Dinner Party? Easy!

You want to throw a casual get together, a seamless dinner party, an elegant gathering. Well, it can be very simple. These are a few things that should be on your to-do list: 

Let the snacks roll: chips, popcorn, pretzels, or veggies and hummus with dip 

Get ready for drinks: alcohol, soda, juices, and water 

Set the ambiance: awesome music playlist, dimmed lights, and fresh flowers

Plan the meal: this might be the scariest part but don't worry there are few simple tricks

Cooking for a part of 6 might worry you and you might even want to stick to ordering two large pizzas. This should not be the case! All you have to do is pick your protein, your carbs, and your veggies. 

Protein: plan a trip to whole foods or any grocery store that has ready made marinated meats. Whether its fish, chicken, meat, or turkey there is always cool options. Now how do you want to cook for 6 people without making a mess in your kitchen. Always sauté your protein with olive oil in a pan, two minutes on each side, and then just place it in your oven

Carbs: it could be pasta, potatoes, burger buns or rice depending on the protein you select 

Veggies: the easiest way is to make a salad with a pre-washed spring mix, cherry tomatoes, and lemon & olive oil dressing. You can also get frozen veggies and sauté them in a pan 

Bottom line is you can skip steps buy getting prepared items and combining them in a tasteful and fabulous way. Winter season is here! What better way to spend it than with comfort home-cooked food with your friends and loved ones.

                   

Panko crusted chicken stuffed with goat cheese and spinach with a side of rosemary baked potatoes and salad

Casual dinner for 6: Protein, Carbs, Veggies, Drinks -- All set! 

From my plate to yours, 

Maria

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Georgetown Cupcake vs. Sprinkles

The ultimate NYC cupcake battle in my opinion is between Georgetown Cupcake and Sprinkles. Sprinkles dominating midtown Manhattan's shopping area and Georgetown dominating the Soho shopping area.

Now lets get the breakdown! In terms of design Sprinkles is modern and sleek. Georgetown cupcakes is charming and cute. As for the actually cupcakes, Sprinkles cupcakes tend to be bigger, sweeter, and more moist. Georgetown cupcakes have more classic flavors with a richer taste.

My favorite:
- Sprinkles: Chocolate Marshmallow & Peanut Butter Chip
- Georgetown Cupcakes: Salted Caramel & Lava Fudge

As for the winner? I will let you decide!

Sprinkles: Chocolate Marshmallow, Red Velvet & Coconut

Georgetown Cupcake: Peanut Butter Fudge, Vegan Carrot, Double Milk Chocolate Birthday, Red Velvet & Chocolate2

From my plate to yours, 

Maria

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Taking Greek Yogurt to another level

If you are a fan of Greek yogurt then Chobani Soho in NYC would be your yogurt heaven. The unique Mediterranean style cafe gives you a one-of-a-kind experience and a fabulous spin-off on yogurt. The Greek yogurt creations use natural & artisanal ingredients to deliver a decadent taste. The cafe is located in the center of Soho's West Broadway artsy & shopping area. Sandwiches, soups, and yogurt creations Chobani Soho has it all. I recommend the tomato + olive tapenade sandwich, the peanut butter + jelly yogurt, the blueberry + power yogurt, and the hummus + zaatar yogurt. Enjoy!

Tomato + Olive Tapenade Sandwich 

Peanut Butter + Jelly, Blueberry + Power, and the Hummus + Zaatar yogurt creations

From my plate to yours,

Maria

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The Juicy West Village Burger

Authentic British gastropub in the heart of West Village. Definitely one of the best burgers in NYC! The Spotted pig is the home to the famous Chargrilled Burger with Roquefort cheese. Chef April Bloomfield, Michelin Star and Top Chef judge, has received consistent acclaim for having the best burger in NYC. If you are ever around the West Village area and if you are willing to wait in the infamous queue then check this place out!    

The Chargrilled Burger with Roquefort Cheese & Shoestring Fries

From my plate to yours,

Maria

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Meat lover!

You can never go wrong with a filet mignon with a side of asparagus and roasted potatoes with veggies. My way is quite simple. I use frozen asparagus and potato mixes and I sauté them until they become slightly soft. As for the steak I cook it under medium to high heat on a pre-heated skillet with 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Don't forget to season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. A quick and easy way to get a french bistro style lunch in the comfort of your own home. A perfect option for meat lovers! 

 

Steak...yum! 

From my plate to yours, 

Maria 

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Brussels Sprouts Omelette

Whether you want to have breakfast for dinner or simply breakfast this recipe is easy, quick, and healthy! 

Ingredients: 

- 2 cups of Brussels sprouts 

- 1 large egg

- 1 Tbsp of olive oil 

- Salt & pepper 

Heat oil in medium skillet over medium to high heat. And the sprouts and sauté them until slightly crispy and brown for about 5 minutes. Add egg and mix until it's creamy and consistent. Season with salt & pepper. 

This meal is healthy and full of nutrients and it's around 280 Calories making a perfect breakfast or dinner. 

Creamy goodness!  

From my plate to yours, 

Maria 

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Main Dish: Salad

Well guess what? Eating out doesn't have to be heavy. Most of the restaurants nowadays have hearty healthy salads as main dish options. So when you are trying to cut back on those calories pick a salad that has protein such as chicken, beef, or fish. Also, make sure the dressing is not fattening sometimes most of the calories come from the dressing. For example the Caesar salad dressing is as high in calories as a burger. So why bothering having a salad? Light dressings include red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, or lemon-oil. 

I tried out Joe's American Bar & Grill on Newbury street in Boston and I had this mouth-watering Kale & Quinoa salad with toasted almonds, parmesan, and plump raisins. If you ever get the chance to go to Boston you should definitely try this place out. They also have a great selection of cocktails and one hell of a clam chowder soup. 

Salad Heaven                

So next time you go out choose wisely and enjoy!

From my plate to yours,

Maria 

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