Lasagna Soup

Sounds weird right?

Lasagna, but a soup.

I assure you though, not only is this completely and ridiculously easy?  It really does taste like lasagna in a bowl.

This is a perfect soup to make on a chilly fall or winter Sunday, and then have ready for the week.  You can top it however you like, but my favorite way to serve it is to scoop a hot ladle of soup over a dollop or ricotta cheese and top with some shredded mozzarella.

Seriously, you aren't going to believe how easy this one is!

Just as a heads up, I cooked the pasta right in the soup.  As it sat for a couple days, it definitely got thicker, so if you want it to be more soup-like for leftovers, just add a bit more broth when reheating!

Lasagna Soup

1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 1/4 pound lean hot italian turkey sausage, casings removed
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 large can (29 oz) tomato sauce
2 1/2 tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1 3/4 tsp. dried basil
3/4 tsp. oregano
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 pound farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
3 cups fresh spinach


Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot, and cook the turkey sausage over medium high heat until cooked through. 

Add in the garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, rosemary, basil, oregano, chicken broth, thyme, sugar and salt and stir well.  Simmer over medium / low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in the pasta and cook until pasta is cooked through.  Toss in the spinach and allow it to wilt.

Serve over a scoop of ricotta and topped with mozzarella!

Fantastic Friday Four - Holiday Edition!

I'm a sucker for this time of year.  So, with that in mind, these are some of the holiday things that I'm loving this week!

First has to be my tree right?  I had a tree trimming party the other night and the elves did a great job. This time of of year, the first thing I do when I get up in the morning?  Turn on the tree.  First thing after work?  Turn on the tree.  There is little I enjoy more than sitting in front of the tree with no lights on but that. 

Come on, you all know you are as obsessed with The Christmas Story as I am.  A few years ago, my parents gave my brothers and I these for Christmas, and it's one of the first decorations I put up.  It's a major award!

I'm a self-professed candle freak, no lie.  And I have a lot of favorite holiday scents but this one has to be my favorite.  I really don't know why, but just smelling it reminds me of Christmas!  Also, love this winter candle holder, because it isn't specific to Christmas so it will stay out past that time.  Gotta love Bath and Body Works!

Literally, every night.  Seriously, this is like the cheapest wine ($6!!!) but so good!  Pour some into a measuring cup, heat for about 30 - 40 seconds, pour into a wine glass.  It is the perfect remedy to a cold winter day, and absolutely a must for sitting in front of the tree!

What are your favorite holiday things?

Fantastic Friday Four: Skin Care Faves!

I may have mentioned recently that I'm a makeup junkie.

FYI, that also applies to skin care. 

I LOVE trying new stuff out.  I have super dry skin, particularly in the winter, so anything moisturizing is my jam.

So I thought I'd share four of my current favorite skincare products!  Happy Friday!

Soap & Glory Beauty Sleep Accelerator

Given that I'm OBSESSED with Soap & Glory's body butter, when I saw the night cream I knew I had to try it.  It's super thick and creamy but doesn't feel greasy. 

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub

You guys, this literally tastes like kettle corn.  And the instructions are to literally rub it into your lips and lick it off!  Lush products are completely natural so it's safe!  It's like a snack, but it's also a really good lip exfoliator for anyone like me who gets very dry lips.

Algenist Eye Renewal Balm

Remember the whole dry skin thing?  That goes double for the under eyes.  This cream is AMAZING.  I actually got it as a sample at Sephora and it's lasted me over a month.  A little bit goes a LONG way.  And that's using it both morning and night!

Fresh Rose Floral Toner

I'm a sucker for rose scents, and this one isn't overpowering.  This toner is super refreshing. I spray it on after a shower or when I get up in the morning.  Also love to just mist it on to freshen up my makeup during the day.

What are your favorite skincare items?

**This post contains affiliate links**

Pumpkin Spice Waffle

I swear, the pumpkin overload will end soon.

Maybe.  At least until next September.  (Let's be honest.  August)

I'm a big fan of Kodiak Cakes - particularly their Power mix.  Super easy to work with, and a nice quick breakfast.

Recently, I've begun adding Quest MCT oil powder to my waffles.  This is totally a skipable step but it makes the waffles super fluffy.  It also has some great health benefits, as it is a healthy fat, somewhat akin to coconut oil (at least from what I've read!).

I topped my waffle with some sunflower butter because, much like pumpkin, I'm completely obsessed.

Just as an FYI, I cooked my waffle on the highest setting on my iron - but your mileage may vary.

