Honeydew-Celery Granita | Dandy®

You know those cheesy scenes in old movies where someone is walking through the sweltering desert and they're so thirsty that they hallucinate about an oasis? That's sort of how this recipe came to be.

Except, replace burning hot desert sands with 98% humidity, and you have my reality every day when I walk out the door -- the classic Florida summer.

I don't know how many times I can talk about how sweaty-hot it is outside, but I'm gonna bring it up just one more time because all that perspiration finally led to some inspiration.

Walking through Publix on a sizzling summer day is equivalent to splashing around in that desert oasis; an air conditioned wonderland of never ending thirst-quenching snacks at your disposal. Since I always go straight to the produce aisle, I am often easily enticed by the first few things in my line of vision that look like they might give any kind of relief from the blazing temps -- namely honeydew and Dandy® celery. When it's hot and sticky out, it's hard not to daydream about things that are cool, crisp and refreshing. So it's no wonder that celery snuck its way into my frozen summer treat in this Honeydew-Celery Granita.

I know what you're thinking. Celery?? Not chopped in a salad or slathered in peanut butter?? What in the world? But I guarantee that you'll stop questioning my sanity once you make this. Because, just like raw celery gives that nice, fresh crunch and snap when you eat it as a snack, the essence of celery works harmoniously with the flavor of sweet honeydew melon in this icy refreshment.

Truth be told, I hadn't given much thought to using celery in any way other than in soup or alongside wings until I served as a brand ambassador with Dandy® during the Food Wine Conference last month. But their creativity in using celery in desserts and cocktails at the conference gave way to all kinds of new ideas, which is nice because I can never quite use up an entire bag!

They say necessity is the mother of invention, but I'm here to tell you that so is humidity. This summer, you're bound to be cool as a cucumb... er... celery stalk when you get creative with Dandy®!

You may not have to imagine a tropical paradise if you enter and win the Summer Snacking Sweepstakes where the prize is a chance to "Build Your Own Dream Vacation!" Make sure to check it out and score a free e-book with summer-inspired recipes while you're there!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Dandy® Celery. As always, all opinions here are my own! 

Honeydew-Celery Granita

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
4 pieces of celery, trimmed and roughly chopped
1/2 of a medium honeydew {I used an orange-fleshed honeydew, but any honeydew or cantaloupe would work here}, roughly chopped

1. Make simple syrup: Stir together water and sugar in a small pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and allow to bubble until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.

2. Add chopped celery to the hot simple syrup. Set aside to let the flavors steep, about 10 minutes.

3. Place syrup mixture in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Using a mesh strainer, strain the mixture, pressing on the celery pulp to extract all liquid. Discard the pulp, and set the celery-infused syrup aside.

4. Place chopped honeydew in blender or food processor and process until smooth. Add about 1/4 cup of the celery simple syrup and blend together. Depending on how sweet your honeydew is, you may want to add more or less of the syrup -- sweeten to taste.

5. Pour the honeydew mixture into a glass baking dish or container and place in freezer. After 30 minutes, stir with a fork to break up any ice crystals. Continue to do this every 30 minutes for the next 3-4 hours or until the desired consistency is reached.

Note: Celery stalks make great scoopers!

Zucchini Ribbons Romesco

Moms in bikinis. Discuss.

I've never given much thought to what moms wear to the pool during summertime until I became a mom myself. This is because 1. I generally do not have an opinion about what others choose to wear. {Or not wear. I'm talking to you, Speedo-clad 70-year-old on the beach. Rock on.} and 2. I have more important things to ponder.

But recently, I became friends with a group of women with children around Cole's age and we started having play dates at the pool. {Which, YAY, play dates within walking distance.} The first time I met up with them, I arrived to find that all of the "pool moms" had definitive "mom swimsuits" on, while I wore a two piece. Suddenly, my lack of attention to such details became an acute awareness of my own body and I sort of wanted to wrap myself in an oversized beach towel and hide behind a palm tree.

No one said anything to me, or even looked at me funny that I could tell. But it just got me to thinking: Once you're a mom, are you expected to make "the switch" to a one piece bathing suit? And, more importantly, did someone forget to send me the memo?

As a result, I polled a few non-moms {i.e. my husband and a close friend who doesn't have kids yet}, and both parties saw nothing wrong with my choice of swimwear. I was, however, left with enough doubt that I did a little window shopping in the one piece section at Target, only to leave empty handed. {There are some cute choices, just none that warranted spending the money on.}

I'm just gonna tell it like it is: I don't have superb body image. Like most women, I notice every wrinkle, dimple, droop, sag, stretch and bulge. But I also feel like pregnancy didn't "ruin" my body enough to have to cover it all up behind yards of stretchy fabric. The moms wearing the one pieces looked like beautiful, healthy women to me, and I wonder if their swimsuit choices were fueled by modesty, expectations or something else altogether. If I did dive into the world of one piece suits, it would be more because I want to feel "appropriate."

