Not only am I'm obsessed with making my own take-out, I love making fun and interesting twists on some of my favorite dishes. One of my most exciting twists is on the classic takeout dish, eggrolls. Did you know you they are super simple to make and you can easily play around with the recipe to come up with all different kinds? My two favorites kinds of eggrolls are buffalo chicken and a simple asian vegetarian. Today I'm going to talk about the buffalo chicken since I think if ANYTHING is ... [ Read More ]
Erica’s Mind Blowing Caesar Dressing
I never thought the time would come that I would share my caesar salad recipe, but I feel like there is not better time. Last night I hit (and then exceeded) 1,000 Facebook fans. I'm just so overwhelmed with how supportive you've all been. Having a blog has always been a dream of mine and you've helped make this dream come true with your support, engagement and words of love towards me. This dressing recipe is my thank you to you all. It is honestly the best caesar dressing you will ever ... [ Read More ]
Restaurant Review: Public House
Ladies, I think I may have found the key to a happy relationship. I have two words for you, Public House. Let me explain. Frankly, I'm not a huge sports fan. Even when I'm trying to be the cute, supportive girlfriend, you can totally tell I'm not at my happiest whenever I'm hanging out at a sports bar watching 300 lb. men run into each other at full speed all in pursuit of a leather coated ball. This coupled with the greasy fried food (that was frozen first) and drunk guys screaming (for what ... [ Read More ]
A Weight-Loss Secret Revealed!
I'll be honest, I am not a nutrition or a fitness expert. I am, however, really good at keeping off those few extra holiday pounds (you know, the ones that inevitably find their way to your hips and thighs) and maintaing a constant healthy weight. I used to always find my weight uncontrollable. Like one minute I was feeling great and 3 days later I was bloated and 8 lb. heavier. Over the past 3 or so years, I've tried every fad diet on the planet. Whether it's the Master Cleanse, the South ... [ Read More ]
Restaurant Review: Sushi Taiyo
With all the amazing sushi options in Chicago, it's helpful to have a little help navigating, right? A few weeks ago, one of my friends, Rikki, came to me and said that I had to check out this adorable sushi restaurant in the heart of the Gold Coast. She said this place has been her little secret and she had been eating there at least once a week since she moved to Chicago 3-years ago. With that kind of glowing recommendation (and given that my friend is a successful restaurant investor in ... [ Read More ]
Homemade Chile Balsamic BBQ Sauce
Like I've said before, I love sauces! Since I love cooking even more, it's only natural that I would try to come up with my own delicious combinations, right? Well I am excited to share one of my favorite homemade BBQ sauces. It's a tangy and sweet balsamic bbq. I can't take complete credit for this recipe since the inspiration came from Food Network a few years back. Of course, I've changed a few things and made it my own (and I think a little bit better). Homemade Chile Balsamic BBQ ... [ Read More ]
Truffled Whipped Potatoes Stuffed Tomatoes
Over the holidays, I spent some time in Boston with my boyfriends family. For a big dinner, I was asked to make the side dish. The stakes were high this year since I started my blog and most people were expecting something pretty interesting. I knew I wanted to make something that wasn't just delicious, but aesthetically pleasing as well. I decided to try out a new recipe that has been brewing in my head for a little while. I wanted to take my famous truffled mashed potatoes and stuff them ... [ Read More ]
The EASIEST Homemade Gorgonzola Sauce
Simply put, I'm a sauce addict. I love sauce on everything. Despite my complete obsession, knowing all the preservatives you get in store-bought sauces makes me shiver a little. That's why I've set out to create my own delicious sauces. The first one is this super simple creamy gorgonzola sauce that pairs perfectly with steak. You can also use this baby on top of macaroni for a twist on macaroni and cheese. I always thought you needed to make a roux (cooked flour and butter) to make ... [ Read More ]
Chocolate Lava Cake
One of my least favorite things to do in the kitchen is bake. There is something about exact measurements and all the technical baking terms that kind of freak me out. That being said, many of you have written in and asked many baking questions, so I've made it my mission to learn! My first conquest was the infamous chocolate lava cake! This is one of my favorite deserts and since I'm always trying to find the best one in town, I figured making it myself would be a cool idea. I tested out ... [ Read More ]
“Cheesy” Creamed Corn
I can't believe it took me this long to share this recipe. I say this corn is "cheesy", but in actuality, it has absolutely no cheese in it at all (although it taste so rich and creamy, you will think it does)! I wish I could take full credit for developing this recipe, but sadly, I can't. I got it from Wendy, my boyfriends mom who blew me away when she first made this dish. You honestly have to make this yourself to understand how delicious it actually is (and its surprisingly not too bad ... [ Read More ]