Pumpkin Spice Waffle
Serves 1

1/3 cup Kodiak Cakes Power mix (or mix of choice)
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup water
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 scoop Quest MCT oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Spray waffle iron.  Spread batter onto iron and cook on highest setting until done.  Top with your favorite toppings!

Pumpkin Pie Apple Oats

Surprise!  It's a day in autumn ending in "y" so clearly, this post is about pumpkin.

Specifically, pumpkin pie oats.

Now that it's colder in the mornings, I've been craving warm breakfasts.  And oatmeal is always one of my favorites.  The quick cooking oats are perfect for a chilly morning, the apples provide some sweetness, and the cinnamon and pumpkin are super comforting.

I used Stevia for sweetener, but really it was only because I was out of both maple syrup and honey.  Both would be delicious! 

I topped my oats with some Trader Joe's Super Seed Blend and some organic sunflower butter, and it was a super hearty and filling breakfast!

For more great recipe ideas, check out the What's Cookin' Wednesday Link Party at Buns in My Oven!

Pumpkin Pie Apple Oats
Serves 1

1 cup unsweetened cashew milk (or milk of choice)
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 chopped apple
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 packets of Stevia (or sweetener of choice)

Bring milk to a boil in a small saucepan.  Once it boils, add the oats.  Stir occasionally, for about 1-2 minutes or until oats thicken.  Once thickened, remove from heat.  Add in pumpkin, pumpkin spice, apple, vanilla and Stevia.  Combine and add your favorite toppings!

Fantastic Friday Four: YouTube Made Me Buy It!

So.  I like makeup.

I kinda have a problem.  Keep in mind that's only my top shelf.  The drawers beneath it and the vanity table is stocked, too!

As such, I have developed quite a habit of watching YouTube beauty related videos.  A few of my favorites are:

Carly Cristman
Jaclyn Hill
Casey Holmes
Kathleen Lights
Allana Davidson
Beauty Broadcast

Saturday mornings can kind of get away from me, as you can see by the above list (which is abbreviated, I assure you!).

One of the videos I watched was a YouTube made me buy it one, and I got to thinking that there are MANY items that I bought because of a YouTuber's review.   So I thought that might be a fun Fantastic Friday Four post!  Below, see the four of the hundreds of things that YouTube made me buy!  (FYI - none of these were bought with anything but my own money :))

1.  TooFaced Chocolate Bar Palette

Kathleen Lights does so many great tutorials with this.  First of all?  It legit smells like chocolate.  But more than that, it's so pretty.  I love the golden sparkly shade on the bottom and the plummy shade on top.  It's not over the top, you can get a lot of pretty and neutral looks from this.  And did I mention it smells like chocolate?

2.  Too Faced Melted Lipstick 
Are you getting that I love Too Faced?  This lipstick is very different in that it has a spongy type applicator.  I love this color - it's VERY nude but it is a perfect base for a colorful lip gloss!

3. Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anna
This one was talked about on literally every YouTube channel I watch.  As such, I couldn't find it anywhere until about a year after I heard about it!  It's SUCH a pretty color.  Perfect for everyday!

4.  Mac Blush in Melba

I remember Jaclyn Hill talking about this blush and saying it was perfect for people with fair skin.  That would be me.  Also, the peachy color is subtle making it great for everyday wear!


Any other makeup fans out there?  What are your favorites?




**This post contains affiliate links**

Fall Quinoa Salad

Ever wonder what fall in a bowl tastes like?

It basically tastes like this bowl of goodness.

I'm sure it's no secret by now that I love all things fall.  Pumpkin everything, the cooler weather, the changing leaves, football, tailgating...and the list goes on.

I decided to experiment with some of my favorite fall flavors and see if I could make it work all together.  The result was a delicious, protein packed salad that alternated between savory with a hint of sweet.

In other words, right up my alley!

This salad has a few steps, but it's not super labor intensive.  It's a perfect lunch or a great side dish!  It can be served cold, room temperature, or heated, and it delicious all three ways!

By the way, if you are looking for more fabulous fall recipes - check out "What's Cookin' Wednesday" on Buns in My Oven!

Fall Quinoa Salad
Serves 4 as a main, about 6 as a side

1 cup quinoa
2 cups of low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (divided)
1 bag of brussel sprouts, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
2 cups cooked, chopped turkey breast (rotisserie is great for this!)
2 cups chopped butternut squash
1 tbsp. pure maple syrup
2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

Add the 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds to a dry skillet.  Heat over medium heat, stirring often, for about 2 minutes until toasted.  Set aside to cool.

Using the broth, prepare quinoa according to package directions, and set aside to cool.

Heat oven to 375.  Spray a cooking sheet with cooking spray and lay the chopped brussel sprouts in a single layer.  Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine.  Roast for 15 minutes, tossing about halfway through.  Set aside to cool.

