I think it’s safe to say that pasta & good sauce is one of the ultimate comfort foods. Sometimes it can be a little heavy on the stomach though, ya know?! I am always looking for ways to get in extra veggies and “good stuff” into my kids’ bodies without fighting about shoving broccoli down their throats. Christine just so happened to whip up this spinach avocado sauce in a pinch and poured it over Banza pasta. After getting a huge thumbs-up verdict from her husband, I think I now have to try it not only for myself but my kids.
Spinach Avocado Sauce
Ingredients
1 avocado
1/2 cup spinach
1/4 olive oil
1/4 nut milk (whatever your preference! Christine said she used coconut milk because that’s all she had)
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 clove of garlic
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: add in a little pecorino romano!
Directions
Combine ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Pour over your favorite pasta & enjoy! Adding in your favorite protein to this dish would also be delicious.
Side note: Do not heat this! Since there is avocado in this sauce it will turn brown if you heat. If serving over warm pasta it will heat up on it’s own!
If I told you you could have delicious cookies in just 15 minutes with only 3 ingredients, would you make them now or wait?! Christine whipped these up in a matter of no time for a delicious little treat. This recipe could also have so many substitutes so you could really make them to your liking. The really hard part, however, will be taste-testing all of your new cookies. It’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it, and you seem like the best candidate 😜
Easy 3 Ingredient Cookies
Ingredients
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar (you could substitute coconut sugar for an easy 1-to-1 ratio swap, honey, maple syrup, etc.)
1/2 cup peanut butter
Optional: add in chocolate chips, oats, raisins, etc.
Mix ingredients together. Batter will be a little sticky but that’s okay! Put dollops of batter on to a greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, a little more or a little less depending on your crunch factor! Let cookies cool completely before removing from cookie sheet. Enjoy!
Anyone else stress baking? While I am a self proclaimed “non-baker” my sister, Liz, is incredible at baking. She whipped up this delicious blueberry snack cake, because cake is no longer deemed appropriate just for special occasions. Eat it breakfast, eat it at lunch, or just grab a slice whenever. Let’s try to make this the new banana bread?
Ingredients
2 cups flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed 1 tsp baking powder 1 cup milk 2 eggs, separate 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen but do not thaw)
Recipe
In a food processor, add flour, sugar and butter and process until crumbly (or you can use a bowl and a pastry blender to break up the butter into the mixture so it is pea size crumbles). Save 3/4 cup in a bowl for the topping. Then mix in the baking powder, milk and egg yolks to the remaining flour/butter mixture. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form and fold into the batter. Grease 9×13 pan with butter. Pour batter into pan and sprinkle with the blueberries and reserved topping. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes until edges are golden. Enjoy!
We asked readers what types of posts would be fun during this time. A few readers suggested “quarantine cocktails” and we were more than happy to indulge ourselves in this little science experiment. The TMC Team each has their own, little special quarantine cocktail recipe to whip up when the time is just right. Don’t get us wrong, we still very much believe that meditation & exercise are great ways to keep sane during this unique time. Whether it’s 5:00 or 5:00 somewhere we won’t judge you 😉
Lindsey’s Quarantine Cocktail
Tequila Spritzer
8 Raspberries
Drizzle of Honey
Fresh Lime Juice
1-2 oz Tequila
Heavy splash of Seltzer
Muddle raspberries, honey and lime juice together. Add tequila and seltzer, shake & pour over ice.
Abby’s Cocktail
Cool, Calm, Collected… Cucumber Mint Cocktail
Cucumber
Mint
Lemon/Lime
1-2 oz Vodka
Seltzer
Combine all in a glass over ice! If you have the time, infuse the vodka with cucumber, mint and lemon or lime overnight.
Christine’s Cocktail
Strawberry Lemonade
2 oz Vodka (using Tito’s, but if local to Philly/Delaware can use Stateside or Dogfish Head!)
Zero sugar lemonade
Fresh Strawberries (could also use raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
Muddle fresh strawberries and pour into your favorite tumbler. Fill tumbler with ice, desire amount of vodka & top with lemonade. For an extra fizz you could top off with sparkling water or (wait for it) prosecco!
What’s better than a cheese board? Or perhaps a candy board. Or wait, just a board of yummy, salty snacks?! Why, a sweet and salty board that combines the best of all of those worlds, of course! We have been seeing these crazy, elaborate boards all over Instagram and Pinterest from movie night theme to…wait for it…french fry boards. You can 100% believe we are going to dip our toes into the fries board soon.
