25 years ago on this very day, late afternoon to be exact, I arrived in America, and as they say, the rest is History. Moving as a fresh 12 year old (almost a month to the day after I turned 12) to another country where you don’t know anything and barely anyone is no small task. But if you know me in real life you know I’m tough, very tough, very determined and have no patience for excuses. The road wasn’t easy, it was like the backroads of Naples, bumpy and full of potholes holes but if the last 25 years have taught me anything is that life is what you make it, your mindset will make or break you. I’ve worked hard for what seems like my whole life, wasn’t always easy but the end was worth it. I know, deeply in my heart of hearts that I was meant to go through all of that, to lead me here, with a strong backbone and even stronger mindset. It’s those tough years that allow me to be so appreciative of my life, love what’s in my 4 walls so deeply and remind myself every day that sacrifices lead to beautiful destinations. ❤️
Buongiorno!!! Yall this is MOUTHWATERING!!! Honestly I could skip the turkey and make this instead and everyone would love it (but I won’t don’t worry lol) it’s perfect for a small gathering and if you’re on a budget. I used 6lb of leg quarters for under 7$!! here and each one gets cut in half so that’s serving 8 people. Low and slow for a while then increasing the heat for that burnished brown skin. It was sensational!!! I strain and separate the drippings, discard the fat (I actually like to use the chicken fat instead of butter to make a rue) and I used 2 Tbsp of fat and 2tbsp of flour for the 2 cups of drippings and y’all, it was so good Joe won’t stop talking about it!! I’ll be making this for many many future dinners and gatherings ahead! #lvturkeyday2023
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours ❤️❤️
These two turned 25 today.. TWENTY FREAKING FIVE!!!!! How????! Someone help me understand how time went by so so so so so fast… it’s bittersweet, tugging at my heart but man I love them, always my babies no matter what age!
Buongiorno!!!!!!!!! Y’all it’s officially the most wonderful time of the yearrrrrrrr!!!!!! I’m just so excited!! Kicking it off with these candied little bites of pure goodness that you will love!!! All instructions in the video, hardly a recipe and just spectacular served along side a cranberry sparkle cocktail (coming soon hint hint) and it’s just so festive!!
These one pan crispy potatoes were the potato winner of 2022 and I simply couldn’t resist sharing them again because they are so unbelievably good and easy!! Add baby potatoes in a deep skillet and cover with water (about half an inch above the potatoes) add a generous glug of olive oil, about 1/4 cup, and a hefty pinch of salt, then bring to a boil, once the water is reduced by half, add cloves of garlic fresh herbs and give them a gentle squeeze then let the magic of cooking do what it does, the water will evaporate and the oil will crisp them up to perfection, make sure you flip them around to get evenly crisp. Serve with an extra grating of parm and indulge 😘
A party in your mouth!! So good you’re gona love itttt!!!! Listed ingredients below!
10 cups of assorted crackers/cereal/pretzels of choice
8tbsp of melted butter
1.5 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp of granulated garlic
2 tsp of granulated onion
Paprika for color
Seasoned salt to taste
Parsley to taste
Gotta love a fun one for the holidays! Puff pastry, Nutella , shape and bake as seen here at 375 for 20ish minutes and it is perfect 😍
She is the moment yall 😮💨 my cranberry mojitos are the stuff of seasonal sparkly dreams!! Start with a simple syrup, then for each drink I muddle together the juice of half of a lime, 2 tbsp of simple syrup (or more of less depending on your preference) and a few mint leaves, then add a shot (or two I’m not driving nor judging ) of white rum, couple shots of cranberry juice and the juice of 1/2 an orange. Shake with some ice then pour into rimmed glasses and top with some fizzy flavored water of choice. It is sensational and you will love ittttt!!!!
Y’all have you whipped up some brie and topped it with unbelievably crispy sweet sticky rosemary infused bacon and drizzled with chili oil and kissed by a touch of honey?!!! No?!!! WHAT ARE YOU WATING FORRRRR?! Seriously though, it’s sublime and so easy!! Whip up some brie in a high powered food processor with a couple tbsp of milk (don’t use this little one like I did because I needed to switch to my big powerful one) and whiz it up until it’s creamy, smooth and decadent. Set it in the fridge for a few min while you bake the bacon. Add chopped bacon to a little oven safe dish, add about a tbsp or two of maple syrup (I used about 6oz of bacon for this batch) a good sprinkle of bbq seasoning (I buy mine) or any seasoning you like along with a little fresh rosemary and bake at 375 about 15ish min or until crispy. Plate the Brie in a shallow bowl, top with the crispy bacon then drizzle some chili oil (I used TJ brand) and a little drizzle of honey and served it with crackers. MY LAWDDDSDDDD ITS SENSATIONAL!!! Must make!!
