Cassie DeNisco

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My Healthier Chipotle Bowl Recipe

One of my favorite fast food restaurants is Chipotle because I love their bowls. After eating them for so long, I realized I could probably make my own version that is a much healthier Chipotle bowl. Not to mention, I wouldn’t be eating out so much or even spending money. My healthier Chipotle bowl is so easy and great to make for a family. Here’s the recipe!

Ingredients

1 can of black beans

1 can of corn

1 tomato

1 yellow onion

1 jalapeño

1 avocado

1 cup rice

1 lb chicken

1 tablespoon paprika

1/2 tablespoon cumin

Directions
  1. Rinse and drain the can of corn and can of black beans, then mix to combine and place in a container together. Start cooking the rice however you normally would.
  2. Cut up the tomato, yellow onion, jalapeño and place in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and let sit for a few hours so that the flavors all get to mix together.
  3. Season the chicken with the paprika and cumin and then grill it until cooked. Let cool and then cube it.
  4. Once the tomato mixture has sat and is fragrant, you’re ready to eat so start with the rice in your bowl. Then add chicken, tomato mixture and corn and beans. Top with sliced avocado or sour cream and cheese and you are good to go!

This seriously is such a healthier Chipotle bowl recipe. I love to prep this the morning of so that it’s ready to go whenever we want to eat. The recipe is simple enough that anyone can make it but also great because you can really mix and match. Meals like this are great for families because there’s something for everyone!

Let me know below if you have an Chipotle hacks and be sure to follow me on Pinterest for more recipes @cassiedenisco. Check out my last post here!

Breakfast Recipes for Back to School

I cannot believe the time has come to go back to school. I have put together some breakfast recipes for back to school whether you are going virtually or in person. These recipes are so delicious and easy to make as breakfast recipes.

Check out my latest post here!

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Green Juice Recipe You Need to Try

I have been on my fresh green juice game these past few weeks so I am so excited to share my recipe with you. This green juice recipe is so good and just leaves you feeling great. There are so many health benefits to getting your greens in everyday and the perfect way to do that is through this green juice recipe. To create these juices, I use my NutriBullet. I don’t have a juicer and just found that even though it takes a little longer because of straining, this works just as well as a juicer would’ve.

Ingredients:

1 Celery Stalk

Handful of Greens

1/2 a lemon

1 inch chunk of ginger

1/2 a cucumber

Handful of Carrots

Directions:

This is seriously so simple! Just add everything into your NutriBullet and blend. Depending on the day, sometimes I add a little water just to thin it out if it’s too thick. Next comes the straining. I just take very fine holed strainer and start to pour the juice through it into another container. I do this again, but this time straining it into whatever I plan to drink it out of. I love these reusable cups from Amazon!

I’ve been really working hard to get my greens in everyday during quarantine and making a juice has seriously helped. When I started making juices, I literally almost couldn’t drink them because I thought they were so gross. I would add apple or watermelon to them to sweeten them up and make them interesting to eat. Now, I am literally obsessed! I have this juice every. single. day!

Let me know in the comments below if you try this and be sure to follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco!

My Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

vegan chocolate chip cookies

I love to bake and have sweets but I know that when traditionally made, they aren’t always the best for me. I love to make vegan recipes, like my vegan lemon loaf, because they often are at least a little healthier for you. I made the switch to these vegan chocolate chip cookies and I will never go back! Whether you are vegan or not, these cookies are so chewy and delicious they will please whoever you’re making them for!

Ingredients:

2 c flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c sugar

1/2 c canola oil

1/4 c water

2 tsp vanilla

1 c chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Whisk together flour, salt, baking soda and chocolate chips. Set this aside.
  2. In another bowl, break up the brown sugar and then add sugar, oil, water and vanilla. Combine the flour mixture with this mixture and mix until it’s crumbly.
  3. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and make little balls of dough. Freeze for 30 minutes in order to keep the mixture together.
  4. Heat oven to 375 and bake cookies for 12 minutes total but turning them halfway through so they get crisp on each side.

Not only are these vegan chocolate chip cookies so easy to make but they are also so yummy. Most of us have all of these ingredients already in our homes so it makes making these cookies even easier. You wouldn’t even guess they don’t have the normal ingredients because they are so crisp and chewy. I love this vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe because these cookies are to die for!

If you try out this recipe tag me on Instagram or let me know in the comments below how you liked these cookies.

Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes @cassiedenisco!

25 Things to do During Quarantine

things to do during quarantine

I bet you’ve read a thousand blogs on things to do in quarantine but I think my list might top all of them. In NY where I live, we are currently on week 6 almost 7 of quarantine and I’m pretty sure I’ve done it all. From movies to watch to things to do, I have you covered if you find yourself struggling to figure out what to do!

