vegetarian

Weekday Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Bars

August 5, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

I call these “weekday” chocolate peanut butter crispy bars because they’re a little better for you than normal ones. Perfect for when you want to make a quick dessert or snack, but don’t want to make a whole batch of cookies or brownies. I know – do those times really exist??

I love to keep them in the fridge when I know I’m going to have a busy week because they’re great for those times when you need something quick and filling to eat. But you could just as easily take them to a friends house for dessert because who doesn’t love chocolate and peanut butter? Truly a perfect treat!

…

Weeknight Eggplant Parmesan

April 15, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Who isn’t always looking for more attainable weeknight dinners that: 1. aren’t crazy labor intensive 2. use a few ingredients 3. help you eat your veggies 4. are delicious!? I know I always am! Enter this weeknight eggplant parmesan.

This eggplant parmesan is different because you broil the eggplant instead of frying it, saving time and making it healthier. A win win in my book! We’re also getting closer to eggplant and tomato season and I fully intend on making this once a week with local produce.

…

Cocoa Krispy Treat Nests

March 24, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

How can you not smile when you see these nests? We used to make all kinds of “themed” Rice Krispy treats when I was growing up and they’re still so nostalgic to me. Plus, Cocoa Krispy treats are one of my dad’s favorites so we were (and still are!) always finding excuses to make them.

This would be such a fun project to do with kids. I love making them now, but think they’ll be even more special when I can make them with Guy next Easter. But something tells me he’ll be more focused on eating than helping…

…

Roasted Veggie Grilled Cheese

March 18, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Who doesn’t love grilled cheese? Add roasted veggies to make it a meal, even better!

You can roast whatever veggies you have on hand, but my favorite combination is zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. The combo is delicious and makes the sandwich feel heartier. Even better? You can roast the veggies ahead of time so the sandwich comes together in no time. Perfect for busy nights.

…

Tomato goat cheese puff pastry tart

February 25, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

My sister-in-law, Casey makes a version of this tart and I always love it! It’s what inspired me to make this. Plus, it’s the perfect appetizer because everyone loves it, it looks super impressive, but it’s secretly super simple to make.

…

Beer Cheese

February 1, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

With the big game this weekend, I thought it would be fun to share a favorite game time snack. This beer cheese is one of Rich’s and my favorites. It’s more flavorful than normal beer cheese thanks to two types of cheese, sautéed shallot, and a good beer. Plus, you can either eat it right away or keep it warm in a mini crock pot all day. The perfect appetizer or game time snack!

…

Crispy Gnocchi with Roasted Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onions

January 25, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Have you ever pan fried gnocchi so they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside? It’s my favorite way to eat gnocchi! I’ve been making gnocchi this way for a years – I posted a recipe for crispy gnocchi with pesto, roasted tomatoes, and goat cheese back in 2017, which I still love.

I have to say, there’s something about the combination in this recipe that I love. Cozy yet sophisticated, this is a dish I would be happy to get out at a restaurant. So bring the restaurant to your kitchen tonight. Pour a glass of wine, turn on some of your favorite music, and make this for dinner!

…

Simple Tomato Sauce

September 22, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

I started making this tomato sauce earlier this year when I wanted something lighter and brighter than traditional jarred tomato sauce for homemade gnocchi. Since then I haven’t looked back. Don’t get me wrong, there are great jarred tomato sauces out there, but if I have time I’ll make this instead.

It helps that this only takes a handful of ingredients, all of which I tend to keep on hand. The recipe might look familiar because I’ve used it multiple times before, like in my eggplant rollatini and zucchini ricotta roll-ups. Because I use it so much I thought it deserved its own place on the blog. I hope you like it as much as I do!

…

Fall recipe roundup

September 17, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

It’s officially my favorite time of year… fall! While I’m going to miss the summer produce (why can’t we have perfect peaches year round?), I’m ready for winter squash, warm spices, and soup season.

I thought it would be fun to do a roundup of some of my favorite fall inspired recipes, both from here and sources around the web. Bring on the pumpkin!

…

The best black beans

September 15, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Have you ever been to Frontera Grill in Chicago? It’s a Rick Bayless restaurant, who I’ve loved since watching his cooking show on PBS as a kid. He cooks Mexican food, but not the Americanized Mexican food we’re all used to. He uses meats that aren’t as mainstream like goat, layers unique spices in a way that adds an unparalleled flavor, and has one of the most extensive tequila lists you’ve ever seen. Needless to say, Frontera Grill is one of my favorites and I try to go every time I’m in Chicago.

Whenever I go we tend to get multiple of the seasonal vegetables and appetizers for the table to try a little bit of everything. It sounds funny, but to me the standout is the black beans. The flavors and textures take a simple everyday dish and turn it into something craveable.

I’ve been trying to make something similar at home and while these black beans aren’t the exact same, they have many similarities. So I guess you could say this is my ode to Frontera Grill’s black beans.

…