How Sweet It Is

I know that some of you noticed I haven’t done beauty faves in a month. I mean, it’s crazy considering I didn’t miss a month for almost a decade and it’s one of my favorite posts to do!

As I’m sure most of you can relate, I have barely been wearing any makeup. It’s been amazing for my skin. I’ve def been keeping up on skincare (will update you on that fully next month!), but not makeup as frequently. Obviously!

Still, the sephora sale is here! VIB rouge starts today, VIB starts 11/3 and Insiders start 11/5! The code is HOLIDAYFUN.

EVERYTHING below is something I use and love (or have used and loved) – these are all my personal recommendations. They probably come as no surprise considering I talk about beauty stuff nearly every month, but here we are! I did include a wishlist of what I want at the end. Spoiler alert: it’s not huge.

I love to use the VIB sale to stock up on my favorite skincare. I also love it to buy perfume, because you can rarely find that on sale (if ever!) – especially my favorite Tom Ford.

Obviously this is a frivolous post in this crazy time, but if you need a moment to take your mind off everything, it’s here!

2020 SEPHORA VIB SALE LIST

SKINCARE

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser. My favorite cleanser I have found in years. Been using it for at least a year and love it. Plus, it smells like strawberries.

Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel Pads. I haven’t stopped raving about these since I bought them and they have changed the texture of my skin. Can’t imagine ever going without these now. I use them every other day.

Caudalie Moisturizing Toner. I use this every single day, morning and night, with an exfoliating cotton round. It’s the best!

SkinFix Barrier+ Eye Cream. This has been my go-to eye cream for well over a year. It works wonders under makeup!

Drunk Elephant The Littles. This is the perfect travel set – also great if you want to try out all Drunk Elephant without the investment. In years I’ve traveled a bunch, I’ve bought this twice. I also LOVE the bag it comes with.

Drunk Elephant LaLa Retro Whipped Cream. This is my favorite nighttime moisturizer, but it also works during the day too. I use it because I have dry skin.

Drunk Elephant Protini PolyPeptides Cream. I use this one during the day under makeup. It dries down so nicely and is slightly more of a gel texture.

Sunday Riley Good Genes. I’m still OBSESSED with this product. It works wonders on my skin. It’s my OG holy grail – have used it for years. I alternate it with the peel pads above.

Sunday Riley Luna Oil. I love this as well, and it does work great in conjunction with Good Genes.

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow. This is an incredible resurfacing serum. I occasionally use this instead of Good Genes. It’s very light and really does make you glow.

Kate Somerville Exfolikate. This is the only physical exfoliator I use on my face. I also use this on my body and it’s great. It has a chemical exfoliate in it as well.

Supergoop Glow Screen. Found it this summer and fell.in.love. It also makes wearing sunscreen everyday bearable.

BODY

Sol De Janiero Bum Bum Cream. As a freak for all things scent, I love using this from April to October – it’s the best summer scent ever. I always buy the huge one at this sale for spring to come.

Sol de Janiero Nude Body Cream. This is a fragrance free RICH body cream. Fantastic for winter.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. I love this cream for all over the body – everyone in our family uses this. It’s also fragrance free. It’s mild and great for eczema.

Derma Doctor KP Duty Scrub. I only use three body scrubs: the exfoliate above, my homemade ones in The Pretty Dish and this one. If you have those bumps on the back of your arms or if you have eczema, this is great. I use once or twice a week.

Derma Doctor KP Duty Cream. Same as the above, in cream form! I don’t use this every day or even every week, but I use it as needed. Eddie really loves this too.

Tax Luxe The Butter. This is my favorite self tanner. I don’t use it in the winter (funny, right?) but I use it all summer long.

MAKEUP

Beauty Blender. If I wear any sort of foundation, this is the only thing I apply it with. I also apply concealer with it.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. I LOVE this combined with BB cream. Such a pretty glow. I put it in any sort of foundation or tinted moisturizer.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue. This is my daily go-to for any sort of color or foundation on my face. It’s super light and I’ve used it for years. I use the shade vanilla.

Illi Super Serum Skin Foundation. If I DO decide to wear foundation (zoom meeting, video conference, etc), this has been my go-to all year. It has really great coverage but feels like nothing on the skin.

Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip balm. Definitely my holy grail lip balm. It’s pricey and not one I keep in my purse (because they always go missing!), but it’s amazing for dry lips.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. Another great option in a pot for dry lips. You can still feel this on your lips in the morning. Max loves this too.

Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Book. I have volume one of this and it’s great for traveling if you want an all-in-one. If the colors work for you, it has everything you need.

