Green Bean, Artichoke, & Mushroom Casserole

After finals, I was craving something warm and gooey to reward myself. Which is funny because all I did over finals was eat my feelings, so I knew this was not a good thing. I found a compromise with this dish. It's a soulful, hearty casserole, but it features spring vegetables! (You can always feel better when there's green stuff in it!) And while it is slightly decadent (there is butter in the sauce after all), it reallyyyy could be a lot worse when it comes to comfort food. And it tastes more decadent than it is. Not to mention it's yummy. Really yummy. I finished the casserole a few days ago, and I'm already craving it again... how is that possible?!

Simply put, this dish rocks. I know that all of us red-blooded Americans are familiar with green bean casserole come Turkey Day, but this dish takes it to the next level with the addition of artichoke and mushroom, and it is seasonal now! So, get your paws on the goods, and get to cooking. I think you will absolutely love this dish!!

Note: This dish pairs very nicely with my Italian Breaded Chicken, and it also utilizes some of the same ingredients, which makes for much easier menu planning! Awesome.

Easy Italian Breaded Chicken

Hey all, I have been wanting to post a basic breaded chicken recipe for a while now. It's something that seems fancy, but once you get down the technique, it's a simple, and incredibly adaptable way to invigorate an otherwise boring weeknight meal. This chicken goes with just about anything -- rice, pasta, seasonal vegetables, served over a bed of greens, etc. -- you name it, and it will be a wonderful, crunchy complement. It is also a versatile dish that will easily suit your mood, or the particular ingredients you have on hand. For the last coating stage (#4 below), instead of using Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, you can substitute crushed corn flakes, crackers, or panko (Japanese style bread crumbs), and then spice it up however you like.

This post is really aimed at showing you a simple way to get good results every time. You will use a few dishes to get everything prepared, but if you take a few minutes to organize at the outset, it will save a lot of stress in the end. Beware: it WILL be a hot mess if you DON'T have an organized plan of attack! So here goes... 

Mango-Nut Granola

Welcome to my heaven. Granola and yogurt heaven. Okay, it's not a big piece of pie, or a decadent slice of cake, but I promise, it's something I enjoy eating almost as much. And it's something I eat everyday. Yup, everyday. It's one of the absolute best breakfasts. Or side dish in a packed lunch. Or snack. OR dessert. As you can see, it's easy to fit in there somewhere. :)

And despite being a diehard granola enthusiast, I must admit that this is the first time I've ever made it myself (shameful, I know). I've had it plenty of times from my wonderful (and very granola) Mom, who has sent it to me in many-a care package over the years. But usually, my granola consumption begins with grabbing a box in the store once a week.

I had dreams about making this recipe over finals (having healthy snacks around and such), however, finals craze took over, and I had to put it off until after. Luckily, it came at a good time because I have been quite enjoying it over these lazy summer days (until next Monday, at least). Also, I'm going to Austin this weekend, which means a belated Happy Mothers Day treat for my awesome Mom (who has served as much of my culinary inspiration). Love you, Mom!!

And here it is. I hope you all try this out -- for yourselves, or a granola-lovin' loved one. It's SO easy, and wayyy better than anything you can find in a bag or box, I promise! Also, this recipe can easily be adapted. I love this particular mix, but you can change it up to your taste using your favorite nuts or dried fruit. Enjoy!

Crock Pot Beer-BBQ Pulled Chicken

  I have been just a liiiittle stressed lately. Finals are looming. I had a trial that I was helping out with today (unfortunately it got reset at the last minute). And, did I mention that finals are looming?! My first one is in 9 days. Yikes. Things have been getting so crazy that I was just eating boring sandwiches and frozen things. It has been really depressing. Eventually, my body started to revolt, and I knew I had to put an end to all that. Thus began a search for a quick, yummy recipe that would make a large portion; something that I could eat on for a couple days, AND wouldn't mind eating for a couple days.

From the beginning I knew that I wanted to use my crock pot. It's just too easy -- put the stuff in the pot, go about your business, come back a few hours later -- and there's something delicious waiting for you! Genius. The wheels continued turning when I went to Menu of Menu's, a really fun Houston food event/taste tasting with about 50 local restaurants (it was pretty phenom). Anyway, point being that I stumbled upon the Beaver's booth, and was reminded of an old favorite -- their pulled chicken sandwich. And hello. Lightbulb. It all came together, and I knew what I had to do. So, here you have it. A super tasty pulled chicken sandwich utilizing a crock pot and a few common ingredients. Oh, and beer. Juuust to take the edge off. So give it a try -- perfect for those crazy-busy times, or just about anytime!

Lightened-Up Asparagus Soup w/ Goat Cheese

If you love asparagus, this is the soup for you. EVEN IF you don't love asparagus, this is the soup for you. I'm a fan of asparagus, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this soup. And my absolute favorite thing about it was that it had such a rich flavor, and creamy texture, but no cream. That's right, no cream! Instead of adding cream at the end (a wonderfully fatty way to make anything instantly delicious), this recipe utilizes plain Greek yogurt, and then, for some added creaminess, just add a touch of goat cheese (you honestly don't even need as much as I added in the photo above -- I got a little carried away, as usual). So pick up some asparagus while it's still beautifully in season (and oh so cheap!), and make a soup that, in every way, you will feel good about eating!

Green Bean & Bacon Salad

Crunchy, tangy, acidic, bacon-y... I promise, this will be one of the best green bean salads you've ever had! It's also a great way to add a green side to your meal that is healthful, but also slightly indulgent. Enjoy!!

Strawberry Prosecco Fizz

Before my birthday, I was searching for a Springtime beverage. I knew that I wanted to incorporate strawberries because they are so gorgeous right now (for evidence, see picture below). I finally arrived with this concoction featuring fresh strawberry juice, Prosecco, and ginger ale! I am pleased to report that it exceeded my expectations. This was the item that I definitely got the most compliments on, with people remarking that it was one of the best drinks they'd ever had! My guests also commented that it was nice because it wasn't too sweet, which was refreshing to hear, because I too dislike super-sweet mixed drinks.

I hope that you try this drink while strawberries are in season; I promise it is sure to please. It would be great for Easter brunch, or just about any lovely Spring day!