Before a new normal defined everyday life in America, I always found myself on the go. Between work and social events, I often found myself grabbing a bite to eat at a local eatery or preparing something quick and simple in the kitchen. Since March 2020, when my life began to operate out of the four walls of my home, I found myself spending much more time in the kitchen. The quick and simple dishes that I was used to making were no longer necessary, as I was no longer facing a time crunch or packed schedule. So, I began to look for more recipes and foods that are unique and of course, tasty!
Throughout the years, Simply Better Living has been home to many unique and intriguing recipes and dishes that are perfect to create for almost any occasion. From sweet treats to seafood and everything in between, these tasteful creations have been satisfying tastebuds for years, and now I think it is time to re-introduce some of them to our newest readers.
Whether it is an appetizer to dessert, throughout this roundup, you will have enough recipes to last you through the day. So, let’s stop beating around the bush and jump right into it. As usual, if you love your new favorite recipes, feel free to let us know on social media by using the #SharpHome on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Yes, I must admit that at times it is sometimes easy just to buy a dish prepared from your local grocery store. The thing is that you don’t get the same taste or feeling. Living in New Jersey, we do, unfortunately, have cold seasons that begin around mid-September. As summer is coming to an end, professional sports will be back on television in the blink of an eye. Sitting back on the couch with some chips and buffalo chicken dip does not sound like a bad way to spend the day. I am counting down the days.
If you are someone(like me) that does not like to admit summer is ending or live in a warmer area, feel free to offer this classic and mouthwatering recipe and dish for an outdoor barbecue or get together.
Last year, we shared a Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe, and to say the least, our favorite readers (like you) loved it. Especially in a time where everyone is staying close to home and with close family and friends, I can assure you that this is a recipe to get excited about.
In under 40 minutes, the second you take the tray out of the Sharp Superheated Steam Countertop Oven, you will be in love and want to dive right in. Plus, the ovens are simple to clean, so once you make your masterpiece, you can focus more on eating with loved ones and less scrubbing.
Trips to the grocery store are not every day, and some items are harder to get than others. Some ingredients you should fill your shopping bags with when you have the chance include:
- package of celery
- bag of corn chips
- baguette
- roll of crackers
- shredded Mexican blend cheese
- cream cheese
- dressing (ranch or blue cheese, your choice)
- buffalo sauce
- chicken breasts
- paprika
- cayenne pepper
Also, rumble through your kitchen cabinets to make sure that you have some salt and pepper.
Make sure that you add this recipe to your recipe book and feel free to share it with close friends and family. Trust me; they will thank you.
Sweet Potato Mushroom Guacamole Burger
In mid-March, most of our lives did a full 180, and we found ourselves following the #SharpStayAtHome motto and have moved our entire lives into the four walls of our homes. Yup that includes my office, classroom, dorm room, and everything in between all wrapped up into my childhood bedroom.
I’ll be the first to admit I found myself eating quick bowls of cereal or ordering food from my phone to my doorstep at the beginning of quarantine. After a few weeks, I got sick and tired or commercialized foods. With that, I went into Simply Better Living to find the perfect summer recipe.
This 40-minute recipe may also serve as the perfect break from your workstation to take your mind off of work mid-day. Since I am in front of a computer all day long, my eyes need a break from a computer screen, and my fingers need a break from the keyboard. So I take my break in the kitchen.
This Sweet Potato Mushroom Guacamole Burger was another fan favorite and was beloved by our readers. And get this, it’s a gluten-free veggie burger making it not too filling and a wise choice for mid-day.
Since you probably won’t be going to the grocery store in the middle of the day, I figured now would be an appropriate time to grab a pen and paper, take a screenshot, or open the notes app in your phone to write down all of the items you will need. Ready?
Pick up a large sweet potato (peeled and diced), baby portabella mushrooms, instant brown rice, quick gluten-free oats, black beans, arugula, garlic, onion powder, fresh parsley, baked beans, and cumin. Before you go out, gather salt, pepper, and olive oil from the kitchen.
For the guacamole, grab two avocados, lemon and lime juice, and a tiny bit of garlic salt for taste.
Feel free to make this burger dish feel like lunch at the diner by making french fries as well. That really will set the vibe and put you back to work feeling refreshed, full, and satisfied!
Mediterranean Grilled Calamari
I am going to let you in on a little secret. I LOVE CALAMARI. I guess it is not so much a secret, but it is one of my all-time favorite appetizers and dishes to eat. Any time I went or go out to dinner or order in for the night, one of the first things that come out of my mouth after “hello, how are you” is “can we get an order of calamari.”