Add 1 tbsp. olive oil to a large skillet.  Add squash and saute for about 10 minutes.  Then, add the maple syrup and stir to coat the squash.  Cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until tender.

In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, brussel sprouts, butternut squash, and turkey and toss to combine.  Then, add in pumpkin seeds and parmesan and mix well.

Enjoy!

Biscuit Pizzas

So.  Word of warning.  These become addictive.

Which is why I only made a single batch.  But for real, you can triple, quadruple, whatever this, and it's a perfect appetizer (football anyone?).

And it couldn't be easier!  Mix up the toppings with whatever you prefer (I've done mini Hawaiian biscuit pizzas which are amazing.

In an attempt to try and stop myself from running back and making three more, I served mine with zoodles and asparagus.  It was a really perfect dinner!

Biscuit Pizzas
3 refrigerated biscuit dough circles
1/3 cup tomato sauce
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 cup part skim mozzarella cheese
5 pieces turkey pepperoni

Preheat oven to 400.  Flatten each biscuit into a thin disc.  Top with toppings!  Bake for 9 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.

Pumpkin, Pumpkin Everywhere

So, to what will come as absolutely no surprise to anyone who knows me, this post is all about pumpkin.

I have a serious pumpkin problem you guys.

The thing is, it's totally seasonal.  From August til November - give me alllllll the pumpkin.  After that?  I move into gingerbread or peppermint territory for the holidays.

Obviously, given the addiction that is Pinterest, I've tried lots of pumpkin stuff, so I thought I'd post some of my favorite links for all of you pumpkin lovers out there!

I'll just leave this here first.  Because pumpkin beer.  Obviously.

Pumpkin Pie Monster Smoothie from Oh, She Glows
Pumpkin Dump Cake from Cookies and Cups
Crockpot Turkey, White Bean, and Pumpkin Chili from Skinnytaste
Parmesan, Pumpkin, and Spinach Quinoa from ifoodreal

And one of my own....Gingerbread Pumpkin Cobbler

Spinach, Bacon, and Mozzarella Strata

Brunch is easily my favorite meal to have when entertaining.  One, it's early in the day.  Two, it features a lot of things you can make ahead so you can spend time with your guests.

I recently hosted a brunch, and made this strata, which I was able to make the night before.  And bonus, the leftovers got better the longer it sat in the fridge!

Spinach, Bacon, and Mozzarella Strata
Serves 6-8

8 slices multigrain bread
8 strips cooked bacon (I used already cooked - if you cook it, just make sure to drain it!)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
8 eggs
3 cups 2% milk
3 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups fresh spinach
1 cup chopped sundried tomatoes


Preheat oven to 325.

Spray 13x9 baking dish.

In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, mustard and salt.

Chop the bread into cubes.  Crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Place half the bread in the dish.  Top with bacon, 1 cup of cheese, half the tomatoes, and half the spinach.  Repeat that layer with the remaining ingredients.

Pour egg mixture over the top.

If you are making ahead, place in the fridge overnight.  Bake uncovered in the oven for 50-60 minutes (I actually upped the heat to 350 for the last 10 minutes).

Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

What I Ate Wednesday

So, I'm kind of obsessed with reading these posts - so I figured I'd try my hand at one!

These are my eats from last Wednesday.

Started off my day with a big glass of water, all the coffee, and this Salted Caramel Banana Smoothie using Salted Caramel Quest Powder.  This is legit one of my favorite flavors!

Not pictured is the ginormous coffee I got on my way to work with 1 pump of pumpkin flavoring and almond milk.

Breakfast was around 6, and I wasn't really hungry til about 11:00.  I LOVE The Complete Cookie - but it's way too dangerous for me to have one that's really 2 servings.  I found a box of the single serve ones on Amazon in Snickerdoodle and am SO happy I did.  It's a great mid-morning or pre-workout snack and it's already portioned!

This was a day of running around (I work in 3 different schools on a given day!), so lunch was going to be later.  About 1:00, as I was running between buildings, I had a pumpkin bar from Trader Joe's - LOVE THESE!

Around 1:45 I finally got back to my desk and was able to eat some lunch, which was a slice of this spinach, bacon, and sundried tomato strata (recipe soon!) that I had made for brunch.  I topped it with some extra broccoli.

Around 3:30, I had a pre-workout snack of an apple and a pumpkin chocolate chip energy bite (check out Clean Food Crush for the recipe!)

For dinner, I had a chili roasted sweet potato and brussel sprout hash with a fried egg and a slice of Ezekiel flax bread with avocado.

