Mondays are for Breakfast in Bed

Grab the griddle, your favorite pancake mix or recipe and some fresh blueberries and chocolate. A seemingly delicious combo that Dillon and I settled on included both our favorites. He’s a blueberry pancake guy and I’m all things chocolate. And even a mix of the warm bursting berry and gooey chocolate is a winning medley.

Whether working from home, remotely (like myself) or going to said workplace you can certainly find a way to make the start of the week better. Eliminate those Sunday Scaries and look forward to all the good.

Rhode Islands Sweet Spot

I think most people feel connected to more than one place in the world. Where you grow up and somewhere else that resonates with your soul. I grew up vacationing in Newport, Rhode Island from time to time and I always envisioned myself living there. For about 5-6 months in college while interning in a place that was anxiety invoking I got to spend free time soaking in the town. There were nooks and cranies to hide out and the long winded Ocean Drive I rode to calm my nerves.

I took a brief trip recently and felt right at home. It was good to be back, to show my gals around town and to visit some old favorites and some new spots.

You Must Stay At:

The Wayfinder Hotel. Your retro boho dreams will come true! I loved every bit of decor from the floor tiles to the ceiling panels. It’s a millennial hot spot and although I didn’t eat in the hotel I heard great things about the food.

Must Eats:

Pasta Beach. Their outdoor seating is spacious with a cozy beach vibe. The Bucatini Amatriciana is my favorite and I used to order it on my days off while working in Newport. I would take it to the beach, eat it on my bed, eat it by the ocean in my car, and occasionally dine out there alone!

The Nitro Bar. Best spot for delicious coffee done up every way. Lavender latte is girlie (I know) and refreshing! The egg sandwiches are not like old deli style. I think they sous vide their egg yolks so they have a soft boil consistency. Out of this world creamy! And the sourdough bread is fantastic.

Castle Hill. prepare to spend your evening with a special friend ;) you’ll drink a delicious bottle and feast on multiple courses in the dining room. Or you can sit on the lawn in an Adirondack chair with lobster roll in hand.

Quiet Beach Time:

I love to find a quiet spot off of Ocean Drive. Park for free and sit with a low key crowd. No life guards and a few extra rocks. But that’s ok!

He Loves You Too!

If only everyone could be like Carmine. He just loves you no matter WHAT. Although, I guess this photo is deceiving because he’s going after my curried hominy soup, but he doesn’t know any better… right? You’d think he’s faking the love to get his food fix, but he truly is a sweet gentle soul. Even though he has the worst table manners lurking up behind us and snatching our juicy napkins like a puppy shark, he’s forgiven. I want to live to be the best of Carmine, not the side that eats toilet paper for attention or licks dirty dishes, but the one that adores, sticks by your side, and makes your spirit feel joyful. Just a lover of any and all, that he is.

TGP does breakfast with Jones Dairy Farm

Short Cakes and June Baby Berries

Nothing short of goodness right now. In all that’s happening, we surrender to the simplicities that bring us joy. Each Sunday night my family and I watch This Much is True on HBO to support my bro Johnny who was cast as an extra!! There’s always that to look forward to along with our post dinner dessert rituals. Johnny it’s your turn next weekend.

Water Glass Parfaits ft. Peach Ginger Blend

I had quite a time figuring out and editing my first video which was a collaboration with The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley. These Water Glass Parfaits are going to be a hit in your home. Make them however you like using my tutorial as a guide! I made caramel out of the Peach Ginger Blend from the Perfect Puree which was the star of the show here. But, you can come up with anything at all! And make sure you can see the layers in your water glass. Layers are important and pretty!!

Who Knew My Dad was the best baker in the family?

Around this time two years ago I was feasting on Easter dinner in the Apennine mountains of Tuscany. I was in a small town called Pontremoli, the birthing grounds of this bread. My grandmother is notorious for making it and my father has recently decided to surprise us with his genetic skills! It’s the best kept family secret and he cracked the code to a recipe that’s constantly made my memory. No better way to indulge than toasted, slathered with whipped butter and seeded raspberry jam. YUM!