This is IT! Literally the best turkey you’ll ever make in your life and it’s so easy!! It’s basically impossible to give you all the info in under 90 seconds but I did upload a full in depth, 20 minute video on LITK explaining every detail and giving you loads of tips and tricks on how to execute not only the best turkey but also the bestttttt rich and delicious gravy ever!! I’ll link the recipe in stories but trust me it’s worth watching the video it’s full of goodness! #lvturkeyday2023
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I make sure to have leftover turkey every year so I can make this sliders. Literally the whole family loves them and they couldn’t be easier!! You’re going to love themmmm!!!
The simplest way to dress up just about anything this time of the year! I always get questions on them every time y’all see them in a video or picture so I figured I’d dedicate a video to them so you can save it, share it and make them every year!
Peanut butter blossoms of dreams!! I have no used any other nut butters or substituted any ingredient, these are the only way I’ve ever made them so if you tailor the recipe know they might not come out the same. It’s also crucial you use a creamy peanut butter (like skippy) and not a natural peanut butter because the end result is not as good. If you plan on freezing the dough,just leave the balls of dough on the baking sheet in the freezer for a couple hours then place then in a large zip lock bag and keep frozen until needed, when you go to bake them bake them at 375 for 10 minutes (you’re just baking them 2 extra minutes) and they are perfection!!
Yields about 3 dozen
1/2 cup (one stick) of unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 tsp of vanilla
2 large eggs
2 cups of all purpose flour
1/2 tsp of salt
1 tsp of baking soda
Chocolate kisses 💋
These should come with a warning that says “warning, you won’t be able to stop eating them” they are sensational I tell you!! To make the dough in advance, scoop out onto a baking sheet and freeze, when ready to bake, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes then add 2 minutes of baking time to your total time (should be 10 minutes ) and they are perfect! I have not used a hot chocolate replacement so can’t advise on that.
Yields about 4 dozen
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened at room temp
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp of vanilla
3 cups of all purpose flour
1 tsp of baking soda
1/2 tsp of salt
4 packs of Swiss miss hot chocolate (the milk chocolate)
2 tbsp of instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup of mallow bits
1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup of chopped (well chopped) semisweet chocolate bar, I use giardelli brand
Scoop with a cookie scoop and bake on a parchment paper lined baking sheet at 375 for 8 minutes on the lower third and upper third of your oven!
Buongiorno!!!!! See one thing about me is, imma have antipasti at every table 😂 last year they were in the shape of a wreath and this year as Christmas tree!! No recipe obviously just a foam tree wrapped well with plastic wrap and then stab a ton of toothpicks (I find it easier to break them in half) pierce them all around and then attach whatever your heart desires to it. Stay away from oily things as it would make this so messy but it’s just such a show stopper especially if you wanted to make it as a centerpiece to a big charcuterie board. I just love itttt!!!
Buongiorno!!!!!!! I don’t think I’ve ever shared this but every year I make cookie boxes (and trays) to give away throughout the season (it’s always received with rave reviews) I tend to take a couple days, make many many many batches of cookie dough and mostly store them in the freezer and bake last minute when I need them (and some I make day of because they aren’t best frozen) and I mentioned it in stories and yall asked if I could share the list of treats going in my boxes this year so you can bake along with me!!! So it’s sort of becoming a virtual bake along at this point lol I should also mention that these are the cookies we just love and everyone else does too, they might not be cutout cookies perfectly decorated (those are so notttttttt my favs but I make them for Mia to decorate for an afternoon) but trust me, each one of these cookies are simply perfect beyond words. A couple of them are new and haven’t shared but the recipes are coming this week and next week (thumbprint cookies, angientti and hot chocolate cookies) so if you want to bake along with us, make sure you watch my stories daily because I’ll be sharing my schedule and sharing a list of all the packing goodies to have on hand for gifting! What do you think?!! Adapt the list to what you like, you don’t have to make these exact ones it’s all about what your family loves!!
