This sheet pan meal is from the Skinnytaste One & Done cookbook. Gina has so many solid recipes in that book which have turned into family faves. I am a big fan of all in one recipes. Sure, in a perfect world, I would have the time to make a few different things, but 2020 is so far off from the perfect world that it is laughable. So, in the real world that we are currently operating in, sheet pan meals are clutch. I used thighs which I over-ordered on WF/amazon because I had a… Read more >

Sometimes things do not photograph well. Especially brown foods or things with a mushy texture. In this case, it’s a bit of both. The pesto is the aforementioned “mush” and then there’s the brown farro which doesn’t do the dish any favors either. But you know what? It was easy and delicious and so I’m sharing it nonetheless. I roasted zucchini, green beans, and cherry tomatoes tossed in olive oil, while the grains cooked in the rice cooker. At the same time, I massaged half of this pesto into a head of kale. Eventually I… Read more >

With 2 1/2 hours without kids? I can be SO productive. A couple of weeks ago the kids had their one and only “camp” of the summer. It was entirely outdoors and everyone wore masks the entire time (they also did temp checks every am and so on and so forth). I felt comfortable with it and I am SO glad we ended up doing it because it was one of the best weeks we have had in a long long time. It started at 8 am, which was far earlier than we’ve been getting… Read more >

It’s been too long since I made Kyle lasagna… He worked from home a few days last month and so I knew he’d want breakfasts and lunches at the ready. This lasagna took care of his lunches. And this strata took care of his breakfasts. I used three cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan), but kept it simple otherwise (no meat or greens). He gave it two thumbs up. And since this post has been pretty Italian themed, here are a couple of pizzas that we’ve made lately. V got to pick this week’s menu and… Read more >

I know what you’re thinking…back to back posts!? Has she hired a babysitter?? To which I reply, HA! As if I’d ever accept help! You know me better than that! [Also, babysitters during shelter in place is not happening] No, I’m just realizing that there are certain things I have to let go of now that the world is imploding. Last year Elise would be micromanaging this summer’s activities to the minute. Evolved (slash defeated) 2020 Elise doesn’t give a [bleep] so long as the kids are happy and occupied. Yes, it might mean more… Read more >