Food

Friday Favorites

Fridays just started taking on a whole new meaning all over again! 🙂 I’m linking up with Erika, Narci, and Andrea for our favorites!

One.I love using these prep bowls! In all honesty, I wasn’t sure how often we would use them but Eric really wanted to. He was SO right. We use them ALL. THE. TIME!

Like for our fish tacos last week. 😉

Two.

I have a jam-packed weekend ahead. Hair appointments, my best friend from Germany will be here, and baby showers! Here we go!

Three.

The first week of school is complete! I’m exhausted, but it was a blast. 😉

Four.FullSizeRender (50)The weather (and day) on Monday was the perfect end to a great summer. 🙂

Five.Caprese Bites Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comCaprese Bites stephanie-spring.com Caprese Bites stephanie-spring.comSome things just taste better bite-sized. These were so fun to make and a ten out of ten for any party. Not to mention, I was filing this away for the day we have kids and the assembly line that could be created. In three simple steps, you have a yummy appetizer at your finger tips. The ingredients can be tailored to your liking of size and proportion. Another perk: With the overflow of tomatoes and basil, you can whip these up in a few minutes for a Labor Day party!
Caprese Bites stephanie-spring.com Caprese Bites stephanie-spring.com


 Ingredients: 

  • Mozzarella Cheese (cut into bite-sized squares)
  • Basil Leaves 
  • Cherry Tomatoes (halved)


What to do: 

Have all ingredients prepped and into separate bowls. Slide the middle of the basil leaf into the toothpick about three-quarters of the way. Slide the cheese, followed by the tomato. Serve and enjoy! 🙂 


Have a great Friday and weekend!

4 fridays

Fish Tacos + Ah-mazing Sauce

Fish Tacos + Ah-mazing SauceFish Tacos + Ah-mazing SauceFish Tacos + Ah-mazing Sauce Fish Tacos + Ah-mazing SauceFish Tacos + Ah-mazing SauceThe obsession of fish tacos started when we were on vacation with Eric’s family in Cape Cod. We were sun-kissed and relaxed while anxiously awaiting a surprise meal from my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. I guess I really have them to thank for my appreciation of fish tacos as they presented us with a spread of tortillas, tilapia grilled to perfection, and an array of toppings. They weren’t something I typically ordered at a restaurant or made for dinner, until after this meal that is! And oh the sauce! It’s creamy and packed with so much flavor in such a miniscule size that your mouth thanks you with each bite. These flavorsome tacos are ideal in size and taste; never leaving you hungry. You can easily treat yourself to three, four, or ten if you desire and share them for parties or family dinners, whatever your style may be. 🙂 Fish Tacos + Ah-mazing Saucewi


 Ingredients: 

  • 3/4 lb tilapia
  • white corn tortillas
  • shredded cheese (we used a four cheese blend)
  • cabbage
  • guacamole
  • cilantro

Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup (4 oz) sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp sriracha


What to do: 

Have all your toppings made and in bowls for topping before cooking the fish. In a large frying pan, cook the tilapia. Once it is cooked, separate into bite sized pieces with a fork and set aside. Place individual tortillas, one at a time, in a separate dry skillet, for ten to thirty seconds per side or enough to slightly blacken or char.

Build your own taco with toppings of your choice and enjoy every bite! 🙂

I love using these prep bowls to hold all of the toppings! Even if it’s just for the two if us, it’s fun to have them on hand to set things up!

*Makes 8-10 fish tacos*


 

Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie

Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comBlueberry Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comBlueberry Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comWell, ladies and gents, there isn’t a shortage of blueberries in the Spring household this summer! They are possibly one of my favorite fruits and I love to find a variety of ways to use them in recipes. Perk to this smoothie: The protein powder already contains chia and probiotics, which grants you a little extra boost at any time of the day! I’m no Olympian, but as far as I’m concerned, this is a ten out of ten as recipes goes! 😉 Drink up!Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comBlueberry Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com


Ingredients: 

2 cups Almond Milk

1.5 cups frozen blueberries

2 bananas

2 scoops Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla Protein Powder



What to do: 

Combine all ingredients in a blender (my fav here!) and serve.

*Serves 2*


Back-to-School Breakfast Ideas

Back-to-School Breakfast ideas--stephanie-spring.comI’m in denial that it’s that time already but here we are! School. Sigh. If I’m going to face the facts, I’m planning my little heart out so that I’m not completely frazzled in the weeks to come! I don’t know about you but my school mornings leave very little wiggle room for luxurious breakfasts that require a lot of time and prep. I decided to put together a back-to-school menu of breakfast ideas for you, and let’s face it, myself as well. At the crack of dawn, I’m still craving something nutritious and filling that won’t have my belly growling all morning long! Whether this happens to be for you or for your kiddos, allow yourself to try a few of these recipes to make the start of the school year a little smoother. 😉 Here’s to savoring the last bits of summer and welcoming all things Fall!
Energy Bites-- Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comEnergy BitesLemon Larabars Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comLemon LarabarsBlueberry Yogurt Popsicles Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comBlueberry Yogurt PopsiclesHomemade Granola Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comHomemade GranolaStrawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comStrawberry Banana SmoothieLemon Bites Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comLemon BitesGreen Smoothie Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comGreen SmoothieBanana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comBanana Chocolate Chip Muffins 

Lemon Bites

Lemon Bites- Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comLemon Bites- Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comLemon Bites- Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comOver the years, I’ve come to enjoy the overall experience of food, just as much as the dish itself. The presentation, atmosphere and quality of food play a significant role from the first bite to the last. However, you don’t need to be at a fancy restaurant with a master chef to set the stage for precious memories to be made. Your kitchen is the perfect backdrop, and your family is the best crew to help! Also, never underestimate the power of simple ingredients! As far as I’m concerned, creativity always gets bonus points in my book!

That being said, you know how I couldn’t stop talking about these?! Those bars that we’re just so delectable for an on-the-go snack or for your afternoon quiet time were made over! I’ve created a copycat of a copycat and I’m so glad I did! The hardest part: I’m not sure which I love more, the bites or the bars?! The same, clean and nourishing ingredients, are transformed into edible bites that show you a different experience but will still have you reaching for more. Buy these five ingredients, gather the ones you love, and create some memories surrounding your kitchen. 🙂Lemon Bites- Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com


Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup unsalted cashews
  • 1/2 cup unsalted almonds
  • 1.5 cups packed pitted dates (I cut the dates in half so they could be packed better)
  • 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about the juice from one lemon)
  • 1/4 tsp salt


What to do: 

Pour the almonds and cashews into the food processor and pulse a few times until they are semi-chopped. Add all the remaining ingredients into the food processor. Pulse a few times and then on low or until it starts forming together into a sticky mixture. Line an 8 x 8 pan (or really any pan) with wax paper. Roll into about one and a half inch balls and place in pan. Put in the fridge for about an hour. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator or counter.


Lemon Bites- Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com