Easy Caprese Salad Recipe

 If you know me, you know that I love Italian food, in particular, Italian appetizers! A few months ago, one of my good friends, Jennifer made this BOMB caprese salad and paired it with slices of a fresh baguette. It was absolute perfection! 

Tips: 

• Baby mozzarella balls are great for this recipe. It cuts down on the chopping of the mozzarella. 

• Trader Joe's balsamic glaze is a great option. It it is the right mix of sweety and tangy. It is also very affordable compared to other glazes. 

• Garlic is optional but will definitely enhance the flavor of the caprese salad

• Kitchen shears are great for chopping up fresh herbs! Thank me later :) 

 

Caprese Salad Recipe:

Ingredients

• 20 cherry tomatoes 
• About 20 fresh baby mozzarella balls of half of a larger mozzarella ball cut into pieces. 
• 3 to 4 sprigs of fresh basil 
• 1/2 of a lemon (for squeezing) 
• 1/4 cup of olive oil 
• Balsamic glaze 
• 1 clove of garlic 
• 1/2 tablespoon of Italian herbs for sprinkling on top 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh French or Italian baguette 

Directions:

Wash your cherry tomatoes and then chop them in half. Set aside into a bowl. Grab your garlic and grate it with a microplane into a small bowl. Add in your olive oil and herbs and set aside. If you're using a big mozzarella ball, cut it into small pieces. Add to your tomatoes. Add in the olive oil and garlic herb mixture. Mix everything well together. Cut basil into small pieces right over the caprese salad. Squeeze half the juice of a lemon into the salad. Add in desired amount of salt and pepper. Toss lightly. Cut baguette into medium slices. If your prefer, toast them about 10 minutes in the oven first. Place your slices onto a dish. Spoon your salad on top of each slice. Drizzle the balsamic glaze lightly over each slice. Add some Italian herbs to enhance presentation!  Serve and enjoy! 

Clean Juicing Recipe

 New year, new you? Looking to incorporate more veggies into your diet or simply tackle your health? I have the easiest clean juice recipe for you! Over the summer, I wanted to incorporate more veggies into my daily routine.  I did some research on juicers and found this AMAZING one on Amazon! It is easy to use, and my favorite, easy to clean! The only downside to it, is that if you're making large batches of juice (which I do weekly), you must empty the pulp otherwise, it backs up. Personally, this was the best investment I made in 2023! Each week, I make a large batch, usually for four days and take it to work. I drink during my morning break. This helps keep me consistent and because I make a large batch, I do not need to worry about juicing every single day. Try it! You won't regret it! 

Tips:

• Cut everything small, otherwise it can get stuck in the machine. 
• Have a glass handy to pour the juice into while you make more. 
• Insert each veggie/fruit one by one to not overwhelm the machine. 

Elyssa's Clean Juice Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 to 5 stalks of celery
• 2 to 3 carrots (any kind works)
• 2 apples (any kind you'd like) 
• 1 cup of parsley 
• About a 1/4 cup of chopped fresh ginger 
• 2 to 3 lemons 
• 1/2 of a medium beet 
• 1/2 large cucumber 

Directions:

Wash all of your produce. Cut your produce into chunks. Cut parsley with kitchen shears. If you do not have kitchen shears, scissors work, too. 

Put your produce in one by one. 

Serve and enjoy! 

Easy and Healthy Caesar Salad

 Everyone loves a good Caesar salad but let's be real, it is not always the healthiest option! Growing up, Caesar salad was the only way that I ate salad (yes, I was picky). However, as I have grown older and developed my culinary skills, I have made a version that is healthy and delicious! All of my friends and family absolutely RAVE about this salad! If you try it, leave a comment and let me know what you think! 

Pictured is my favorite brand of herbs!  Victoria's Gourmet is a good quality of herbs to add to any dish, not just salad! It can be found at Home Goods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Online on their website. Victoria's Gourmet

Elyssa's Caesar Salad:

Ingredients

• 1 to 3 heads of Romaine (depends on how many people)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 to 7 cloves of garlic (less if you do not love garlic) 
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of Mediterranean herbs or Italian herbs
• 1/2 cup of shredded Asiago Cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
• Croutons of your choice (optional) 

Directions:

Cut your romaine lettuce and then wash it in a strainer. Once washed, dry really well with either paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Set aside.

In a large bowl, pour your olive oil, and herbs. 

Wash, peel and grate your garlic into the oil and herb mixture. 

Once garlic is grated, mix thoroughly with a whisk. Set aside. 

In a larger bowl, put in your romaine lettuce, and add dressing mixture. Mix thoroughly using two forks or tongs. Add in your salt and pepper and toss again. 

Once mixed, grate cheeses over the salad using a microplane. (Microplane grates the best in my opinion). 

Add in your croutons and toss everything together. To make your salad look a little more presentable, grate some extra cheese on top and scatter some croutons and viola! 

Enjoy!