Bits & Bites — 05

sliders, dips, cookbook interviews, and a little update for your morning scroll

There’s nothing quite like ending a year with a months-long flare-up of depression and then spending nearly all of January battling the flu and bronchitis. Honestly, it’s been a doozy. The toll of it all left me feeling drained and disconnected, but I’ve been working to find small moments of clarity—whether that’s through more intentional reflection, time with my people, or going down rabbit hole after rabbit hole of researching and testing new recipes. Cooking has always been my constant, so my kitchen became a refuge. And while I’ve definitely had a lot of tough days, the act of creating and experimenting with new flavors has been a meaningful way for me to reconnect with myself—and develop some delicious recipes to share with you.

It’s been a while since I’ve shown up here, but I’ve been cooking up a storm these last few months and sharing recipes over on my blog. In case you missed them due to the aggressively unfortunate social media doom and gloom, here’s a roundup of the dishes I’ve been posting lately because they are not to be skipped: my new favorite cozy meal Red Lentil Dal with Coconut Rice & Tomato Relish, my take on the classic Chicken Caesar Wrap, a Loaded Potato Soup that’s perfect for those chilly nights, and a smoky, spicy Short Rib Kimchi Stew that will warm you from the inside out. They’re all so comforting—wow, could we all use some comfort food right now—and packed with flavor to get us through these less-than-inspiring winter months.

But we have something more pressing to deal with today. The Super Bowl is tomorrow, and while I don’t give a shit about football, this is my personal game day... it’s the most important snack day of the year. So, I’m here for you if you forgot to plan ahead or need a distracting thing to nosh on in between commercials. I’ve linked my favorite snack recipes below that should definitely be added to your lineup tomorrow.

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Ham & Cheese Brioche Sliders with Quick Dilly Pickles

These Ham & Cheese Brioche Sliders are such an easy snack for your Super Bowl party or your next game night! Filled with melty gruyere and comte cheese, slices of ham, and tangy homemade dill pickles, they’re packed with flavor and a perfect handheld bite for your game day spread!

Smoked Trout Dip

Sometimes the simple snacks are the ones that deserve your attention and this Smoked Trout Dip is definitely one of those. Smoky trout and fresh herbs are mixed together with creamy crème fraîche, in a dip thats easy to whip up and impossible to stop eating. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or just need a snack to enjoy with a glass of wine, this one is here to elevate your snack game.

Calabrian Chili Cheese Dip with Olive Oil Crostinis

Your bachelor watch parties, Sunday football, and Bravo binge nights are simply begging for this spicy cheese dip to be added to your snack spread! It’s spicy, creamy and perfect served with crispy crostinis.

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Current Cookbook Hype

The Curated Board by Bebe Black Carminito

I recently sat down with author Bebe Black Carminito to chat about her new cookbook, The Curated Board, for the blog. Her book is a delightful guide to creating beautiful, delicious small-bite meals that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a brunch with the girls, having everyone over for the big game, or keeping it cozy with date night-in, Bebe’s curated boards bring together delicious recipes with store-bought pairings and stylish presentation tips. Learn more about her book and read my interview with bebe over on the blog!

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If you’re loving this, have some thoughts, or want me to try the recipe currently on repeat in your kitchen, drop a line in the comments so your girl knows there are people on the other end. Love hearing from you! Talk soon—stay well fed, babes.