There’s a NEW butcher in town and he’s serving up all the plant-based, oh-so-CRAZY crispy chicken products your palette could desire! Don’t let the “plant-based” label fool you. These products are made with the highest grade ingredients using pea protein rather than soy based (hallelujah for the women in the world) and have a secret ingredient that provides a chicken like texture that will surprise you: bamboo!

Squash blossoms are a seasonal delicacy that you absolutely should enjoy. These bright yellow flowers are the male blossoms that grow on various squash plants such as zucchini & summer squash. Every year I love to plant these vegetables in my garden not only for the fruit it bears but these beautiful, edible blossoms.

This is SO easy to make. The tempura batter takes two seconds to whisk together and the ricotta herb spread only involves chopping up some fresh herbs (but dried herbs can be used as a substitute!).

It’s my favorite season of the year: FRESH SWEET CORN SEASON! I have always loved to make creamy, buttery polenta so combining that with fresh sweet creamed corn was a no-brainer and you GUYS, it turned out AMAZING. It is kinda like corn casserole but, dare I say, it may even be better.

Looking for a go-to, healthy dressing that is packed with herbaceous flavor and is able to be put on anything?! Yes, I mean anything… chicken, salmon, salads, veggies, meats… it compliments them all! Just gather up a large handful of assorted herbs and you’re already halfway there.

These aren’t just any ol’ sloppy joe you had as a kid. My version has been “adulterized” by adding flavors of red wine vinegar for some tang, red wine for depth, San Marzano tomatoes because… they’re the best, red peppers for texture and sweetness, jalapeños for a little kick, and THEN topped with freshly fried crispy shallots & jalapeños to bring it all on home to Flavortown (totally felt like Guy Fieri writing that).

The EASIEST & TASTIEST egg salad that is a weekend staple over here in our nest! I love to serve this over a toasted English Muffin, baguette or simple piece of toast. Need to make it GF? Try it on a crisp romaine leaf!

Zuppa Toscana soup is long time love for me. The savory broth thats’s full of flavor and the right amount of spice holds memories from my younger years when Olive Garden was strong in my restaurant rotation. If you have ever had it there, this version is just as good, and dare I say… even better. I created a version that omitted any thickeners flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.