And finally, because it's all about balance, I had some rice pudding (leftovers from Dad's recipe which is the bomb) to end the night!

What's on your menu?

Fantastic Friday Four - September 30

TGIF y'all!

Is it me, or has September been a MILLION years long?  I'm getting a 4 day weekend this weekend so hooray for that.

Here are some other things making me smile this week!

I hosted a family brunch this past weekend, and the Mimosa Bar was a hit!  I had some raspberries and strawberries, champagne (obvs), and three different juices - orange, tropical, and mixed berry.  YUM.  Also, LOVE this chalkboard that I got on clearance on Michael's!

I am OBSESSED with this Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap.  I got a sample in my Sephora Play box and have been using it all week.  I use it after showering on wet hair, and I also have put it on before bed on dry hair (it's pillow safe!).  It smells amazing and my hair is sooooo soft. 

Because it's fall, and all things are pumpkin in my world, I made a batch of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Energy Balls from Clean Food Crush.  Super easy and sooooo delish.  I subbed in pumpkin seeds for the nuts, but everything else was the same.  It made a huge batch as well!  I have 2 to 3 as mid-afternoon / pre-workout snack and they are a perfect boost.  Also, they keep great in the fridge!

Because it's Friday.  And also, accurate.















What are you loving this week?

Alton Brown - Everyday Cook

So, OMG I got to see and meet Alton Brown you guys.

And he was AMAZING.

I went to this Big Ideas Night at Random House, which I will definitely do again when another author I want to see comes to visit!

The night started at 6:30 with check-in, where we got a copy of the cookbook (HURRAY!!).  Then, we went upstairs for wine and appetizers.  At about 6:45, Alton came out.  This man is incredibly engaging when he speaks, I just didn't want to stop listening!

He talked about his new book mostly, and then the Q&A started.  That brought questions about everything from Good Eats to Cutthroat Kitchen.

And then, it was time to get the book signed and to meet him!

One thing that struck me when I met him was that he introduced himself (which he did to everyone!), and it was like "DUDE I know who you are!" and yet it's so awesome that he does that.  He was super friendly and just a lot of fun.

So looking forward to experimenting some with Everyday Cook!

Because Who Doesn't Love Sunday Brunch?

Ok, technically mine was Saturday brunch, but brunch is brunch yes?

I thought I'd share some of the recipes I used.  A couple I found through Pinterest (of course) and one was from this very blog (the pumpkin one, naturally).

The strata I made will be coming to a post near you very soon!

Crockpot Pumpkin Latte

Cheesy Hashbrown Cups from Coffee with Us 3

Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake from Anderson + Grant 

Enjoy!

Pina Colada Smoothie

Is it just me, or does anyone else automatically hum that song when you hear "pina colada"?

Let's face it, it's one of my favorite drinks (although not the healthiest), so this was my attempt at making it healthier.  Also, minus the rum, obviously.

For this, I used Quest Vanilla Milkshake protein powder, but you could use any protein powder of your choice!

Pina Colada Smoothie

Serves 1

1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond cashew milk (or milk of choice)

1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1/2 frozen banana

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 tbsp. unsweetened coconut (2 tsp. in the smoothie, 1 tsp. as garnish)

Combine ingredients in blender - save 1 tsp. of coconut for the top! 

Nutella Brownie Pie

So, to be honest, I hesitate to call this a recipe.  It's wayyyyyy too easy.

But super delicious.

I mean it's chocolate and Nutella.  What could be wrong?

I've made this several times (also made it once as brownies) and it was a hit each and everytime.  Which, when you see how little effort actually goes into it, is kind of amazing!

Nutella Brownie Pie
1 box dark chocolate brownie mix
1 egg
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup Nutella (slightly warmed)
1/4 of a log of ready made sugar cookie dough

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray a pie plate with cooking spray.

Mix the brownie mix, egg, water, and applesauce until well blended.  Pour into the pie plate.

Warm the Nutella slighly in the microwave, and drizzle over the brownie batter.

Tear pieces of the cookie dough and drop on top of the brownie and Nutella batter.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set.  Let cool completely before serving!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

Remember Snack Packs?  Was a big fan.

The attempt, though, at eating more natural foods (as opposed to artificial sweeteners) is real though. 

I've seen a million different recipes for chia puddings, and have tried about just as many.   Never could quite get it right, until this time!

This was the perfect amount of chocolate, a hint of peanut butter (not counting the blob on top!), and a perfect pudding consistency.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
2 tbsp. chia seeds
1/2 cup unsweetened almond cashew milk (or milk of choice)
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. peanut butter powder
1/4 tsp. vanilla
Pinch of salt

Combine everything in a jar or deep cup and whisk together until well combined.  Refrigerate overnight!