Chocolate Won't Let You Down

Gooey Brownie Boats have made their way under the topic of friendship. My gals and I make plans surrounded by none other than the cookie skillets and chocolate lava cakes at local restaurants. We thrive off the little bits left on the plate. Who’s the one always to take the last bite? We want nothing more than to be cozy and satisfied at home so I created this individual treat with that in mind. And also because I have three 20# bags of chocolate starring me in the face everyday.

Get the recipe for this chocolate trip below!

Bubble Wrapped

Although this photo was taken in my zone at work, I amongst many am doing my best to maintain joy in part of the daily workflow at home. We may be stuck inside more than usual, but there are aspects to our days that could not be if it weren't for the abnormal circumstance. While working from home I can simultaneously enjoy the sunroom, listen to music, take breaks to make a hot lunch or shoot some content for social. I can also use the many surfaces around the house and patio to “style” my next story. Perhaps I could study more Italian or try to learn the piano that has been sitting in this house for longer than I’ve been alive? And yes, more writing for me! Really, there is so much you can get out of this homebound experience, diving into things you don’t allow yourself enough time to do otherwise.

I believe in maintaining awareness outside our four walls, but please don’t let the news bog you down. We all need to maintain some sort of peace within. Take this time in your abode to replicate what brings you bliss for the current you and the future you.

Light Snacks for a new Spring

In light of the Spring that has Sprung this week, Foodie Friday at PowerHouse Productions celebrates bright flavors. On Chef JJ’s show, Just Eats with Chef JJ he made a fabulous vegan snack of cauliflower fried in a turmeric tempura batter and a collard green salsa verde! Helllloo, who would think to puree collard greens for dip? It’s absolutely delicious and perfect for the vegan in all of us.

If you want to get the recipe check out the show on CLEO tv every week at noon EST and follow PowerHouse Productions on instagram for updates!

The Peasant Meal

Gosh, I love corned beef brisket! I really, really do. It’s the only meat I could withstand eating leftover directly from the fridge. I actually have a hankering for it when I know it’s there. When I was in elementary school my mom would pack me leftover pieces with a side of spicy mustard to dip, feeling carefree to those small pieces sticking between my teeth.

Anyone that knows my food habits well would never classify me in the meat and potatoes category. Meat has it’s place on my plate but not often. And starches are forever my first love, although potatoes take a back seat to pasta. But, I can’t tell you how much a peasant meal like Corned beef and potatoes make me feel whole. Especially during these times when food is scarce, I believe in the simplest meals made with pantry staples that will last for months in quantity and quality. Spices, sugar, oils, and vinegar will pop those flavors in every which way to glam up that one veggie or piece of meat you pulled for lunch or dinner.

WeiRdMoOd

Sometimes food can be really strange. Evoke emotions through patterns & edges, colors &aromas. It’s truly an art form more times than not. And even though we grow up being told to “stop playing with our food” we continue to do so anyways… like this. Hunger doesn’t strike while looking at these photos. The peculiar scenes make me very curious about what’s going to happen next. Or what’s the message being told. Or rather, is there a storyline at all? Maybe it’s up to us on how we want to perceive it.

I like sharing these images because they make me realize why I love food and prop styling. I love the artistic side of being a curator of food and the potential stories you can tell while capturing it in all forms.

Photos & inspiration from pinterest

Don't Forget the Salt and Pepper

Check twice, check thrice! Make those moves on set and keep your eyes peeled and your ears alert. And don’t forget the salt and pepper!!

I’m learning to except the challenges and grow where I need improvement. Everyone at work has something to teach you. Take it and keep it. Use it and speak of it. Continue to lead your way.

Working in television is a thrill ride. Production days make you feel like your throwing a never ending party. The days flow into the next, your decorating a set, shopping, prepping and styling food. There’s the photographer snapping shots and the camera crew recording all of it! Sneaky sneaky!! And music in between takes is key in keeping our spirits popping! Another show wrapped with PowerHouse Productions.

