A few months ago I shared my Toasted Brussels Sprouts recipe, which is perfect for the fall and winter months. Since spring is quickly approaching, I am sharing my Summer Brussels Sprouts recipe. This version of Brussels sprouts is a little lighter and the perfect base for a salad. With the help of Trader Joe’s (of course), it is super easy to whip up using their pre-shaved Brussels sprouts and sliced almonds. This side pairs well with chicken or fish, and I added my simple pesto salmon on top. I just top each piece of salmon with pesto, bake at 425 degrees for 12-16 minutes and boil for 2 minutes to finish. I have included the full recipe for Summer Brussels Sprouts below. Enjoy! xoxo
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and add shaved Brussels sprouts. Toss with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add sliced almonds and cover, and let simmer until Brussels sprouts start to soften. Remove from heat and serve warm. Top with shaved parmesan cheese.
Recently I have tried to wear a little more color, but I still find myself drawn to neutral colors. It seems like my eye catches black and white first and this black pleated skirt and classic white blouse are no exceptions.
This black pleated skirt is from J.Crew and fits large (wearing 00). I love how the pleats are flat at the waist, so the skirt lays nicely without flaring too much. I paired the skirt with this classic white blouse from Nordstrom. The floral lace and neck tie detail are my favorite part of this white blouse. My black and white look was completed with my favorite Rebecca Minkoff clutch and some Prada shoes (old). Shop this entire look below! xoxo
I get asked for my classic brownie recipe all the time, so I thought I would share it here. I used to be a “boxed brownie” girl and baked with the premade mix until I gave a Ghirardelli homemade recipe a try. This is my modified version of that recipe and it is so simple to make. I love the blend of dark and milk chocolate, but if the flavor is too rich, you can substitute for the Semi-Sweet Baking Bar and Baking Chips. I also love to add toasted pecans to the batter for a little extra crunch. Enjoy! xoxo
4-ounce Ghirardelli Chocolate 60% or 70% Cacao Baking Bar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Baking Chips
Chop baking bar into pieces and melt with butter over medium heat, stirring continuously. Stir brown sugar and vanilla into the chocolate mixture. Remove from heat, add eggs and mix well.
In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, mixing until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips and pour batter into a greased 8-inch, square baking pan.
Bake for 25 to 28 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool before cutting into squares.
After Valentine’s Day, I am ready to put away my sweaters for spring, but every time I start to, cool weather hits. This camel cashmere sweater has been a lifesaver for cool mornings, warm afternoons and freezing offices in between.
This camel cashmere sweater fits slightly large (I am wearing a small) and would recommend going a size down. It is 100% cashmere so the only downside is that it is dry clean only and will need to be maintained with a sweater shaver. The best part, this sweater is less than $60 and comes in multiple colors. I love pairing this camel cashmere sweater with skinny jeans or a mid length skirt. The v-neckline makes it fun to layer necklaces or pair a silk scarf with this sweater. Shop this entire look below! xoxo
Valentine’s Day is tomorrow! If you have a sweet tooth like me, these peanut butter heart cookies are the perfect way to celebrate. I love the peanut butter and chocolate combo and these Hershey’s hearts will literally melt in your mouth. You may have seen a similar version of these cookies with a Hershey’s Kiss, but with the hearts, you get some chocolate in every bite. These cookies are great for a girl’s night, to take to the office, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Enjoy and Happy Valentine’s Day! xoxo
Cream 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, butter, and peanut butter until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and salt, and mix well. Add flour and baking soda until thoroughly combined.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and dip in 1/4 cup sugar. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove from the oven and immediately press chocolate heart in the center of each cookie.
I get asked all the time about my favorite restaurants in Dallas, so I decided to list them all out in one post! Sorry for the long post, but there are just so many great restaurants in Dallas (and the list is constantly growing). I know I am missing some great places, so comment Dallas restaurants I might have missed! xoxo
Beverly’s – Great spot for brunch or date night. Their cold bar and pickled vegetables are my favorite appetizers and I highly recommend the spring pasta when in season. Parking is not easy, so plan to valet.
Bistro 31– This is a great spot for date night, or a happy hour if you go to the upstairs area. We loved the Salmon, Risotto (they change this seasonally), Tagliolini, Crab Cakes, Margarita, and Blueberry Moscow Mule (also seasonal). If the weather is nice, the patio is the perfect spot for people-watching.
City Hall Bistro– We went for a bunch and loved the Avocado Toast and Breakfast Sandwich. We are planning to go back and try the lunch or dinner menu as well. It is a smaller restaurant tucked away in the Adolphus hotel, but it is perfect for a group of 4-8 friends.
DL Mack’s– The best McCarthy salad! Honestly, everything we have tried on their menu is delicious including cocktails. Parking is not always easy and because the dining room is small I recommend having reservations.