Fantastic Friday Four

A few things that are making me smile this week!

I got to see Bruce Springsteen at Met Life on Tuesday and it was EPIC.  Also, he played Jersey Girl, so score!

Seriously (and I'm biased because I'm a HUGE fan), if you haven't had the chance to see Springsteen, DO IT.

Let's just call this my transition to fall bag.  Love the color, and of course it has to be giant enough to fit my immense planner.  Got it at New York and Company!

Ummmm, yes.  ALL THE PUMPKIN.  And these are delicious!

And speaking of pumpkin...

I feel like this came out extra early this year, but I ain't mad. 

What's making you smile this week??

Spinach and Artichoke Flatbread

Guess what?  It's almost football season!  Tailgating!  Parties!  Food!

If you are like me, and love the noshiness that comes with football season, then this recipe is for you.  It takes spinach and artichoke dip and turns it into a much healthier, but just as tasty, flatbread.

I used goat cheese (because in my opinion, goat cheese makes everything better), but this wold be just as delicious with some parmesan!

Spinach and Artichoke Flatbread
Serves 1 

1 single serve pizza crust (I used the Flatout Artisan Crust)
1 oz. crumbled goat cheese
5 canned artichokes, drained and pulled apart
1/2 cup fresh spinach
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. chopped sundried tomatoes

Preheat oven to 375.  Bake crust for 2 minutes.  Brush olive oil over the crust.  Then distribute the artichokes, spinach, goat cheese, and sundried tomatoes evenly over crust.

Bake an additional five minutes and serve!
 

Coconut Mocha Smoothie

Remember Mounds bars?  I wasn't into Almond Joy because frankly, I didn't feel like a nut.  But chocolate and coconut was my jam.

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a coffee junkie.  Give me all the coffee, all the time.  I have cut down in recent years, but if I can find a way to sneak coffee into just about anything,  I will.

This smoothie was born of my love for those three things, in addition to my lack of food shopping.  See, when I was getting ready for the next morning, I realized I had just about run out of unsweetened almond milk.  And it was late enough that the store wasn't happening.

Perusing my pantry, I found a can of coconut milk.  I didn't want to use the whole thing in my smoothie (well, I did, but realized that would make the smoothie a calorie bomb), so I figured I would have to improvise.  I thought about water but figured that would dilute flavor.

And then my eyes fell on my K-cups.  Why not?  Coconut, chocolate and coffee?  Sold.

I used vanilla protein powder for this (Quest is my favorite!) but only because I didn't have chocolate (FYI - totally trying it with chocolate and soon as Amazon delivers it!)  The cocoa definitely added enough of a chocolate kick though!

Coconut Mocha Smoothie
Serves 1 - 4 Smartpoints

2 tbsp. full fat coconut milk 
10 oz cold coffee 
1/4 cup unsweetened almond cashew milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. coconut extract
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 tsp unsweetened coconut flakes

Blend all (except coconut flakes) until creamy.  Top with coconut flakes and enjoy!

Friday Fantastic Four: Good Reads!

Let's talk books, shall we?

Now that I'm finished with grad school (YAY!), I finally have time to read for fun!  Not something that happened a lot in the past year.

I can't say that I have a particular favorite type of book?  Honestly, it mostly depends on my mood.  But I thought I'd share a few of my faves from the past few months!  Mostly fiction with a nonfiction thrown in.  I will also throw in links if anyone is interested!

Rich and Pretty: A Novel
I literally finished this one in 2 days on my cruise.  The premise is pretty simple - 2 longtime friends - who don't seem to have a whole lot in common - in the city, and how their relationship changes throughout the years.  The writing style itself is witty, a real easy yet fascinating read.  I totally got invested in this friendship!

Attachments
This one was a gift from friends and I fell in love.  A lonely guy whose job it is to keep an eye on the company email for anyone not using it appropriately.  And, of course, 2 girls who are allllll about the personal emails.  It was one I couldn't put down because I couldn't wait to see what happened.  All the characters are really likable and it's a quick moving story!

Beauty Queens
Picture it.  A plane full of teen beauty pageant contestants crashes.  A pageant sponsored by the biggest corporation in America.  What are the stranded teen beauty queens to do?  A satirical look at media and its power, this one also has some terrific characters and is hilarious.

And I Don't Want to Live This Life
You may have heard the tragic story of punk rock star Sid Vicious and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen.  This book is written by Nancy's mother, and details her troubled childhood, her psychological problems, and the pain of raising an extremely troubled daughter that would go on to have her murder splashed all over the papers.  A really gripping and intense story.

What books are you loving?