Thursday, April 28, 2011

CONGRATS HOLLY AND JAMES!!!


Holly is the beautiful one in the wedding dress, and her amazing husband James is the one behind us :) They just had their first baby last night, and I am soooo happy for them! Welcome to the world, Sonny! Can't wait to visit you guys and meet the baby boy!

....i can't believe one of the "veterans" has a baby...sigh...we're growing up!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

CUPCAKES

neeeeeed to do this with my millions of cupcake liners!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Blacksburg, VA for Spring Game

another beautiful weekend in blacksburg, va. i <3 virginia tech so much!


shameless plug - follow @TheEliteGroup on Twitter :) they are doing amazing things with the pro athletes that graduate from VT :)

Pierogi Casserole

 i found this AMAZING recipe on How Sweet Eats, and i know i had to make it immediately. slight problem, i was heading to cancun two weeks after this posted, and this is not the most healthy recipe in the whole world. but you better believe i book marked it on my delicious site and made it immediately after returning. it is absolutely the most delicious potato thing ive made since the blue cheese mashed potatoes i made for christmas...and i am not a potato fan.

ok let's stop putting off the goodness, here is the recipe, slightly adapted.

Pierogi Casserole
{slightly adapted from How Sweet Eats}

8 medium yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into fours
2 medium onions, chopped
1 bunch of green onions, chopped thinly
8 ounces of cheese, cubed or shredded (I used 2% sharp cheddar - and used about 12oz)
1/2 pound pasta (whole wheat lasagna noodles in our case, but almost anything will work)
1 1/2 sticks of light butter (had to tone it down a bit)

Prep:

Preheat oven to 350.
Peel potatoes and chop into quarters. Set them in a large pot and cover with water, allowing it to come to a boil. Boil potatoes until tender, about 30 minutes. While potatoes are boiling, cook pasta according to directions, and once drained mix with two tablespoons of butter. (i forgot this, so i just cut it up on top of the noodles - worked just fine) Set aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter and saute chopped onion until soft, add green onions and saute for another minute or two.
Drain potatoes and mash with one stick of butter and cheese. Make sure no lumps remain. Fold in onions.
Spread out pasta in a large baking dish and spread mashed potato mixture over top. If desired, top with more cheese and onions. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. This is best when served immediately, but still tastes good after being in the fridge for a day or two (if it lasted that long.)

Friday, April 22, 2011

GOOD FRIDAY, FRIDAYYYY

i dunno about you guys, but i am obsessed with playing rebecca black "friday" each friday at work - its just catchy.

what's even better about this particular friday, is that it's good friday - check out THIS video. if it doesn't rock your catholic socks, then you suck.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Dinner: Lemon Chicken Gyros and Spanakopita dip

 Lemon Chicken Gyros and Tzatziki Sauce *via Can You Stay for Dinner - a new favorite site of mine!

the chicken packed a punch of lemon-y citrus flavor (i added extra lemon juice and cooked the chicken in all that deliciously saucy marinade!! it came out sooo moist) and the tzatziki with diced cucumber added the perfect condiment to the flatbread! i highly suggest you make this immediately!!!

Lemon Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Feta - slightly adapted from *here
makes 2
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (fat free!)
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh dill
    (added diced cucumber and S&P here!)
  • 2 flatbreads
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • minced fresh parsley, for serving
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oregano, thyme, garlic, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add the chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Remove the chicken from the bowl and saute in a large frying pan for about 5 minutes per side, until the pieces are no longer pink in the center.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the yogurt and dill. Spread a thick smear of this homemade tzatziki sauce onto a warmed flatbread, followed by crispy shredded lettuce, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a sprinkling of fresh minced parsley.


find the recipe on Pioneer Woman's site here!

crisp up some whole wheat pita bread in the broiler and dip away! this was delicious, a greek take on spinach dip! i'll definitely be making this again for a party!

Spanakopita Dip - slighty adapted from *here

  • 1 container (17.6 Ounce) Container Greek Yogurt
  • 1 pound Frozen Chopped Spinach, Thawed And Squeezed Lightly To Remove Excess Moisture
  • ⅓ cups Feta Cheese Crumbles
  • 2 Tablespoons Minced Fresh Parsley
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Minced Fresh Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Dill Weed
  • ½ teaspoons Paprika
  • ¼ teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Begin by combining yogurt with spinach and all other dip ingredients in a large bowl. Stir well until evenly combined. Store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour prior to serving. Serve with sturdy chips, crackers, vegetable sticks or spread on bread.

Friday, April 15, 2011

4/16/11

it's been 4 years. 
4 years ago i was a senior in college, livin' the dream, when suddenly the dreams of so many others were so rudely interrupted. 
i will always be a proud hokie, and i will continue to live for those who no longer have the chance to do the same.
{*via}


i always live for 32. neVer forgeT.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Let's go Nat's!



had a great time at the Nat's/Phillies game last night with 15 of my best friends :) love it!

hope you guys are having a great week! i'm sooooo busy that i havent had time to share some amazing recipes with you! i'll be sure to share those with you tomorrow!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

BOBBIE ALLEN MUSIC

love her!
she played at Iota on tuesday night - it was wonderful! oh bobs, please release your musicaaaa to the public - we need it!

greek flatbread pizza for dinner!

dinner with the girls last night was amazing! naan + million of veggies + baked to perfection at 350 = heaven on earth. especially when topped with arugula, my favorite!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Chadwick's Champagne Brunch

amazing day with my friends. it never fails.


boys were there too, all in all there were probably about 20 of us. 11:30am-4:00pm - unlimited champagne. leads to great decisions if you ask me.