{As a side note, I have another group of girlfriends with small children -- and amazing bodies -- who shamelessly wear their trendy, two-piece and itty-bitty bikinis, so maybe that's why I had never given it a second thought.}

What do you think? {Please don't make me sorry I asked!}

I think we should think less about poolside fashion choices and more about food. Because that's a department where I feel totally comfortable.

I can't tell you what kind of swimwear is appropriate for the summer, but I can tell you that this zucchini dish is perfect for the occasion.

Summertime is a fantastic time to make the switch from pasta to "zoodles" {zucchini noodles}. In this dish, I skipped the spiralizer and turned to my trusty {and dangerous -- I almost lost a finger a few weeks ago} mandolin to make pappardelle-like strips that are hearty enough to fill in for a carby alternative without causing the bloat and belly. If you don't own a madolin, you can use a vegetable peeler to peel the long strips.

The Romesco sauce is so ridiculously easy that it will become a go-to to toss with pasta and veggies or drizzle over meat. The toasted nuts in the sauce give it a nice texture and the smoked paprika gives it a great, smoky flavor. I added some Kalamata olives to the dish for an extra pop of saltiness.

Just one bite and I think you'll agree that this is a fantastic dish for the summer, whether you're enjoying it while covered up or "al fresco." :)

Zucchini Ribbons Romesco
Sauce recipe adapted from Bon Apetit 
Makes 2 large servings, and about 2 cups of sauce

2 medium zucchinis {thinner ones, if possible}
About 1/3 cup jarred roasted red pepper
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons roasted almonds
2 tablespoons roasted hazelnuts*
4 pearl tomatoes {or 2 medium Roma tomatoes}
2 tablespoons vinegar, preferably red or white wine {or fresh lemon juice}
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Dash of cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped black or kalamata olives

1. Using a mandolin or a vegetable peeler, create long, thin strips with the zucchini. Set aside until ready to cook.

2. Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red pepper, garlic, almonds, hazelnuts, tomatoes, vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne and salt by pulsing until chunky.

3. Open the feed spout and pour in the olive oil while pulsing, and blend until not quite smooth. {You want it to have some texture.}

4. In a large skillet over medium high heat, place zucchini strips and about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid {or an overturned plate large enough to place over the top} and allow the zucchini to steam for about 3-4 minutes. Uncover and allow most of the water to cook off.**

5. Pour in about half of the Romesco sauce, and gently shake the pan to toss with the zucchini. Cook for 2-3 minutes more just to warm the sauce through and allow the zucchini to become "floppy". Add olives and toss to combine. Serve immediately {with a sprinkle of cheese, if desired}.

*If you don't have hazelnuts, you can simply double the amount of almonds.
** Zucchini gives off a lot of water and can dilute sauces easily. I've found that by cooking off some of the liquid they give after steaming, the final product is less watery. Serving right away also helps.

Piña Colada Popsicles| Stonyfield Organic + prAna

What are you craving this summer?

Me? I'm thinking a lengthy vacation and an ice cold umbrella drink by the pool would be nice. Hey, a girl can dream.

Luckily, some cravings aren't hard to satisfy, like breezy summer dresses that go from day to night and creamy, frozen treats that you can make in minutes. My friends at prAna and Stonyfield can help you with those, no problem.

Last fall I wrote about the super comfy sweater I got when Stonyfield Organic and prAna partnered for a little Clean Plate Club collab. I'm not even kidding you when I say that I probably wore that sweater every time the weather dropped below 70. {Which, sadly, was only a handful of times down here.} But, I'm so, SO happy because my friends are at it again -- this time, they're talking summer outfits and warm weather treats, which is a perfect combo for this Florida girl!

I got to pick out a piece from prAna's sustainable, organic line and here's what I chose:

Posing in your neighborhood isn't awkward at all... 

The Quinn dress is everything a girl needs for the summer. It's low maintenance, stylish, comfortable and cool. {And it even has a little help built in up top for the bosom-impaired like myself! haha!} It's kind of a mom's dream to find a piece that you can wear to the park, the store, a play date and a real date, all while looking put together. This piece is it. And remember that vacation I was dreaming about earlier? This would make a fantastic piece to pack and wear with its quick-drying, stretchy fabric that hardly shows a wrinkle. Love.

Tryin' to get my zen on. Where's my Piña Colada?

Clearly, I've found a piece that I might be living in this summer... but now, let's talk about that umbrella drink.