Buongiorno! Yall these Marsala mushrooms in a delicious gravy like sauce are sensational!!! I originally created the recipe for any vegan/vegetarians who don’t eat turkey or gravy on the big day but you still want that yummy richness and cozy delight that only a good gravy can provide. Having said that, they would be spectacular alongside the turkey as an extra veg, they are worth the few minutes of work I promise! Cook about a pound of mushrooms in olive oil until golden brown, add plenty of shallots and garlic (and season well with salt, forgot that clip) cook them down a couple minutes, add a spoonful of flour to incorporate followed by about 1/3 cup of dry Marsala, reduce then add about 3/4 cup of veggie stock along with some fresh thyme and cook until thickened and reduced. Adjust the seasoning to taste and finish with some parley. Outstanding!! If you can, use a mix of mushrooms for a real special treat, my grocery store just didn’t have any whomp whomp 😤 #lvturkeyday2023
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Call it nostalgia but around this time of the year (really closer to Christmas to be more specific) baked apples bring such joy because it reminds me of my nonno walking in with a crate of freshly picked apples from his best friend’s farm and my Nonna would make something special with them daily and that included baked apples. Hers were much simpler she’d core the apple (kept whole) added a bit of sugar and orange zest followed by a dab of butter and if she was feeling fancy, a splash of brandy around the edges. She’s bake them at around 350 degrees for about an hour or until plump but soft and almost jammy. I’m certainly sharing that version with you as it gets closer to Christmas but I wanted to share my crisp topped baked apples with you now because I loved the idea of adding a tray of these to the Thanksgiving table. It’s like an apple crisp but better I swear! I’ll link the full recipe in my stories (the recipe calls to cut them in half but I didn’t I just hollowed the center and they were fab) 😍 #lvturkeyday2023
#food #foodporn #foodie #instafood #foodphotography #foodstagram #yummy #foodblogger #foodlover #instagood #love #delicious #homemade #dinner #foodgasm #tasty #photooftheday #foodies #cooking #picoftheday #foodpics #instagram #fall #fallfood #thanksgiving #thanksgivingfood #recipe #recipes #easyrecipes
I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever hosted a party, dinner, any get together really, without some kind of charcuterie board. Some are big, some are smaller, but you can absolutely rest assured that if you come to my house for a dinner or Holiday, you will 100% be greeted with a board that’s covered with lots of meats, cheeses, dips, crunchy things and some fruits (fruit and cheese are a good marriage) it’s easy, abundant and always impressive. I always say choose the kinds of things you like and serve with a glass of something sparkly and festive. A freakin awesome start to anything! This is my fav thanksgiving board and I can’t wait to recreate it next week! #lvturkeyday2023
#food #foodporn #foodie #instafood #foodphotography #foodstagram #yummy #foodblogger #foodlover #instagood #love #delicious #homemade #dinner #foodgasm #tasty #photooftheday #foodies #cooking #picoftheday #foodpics #instagram #fall #fallfood #thanksgiving #thanksgivingfood #recipe #recipes #easyrecipes
Buongiornoooooo!! I’m so dang on jolly I can’t even stand myself at this point but listen let me liveeeeee!! lol this was by fav my favvvvv. Cranberry recipe I made last year and had to share it again!! It’s basically a pico but made with cranberries instead of tomatoes and served over soften cream cheese (I’ve also made this countless times and served it over BOURSONNNNNN) and omggg 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 take a bag of cranberries and pulse for 8 seconds, you want them chopped not puréed. Add to a bowl, then pulse half a red onion, a jalapeño, half of a bunch of cilantro and add to cranberries. Add the juice of 1/2 lemon, good pinch of salt and 1 tbsp of sugar. Allow it to marinate for a bit in the fridge and serve over softened cream cheese with crackers. It is so good you’ll be shocked!!
I always love adding some kind of salad or mixed greens to my table no matter what the meal is but I suppose it’s especially on big heavy meals that I need the break of something that provides crunch, freshness and brightness so a salad to me is just a must have. You can go really easy and mix a few different types of greens, add some sherry vinegar, good oil and salt and that’s surely to be enough but I do have a soft spot in my ❤️ for my fall salad. It’s scrumptious and so good and lately I’ve been adding candied pecans and crispy quinoa to it and it’s made it next level!! I’ll link the recipe directly in stories for ya but it’s also on my site! #lvturkeyday2023
Thanksgiving is wrapped up on LITK! My fav dinner rolls and everyone’s fav sweet potato casserole are coming this week, a Thanksgiving Tasty Thursday (on Friday the 17th) to help answer all your last minute questions and help you as much as I can, and a few more videos here on IG for any last minute inspo. It’s been a scrumptious one, filled with cozy, traditional dishes (but made the best ever!!) and ease!! I hope Ive helped you as you plan and prep for the big day, after this week we are onto Holiday season baby!! Love y’all! #lvturkeyday2023
#ad The afternoons can be quite hectic so before we hop from one activity to the next, I make sure to squeeze in some quality time with my girl. An afternoon snack and quiet time is my way of recharging for what’s to come and you know if we’re snackin around here that @motts Fruit Flavored Snacks are going to be involved! These are a family favorite treat made from real fruit and veggie juice and are just so easy to grab and go! Mott’s is doing a promotion right now called Snacks and Stories and with every box you buy, you can get a free book! Get your own by going to mottsstories.com, upload a photo of your receipt and choose a book from a wide variety of Spanish, English and Bilingual options. It’s a great way to encourage more reading to the little ones (something I am constantly encouraging and you know how much I read!!). #motts
*Purchase product by 5/31/24 and redeem offer by 7/31/24. Conditions apply. For full details visit www.mottsstories.com.
