VAMPIRE

Alternate title for this post: An Ode to Garlic.

 As you might have seen on Instagram on Sunday, I made the first batch of pesto of the season with the basil Michael has been growing. We threw it on some pasta and it was deeee-lish. Pretty sure I still smelled like garlic when I went to work today- despite brushing my teeth a few times. Oops. Sorry team. 

While normal people crave chocolate or bacon or chips- I crave garlic. I know, total weirdo. Whatever. I pretty much try and put garlic into everything I cook- and evidently some of you guys like garlic too- because some of these recipes are the most pinned I've got!

Without further ado- I give you my top 7 garlic bomb recipes:

Pesto 3 Ways (with plenty of garlic)

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Garlic Parmesan Quinoa (you'll never eat mac&cheese again)

Garlic Chili Broccoli

Garlic Herb Cheese Twists

Garlic Kale Chips

Lemon Garlic Gnocchi 

Are you a garlic fiend too?

What's your best garlic-y recipe? Share it and I'll give you a (virtual) hug!

xo, lp 

don't like garlic? oh don't you worry, i've got an arsenal of recipes without it here!

BLUEBERRY LEMON GLAZED DROP SCONES

You know sometimes when you make a recipe and just kind of wing it...and it turns out AWESOME?

Okay, okay... so maybe not everyone does. I know by your comments some of you aren't fans of making more than mac & cheese- but well, just go with me here, okay?

I wanted to bring a treat for Michael's parents this weekend and he suggested I should make scones. Rather than fall back on my usual cranberry orange scones, I decided to mix it up (I live a WILD life, everyone).

For those of you Southerners out there, I'm SURE you've had drop biscuits before- and this is the same idea. Basically, this is just the lazy version of scone making. Which is awesome. AND for the record: no, they are not dry. They are soft and delicious.

Here they are:

What you'll need to make it happen:

2 cups all purpose flour

2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup buttermilk

3 eggs- (separate yolk from white in one of the eggs- set white aside)

1 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh - or if frozen thawed fully.

One lemon- full zest and juice of half of one

1/2 cup powdered sugar

parchment paper

How to make it happen:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix together your flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder.

3. Add in your softened butter until dough is crumbly.

4. In another bowl take 2 eggs plus the yolk of the third and mix it fully with your buttermilk. Add to your dry ingredient bowl!

5. Add in your blueberries and almost all of your zest- mixing carefully so the blueberries don't all burst open.

6. This batter will be STICKY! Drop them to the size you desire (i normally do about half cup- which makes  7) onto your parchment paper. Don't even try to mess with them much- you'll just get covered in sticky dough! 

7. Brush lightly with your egg white and bake for 20-25 minutes- until golden brown.

8. While your scones cool, mix together your powdered sugar, lemon juice, and leftover lemon zest together to make a quick icing. Drizzle over your scones after they have cooled for about 10 minutes. This will allow the icing and lemony flavor to absorb into the scones, making them even softer. 

9. Pour yourself a mug of coffee and enjoy!

So there you have it. Delicious, soft, tangy sweet scones- easy to make, bake, and bring anywhere. 

I don't think I'll ever go back to forming scones again. This was WAY too easy!

What easy recipe do you keep up your sleeve?

Share your secrets, people!

xo, lp

Scone lover? Try my cranberry orange scones and cinnamon oat & brown sugar scones!

Blueberry lover? Try my blueberry crunch muffins or blueberry lemon streusel bars!

HERB PARMESAN CRISPS!

So remember a while back when I told you I got Ina Garten's Foolproof recipe book as a gift? 

Sure you do. 

Well as promised, I've started making some of her recipes (which are awesome!). This is not her recipe, but was inspired by one where she shares how to make a thyme frico. If you've never had frico- it's a delicious crispy, cheesy snack that you can eat like a chip or with a soup or salad. This technically isn't one because I didn't use flour- but if you're looking for a good frico recipe, check out Ina's book!

So if it's not frico...what is it?

Eh, I don't exactly know. It's cheesy heaven, that's what.

What you'll need:

1/2 cup good shredded parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

pinch of salt

parchment paper

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Step  2: Mix all your ingredients together well, making sure to get the herbs well incorporated.

Step 3: On a parchment lined sheet, measure out a tablespoon of your mixture. Lightly spread the cheese out so the shreds are touching but not in a big heap. 

Step 4: Bake for 6-8 minutes or until golden. Keep your eye on them- they'll burn quickly!

Step 5: Let them cool, and enjoy with soup or salad!

My favorite way to enjoy them is with tomato basil soup- the herbs and saltiness in the cheese go great with the tangy, creamy soup.

The best way to serve it? Pour your soup in a cute mug, and lay your cheese crisps over the top- then when you're ready to eat, crack into it like creme brulee! 

So there you have it!

A delicious, easy addition to a meal to make it seem that much more special.

Do you have any easy recipes that elevate simple dishes?

Share away, friends!

xo, lp

** Grab Ina's book here