RECIPES

Home Cookin’: Easy Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted Butternut Squash by Jessica Gioglio

Simple, yet delicious, roasted butternut squash is a side dish that I’ve been introducing to friends and family members for some time now.  If you enjoy potatoes, or sweet potatoes, you should definitely consider swapping to butternut squash on occasion.  Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also a lot lower in calories than the average potato.  FitSugar.com notes that one cup of butternut squash is 63 calories, while one cup of sweet potatoes is 130 calories.

Nutritional stats aside, butternut squash is a versatile veggie.  From pureeing into a soup, to lightening up breakfast potatoes, perking up a stir-fry, or tossing into a salad, I keep coming up with new ways to leverage my favorite squash.  While I’ll eventually get to sharing all of my incredible squash recipes, I recommend starting simple by roasting the squash with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh rosemary.

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BOSTON, ENTERTAINING, FOOD, RECIPES

My Boston Valentine

Let's Make a Heart by thefleeg From Flickr

Overly expensive pre-fixe meals? Ridiculously huge heart-shaped boxes of chocolates? Unnecessary amounts of red roses? I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of the hoopla surrounding Valentine’s Day. Therefore, in the spirit of celebrating Boston’s simple pleasures, I’ve decided to share a few of my top picks for quality vendors, nibbles, and more that will brighten up your Valentine’s Day in the city, without costing too much. From romantic, to indulgent, to DIY, these places, treats and ideas are special throughout the year, but are also Valentine’s Day appropiate. Please consider this my Valentine’s Day gift to you. Mwah!

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BOSTON, ENTERTAINING, RECIPES

Cocktail Club: Spiked Sparkling Cider

Spiked Sparkling Cider, Mood Lighting Optional!

Thanks to my lovely roommate and her friends, I’ve been inducted into a cocktail club.  Each month, a group of ladies get together at someone’s home to try a unique drink paired with a delicious nibble.  The best part? The host takes care of the food/drink, allowing the guests to relax.  How often are you a guest at someone’s home and are told to bring nothing, except for your delightful self?

A recent cocktail club introduced me to a delicious new drink that’s a play on sparkling cider.  Ripped from the pages of Real Simple Magazine, this drink pairs my love of prosecco with two very unexpected ingredients – apple juice and goldschlager.  Sure, you could purchase store-bought cider and add alcohol to it, but this drink feels and tastes slightly more sophisticated.  From the fizzy prosecco, to the not too sweet combination of apple juice and goldschlager, this cinnamon scented cider has become a go-to winter cocktail in my apartment.

For a cocktail club or dinner party occasion, serve with roasted pork tenderloin, green beans and a mushroom risotto.

Spiked Sparkling Cider – Serves 20

4 bottles chilled Prosecco
6 cups chilled Apple Juice
3/4 cup Goldschlager

Mix, clink glasses with your friends and enjoy!

For more of my recipes, click here.

BOSTON, EVENTS, FASHION

Thursday, January 27: Boldfacers Stylemakers Pop-Up at the W Boston Hotel

Boldfacers Stylemakers Pop-Up

Ever wanted to raid the closets of Boston’s most stylish women?  On Thursday, January 27, make that fantasy a reality at the Boldfacers Stylemakers Pop-Up store at the W Boston Hotel.  Featuring stylish garments from local trendsetters, the event starts with a VIP Reception with the Stylemakers from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.(tickets $25), then the main shopping soiree starts at 7:00 p.m. (tickets $10).  Fabulous fashionistas participating include Channel 7’s Frances Rivera, Kiss 108’s Lisa Donovan, Boston Magazine’s Alex Hall, and more.

The W Boston Hotel is located at 100 Stuart Street.  For more details, visit www.boldfacers.com.

RECIPES

Home Cookin’: Parmesan-Dijon Lentils with Veggies

Parmesan-Dijon Lentils with Veggies

My workweek meals must be simple, healthy and fast.  I’m always on the go, so whipping up a quick, yet flavorful dinner is a must.  Plus, any chance to add extra veggies and protein into my diet is a big bonus.

While lentils take awhile to cook, the rest of the ingredients in this dish make it a snap to prepare.  You’ll need the following items:

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