The first rule in making any kind of sweet and salty board is variety! After that there are no rules. There’s no right or wrong way to construct and lay out food on a platter, or at least in our book. Have fun with it, and definitely taste test along the way. It’s the toughest part of the job but someone has to do it, right?
Sweet and Salty Board
You can use whatever your heart desires for this board, but wanted to share what we used to help get your creative juices flowing!
Potato chips
M&M’s
White cheddar popcorn
Twizzlers
Sea salt chocolate cashews
Pistachios
Donut holes
Dried apricots
Gummy bears
Milk chocolate bar
Sharp white cheddar cheese
Blue cheese
Gluten-free sesame crackers
Strawberries
Green grapes
Swedish Fish
Gluten-free pretzels
Dark chocolate almond bark
It may seem like a lot, but when you’re hosting/bringing to a party it is sure to be gone quickly! If you’re making for a more intimate setting (hello, Valentine’s Day!) you can always scale back on how much serve. Or don’t, we absolutely won’t judge 😉
xConfession. I hypothetically put on my kids’ oxygen masks before putting on my own when it comes to so many things in life… but don’t we all? There are countless mornings when I get to work after getting my kids ready for the day and fed and organized and off to where they need to be, and then realize, UGH, I am starving and forgot to feed MYSELF breakfast. Then I putz around, eat something I probably shouldn’t (hello peanut butter cups I found the depths of my handbag), and try to make it until lunch.
THAT NEEDED TO CHANGE.
And it’s really not that hard as long as you do a little prep work. Brandless has the most amazing wellness bundle that has helped me to start my day energized. The number of recipes you can make with these supplements are endless so I never get bored of eating the same thing over and over and it’s always exciting to try something new. Whether you are a smoothie girl or a soothing latte girl… a bowl babe or a just like it straight up on the rocks, I have a morning or any time of day treat for you! NOTE: I am not a chef nor a medical doctor so check with your physician before adding any supplements to your diet.
Matcha Green Morning Sunshine Bowl
Ingredients:
Whole banana
Half cup frozen mango or pineapple
Cup of fresh kale
1 tsp matcha powder
1 cup almond milk (or milk/liquid of your choice)
Directions: Add all ingredients into a blender, blend to desired consistency, then top with fresh fruit and granola.
Maca Milk Chiller
Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk (I use vanilla)
1 tsp maca powder
1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)
1-2 tsp honey
half cup ice
Directions: Wisk all ingredients together and pour over ice
Moringa Almond Milk Honey Latte
Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk (I use vanilla)
2 tsp moringa powder
1-2 tsp honey
Directions: Heat almond milk and wisk in moringa powder and honey OR if you have a frother (I used my Nespresso one) they work great as well. Pour into a mug and sip.
Golden Milk Banana Mango Smoothie
Ingredients:
Whole banana
half cup frozen mango or pineapple (or mix of both)
2 tablespoons plain greek yogurt
1 cup almond milk (I use vanilla)
1 tsp golden milk powder
Directions: Add all ingredients to blender and blend to desired consistency.
Every Sunday we have a family dinner with whatever family members happen to be around – cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, more cousins etc… And every Sunday I show up, usually empty handed. I mean, I have my 4 kids and my husband with me, but my family assumes I have my hands full and usually gives me a free pass on bringing actual food (hint: they are right). Sometimes they put me on veggie duty, but even then my mom will say, “Well, I’m going to the store anyway and its silly for us both to go, so just, you know what, just bring yourself.”
Okay! Done.
But every Sunday as we sit and eat, I give my praises to the chefs of the family, my mom and my sister, about how good everything tastes. They are the kind of people that make it look really easy and swear that it really is. This turns into a conversation about how I want to put their recipes on the blog, we drink more wine, and forget until the next Sunday comes around when we have the same exact conversation. Last weekend my brother-in-law looked at the three of us and said, “You know, you guys say this every week. Just do it already.”
So yes, my friends, we are doing it. Liz, my sister, also a mom of 4 kids (who clearly has it more together than I do!) is sharing a delicious corn and black bean soup recipe that you and your family will love. Make this for a “meatless Monday” and serve with cheese quesadillas on the side. Clearly, we take cooking very seriously…..
The recipe is quite simple and we thought this was the perfect time to post while corn is still available in the markets. Yes, you can make it with canned or frozen, but nothing beats the real thing.
There is minimal chopping required – just an onion, a few cloves of garlic, and a jalepeno which adds just the tiniest kick to still make this “kid friendly”.