Doc B’s– Great spot in uptown, surrounded by windows to watch the busy streets outside. We like the Grilled California Artichokes, Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad, and The Number Six Sandwich.
Dolce Riviera – We discovered this spot during Dallas Restaurant Week, which is a great way to try new places. We enjoyed the Melanzane Alla Parmigiana, Burrata Arrosto, Risotta Funghi, Asiago & Tartufo, Linguine Mare & Monti and Spaghetti Integrali Verdue. This is a great spot for date night or GNO, everything on the menu is amazing and they have a large wine selection. Ask to sit on the patio if the weather is nice.
Drake’s – This is a great spot to grab a drink with friends or all crowd in a circle booth and share pizza. I recommend reservations and if you are ever free on Sunday night they have live jazz music.
Hudson House– There are multiple locations in Dallas, but I prefer the Lovers Lane location. The decor gives off an east coast vibe and during the holidays they really deck the halls! All the seafood is fresh and delicious, some favorites are Oysters, the cheeseburger and Tuna Tower.
il Bracco – This is probably my favorite date spot in Dallas. It is hard to decide between the pasta dishes because they are all fantastic, but be sure to ask about the specials and do not turn down the scallops if they have them.
Javier’s– An upscale Tex Mex spot with a cigar lounge (there is no smoke in the dining section) that is perfect for a date or celebration. We like the Ceviche, Mole Poblano, Shrimp Brochette Cozumel and Carne Asada A La Tampiqueña. It is a Dallas classic!
Mi Cocina– There are multiple locations in Dallas, but my favorites are Highland Park Village and West Village. The Highland Park Village location has a neat little space upstairs perfect for happy hour. My favorite dishes are Mama’s Tacos, and Tortilla Soup and nothing beats their Mambo Taxis.
Mesero– The Prestonwood location has the best patio overlooking a golf course that makes you feel like you’re on vacation. I love the Shrimp Ceviche (which can be a full meal), Queso Mesero, Sopa de Fideo, Salmon a la Plancha (there is a lunch portion), and Cinco Leches Cake.
Montlake Cut – If il Bracco is my favorite date spot, then this is a very close second. The fresh fish rotates daily and is always paired perfectly with the accompanying sauce. If you order a side the shells and cheese are a must and the bartender knows how to make a great vodka martini.
Neighborhood Services– There are a few locations, but I prefer the Preston/Royal location. Everything on their menu is great, I love the Sea Scallops, Waldorf Now, and Crispy Asparagus. The Lovers Lane location is also great and they have a different menu.
Ocean Prime – Formal restaurant with a dress code and is a great spot for celebrations. I really like the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, White Truffle Caviar Deviled Eggs, Oysters on the Half Shell, Sea Scallops, and Baked Alaska for dessert.
Partanope– We love this downtown gem primarily for the delicious authentic Italian dishes. The prosciutto is made in house and sliced when ordered, so naturally I always order a dish that has prosciutto.
Pecan Lodge – Plan to get here early and wait in line (not worth waiting more than an hour). We went before opening on a Saturday, but a weekday would be much easier. All of the meat is delicious, but we really enjoyed the burnt ends and of course fried okra.
Rise – Who doesn’t love a souffle? Always start with the marshmallow soup and always end with the off menu reese’s souffle.
Saint Ann – Great spot in Hardwood (walking distance to American Airlines Center) with the cutest patio. We really like the Ceviche, Charcuterie Board, Pesto Flatbread, Seared Scallops, and Grilled Salmon.
Sixty Vines– We started going to the Plano location a few years ago, but since they have opened another location at the Crescent Court. If you are willing to drive up the toll road a bit, the Plano location is a lot less crowded and parking is not an issue. We love Brussels, Meatballs, Toasts, Rigatoni, and Fig & Prosciutto Pizza. They offer wine on tap and our favorite is the Matchbook Tempranillo.
The Mansion Restaurant – Tucked away inside the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, is this elegant dining room. Everything on the menu is delicious, but favorites are diver scallops, butternut squash agnolotti, and lemon oyster mushrooms.
The Zodiac Room– A Dallas classic on the sixth floor of the Neiman Marcus flagship downtown. Every meal starts with Popovers with strawberry butter and a small cup of Broth. I usually order the Avocado Toast, Shaved Salad, or Roasted Salmon. My grandmother always orders the Orange Soufflé and every meal should end with Neiman Marcus Cookies for dessert.
Toulouse – We usually go to the Knox location, but they recently opened one in Plano at Legacy West too. We like the Knox location because of the great patio right off Katy Trail. For brunch, we like the Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, any of their Salads, and the Belgian Waffle.
Up On Knox– Great spot for happy hour or dinner with friends. When the weather is nice, it opens up to a beautiful patio bringing even more natural light into the dining room. Favorites are Avocado Toast, Lobster Club Sandwich, Grilled Salmon Leeks, Grilled Artichokes, and Veal Piccata Marsala.
Image via Alex Phillips.
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