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Bronzing Veil. I use both shades of this bronzer (tropical days and tropical nights) every time I wear makeup. The days shade is great for bronzing and I find that the nights shade is better for very light contour. It’s much cooler in tone.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light. This one is my go-to forever subtle highlight. You just look perfectly glowy with this. I love it so much! Have gone through three of these.

Benefit Gimme Brow. The ONLY thing I use on my brows. It’s so natural. Nothing compares to the tiny brush.

Nars Pro Prime Smudgeproof Base. This is my favorite for eyeshadow base. Have used it forever.

RMS Magic Luminizer. I’ve rambled about this forever. It’s an incredible gel-like luminizer and you can wear it on days you don’t wear makeup. It’s super pretty!

Milk Makeup Eye Pigment. I use this almost every single day. And I love it on its own but it’s also a great base. I have hotel lobby and after party – both gorgeous shades. Have also repurchased both!

Marc Jacobs Eyeconic Eye Palettes. These are my current favorite palettes that check every box – great pigment, so blendable, pretty shades and perfect for travel. I have glambition and provocouture. They are SO pretty.

Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick. This in amethyst is one of my favorite shades ever. I use it as both eyeshadow and liner.

Fresh Bloom Lip Balm. This is the MOST flattering shade ever. I use it all year round – it works with little makeup, or a full face!

Glow Watermelon Pop Lib Balm. I repurchased this twice this year. It’s a glossy balm that adds color based on your body chemistry. For me, it was the perfect pop of pink.

Sephora Cream Liquid Lipstick. I fell in love with these late last year when Lacy was getting married. We both got a shade for her wedding. It lasts super well and isn’t that uncomfortable for a liquid lipstick!

HAIR

T3 Whirl Trio. I bought this at a VIB sale a few years ago and still use it weekly. It is an amazing high-quality set that took me a long time to buy (so pricey!) but I use it SO much. And I love that it comes with three sizes of the wand.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day. I love this for styling when I have to blow dry my hair.

Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray. This is my all-time favorite hairspray. I also always have a travel size.

Drunk Elephant Tangle Spray. I use this on Emilia’s hair every night. Smells incredible and takes the tangles right out.

FRAGRANCE

Fragrance is super personal, so I don’t know exactly how to describe these without saying “I love them!” I gravitate towards warm, woodsy scents – think amber, musk, tonka bean, vanilla, etc. Below are my favorites!

Tom Form Noir Pour Femme. This is my winter fragrance.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc. This is my summer fragrance!

Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom. An all-time favorite for me.

HOME

These are my absolute favorite candles to burn during the holiday season! And they never go on sale, unless you’re lucky enough to fine leftovers come January. The reed diffusers also last a few months in my bathrooms. I always get these as gifts during this sale and sometimes buy an extra so I have one come September of the next year.

Maison Louis MarieNo.04 Bois de Balincourt Candle. I first discovered this scent on our Michigan vacation in 2018 and bought the perfume oil. I’ve been obsessed every since and adore that they make it in a candle.

Next Pumpkin Chai Reed Diffusers

Nest Birchwood Pine Candle.

Nest Holiday Candle

Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte Candle.

ON MY WISHLIST

T3 Smart Curling Iron. I am dying for this. I’ve loved my trio wand so much over the last few years!

Dr Dennis Gross Facial Steamer. I’m going strong on the skincare these days. I’ve seen steamers on amazon, but this one seems to have the best consistent reviews?

Nest Pura Diffuser Set. I bought one of these last year and loved it. It’s so great for making your home smell incredible.

[as usual, none of this is sponsored and all of these products were purchased by me. i am not affiliated with any of the companies above, nor do i accept free products. just love to talk about what i like, makeup junkie to makeup junkie. there are some amazon and general reward style affiliate links above. thank you for being here!]

The post October Favorites: Beauty. 2020 Sephora Sale Edition! appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Chipotle Tomato Soup with Smoked Cheddar Pull Apart Bread.

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 10:45:04 GMT

This chipotle tomato soup is an absolute GAME CHANGER.

Mostly because it is served with super easy and quick smoked cheddar pull apart bread. You will struggle to stay away from this entire loaf. Oh boy is this incredible.

I’ve told you before about how I love the tradition of tomato soup and grilled cheese on Halloween! I think one of you readers even tipped me off to the tradition. This would have been an awesome tradition when I was growing up because we always ate dinner quickly before trick-or-treating!

These days, we usually have our parents and family over on Halloween – the result of having the first born grandchild/nephew, etc. SO I make a chili bar for everyone, which is also very fun. It’s also much easier than cooking 12 separate grilled cheeses, you know?

But if you’re looking for traditions for Halloween night, this tomato soup and grilled cheese one needs to happen!