After the raw ingredients are prepped (and we finished arguing over the proper way to cut an onion), the onion is sautéed for several minutes until nearly brown, then you add in the jalepeno, chili powder, garlic, salt and pepper.
Next a dash of flour is added to the pot and once combined, pour in the milk, stock, and corn to simmer.
Using an immersion blender, pump 5-6 times to break up some of the corn. Then add the beans and return to a simmer until warmed through.
Serve with a spoonful of sour cream, scallions and cilantro – flavor explosion!
Major kudos to the chef!
Corn and Black Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
8 ears of corn, husked and sliced off the ear 1 tablespoon avocado oil (can also use olive oil) 1 large onion, diced 2 clove garlic, minced 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped 2 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon chili powder 4 cups vegetable broth 2 15-ounce cans of black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup of milk kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Soup toppings: sour cream cilantro scallions
In a large heavy pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent and just starting to brown, about 8 minutes. Add garlic, jalapeno and chili powder, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 of freshly ground pepper. Mix and cook for another couple minutes. Add flour and combine into mixture. Add stock while constantly stirring. Add corn and milk and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Move pot to another burner that is off and then use an immersion blender to chop up some of the corn. Pulse the immersion blender about 5-6 times in the soup. Put the pot back on the burner over medium/high heat and add the beans. Simmer for about 6 minutes until the beans are warm. Serve soup in a bowl topped with a dollop of sour cream, cilantro and scallions.
A hefty claim, I know, to deem this recipe “The best crab dip in the whole wide world”, but when it hits the appetizer table, they swarm and it’s………. gone. And between mouthfuls while already scooping another bite all you hear is, “Oh my gosh. This is SO good.” No really, that is the only way to describe it. It’s one of those special occasion dips (one, because it’s a little pricy to make, and two, because it takes a little longer than throwing together a cheese plate), but worth. Every. Penny. My mother-in-law has been making this for years and like all of her famous appetizers (this one and this one from my mom) I feel that it is my duty to share the goodness with you all. If you like crab with a little kick, this one is for you.
To start, sautee onion, celery, green pepper, and green onion in butter until tender (about 5 minutes).
Add mayonnaise, creole mustard, chopped parsley, worchestershire, salt, cayenne, tabasco, white pepper, black pepper and egg – so many flavors. So much GOODNESS!
For the crab meat, I use Phillips Lump Crab (bought at Costco for about $20) and for really special occasions I splurge for the JUMBO lump variety for about $25. Like I said, the dip is a little expensive, but ask anyone in my family and they will tell you it’s worth it.
Be sure to squeeze all excess water out of the crab meat using a paper towel and/or strainer and then gently fold the crab meat into the mixture leaving the lumps in tact.
Is your mouth starting to water yet?
The final steps: pour some heavy cream and a thin layer of mayo on the top and finish it off with a few sprinkles of paprika.
Then in the oven it goes, just for about 15-18 minutes and there you have it:
The Best Crab Dip (in the whole wide world) Recipe Type: Appetizer Cuisine: Seafood Author: Sisters to Sons Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 35 mins Ingredients
2 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup finely chopped celery
1/3 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
6 tbsp mayonnaise (split)
4 tsp Creole (or brown) mustard
2 tsp finely chopped parsley
2 tsp Worchestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp tabasco or other hot sauce
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lb lump or jumbo lump crab meat
1 egg
1/2 cup heavy cream
crackers or pita chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat and saute onion, celery, green pepper, and green onion until tender, but firm (about 5 minutes)
Remove from heat and add: 2 1/2 tbsp of the mayonnaise, creole mustard, parsley, Worchestershire, salt, cayenne pepper, tabasco sauce, white pepper, and black pepper
Beat in one egg and stir well.
Add one pound of lump or jumbo lump crab meat. Toss gently leaving the lumps in tact.
Spoon the mixture into casserole dish and pour heavy cream over top.
Spread top evenly with thin layer of remaining mayonnaise (about 3 1/2 tbsp).
Sprinkle with paprika
Bake at 350 degrees until brown and bubbling, about 15-18 minutes.
Serve immediately with crackers
Enjoy! And I always love your feedback so if you make it, let us know what you think!
Confession: If you asked my dogs who Way Day is really for, they would 100% say them. And honestly? They’re not wrong.
Way Day — Wayfair’s biggest sale of the year — is officially here! We’re talking up to 80% off (yes, you read that right) plus free shipping on everything. It’s basically Christmas morning for anyone who loves a good deal… and a great excuse to spoil your furry family members or give your home that upgrade you’ve been ruminating over.