Paper towel is my most Useful Kitchen Tool

We all have our favorite kitchen tools and I would love to know what yours is?

Tell me and I will find you the best brands, I love shopping for kitchen tools! In fact, I’ve been doing it all week to get ready for our next shoot at PowerHouse Productions. So excited to share more soon!

As for me, Paper towel is my favorite tool in the kitchen. Forget the knives, spatulas, plating spoons, and sharpening stones. You can’t possibly do a thing without a crisp clean piece of paper towel. And I’m not talking about a sauce stained batter splattered bacteria saturated rag! If theres anything I always have in my hand or next to me, its a darn piece of paper towel. AMEN

The Betty Crocker Movement

It’s been going on for years, and the NY Times has made it’s claims about it too. Food stylists have culminated an entire library all over the web of outlandish, vibrant, vintage recipes reminiscing Betty Crocker. The authenticity of what looks like something from a glamorized Dr. Suess cartoon is actually a real scene. I am always so pleased by these photos. The styling and photography is unreal along with the bright splashes of color and perfect aspics. Would I dare to sit in on a meal like these… probably not. But, would I want to be part of the creation of this food scene that tells a long winded story, absolutely!

which is your favorite scene? How can this inspire your inner Betty Crocker…

Photos & inspiration from pinterest

Speak Up- Food Media Discussion for Morgan Stanley GSE Directors Summit

Sometimes you just gotta get up there and envision everyone to be a pickle in a suite!

I was reminded of this interview at the Morgan Stanley GSE Directors Summit back in the fall with Brad Whitmore from the Culinary Institute of America today when I received a gracious letter in the mail from a women who received a scholarship in my name. While in college I pushed myself to apply for scholarships, and not just for the monetary reason but because they leverage your ability to network with individuals, businesses, organizations, etc. And goodness has that been a wonderful thing!

Of course I was thrilled to expose my memories and experiences working in food media (my favorite kinds of stories to tell other than a pasta one) but someone at my alma mater would soon earn funds and a new opportunity to connect with the world. And that to me is important.

I'm in a Mood

I want to try something a little different than what I normally do. I’m all about story telling, feeling the spirit of things in the moment, inspiring you to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and working with brands to promote a product or food that I appreciate and love. But, lately I’ve been into creating mood boards, and I do it right on my instagram stories. I look for things that I crave, food I want to try at some whimsical restaurant, clothes or accessories that make me giddy, or anything the color pink. I am always on the lookout for anything pink. That’s why I started my Pink Mood story archive on instagram, a place to go and be inspired by others who promote the color in their work. Nonetheless, mood boards are such a great outlet when you are feeling feelings and you can’t figure out what it is you need or want or crave in the moment. Maybe it represents your personality, wants and desires, or maybe it represents you in that very moment. Whatever it is, they are a great tool to get those creative vibes zinging.

I will begin with my Pink Mood Board. I have started a page on pinterest that you can defer to as well for any upcoming moods that you want to get the feels from!

Photos & inspiration from pinterest

Snacks for Puppy Shark

This guy is like a little Parm Crisp Puppy Shark. He’s making his next best move. And you should too, by heading over to @parmcrisps to get your snackie fixing. I love them crumbled over hot soup or with Salumi boards. And it’s a perfect weekend for movie watching so you could replace your popcorn with these. Heck! Toss buttered popcorn in crushed Parm Crisp bits to elevate your movie cravings tonight.

You know when they say, don't play with your food...

I had a fun time putting together the imagery for these snacks as a collaboration with Parm Crisps. Sometimes those snacks are all you can think about during munch time (which is kind of an all day task)! But, these gluten free, keto friendly, carb-less cheesy bites are quite versatile. I’ve even tried melting them over soup. I’m one of those people who loves finding little bundles of melted cheese in my soup, it’s sometimes more delicious to get a mouthful of all the goodness at once.

Also, if you’re missing checkers to your game-board then these are the best replacement. Whether you win some or lose some, you can also eat some! These crisps are here to made snack time and meal time a little more special. Check out their webpage on where to purchase yours!