This twist is PERFECTION. I realize that 2020 is the year that we’re not supposed to be sharing food, but here we are and I think if you make this pull-apart bread for just your family in your home to share, you’re golden.

First, the soup!

This soup is basically my go-to favorite, nordstrom copycat (but better, I swear) tomato soup. I added a little bit of chipotle chili powder to the base, cooking it over heat with the shallots and garlic.

The end result is INCREDIBLE. There is this slight bite of heat but it is not spicy, if that makes sense. There is the perfect amount of heat and I am not someone who loves spicy food. If you dip your bread in the soup, it’s even milder. A spoonful will give you a little lasting heat flavor, but otherwise it is a dream!

P.S. if you don’t want anything spicy at all, just skip the chipotle. It’s as easy as that.

Now, for the bread!

YEARS ago, I made this white pizza pull apart bread. It’s definitely a cheaters recipe but really oh-so delish. You simply cut a grid pattern into a loaf of bread (I prefer sourdough) and stuff it full of cheese.

Yes. Stuff it full of cheese. OMG my dream.

Then bake it!

The end result are these perfect cheese-covered bread slices that are incredible for dipping. Or just eating on their own. Basically… inhaling.

This flavor combo cannot be beat! Chipotle tomato soup with a hint of smoky heat, and then smoked cheddar cheese melted all over the rustic sourdough.

DREAM MEAL.

Chipotle Tomato Soup with Smoked Cheddar Pull Apart Bread

This chipotle tomato soup is creamy and delish with a hint of heat. Serve with smoked cheddar pull apart bread for a slice of heaven!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Total Time 1 hour

Servings people

Author How Sweet Eats

Ingredients

chipotle tomato soup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 shallots, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
28 oz diced fire-roasted tomatoes
2/3 cup cooking sherry
1/3 cup chicken stock
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream
freshly snipped chives for garnish

smoked cheddar pull apart bread

1 loaf sourdough bread
4 tablespoons butter, melted
8 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, freshly grated
fresh chives, for sprinkling

Instructions

Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add in the shallots and garlic, cooking until soft and slightly golden and stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and chipotle powder and cook for another 5 minutes. Add in the tomatoes, sherry, chicken stock, brown sugar, basil, salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
Transfer the soup to a high-powered blender and carefully blend until pureed. Transfer back to the pot over low heat. Right before serving, stir in the heavy cream. Taste and season additionally with salt and pepper if needed – it might, depending on your tomatoes. To serve, drizzle the soup with the extra cream and garnish with chives.

smoked cheddar pull apart bread

Preheat oven for 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice a grid pattern into the loaf of bread, leaving about an inch uncut at the bottom of the loaf. I find it easiest to slice longways and then go back and slice the rest of the grid.
Loosely tent the bread with foil and place in the oven for 10 minutes.
Remove the bread and gently pry apart the bread squares. Drizzle the butter into the crevices of the bread. Gently pull apart the bread again and stuff the grated cheese into the crevices and pile it on top. Bake the bread for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately.

I mean look at that meltiness.

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October Favorites: Lifestyle.

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:42:05 GMT

Here’s a peek at everything I loved in October 2020! xo

FOOD

My red apple cider sangria. I don’t think there is a better cocktail out there for this season. It’s so warm and spiced and delicious.

Double Gloucester Cheese. If you’ve never had this cheese… omg. RUN and get it. We used this in my crackling caramel cheese board and while I’ve had it before, it was just so incredible this time around. It has chives in it and the flavor is unreal. You can most likely find it at fancier cheese counter, a whole foods or possibly even your local grocery store.

Pumpkin dream cake. It’s the BEST EVER. People go wild over this cake and it’s

FASHION

Sorel Lola II Stud Bootie. Okay it’s no secret how much I adore my Sorel Wedge Chelsea Boot. I have them in two colors and have worn them for years. They have amazing tread if you live in a place with cold winters and are just amazing! My obsession with Sorel is never ending, so I grabbed these booties and ADORE them. Again – the tread is wonderful and there is no slipping in these. But they are comfy and cute too!

Sorel Go Errand Run Slipper. Now these don’t replace the vionic slippers I told you about last month (those are for indoors), but these are errand running shoes and they could not be more warm and comfortable. Remember my obsession with the ugly faux fur slides from Target the last three years? Like they were hideous but I loved them anyway? These replace those. They have SO much more support, major tread on the bottom and are super comfortable. They are also cuter on then I expected. And the quality is a million times better.