It may be frowned down upon to sip on a real Piña Colada while you sit poolside for your kid's swim lessons this summer {and if it isn't, please tell me where you live}, so we're doing the next best thing -- turning a cocktail into a popsicle. {Sans booze, ladies. Sorry, we can't have it all.}

This Piña Colada Popsicle contains only 3 ingredients, and they're all pretty good for you, too! Creamy Stonyfield Vanilla Greek Yogurt, coconut milk and fresh pineapple come together in minutes for a frozen snack that the whole family will love. {So you might want to keep them in the back of the freezer if you're planning on keeping them for yourself!}

Quench your cravings this summer for cold treats and perfect pieces to add to your summer wardrobe! Want to add this dress to your collection? I'll be hosting a giveaway on my Instagram later this afternoon, so be sure to pop over and follow me so you can enter to win a Quinn dress of your very own, or do a little shopping using discount code SCS16ERSO to get 15% off your purchase! {Valid until July 7. Not valid on gift certificates or with any other offers.}

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by prAna. As always the opinions here are all my own!

Piña Colada Popsicles

1 cup Stonyfield Organic Greek Yogurt {I used Whole Milk Vanilla, but 0% or Low Fat Vanilla would work, too.}
1 cup coconut milk {again, I used full fat, but you could use reduced fat if you prefer}
1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple {you just need enough to make about 1 cup of pineapple puree}

1. Toss all  ingredients into the blender and process until totally smooth.

2. Pour into popsicle molds and place in freezer.

3. Freeze for 3-4 hours or until completely frozen.

To remove, run popsicle mold under warm running water to loosen before pulling out the popsicles.

*If you like your popsicles a little sweeter, of if your pineapple isn't super sweet, try adding a few tablespoons of agave or honey to sweeten them.

Blueberry BBQ Sauce

I had a flat of blueberries delivered to my door last week. That's 12 pints. Almost 10 pounds. Of blueberries.

The longer I blog, the more crazy tales I have of things that are mailed to me. The delivery truck drivers who are assigned to my house probably either think I'm crazy or that the person who lives at my address looks like Jabba the Hutt. Depending on the day, they're probably half right. 

The absolute sweethearts at Wish Farms were kind enough to gift a flat of blueberries to each member of the winning team for the #Hashed competition I mentioned in my Food Wine Conference recap earlier this week. They also shipped a flat of blueberries to the winners of the Blueberry Toss contest I entered, so in a way, I'm glad I didn't win or I would have blueberries coming out the wazoo. {As a side note, though I didn't win, they did include my recipe submission on the Wish Farms site, which I thought was pretty cool!}

As you can imagine, we have all been eating LOTS of blueberries around here. Even Farley. And luckily, Cole has become quite fond of blueberries as a snack, so he's been helping out, too. 

But we still have about 6 pints left after snacking, smoothie-ing and baking all week, so I knew it was time to come up with another recipe for blueberry consumption. With this weekend being Memorial Day Weekend and all, and so many folks taking to their backyards to grill with family and friends, I thought I'd rework an old recipe that could add a special touch to otherwise ordinary grilling.

Blueberry BBQ Sauce! 

Not only is it patriotic to add a touch of blue to your red and white {meats}, but it's also a nice way to sweeten up the day with an unexpected twist that guests will appreciate.

I first posted a version of this recipe 4 years ago {!}, during one of my Tailgate Thursday posts. Back then I used to start by making a strained blueberry syrup, and later adding it to the rest of the ingredients. But that was back when I used to have more time and less children {fury and human} tugging on my apron strings, so I changed things around a bit for this version, and I actually like it better!

My first blueberry bbq sauce attempt back in 2012. 

Blueberries and sauteed onion, garlic and dried herbs make an excellent sweet and savory team, while vinegar and hot sauce give that zip and zing that perks up your taste buds. {I used a combination of Raspberry Wine Vinegar and Chardonnay Vinegar this time, and it really enhanced the berry flavor, but if you don't have those, just use regular red wine vinegar and it should still turn out great!} I blended my sauce in the food processor for a smoother consistency, but if you don't mind some blueberry skins and onion pieces, feel free to keep it chunky.

Whether you slather this sauce on ribs, toss it with chicken wings or dab it onto your burger, you'll be happy you tried something new! Have a safe and happy weekend, and don't forget to pause and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country! 

Blueberry BBQ Sauce

1 pint blueberries
1 1/4 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
2 strips of lemon zest {just peel with a vegetable peeler avoiding the white pith}
4 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, minced

2 large garlic cloves, grated

1/2 teaspoon ground sage

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 cup red wine vinegar 

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1. Combine the blueberries, water, sugar and lemon zest in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Reduce the heat to medium and allow to simmer until reduced by about half, stopping to smash the berries every now and again. {This takes awhile -- about 15-20 minutes. When it's ready the bubbles will be slower and the liquid will be thickened slightly.} Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, in another saucepan or in a medium pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Sprinkle in sage and thyme, and cook for another minute or so. Stir in vinegar, hot sauce, and the blueberry mixture and bring to a bubble, then reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for another 6-8 minutes until the mixture has thickened a bit. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

5. Pour the mixture into a blender or food processor and blend to desired consistency. {Or don't if you want a chunky sauce.} DO NOT blend boiling hot liquids as they can blow the top right off of your blender!