After a bit more research and looking at throughout Simply Better Living, I have come to find out that the American definition of calamari is often associated with fried calamari and that throughout the globe, it is often enjoyed as an entree. Throughout the Mediterranean, Latin America, and Asia, this popular dish is shared among many due to squid being high in protein and low in saturated fats. Don’t believe me? Check out this Mediterranean Grilled Calamari Salad Recipe for a quick look at all the benefits and instructions to whip up this perfect dish.
Any time I put together a new recipe, I am not a fan of doing it alone. Put on some music, gather everyone in the house and get them involved in the process. Between your loved ones, comfy clothes, good music, and your Sharp Superheated Steam Countertop Oven, the preparation process will be enjoyable.
I never realized how simple it is to make calamari at home until now. You may want to make sure that you get the right ingredients for this tasteful seafood dish and plan a time to cook it soon after so your ingredients stay fresh, and the taste is everlasting.
As a seafood fanatic, one of the things that got me most excited about trying this new recipe was the fact that I got to go to my local seafood market, and you are about to do the same. Grab a mask and head over there to pick up 12 cleaned squid, the foundation of the recipe. Feel free to ask the clerk there to help you out and to help you make sure they are the freshest ones in stock!
Between your next trip to the grocery and looking through your kitchen cabinets, pick up some olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and salt and pepper. I am thrilled to try out this new calamari recipe, and I attribute my awareness to this mindful alternative to Simply Better Living.
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcake
I’ve been trying to start a diet many (yes, many) times over the course of the last year and always seem to lose to sweet treats and desserts. However, I don’t mind. Whether it is after a nice dinner and or a long day at work, I am always looking and craving fun, innovative, and tasty desserts. You know at the end of dinner you always say, “I’m full” or “I ate too much”? Well, in my house, that just means we are ready for dessert. Usually, dessert is the last course of a meal, and you know what they always say. Save the best for last.
If you plan on going to a barbeque to see close friends or have Sunday dinner plans with your family, this creation may serve as something new and get everyone excited. Ditch the traditional deserts that you would usually bake quickly and don’t run into the store and buy generic deserts that sit in the middle of the aisle.
You may deny it, but there is always room for an everlasting tasty dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. What better way would it be to take a break from your diet than Simply Better Living’s original Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcake Recipe? There is no doubt in my mind that your close family and friends won’t be using the spoon to scoop the last few bites at the bottom of the bowl.
While the most important thing to me when it comes to food is taste, the second most important is decorations and presentation. What is unique about this traditional strawberry shortcake creation is to make it heart-shaped. Between the strawberry taste and the heart shape, you can genuinely say that the secret ingredient is love.
Are you ready to get to work and whip up this sweet creation for a loved one? Mask up and go to the grocery store to pick up a box of yellow cake mix, granulated sugar, a lot of strawberries (an essential ingredient), and heart-shaped ramekins to ensure that the design of the cake will be loved. Check your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator for eggs, vegetable oil, and some water (yes, tap water is fine).
Hearts don’t need to be just associated with Valentine’s Day, as love is present 365 days a year. In about a half-hour, you could go from an empty kitchen countertop to light and sweet strawberry shortcake!
Mindful Turkey Meatball
Any time I share new recipes with my favorite readers (yes, that includes you) or put together a recipe roundup, you may notice a trend or pattern. I am a fanatic of Italian cuisine-pasta, meatballs, chicken parmesan, and more! The longer I think about listing traditional Italian dishes; the louder my stomach begins to growl.
As a proud New Jersey resident, we are home to a huge Italian American population. With many Italian restaurants in our state, before the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself at one every other night. Now that I find myself spending a bit more time at home than usual, my kitchen and dining room has been transformed into my new and exclusive trattoria only open to close friends and family.
If you are looking for a food that floods your hallways with delicious scents, I highly recommend you add this Mindful Turkey Meatball Recipe to your menu. As soon as your family and friends begin to smell this great low fat and high protein meal coming off of the stove, they will already be sat around the dinner table with a napkin on their lap and fork and knives in hand before you can yell “GUYS, DINNER IS READY.”
Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself by gathering ingredients for the turkey meatballs, including ground turkey, brown rice crackers, onions, coconut aminos, parsley, olive oil. You’ll also need to use everyday household items, including sea salt, ground black pepper, and an egg. For the basil marinara, you will need crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, fresh basil red pepper flakes, and additional olive oil and sea salt.
Finally, my favorite part about any Italian dish, picking the pasta. From linguini to cavatelli and everything in between picking the pasta can be a great and inclusive way to get the whole family involved. Try flipping a coin to see which type of pasta you will be supplementing with your new favorite meatball recipe (shh I vote rigatoni).
Now turn on your Sharp Induction Cooktop, put on your favorite cooking apron, and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends. And if they ask for the recipe, which they will, feel free to share!