Luxe Layer Long Sleeve Tee. These are the PERFECT layering tees for fall and winter because they are fitted and snug but ridiculously soft. The black is slightly see through (not terribly, just a bit!) so it is best for layering, but it’s also amazing for lounging around the house. I mean, what else can we do right now?

MEDIA

Mariah Carey’s Memoir. This might be my favorite book of 2020. I cannot stop thinking about it. I will write more about in a few day in my October book post, but it was just SO good. I highly suggest listening to the audio version because she narrates it – she sings often and the emotion in her voice is just so moving.

On that same note, I have been listening to all of Mariah’s old albums on spotify. Like the ones from when I was ten years old that I loved! Her self-titled, then also Butterfly, Daydream, Music Box, etc. And E = MC2 is probably one of my favorite albums of all time, if only because we had it on repeat the year we got engaged.

HOME

Nest Pumpkin Chai Candle. One of my OG favorites! I think of this more like a late October/November candle, so I’ve been burning it lately and it’s just so wondering. Fills up the entire house.

Bodum Double Wall Glasses. I’ve talked about these for years but they are my faaaavorite cup for hot coffee. Now that it’s hot coffee season (thought I will always prefer iced forever!), this is all that I use. They are perfect.

Ring light webcam. If you are doing a ton of virtual meetings right now on zoom, you NEED this ring light webcam. It’s almost like using an instagram filter – the light is just so good. And it makes you look AWAKE! And like you haven’t been stuck at home for 9 months.

KIDS

Superhero slap bracelets. Last month Max got a slap bracelet as a prize in school and I just about died. Hello 90s! He loved it so much, and Emilia loved it too. I surprised them with superhero slap bracelets and they lost their minds. This came with 9, so I set the others aside for stocking stuffers and other special occasions (like after they got their flu shot, haha).

Matching holiday PJs! Like the psycho that I am, I order matching christmas PJs for my kids extremely early (and uh, more than one pair – I also do this for every holiday, actually) – because all the ones I love sell out fast. So I figured I’d mention some of the ones I love here! I got these vintage santa ones from smockingbird, these gingerbread superheros from gap (max is obsessed) and the baking PJs from hanna andersson.

Cat & Jack star booties. Emilia looovvvees shoes and especially loves boots. These holographic star booties are so adorable. She wore them for our family pictures and they are too cute.

[none of this is sponsored, i just love to tell you what i love every month! there are a few general affiliate links above! xo]

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12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking.

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 10:45:45 GMT

Today I’m sharing 12 meals for when you don’t want to cook!

Hello, story of my life! There are nights when I just don’t know what to make for dinner – or I just don’t feel like cooking at all… and I love to cook. (more…)

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Caramelized Onion, Apple and Brie Tart.

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 10:45:14 GMT

This apple brie tart is heavenly!

Caramelly sweet onions, flaky, butter pastry, melty brie and pomegranate molasses makes this the most delish tart you could ever try! (more…)

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Tuesday Things.

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:46:25 GMT

1. Eddie turned on Ferris Bueller the other day and Max was in the room. He said “look at him using that funny thing as a phone!” OMG. It WAS a phone. Ha!

2. Cutest halloween brown sugar breakfast tarts! Adorable.

3. Do you ever suffer from imposter syndrome? I constantly do. I love these seven things to do when it creeps in.

4. Since it’s Halloween candy season, I just have to say – remember in the 90s when there were different flavors of Twix? Like peanut butter and cookies and creamy and mint?!

5. I’m very into Rachel’s detail into unscented taper candles! I actually bought some at the start of fall and love some of this inspo.

6. TV things!! I am soooo excited for the few shows that are returning but in the meantime, I started The Politician on Netflix! Have you watched?

7. Ally Love’s story of fighting for life is incredible.

8. Last week I did something dumb and totally apologized for something that wasn’t my fault. The most frustrating thing EVER.

9. Finding freedom in everything you do. Love.

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Creamy Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms.

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:45:53 GMT

This balsamic chicken and mushrooms is sponsored by Fustinis!

Oh my my, this creamy balsamic chicken and mushrooms HITS THE SPOT.

This skillet chicken is versatile and delicious. Perfect for a weeknight. Serve it with potatoes or roasted vegetables or my personal favorite – toasted sourdough bread. (more…)

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20 Minute Veggie Ramen Noodles with Sesame Fried Eggs.

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 10:45:18 GMT

20 minute ramen noodles are a must-make this week!

I mean, look at that. Easy. Delicious. Full of flavor! (more…)

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A Week In The Life, Vol 43.

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 22:52:06 GMT

Another week in the books!

It’s finally a little chilly here and feels majorly like fall.

Um, but my week looked like Christmas! I shot my annual cookie box for you guys and a few new recipes. Going to be so good.