Pour into a jar with a tight fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use.

Note: Remember that since this sauce has a higher sugar content, it will burn easily if cooked over high heat. 

Bacon Lattice-Top Peach Pie a La Mode {with Bourbon Sweet Tea Syrup}

There is something about the honest to goodness, no apologies, "y'all come back now", rib-sticking recipes of the South that speak to me. I've mentioned my infatuation with Southern culture before, so it's no surprise that the food is no exception.

So around this time of year when everyone is all "tacos and margaritas" for Cinco de Mayo, I'm usually dreaming of Derby dishes and thinking about what foods go well with a splash of bourbon. {Hint: It's all of them.}

You can imagine my delight when I discovered that one of the contests for this year's Food & Wine Conference calls for creating your own twist on a classic Southern recipe. Um, done. 

My problem was not coming up with an idea, but narrowing down the slew of ideas that came to mind! My husband, bless him, has been kind enough to listen with {feigned} interest as I brainstormed over the past few days, abruptly blurting out Southern-inspired concoctions and waiting for a look of approval {or disbelief}.

When I came up with this combination, the look on his face was somewhere between curiosity and concern... so I knew it must be a winner.

On a lot of the cooking shows I watch, the celebrity chef judges often praise or criticize a contestant's
"restraint" or lack thereof in a dish. And this pie? This pie would definitely fall into the latter category.

This pie laughs at diets and sneers at daintiness. It says, "Don't come around here looking for a cream puff.", and yet, has some of the genteel qualities of a true Southerner.

Strips of bacon {yes, I went there} are interwoven with flaky bands of pie crust to create a perfectly piggy lattice top. Underneath the shocking exterior is a heap of sweet peaches that balance the salty bite of the bacon canopy. You could stop there, but I mean... you topped a pie with a bacon crust. So I highly suggest going full steam ahead with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of Bourbon Sweet Tea Syrup. It's just the right thing to do.

This ain't the way your grandma from Georgia made her peach pie, but listen... I'm not trying to win a blue ribbon at the county fair. {But I am trying to win a free conference pass!} Sometimes it's ok to #BreakTheRouxles!

Bacon Lattice-Top Peach Pie a La Mode with Bourbon Sweet Tea Syrup

For Pie Crust : 
1 box of store pie crust {or your own from scratch if you prefer, just make sure your recipe yield's 2 9 inch circles}
4 strips bacon {lean or thin cut if possible}

For Filling: 
4 cups frozen peaches {or 3 to 4 medium fresh peaches, peeled & pitted}
1/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water
{Optional} 1 tablespoon sanding/sparkling sugar
Your favorite vanilla ice cream

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Carefully unroll pie crusts to fit a 9 inch round glass pie dish. Place the dough for the bottom half of the pie directly in the dish, pressing lightly and making sure it goes all the way up the sides.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients for filling. Add the peaches to the dry mixture and toss to coat all of the peaches evenly. Pour over the dough-covered bottom of the pie dish.

3. On a lightly floured surface, place the second circle of dough and measure out about 1 1/2 inch strips {the goal is to have strips of dough about as wide as your strips of bacon}. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut into strips. For a lattice design, the easiest way to create the pattern is to fold back every other strip of dough about half way, then place a strip of bacon horizontally across the dough and return the strips to their normal position to overlap the piece of bacon. Continue this pattern until all the strips of bacon and pie dough are interwoven in a lattice design. This is a good tutorial for you visual learners out there!

3. Press the edges of the pie dough to seal or create a fluted design. {I actually reserved a few strips of pie dough from the top and pressed them around the edge to create a fluted border. You don't have to, but it makes for a nice presentation.}

4. In a small bowl, beat together egg and a tablespoon of water to create a wash. Brush the egg mixtures over the strips of pie dough. Bake the pie for about 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden and the bacon is cooked and crisp.*

5. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing.

Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of Bourbon Sweet Tea Syrup!

For Syrup:
1/2 cup brewed peach flavored or regular black tea {bottled is fine, just make sure it's unsweetened}
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon bourbon

1. Bring tea, sugar to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced by about half.
2. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon.

Set aside until ready to use or refrigerate, stored in a sealed jar.

*I typically like to use fresh fruit, but I couldn't find any peaches as they aren't in season just yet. Frozen works just fine. A pound of frozen peaches equals about 3 medium peaches. Depending on the source, it is suggested that you thaw and drain the peaches, though I did not. {And therefore had a bit of extra liquid in the pie.}

*If the edges of your pie is getting too dark before the bacon is crisp, you can use foil to tent the perimeter so that it doesn't over-brown. They also sell these nifty pie crust shields for this very purpose!