Since my dogs are obviously living their best lives thanks to Wayfair, I thought it would be fun to share a few dog mom essentials I personally have, love, and highly recommend—especially while they’re majorly marked down.
🐾 The Chicest Dog Crate
Let’s be honest: most dog crates are not exactly aesthetic. This one? Total game changer. It doubles as a side table and fits perfectly into my home without screaming, “a dog lives here!” My toy poodle lounges in it like the king he is.
❄️ The Coolest Cooling Mat
Literally and figuratively. My Bernese Mountain Dog (who basically wears a full winter coat year-round) is obsessed with this cooling mat. It’s self-activated, needs no electricity, and gives him the chill he needs after living his very best (very fluffy) life.
🌞 Outdoor Raised Bed for Chilling
If your dog loves sunbathing but also appreciates a little airflow (same, honestly), this raised bed is a must. It keeps my Bernese cool even when the patio heats up — and it’s easy to move around if your pup is very particular about where the “perfect spot” is.
🛋️ The Bougiest Dog Sofa
Would my toy poodle accept anything less than a miniature chaise lounge? Absolutely not. This little sofa is as extra as it gets — and somehow also matches my actual furniture. A true win-win for both of us.
Bottom Line?
Way Day is the perfect time to grab those little luxuries (or everyday must-haves) for your pets — without the guilt trip. Now excuse me while I go see what else they “need.”
A few other pieces I have and love that are part of the sale below…..
Garage OrganizersPlayroom/Hang out Room EssentialsSummer Party Essentials
Let’s be honest: the garage is the wild west of the house. It’s where bikes are parked (with the best intentions), sports gear multiplies overnight, and balls everywhere, random tools live rent-free. But with spring in full swing and Wayfair’s Big Outdoor Sale happening now, I finally tackled the beast—and dare I say, I might actually enjoy stepping into my garage now?
Whether your garage is a full-blown disaster zone or just needs a little tidy-up, these finds from Wayfair are total game changers.
Here is a “before” of a section of our garage that became a dumping ground for all the things… To be transparent – this was AFTER we decluttered tons of old bikes and sports gear that had overstayed their welcome. But still, nothing had a home and my fear was that this pile would multiply.
I decided if everything had a “home” not only would I not cringe every time I walked into our garage, but our kids would learn to put things away. Ok, a girl can dream, but I am willing to test this theory for the greater good.
The after…..
Ahhhhh! Let’s dive shall we?
Bike Storage That Makes Sense
Let’s just say this: no more bikes tipped over like dominoes every time someone tries to grab a helmet. This freestanding rack keeps two bikes upright, neat, and easy to access. My kids can actually put their bikes away on their own now (pause for applause). It’s low profile, durable, and doesn’t require drilling into the wall. A win for renters, commitment-phobes, and indecisive organizers alike.
Bike Rack
Multi-Use Sports Rack Golf Bag Organizer
If your family’s golf gear is taking over the garage, this Golf Bag Storage Organizer is a game-changer. This stylish organizer provides dedicated space for golf bags, clubs, and accessories, keeping everything neatly in place. Its wooden design adds a touch of elegance, making your garage not only more organized but also more visually appealing. Plus, the multi-use functionality means it can accommodate other sports equipment as well, offering versatile storage solutions for active families.
Golf Bag Storage Organizer
The Cabinet that Keeps Secrets
This is the cabinet for all the stuff that doesn’t have a home—until now. I’m talking bike helmets (so many helmets), rogue pickleball paddles, and a smattering of tools that somehow multiply overnight. This Suncast cabinet is sturdy, weather-resistant, and lets you hide the chaos behind sleek, lockable doors.
Storage Cabinet
With adjustable shelves and room to grow (because yes, we will acquire more gear), this cabinet is basically the garage version of a “no judgment zone.” Just toss it in, close the doors, and pat yourself on the back for being organized-ish.
The Ultimate Sports Gear Catch-All
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by rogue soccer balls rolling under your car. This storage rack is a sports mom’s dream. It has bins for basketballs, footballs, volleyballs (yes, all the -balls), plus side hooks for bats, gloves, or random gear. It’s on wheels too, so you can move it around depending on your setup—or just push it into a corner when company comes over.
Rolling Sports Organizer
Garage clean-up might not be glamorous, but with the right tools—and a good sale—it’s surprisingly satisfying. Whether you’re going full Marie Kondo or just want to find the soccer cleats on the first try, Wayfair’s Big Outdoor Sale is the perfect time to refresh your space.