This is one of our favorite quick dinners. Makeshift sweet potato hash with peppers and onions.

And eggs with pink salt!

My little hockey babe.

Prettiest sunrise taking Max to school.

We had a warm day and went to the zoo!

It was so fun.

I KNOW I’M A BROKEN RECORD BUT I CAN’T GET OVER THE LEAVES!

BFFs for life.

We got our fall family pics.

I love him so much.

The colors though.

Made a little house salad to go with…

Some white pizza.

And we made our haunted cookie house!

Quite spectacular if I do say so myself…

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What To Eat This Week: 10/25/20.

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 10:45:16 GMT

Lots of my favorite meals on the menu this week!

My mom’s famous chicken marsala, squash pasta, bubbly cheesy cauliflower and my favorite fall breakfast to name a few…

To kick things off on meatless monday, make this cheesy cauliflower parmesan. It’s so hearty and comforting. I love serving it with my parmesan roasted broccoli, which I make at least once a week.

Sheet pan shrimp nachos for taco tuesday! I mean, do these even need an explanation? Everyone loves them!

My mom’s chicken marsala with almond green beans is incredible. You can serve this alone or with potatoes or rice!

Irish beef stew with herbed dumplings is a perfect meal for the chilly weather.

My butternut squash baked ziti is lovely. It’s satisfying enough to serve alone, but I still suggest pairing it with a house salad for some veg.

Finish off the week with this fuji apple chicken salad! If you make extra apple chips, they are great for snacking.

Pumpkin protein pancakes are on the menu for breakfast, and for lunches, I’m going to make a batch of my grilled vegetable orzo. It reheats so well!

What’s on your menu this week?!

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Currently Crushing On.

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 10:45:03 GMT

Hello hello!

It was a huge week over here! The blog got a big makeover and thank you so much for all your amazing support and love. I’m so happy with it – and most importantly, the recipe search function is now AMAZING!!

This week on the blog, I shared my favorite copycat fuji apple chicken salad! I also shared this parmesan pistachio stuffed pork tenderloin (omg!), these pumpkin pierogies with brown butter and cheeseburger meatballs with special sauce. There’s also an amazing list of my favorite meal prep lunches – 15 of them that you can fully prep on the weekend.

Of course, there’s a new what to eat menu post up, and a new week in the life post too.

Have a lovely weekend! xo

What I’m loving this week:

Halloween taco bar! I need it.

Whoa. Vegan brownie cookie dough cake. (more…)

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Cheeseburger Meatballs with Special Sauce.

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 10:45:07 GMT

Meet my new obsession: cheeseburger meatballs!

Seriously, cue all the exclamation points.

!!!!!!! (more…)

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Pumpkin Pierogies with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage.

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 10:45:29 GMT

These pumpkin pierogies are the perfect bite of fall.

If there ever was a flavor of pierogi that I desired? Pumpkin is it. I mean, I live in Pittsburgh so pierogies are totally a THING here. This may scare pierogi purists away but we’re going on a little fall flavor adventure today! (more…)

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15 Lunch Recipes You Can Fully Prep On Sunday!

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 16:28:34 GMT

We’re talking all about meal prep lunches today!

With 2020 being complete crazy, who else needs some lunch inspo? I mean, I just need a moment to step out of the kitchen and eat a delicious lunch…

So!

I’m always on the fence about meal prepping entire lunches for the week. I talk about this a TON in my book coming out next year – and it includes so many helpful meal prep tips and plans. However, the same theme remains: I hate to meal prep for five full days and the eat the same thing for lunch.

However! Not everyone is like me. Take Eddie for example, ha. We make his lunches on Sunday for four days. These recipes are some examples of what we make – because he wants more of a “meal” for lunch (i.e. not a salad or a sandwich, in Eddie speak) and he always wants to make it and pack it up. For all of these below, you can fully make them and stick them in a container, with the except of one salad.

While I prefer to make batches of soup and freeze half, then do two or three lunches (so the other two days have variety), most of these will make at least four servings!

15 Meal Prep Lunches

Fire Roasted Minestrone. My favorite way to prep this for lunches is to make a batch, freeze half, then use it for lunches for the week. I find that this is so much better than eating it for dinner, then using it for lunches. I get meal boredom easily. Then use the frozen batch for dinner in few weeks!

Greek Orzo Salad in a Jar. I adore this meal so much. It’s one that gets better as it sits! It’s also very customizable – you can use different beans or grains too.

Salsa Chicken Quinoa. This meal is incredible as leftovers. It’s one that you can add toppings to, or easy alone, and it will still be delish.