*There was a little grease from the bacon that I simply poured off by tipping the pie {carefully!!!} over the sink once the pie was slightly cooled.

Hawaiian Style Turkey Sloppy Joes

Most days, I wake up with an idea of how the day should go. You'd think I'd know better by now. But nope. It is with blind optimism that I enter each day with a "plan", though over and over again I am reminded that life is a chaotic, unpredictable thing. I can't even blame this entirely on having a child because some of the things that throw the day off track have nothing to do with him. {Though most of them do. I think I'll keep him anyway.}

This week has been no different. But let's pretend that things went perfectly, okay? Let's pretend that I posted this recipe yesterday as I had intended. Let's pretend that my A/C didn't shut down and turn my house into a sweat box. Let's pretend that the maintenance man didn't have to stop by TWICE to fix it, and then tell me that there was a good chance the utility closet may flood.

Let's also imagine that I, being a responsible and logical renter, heeded the warning issued to me upon moving in and maintained said closet free of anything important, because it isn't a storage closet after all. That I hadn't stuffed the closet full with Christmas decor {that never went up last year since I'd just had a baby and all} and that I most certainly did NOT use it as a place to store my photography backgrounds.

Because if I did do any of that, it would mean that I'd be forced to haul all that junk out in the evening hours when I was so tired I could curl up and snooze IN the utility closet without batting an eye, putting myself in the precarious position of potentially drowning in the flood that never actually happened. I thank the maintenance man for being cautious just the same.

We're still pretending here, so let's just imagine that all those Sterilite boxes of Christmas stuff weren't piled in a corner in my living room, beckoning to my 9 month old to scale them like Mount Kilimanjaro. Because that means that, in moving things out of his reach, I wouldn't have accidentally dropped one of the boxes -- the one filled with GLASS ornaments, of course -- creating hundreds of red and gold shards of glass that needed vacuuming. Oh well, we had too many anyway.

Can we also pretend that I didn't wake up with a pounding headache that wouldn't quit? And that I actually got the recipe I planned to share cooked, photographed and posted? Not that my child screamed incessantly while I stood at the stove because he didn't feel like being penned up in his Pack 'n Play, or that I accidentally flung pineapple pieces all over the floor. Whatever. I got it done and that's what counts.

Since we're assuming all went smoothly, that would mean that I was able to publish the post while the baby napped and then got to sit down and eat something healthy. Not that the moment I sat at the computer, I was roused by a crash that made me think my child had turned into a pole vaulter and sprung himself over the side of his crib. Or that that I stress-ate mini Oreos that I bought for a baking project. Because that was not part of the plan. {On a positive note, I discovered that adrenaline gives me the ability to sprint at Usain Bolt-like speeds. Good to know.}

Life. Is. Sloppy. But it's also delightful. Much like these:

Truth be told we probably eat some version of a sloppy joe at least once a week. It's quick to prepare and you can add anything you want to it -- the perfect refrigerator clean out kind of meal. Sometimes I cook it up Cuban picadillo style. Other times I make it with an Asian flair. At times, it's Greek.

But today... today we're giving it a "Hawaiian" twist, because it's Friday and I need to pretend I'm on on island sipping a Mai Tai. Who's with me?

A little sweet, a little savory and a touch of smoky thrown in for good measure, it's the balance that you crave in your life. Or at the very least, in your mouth. And as it turns out, it's a fantastic thing to dig into this weekend while you enjoy the return of college football. We win.

Let's make peace with "messy" and dig in!

Hawaiian Style Turkey Sloppy Joes

1 small yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup diced pineapple, fresh or frozen
1 pound ground turkey meat

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 large clove garlic, minced or grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
2 green onions, chopped (divided)
4 Sweet burger buns, such as King's Hawaiian

1. Heat about a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and pineapple and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Scoot the onion and pineapple mixture over to one side of the pan and add the ground turkey meat to the empty side. Cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink {I like to use a potato masher for this job}. Stir everything together.

3. Sprinkle the mixture with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and ground ginger and mix to combine.

4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil and garlic. In Pour into ground turkey mixture and stir to coat. Cook for about a minute or two.

5. {Use the same bowl for this step and save yourself some dishwashing} Whisk together corn starch with about 1/4 cup water until there are no lumps. Pour into the skillet and stir throughout the mixture -- this will thicken up the sauce. {Note: If it gets too thick, add a little more water to get desired consistency.}

6. Add 1 chopped green onion and cook for another minute or so. Scoop onto sweet Hawaiian burger buns and garnish with extra green onion if desired.

Serve while hot and messy, with lots of napkins! :)

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Let me ask you a question: How do you use Facebook? {Because, I'm assuming that you have an account just like everyone and their grandma.}

Do you use it to connect with family and friends? Do you post sparingly... or are you an oversharer? Are you taking advantage of all that album space, or do you share a photo every now and again?

