Bird's Nest Pasta

These bird’s nest bowls are so fun and cute. I cook spaghetti as instructed on the package and make a pesto sauce from basil, garlic, roasted pine nuts, olive oil, salt, grated parmesan cheese. I throw in a handful of fresh spinach for an added kick of nutrients. If you’re crunched for time, you can get a premade pesto sauce at the store. I mix the pesto sauce in with the pasta, spoon it into individual bowls and use a fork to swirl it into a nest-like shape. I add two to three mozzarella balls that you can find in the cheese section of your grocery store to the center of the pasta. I usually serve with a side salad to get even more veggies into the kids in one sitting. Enjoy!

To Seltzer or Not

What is up with the recent seltzer craze? I just don’t understand it. I get that they are an easy, low-calorie summer adult beverage option, but most of them taste artificial to me. I don’t get a lot of time to enjoy an adult beverage; that’s single-parent life, and when I do, I don’t care about the calories as much. I want it to be delicious and enjoyable. Once you turn 40, drinking alcohol should be more for the experience and flavors and not how many you can pound down with the least number of calories. Not to mention a hangover at this age lasts days, no thank you! This is why I would instead enjoy a good bourbon or a glass of red wine that has depth and layers of flavors. That is until I was recently introduced to Florida Seltzer by Untitled Art.

When I was first offered a Florida Seltzer, I said, “No thanks, I’m not into seltzers.” I was told this wasn’t like other seltzers, so I reluctantly tried it. I was shocked that I loved the burst of flavor from the Navel Orange Yuzu flavor. No artificial taste at all! I turned over the can and looked at the ingredients, simple shortlist, and everything I knew and nothing artificial. Again, I don’t worry about the calories because I just don’t drink enough for them to have a significant impact; however, all the Florida Seltzers are 115-120 calories and only 3 -8 grams of sugar per 12 oz. That’s a bonus! So far, the Black Cherry is my favorite. So yummy!

Waffle Tacos

I love combining unexpected foods and making it a family event. A favorite in our house is waffle tacos. These do take some work, but that’s a great excuse to get the entire family involved, divide and conquer and enjoy some time in the kitchen together.

Use your favorite traditional mix or waffle recipe. I am lucky enough to have a double Belgian waffle maker to speed up this part of the process. If you are running short on time, Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk & Honey Flapjack & Waffle Mix is also delicious. Our family sticks to traditional taco toppings such as ground beef, lettuce, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cheese, but you can get creative. Of course, for my vegetarian daughter, I use Beyond Burger meat.

Set the stack of waffles and all your preferred toppings on the table. This is where the real fun begins. I love having all the kiddos around the table and seeing how they assemble their waffles. The first time we tried this, we were skeptical; but the mashup of this breakfast and dinner combo is quite tasty. Try it and share your waffle taco creations with us.