Smoky Butternut Kale Salad. Kale salads are one salad I actually still enjoy a day or so after they are made. The kale is so hearty and chewy that it can hold up in the fridge. I do suggest waiting to dress these until it’s time to eat!

Ginger Sweet Potato Soup. I LOVE this for lunch because it’s light yet satisfying at the same time. The ginger is refreshing and it is such a good lunch soup.

Baja Grain Bowls. I put the base of these together all the time for lunches. It is wonderful. If you have the time or work from home, you can top it with more ingredients like yogurt or avocado. Or, you can throw those things in the corner of the container and mix it all up together when it’s time to eat!

Sheet Pan Smoked Turkey Sausage and Peppers. This is easily one our most made meals for lunch, ever! Sometimes I’ll make a batch of brown jasmine rice and portion it out with this.

Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwiches. This chickpea salad gets better as it sits. You can totally prep it ahead of time and make an actual sandwich on bread or toast. It lasts – and the salad doesn’t get too wet or soggy.

Easy Turkey Chili. I have lots of chili recipes but this is my favorite. It comes together SO super fast, is very flavorful and is perfect for portioning out for lunch. It’s a smaller batch than most chilis (it serves 4), so it’s great for the week.

Grilled Vegetable Orzo with Smashed Feta Vinaigrette. Perhaps my favorite meal of the entire bunch! This one is loaded with flavor and you can use whatever veggies you like. Also, if you want to roast instead of grill, go for it!

Maple Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage with Brussels and Squash. Another favorite that is so flavorful and SO good for lunch! Again, if you want to pair it with brown rice or something similar, go for it.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls. They only part I don’t add in until the last minute is the avocado and the dressing. And if you’re in a pinch, just skip the avo slices and add a few dollops of guac.

Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers. These are SO GOOD for leftovers! Now I do suggest heating them with a little but of melted cheese and topping with guac, but they are excellent for lunches, and also really good over a bed of lettuce!

Squash Pasta with Brown Butter and Goat Cheese. While I usually use summer squash for this, I’ve made it multiple times in the winter with zucchini since it’s readily available. It’s delish and reheats so well.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. This is one that Eddie loves to take to work. You can bring tortillas with it, or even eat it with tortilla chips. You can also serve it with brown rice.

Korean Beef Bowls. Okay, so technically this is 16, but I couldn’t pass it up! This is SUPER simple, tastes better as it sits and is so easy to prep ahead. I make it with quinoa often too!

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Tuesday Things.

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 10:46:33 GMT

1. This past week, Max called me by his teacher’s name a few times. It was so cute! I remember calling my teacher “mom” in kindergarten and getting so embarrassed. But it’s adorable.

2. Sourdough pancakes!! Totally make these this week. My sourdough starter is still going strong.

3. Have you started holiday shopping yet? I actually have, which is super early for me. My gift guides will be coming in a few weeks! I think this is my tenth year for them!

4. So some exciting news – we are in the process of building of house. Do you want a home series on this? IG stories, blogs? What is one dream thing you wish you could have in your house?

5. Barefoot in quarantine. I love.

6. TV things!! Okay, who watched The West Wing reboot? I watched it and was thrilled, obviously, to see the cast back together. I was disappointed that it was a remake of a previous episode though? I thought we were getting a flash forward!

7. UMMM also, did you see that Dexter is coming back?! Insanity. Pretty sure I documented my Dexter binge watching on Tuesday Things a decade ago.

8. 10 things to do when you’re feeling unproductive.

9. I finished Mariah Carey’s memoir and it was so incredible that I had to tell you about it before my month end reading post. OMG. I might deem it the best book I read all YEAR. Yes. Make sure you listen to it, because she narrates it.

10. How much leopard print it too much leopard print… mine and Emilia’s wardrobes are out of control.

The post Tuesday Things. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Parmesan Pistachio Stuffed Pork Tenderloin.

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 10:45:17 GMT

This parmesan pork tenderloin is sponsored by the National Pork Board!

Parmesan pistachio pork tenderloin is what’s for dinner tonight!

This flavorful weeknight meal is going to become a staple in your dinner repertoire this season. It’s exciting, delicious and a great way to bring some excitement into your kitchen.

Today I’ve partnered with the National Pork Board and their Pork as a Passport Campaign to bring you this delish stuffed pork tenderloin recipe. Pork tenderloin is so underrated. We love it as a weeknight meal, and it doesn’t take very long to cook either. Bonus!

Pork tenderloin is also incredibly lean, making it one of our favorite meats for dinner. And we’re not alone! Pork is the number one consumed protein globally, and it really allows you to explore different cultures when it comes to cooking, especially when we’re not traveling as much. I’ve made many versions in this past, and it’s a great way to elevate your weeknight meal with tons of flavor. It feels special!