I'm trying to decide how I want to use my Facebook page for The Kitchen Prep because, frankly, it's been a while since I gave it any effort at all. You sort of lose your enthusiasm when you see that the post you've carefully crafted has only been seen by a handful of your supposed viewing audience. Whomp, whomp.

Meanwhile, everyone's all "Follow me on Snapchat!", "Check out my Periscope account!" "Have you seen what's happening on Meerkat?"... and I'm just over here trying to grow extra thumbs so I can keep up with the 3 billion {okay, 4} social media accounts I already have.

So I figured I should just come out and ask you what you think. I mean, if you're like me, you probably already have enough to juggle Facebook-wise: people who cannot stop taking quizzes to tell you which Disney princess they're most like, what their birth order means in the grand scheme of life or who is their true Facebook soulmate. People testing their IQ, grammatical abilities and historical knowledge. Folks who are so darn curious about their future that they have to summon the magical powers of the internet to tell them how many kids they'll have, who they will marry or when they will croak.

You may already have enough to look at between cat memes, inspirational quotes or clickbait articles that reveal what happens when "This girl makes herself a PB&J sandwich, but you won't believe what she discovers when she takes a bite!!!"

If you're a mom, you probably have your fair share of posts to scroll through including {but not limited to} the latest recalls and safety warnings, posts from the hundreds of mommy groups people have added you to, articles for/against/supporting/criticizing/condoning/condemning anything and everything related to child rearing, and of course, the latest piece of information to add to your mom-guilt inventory.

If you're a professional of any kind, you might be agonizing over that friend request from a client, coworker or competitor that will open the Pandora's box of information that you may not want to know about them -- or worse, letting them see things you may not necessarily want to share with folks you're not super close with. {Though I have nothing to hide, I'm still on the fence about accepting friend requests from people who know me only through my blog. Anyone with me on this?}

And then there are the invites from club promoters {no}, friends who want you to play mindless online games {double no}, sporting events {do I LOOK like I'm in shape to run a 5K??}, essential oil parties, jewelry trunk shows, multi-level marketing schemes.... agggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! It's enough to drive a person to hit "Delete Account" and forget about the whole thing!

Of course, some of this I say in jest {if you are my "friend" and you do any of the above things, please don't take this personally. If you bugged me that much I would've already "defriended" you.}, but some of this is too true.

Instagram has become my social media sweetheart, where I share a 50/50 mixture of business and personal photos. There's a different vibe over there and I like it. I've considered sharing the same type of stuff on my Facebook and seeing how that goes, but again, Facebook already seems a little "clogged" and I don't want to add to that mess.

So... what do you think? What types of things do you like to see from the blogs you follow on Facebook? Would you rather I keep it all "Here's the latest recipe!" or should I add in some daily activities, events and the occasional bit of my real life? Let me know!

While you mull that over, let me just share what really counts -- this ice cream. Because, you guys... holy moly. So good.

I have been on a serious homemade ice cream-making kick lately and not to toot my own horn, but every batch is better than the last. So far I've made Espresso Brownie Chunk, Cinnamon Dulce de Leche Snickerdoodle, and now this Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream.

Hello lover.

Though I normally make ice cream with a traditional custard base {meaning eggs, a stovetop and the whole nine yards} this one actually doesn't require any cooking OR eggs, which basically means there's less time between the moment you decide to make it and the second you get to shovel it into your face. You will thank me.

I adapted this recipe from one I found in this No-Churn Ice Cream cookbook that was sent to me... except I churned it because I like to make things difficult. Ha. You can totally try to make it without churning as it is recommended in the cookbook, but if you have an ice cream maker let that puppy do all the work.

Then you can scoop yourself a giant bowl of ice cream and sit in front of Facebook to wonder why you're on there to begin with. ;)

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Adapted from No-Churn Ice Cream: Over 100 Simply Delicious No-Machine Frozen Treats

1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup half and half {or whole milk}
1/2 of a 13 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk {not evaporated milk}
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup strawberry jam
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup finely diced strawberries
1 sleeve graham crackers {about 8 crackers}, crushed

1. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, half and half {or milk}, condensed milk, vanilla and salt.

2. In another bowl, beat together strawberry jam and softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Slowly add a few tablespoons of the cream mixture and begin to beat and incorporate liquid a bit at a time {doing this slowly will help keep the mixture from becoming lumpy}; continue to add the liquid until fully incorporated.

3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's directions. You'll want to get to a soft-serve consistency. Before finishing churning, toss in the diced strawberries to incorporate them into the mixture.

4. Scoop half of the ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Sprinkle about half of the crushed graham crackers over the ice cream. Scoop the rest of the ice cream into the container and top with the remainder of the crumbs.

Freeze for about 4-6 hours or until the desired scooping consistency is reached.

