Friday Faves

Hi there, welcome to another week of Friday Faves.

This week was one I’ll remember for a long time to come. My husband and I had the opportunity to visit Cincinnati, OH to participate in a program I truly hope will spread across the country. We were there with 7 other cooks and chefs to create recipes using foods donated to the Freestore Foodbank, an incredible non-profit that provides 23 million meals to hungry children and families in 20 counties throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

We were totally inspired by the organization, their mission, and what they’re accomplishing. Plus, part of our cooking team were students in the Cincinnati Cooks program, a free 10-week culinary job training course that teaches under and un-employed professional and life skills to ensure success in the food service industry and in their personal lives. Our team was amazing!

My man and I were representing Kroger in a cooking challenge to create recipes made from perishable foods they had donated by the truckload, items that were “rescued” from ending up in the landfill, and would be served to a banquet of 250 people the following day in an effort to show that together, through less waste, we can help those who every day are going hungry.

Did you know nearly 40% of the food produced in the US is thrown away? Yet 1 in 8 people go hungry? And that the average family of four wastes $1200 in food every year? I have to admit, I am guilty of tossing my less than stellar looking strawberries and letting that package of chicken languish in the fridge for too long. But, I’ve been working hard to change that through meal planning, better shopping habits, etc., and I hope we can all learn from one another to make even better strides.

So what did we make and how did this whole thing work? I’ll be sharing my recipe that for 250 people (that tested my man/aka sous chef’s chopping skillz of 25 onions, 30+ red bell peppers and 25 or so cucumbers) and what I learned—and even more, what I came to appreciate—in an upcoming post.

Until then, here’s today’s list of some faves for Friday. I hope you find some inspiration along your clicking ways.

Craving trashy cheesy dip? Here’s 20 queso recipes to choose from. DIP ON crouton.

Instant Pot recipe alert: CHEESECAKE!

Cinco de THIS margarita. So fresh, so looking good.

This falafel looks delish. Plus, BAKED!

This one-pot chicken recipe is on point. And healthy to boot.

This cake. WHOA! I’m berry in love.

These healthier burgers. Stack ’em high.

How to create a capsule pantry for simple cooking.

These biscuits. PERFECT.

Pizza breadsticks. Send my way please.

The one ingredient that’s standing between you and a flatter tummy.

Have you seen this? Holy crap! It’s a bbq every Star Wars fan will freak out over.

These cookies are all my favorite flavors. YYYYYYeeesss.

I’m all about putting an egg on it, and Jacque Pepîn has tricks I’ve never even thought of! Is the next big thing seared hard boiled? YUM.

All the smoothie flavors fit to blend — and super cute photos to match. Brav-o.

How to transform your junk drawer. Tetris players, advantage.

It’s wedding season! And that means dinners. Formal dinners. How to create a seating chart that won’t ruin the party.

The best masks to use from your head to your toes.

I’m all about the spendy bath bombs, but because I take a tub every.single.night. so these bath bombs fit into my budget a little better.

and…

Here’s why taking a bath will make you sleep better. But then, I’m proof in the pudding.

Plus, homemade coconut scrub.

These backyard play houses are the best.

Are you into the modern farmhouse look? Here’s 23 ideas on how to get it.

and…

If I didn’t already have my barstools, these would be on my list.

I need to get some new seeing eye glasses, and I’m thinking these might be them. What say ye?

The ultimate jean jacket. Perfect for spring.

And this off the shoulder dress. Easy but kinda sexy.

And, 16 planters for summer.

Heirloom Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad

Sprinkle a little bacon on this baby and you have a full-meal-deal.

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Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

This healthy 30-minute meal will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time.

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Speedy Five-Spice Pulled Pork Burrito Bowls with Quinoa and Kefir-Jalapeno Crema

This quick pulled pork recipe is a genius weeknight hack.

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Have a fantastic weekend my friends, hope these links inspire you to get into the kitchen and make something good!

As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. All opinions are always my own.  

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