If you’re looking for inspo, I’ve made this fig and gorgonzola stuffed pork tenderloin, this grilled thai pork tenderloin and this apple, squash and goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin. Oh and this wonderful holiday pork tenderloin too. They are all dreamy!

I’m excited to add this new one to the list. Pork is a fantastic way to transport you from your kitchen and experience exciting new flavors and dishes from cultures around the world. It’s also such a versatile cut of meat, one that can continuously bring a whole new life to the dinner table.

That’s why we’re making this parmesan pistachio pork tenderloin today! It is absolutely loaded with flavor – while using minimal ingredients. That’s a must during this busy season.

Yes!

I absolutely LOVE the parmesan pistachio combo. Let me tell you how it goes down!

I find that throwing the pistachios in a food processor makes them the perfect consistency. So we combine the pistachios with ricotta and parmesan cheese to make the most incredible filling. It’s cheesy and nutty and savory and delicious. You can eat it with a spoon, but we’re going to stuff it in the pork tenderloin.

I chop a ton of herbs – things like parsley and sage, though you can use what is in season! – to throw in the filling too. This combination is also ridiculously flavorful and adds wonderful aromatic value too.

Another reason I love pork tenderloin? The options for side dishes are endless. You can serve this with some roasted vegetables or even mashed potatoes. You can throw it on top of a salad. If you’re utilizing leftovers, you can even throw it on a sandwich!

It’s a sure fave!

Parmesan Pistachio Pork Tenderloin

Parmesan Pistachio Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

This parmesan pork tenderloin is stuffed with a delicious pistachio parm ricotta filling and tons of herbs. It's a show stopping meal!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Resting Time 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings to 6

Author How Sweet Eats

Ingredients

2 boneless pork tenderloins, 1.5 to 2 lbs each in size
kosher salt and pepper
½ cup roasted, salted pistachios
8 ounces ricotta cheese
⅓ cup finely parmesan cheese
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg
½ cup chopped fresh herbs, such as sage and parsley
brussels sprouts salad, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a roasting pan or baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray.
Place the pork on a cutting board and get a sharp knife. I like to slice it twice to open it up so I have a lot of space to work with. I start at the bottom of the pork (about 1/4 inch from the bottom) and slice it lengthwise, then continue to cut again and open up the pork. You want to have a flat surface to work on. I place a piece of plastic wrap over top of the pork and use a meat tenderizer to pound it out to even thickness. Season the inside with salt and pepper. Repeat with the other tenderloin.
Place the pistachios in a food processor and blend until small crumbs remain. In a bowl, combine the pistachios with the ricotta, parmesan cheese, garlic and egg. Add a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Divide the mixture evenly between the 2 tenderloins. Spread the ricotta mixture on top of the pork, leaving 2 inches or so around the edges so you can roll it up. Sprinkle the chopped herbs on top.
Tightly roll up the tenderloins and tie each with kitchen twine. Season the entire outside with the salt and pepper.
Place the pork on the roasting pan or baking sheet and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the inside is cooked and reads about 140 to 145 degrees F. Let the pork rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Throw it in the dinner rotation! Because FLAVOR.

The post Parmesan Pistachio Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette.

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 10:45:35 GMT

Welcome to my lunchtime fave: the fuji apple chicken salad! Made at HOME!

I promise this will be the last fall salad! I mean, I almost promise. Yes, I share a ridiculous amount of fall salads, especially including apples, but they are just the best salad add-in. And this one is SO good.

A year or two ago we started getting panera once a week for lunch while working. Mostly, my kids were obsessed with different items, but I have gone through phase after phase of their salads – there are multiples that I really love!

I’ve made the strawberry poppy seed chicken salad before and I’ve made their mediterranean kale salad with quinoa too. And! I make their baja grain bowls frequently.

Even though we’re cooking constantly here, sometimes the dishes aren’t ready for lunch (as in, they need to be photographed!) and lunch take out has added the best spark to the day. It also helps that the salads are fairly healthy, even when I do want to get a vat of broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl. As delicious as this is, it puts me in a food coma and I can’t work after!

A long time favorite of mine has been the fuji apple chicken salad. The apple chips, gorgonzola and vinaigrette bring so much life to the salad! I’ve recreated it almost exactly here, with a few exceptions.

Fuji apple chicken salad perfection:

I made my own apple chips, which aren’t quite as crunchy as store-bought ones. You know? They are still really good! Just never as crisp. You can either make your own or grab some from the store. I use these in salads year round, that’s how much I love them.