Disclosure: A copy of No-Churn Ice Cream was sent to me for review. As always, the opinions here are all my own!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Pops | Silk Chocolate Cashewmilk

Remember those frozen ice pops {in all their technicolor glory} that we'd clamor over as kids? How about those creamy dessert pops that probably contained everything BUT actual cream.  I get a little woozy just thinking about how much high fructose corn syrup and food coloring I probably ingested in one summer alone. Eek.

I may have grown up, but that doesn't mean that the cravings for frosty frozen pops cold desserts have subsided in the least. Except now, I can make my own to suit my preferences. And my preferences almost always include chocolate.

So imagine my joy when I discovered that Silk now makes a chocolate version of their creamy, dreamy cashewmilk! {Vanilla-lovers: They've got you covered, too!} Now we're talking.


Since I was already smitten with Silk's Dark Chocolate Almond Milk, I was pretty psyched to give this a try -- especially at 90 calories per serving. But I couldn't stop there, of course. What fun would that be?

Is there any combination better than chocolate and peanut butter? YES. Chocolate, peanut butter and pretzels. Something about the roasty taste of peanuts and the hint of salt from the pretzels just makes chocolate taste, well, chocolatey-er,  and the creaminess creamier. {I may or may not have sipped this directly from the blender.}

Um, yeah. Team Chocolate all the way.

You could certainly enjoy a glass of chocolate cashewmilk straight up, but I promise you won't regret whipping up these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Pops for a cool sweet and salty treat.

Have you tried Silk Cashewmilk yet? Which team would you be on: Team Chocolate or Team Vanilla?

For more great ideas, coupons and more visit Silk Cashewmilk's website!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Pops

2 cups Silk Chocolate Cashewmilk
1/4 to 1/3 cup natural peanut butter {I used salted}
Approximately 1.5 ounces dark chocolate, melted
1/4 cup salted mini pretzels, crushed {I used gluten free}

Special equipment: Ice pop molds {or alternatively, small paper or plastic cups}, wooden popsicle sticks

1. Add cashewmilk and peanut butter to blender; blend until well combined.

2. Divide evenly among ice pop molds.* Freeze for about 3-4 hours or until solid.

3. Remove pops from molds and drizzle {or dip} with cooled melted chocolate. Quickly roll or sprinkle in crushed pretzel pieces. The chocolate should solidify almost immediately, but you can also place them on baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and return to the freezer for a few minutes to allow chocolate to harden completely.

*My ice pop molds come with their own plastic lids/sticks, but I prefer wooden sticks, so I freeze the molds with the liquid in them until they are slushy but not frozen solid {about 1.5 hours} and then insert wooden sticks so they will stay upright before continuing to freeze.

Disclosure:
This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

Grilled Tyson® Chicken Wraps with Peach-Ginger Chutney

What is it about the smell of a smoky grill that brings everyone out of the woodwork and magnetically draws people to gather 'round?

It could be the memories of long summer days. It might be the recollection of a favorite family recipe sizzling away on the grill grates. But even though we all look forward to the finished product being served up for us to enjoy, it's the togetherness that makes grilling out something we crave.

Around here, we're lucky to have "grilling weather" pretty much year round, which means lots of time to experiment with different recipes and spend time outdoors enjoying the sunshine and one another. But once we approach those super steamy summer months, I have to admit I prefer sending the husband out to do the grilling while I stay cool indoors!

Even if you're not standing right alongside the "grillmaster" in your family, you can still participate in the food prep when you tag team on recipes like this one -- Grilled Chicken Wraps with Peach-Ginger Chutney.

Smoky with a hint of heat thanks to a dusting of ground chipotle chili pepper, grilled Tyson® Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs {available fresh or frozen at your local Walmart} create a fantastic balance with sweet, fruity chutney. The chicken is perfect grilling up in advance and turning into lunch on the go for a family picnic, beach day or a portable lunch any day of the week.

Though the flavors of the chutney are complex, putting it together is pretty simple... and a great excuse to work in an air conditioned kitchen while the sweating is going on outside!

No matter who does what job, the whole family will come together to enjoy these chicken wraps when the work is done. And that's truly the best part!

For more products & recipes to bring your family together this summer, visit Walmart's Gather 'Round the Grill ideas!

Grilled Chicken Wraps with Peach-Ginger Chutney

2 Tyson® Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper {or smoked paprika}
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 whole wheat wraps
1 cup greens of your choice {I used mixed greens}
1 tomato, sliced

1. Preheat grill. Season chicken thighs with chipotle chili pepper and salt.

2. Grill chicken thighs until fully cooked through and juices run clear, about 5-7 minutes on each side {until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees.}

Remove from grill place onto a plate covered with foil to rest. Once cooled, chop or slice into pieces. Set aside until ready to make wraps.