Also, I either broil or grill some chicken thighs or breasts. It’s delicious, but not necessary. If I was going to prep these for the week ahead, I’d probably use a rotisserie chicken for ease. Or any leftover grilled chicken!

I make pickled onions instead of using raw red sliced onion in the salad. Because pickled onions are ALWAYS better! The tart, briney flavor is out of this world. You can make these ahead of time, of course. I like to keep a batch in the fridge every week.

Finally, I made a creamy champagne vinaigrette instead of a white balsamic. I modeled this after my creamy balsamic dressing in the blueberry salad this summer (which was such a hit!) and oh my word – it is SO good. I’m pretty sure panera has their dressing bottled if you just want to buy that for an extra legit salad. But mine is super close and SO good.

I mean, see that texture?! Crunchy and crisp and refreshing and satisfying and hearty! Everything a salad should be.

Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

This fuji apple chicken salad is a copycat of the delicious version from panera! Topped with a creamy champagne vinaigrette - it's so good!

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Prep Time 30 minutes

For the apple chips 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Servings people

Author How Sweet Eats

Ingredients

fuji apple chicken salad

2 fuji apples, thinly sliced (or 1 to 2 cups apple chips)
½ cup pecans
1 tablespoon brown sugar
pickled onions, for serving
1 cup cubed or shredded chicken breast
8 cups spring greens
½ cup sliced grape tomatoes
⅓ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
salt and pepper

creamy champagne vinaigrette

¼ cup champagne vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon heavy cream
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
pinch of salt and pepper
½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

To make the apple chips, preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Thinly slice the fuji apples and place the slices in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 1 hour, then flip the slices and bake for 1 more hour. You can do this head of time and store them at room temp in a bag or container.
To toast the pecans: heat the pecans in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add in the brown sugar. Toss and stir constantly, as the pecans toast and the sugar melts. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until toasty. Remove and spread on a piece of parchment paper to cool. You can leave these whole or chop them.
To assemble the salad, toss the greens with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Top with chopped chicken, the apple chips, toasted pecans, chicken, gorgonzola, tomatoes and dressing. Toss well and serve!

creamy champagne vinaigrette

Whisk together the vinegar, garlic, cream, mustard, honey and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stream in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Serve with your favorite salad! This dressing stays great in the fridge. Just shake or whisk it to combine before serving.

This is heavenly.

The post Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

A Week In The Life, Vol 42.

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 20:57:34 GMT

Lovely week here for #42!

Max had the day off from school on Monday, so I took the kids to triple b farms. They had so much fun!

We literally got lost in the corn maze. I’m not even kidding! Did not think we would find our way out at all.

Even though the events were outside, masks were still required. It was pretty crowded, but easy to distance and my kids love their masks.

I had to make them take them off for this one… ha!

Why are they so big?!

We went on the hayride…

And finished with apple cider donuts!

It was SO fun. Monday is always an insane work day for me but I basically played hooky and we went last minute.

Hmmm what else. I made my tomato soup this past week!

And I made Eddie chicken parm… one of his favorite meals ever.

Emilia wanted to be hidden inside a pillow and blanket fort.

And she has so much fun playing in and collecting leaves.

We made sugar cookies!

I can’t frost to save my life but they were good.

The leaves are the most gorgeous they have been in years!

My mom and I ventured to homegoods and at home. Cutest gingerbread stuff ever.

Promise I’ll stop with the pumpkin spam soon! How was your week?!

The post A Week In The Life, Vol 42. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

What To Eat This Week: 10/18/20.

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 10:45:12 GMT

We’re definitely in cozy meal season!

This week doesn’t disappoint. So many cozy and comforting meals ahead.

To kick things off, make these french onion stuffed sweet potatoes! You can bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time and reheat when it’s dinner time. We love these! If you want more to the meal, you can add in some shredded rotisserie chicken or beans.

Taco Tuesday! Make these lime sheet pan chicken fajitas. You can marinate the vegetables and chicken the night before, separately. When it’s time to eat, this should come together in minutes!

Cheeseburger chopped salad is up next! This is heavenly. Such a good meal.

Soup season is everything. Try this creamy buffalo cauliflower soup! It’s delicious and so satisfying.

Creamy vodka sauce pasta is next on the menu. You can add any protein you’d like here (shrimp is great!) but I love it without meat. It’s so simple and classic and wonderful.

Finally, homemade fish sticks with roasted parmesan broccoli to end the week. The tartar sauce is incredible.

For breakfasts, go with this overnight autumn breakfast quinoa. And for lunch, make a batch of this tortellini salad ahead of time! It can also be a clean-out-the-fridge meal.

What’s on your menu this week?!

The post What To Eat This Week: 10/18/20. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.