For Peach-Ginger Chutney: 
Adapted from Fine Cooking

2 peaches, peeled, pitted and chopped
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into 3 large pieces
1 shallot, finely diced
2 teaspoons sugar
1 sprig fresh thyme
Salt & Pepper

1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan with a few tablespoons of water. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

2. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the peaches have softened completely, stirring often.

3. Once cooked, remove the large pieces of ginger and the thyme stem. Mash with a fork or potato masher to achieve desired amount of chunkiness. Set aside unit ready to use.

To assemble wraps:

1. Lay out wraps and distribute greens and tomato evenly between the four wraps. Place grilled, chopped chicken thigh onto each wrap and top with a heaping tablespoon of chutney.

2. Carefully tuck in the sides of the wrap, then fold over and wrap tightly to secure the contents of each wrap. Place seam-side down and secure with a toothpick with desired, or cut in half to serve.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.

Mandarin Avocado Salad

I love it when I open the fridge planning to make myself something only to find that my husband has eaten the ingredients I need. And by "love", I mean I want to pull my hair out a little bit. 

{P.S. Did you know that your hair falls out like crazy after you have a baby? I'm talkin' bald spots. Mine is just now starting to grow back, so maybe I'll refrain from the frustrated hair pulling for now.}

But...marriage vows, right? 

This Mandarin Avocado Salad is not something I'd normally think to put together, but I was inspired by a salad that I get at a local spot that serves grilled chicken on a bed of greens with avocado, mandarin oranges, red onion and a citrus vinaigrette. Such a refreshing combo, it's hard for me to choose anything else when I visit.

Though my plans were originally to recreate the salad, my hopes were dashed when I discovered that dear husband had polished off the salad greens and chicken. Oh, well... Lucky for him this works just as well! The creamy avocado, sweet mandarin oranges, juicy tomatoes, salty feta and tangy vinaigrette form a harmonious little dish that works well as an appetizer or a light lunch.

Simple, fresh and summery. 

I guess the husband managed to avoid the doghouse... this time.

Mandarin Avocado Salad

Makes about 2 servings

For Vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar {I used Colavita Chardonnay Vinegar}

2 tablespoons Orange Olive Oil {or regular olive oil}

1 teaspoon juice/syrup from canned mandarin oranges

1/4 teaspoon salt

Whisk together all ingredients until well combined and emulsified. 

Note: If you don't have orange olive oil, you can use regular and add about 1/2 teaspoon orange zest for orange flavor.

For Salad:

1 large avocado, peeled, pit removed and cubed 

About 1/2 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained

About 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

{Optional} Thinly sliced red onion

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1. Place all ingredients except feta cheese in a bowl. Drizzle with citrus vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.

2. Portion out servings and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. 

Strawberry-Basil Iced Tea

You know what makes me super happy? When big, luscious strawberries are "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" at the grocery store. Know what makes me super sad? When I don't eat them fast enough and they turn into sad, wrinkly strawberries. Whomp whooomp.

I'm here to rescue you from having to experience the berry blues! If your berries are less-than-beautiful, you can still salvage them without having anyone in your household look at you like, "Why are you serving me substandard berries?" Because once you blend them up in this thirst-quenching beverage, they'll have imparted their strawberry flavor and fulfilled their fruity destiny without being judged for their appearance. It's a win-win for everyone.

May is National Strawberry Month {shouldn't every month be?} and this is the perfect way to celebrate the occasion!

As a matter of fact, it wouldn't be a bad idea to whip up a pitcher or two for any of your summer celebrations.

A fun twist on iced tea, this drink surprises the palate with the taste of ripe strawberries and the fresh flavor of basil. Don't care for basil? Swap it out for some mint instead for a cooling treat.

Have some stunning strawberries that you wouldn't mind putting in the spotlight? Check out some of the recipes from my friends at Driscoll's!

Disclosure: I received a gift card and product coupons in exchange for this post. As always, the opinions here are all my own!

Strawberry-Basil Iced Tea
Makes 4 servings

4 cups water
4 black tea bags
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
4-5 large basil leaves, chopped or torn
About 1/2 a package of Driscoll's Strawberries

1. Bring water to a boil {in kettle or microwave}. Add 4 tea bags and steep until desired strength is achieved.

2. Meanwhile, bring sugar and 1/4 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan; simmer for 1 minute or until sugar is completely dissolved. Toss in basil leaves and allow to steep for about 10 minutes.

3. When tea and sugar syrup are ready and slightly cooled, strain into a blender with strawberries. Blend for a minute or two, until mixture is completely smooth.

4. Using a mesh strainer, strain the mixture into a pitcher, pressing on the solids to remove any juice. Discard solids.

Pour over ice to serve.

*If you prefer your tea sweeter, you can increase the amount of syrup you add. Simply use equal parts of sugar to water in making your syrup.