  1. Watch Baker and the Beauty on ABC
  2. Reorganize/clean your room
  3. Bake something!
  4. Read a new book
  5. Call or Facetime a friend
  6. Host a virtual game night
  7. Try something new!
  8. Take a virtual dance or yoga class
  9. Play a board game
  10. Online shop
  11. Make some tie dye (use my diy here)
  12. Foster a puppy
  13. Go on a walk around your neighbor hood
  14. Take a nap
  15. Start a side hustle
  16. Read ahead for school classes or take an online class
  17. Workout or just move your body
  18. Watch Little Women
  19. Don’t focus on the news
  20. Learn a new language
  21. Lay in the sun
  22. Enjoy spending time with whoever you’re with
  23. Take a nap
  24. Spend some time on yourself
  25. Don’t over do it!

One thing I’ve learned throughout all of this is that you have to take it easy. Yes, this might be the most free time you’ve had in years but no one is judging you on how productive you are or not. We have to be kind to ourselves during this quarantine and I hope this list of things to do during quarantine is helpful.

I know this is a really uncertain and troubling time but we all will get through it. It does suck that we have to social distance and can’t just get up and go wherever we want to but patience is key. If you try out any of these things to do during quarantine let me know or let me know of the things you are doing during quarantine!

Follow me on Instagram: @cassiedenisco

My Hello Fresh Review

In today’s world, if you scroll through Facebook you’re almost guaranteed to see an ad for Hello Fresh or even a Hello Fresh Review. I’m not going to lie, Hello Fresh does seem like a great meal solution. The fact that it all comes pre-measured and in one package makes life so simple so who wouldn’t want to give it a shot?

I received two free box coupons from my cousin so I decided to choose one veggie box and a meat & veggie box. There are no dietary restrictions in my house or kids but I did appreciate the types of box options. Once I chose the box, I chose a delivery day and got to pick the meals. I would give the app and overall 10 out of 10. It was easy to use and made what I was looking for accessible.

As for delivery, both boxes came on the designated day and were in the iconic Hello Fresh box. I like that everything was labeled out and I only got the necessary ingredients. It definitely helps to not be wasteful. I can’t tell you the amount of times that I’ve been at the grocery store for a recipe and did not use the full amount of stuff I got. It also is nice because it really helps with portion control and not having too many leftovers.

All of the meals I had were yummy. I loved the Couscous Bowl the most and my least favorite was definitely the Sausage Gnocchi. Whether you like a meal is based on personal preference so definitely no lost stars here. I LOVED the recipe sheets. They were so clear and informative. Not only did it give you step by step directions but it also said all of the pans and other things that you would need to use. The amount of time that you would need to complete the meal was also right on the front and it made meal planning so easy.

As for the negatives, one of the things I found was that the packaging is pretty wasteful. There’s plastic covering most of the foods because they are pre packed so I would like to see Hello Fresh maybe use eco friendly containers. I also thought that for two people, 60 for 3 meals seemed a little expensive. I can go to the grocery story for 60 a week and get enough meals for a week. I think to solve both problems of plastic and cost, it might be useful for them to make 3 meals out of the same ingredients for that week. It would probably cut down on the plastics and maybe the cost.

If you can look past the expense and plastics, I do think Hello Fresh is useful if you’re too busy to put together healthy meals for yourself. For an overall rating, I think I would give my Hello Fresh Review an 8 out of 10. I definitely would sign up and purchase my own boxes here and there when I know I’m having a busy week. I’m not sure if I would use it every week but I must say I am impressed overall with the company!

  • Veggie Rissotto
  • Japanese Beef Tacos
  • Couscous Bowl
  • Gnocchi with Sausage
  • Mac n Cheese
  • Kickin’ Penne

*This is not an ad or sponsored, all opinions are my own*

Follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco! My Latest post is here!

Acai Bowls at Home

acai bowls

It might be fall but I still love acai bowls for breakfast! Not only are they super delicious but they also keep me full all morning. The real key to acai bowls are the consistency. My recipe is guaranteed to make you the perfect bowl each and every time. Feel free to alter my recipe however you’d like or use it as is. I absolutely love acai bowls and I even have included a hack to making them even easier.

Ingredients:

Frozen acai packets

1 Banana

1 c mixed berries

1/2 c almond milk

1 scoop collagen peptides

1 scoop of protein power (any flavor)

Directions:

  1. In a blender, I prefer the Nutri bullet, blend the acai, 1/2 of the banana and the mixed berries.
  2. Once somewhat blended add the collagen, protein powder, and blend.
  3. Gradually add the milk. Make sure you only add it a little at a time so that you can ensure it stays as a bowl and doesn’t turn into a smoothie.
  4. Put it in a bowl and add whatever toppings you’d like. I love banana, granola, honey, and coconut flakes!

Acai bowls can take awhile in the morning but if you pre make a huge bowl of it and freeze it, you can defrost a little each morning and just add your toppings. I also find that if you are still hungry after having a bowl, you can add some type of nut butter to increase your protein which will help you stay fuller longer.

I love acai bowls and they can be such a fun treat in the morning or at any point during the day. You can make them exactly however you’d like which makes it the best and easiest way to switch up your morning breakfasts.

Don’t forget to check out my pinterest for more recipes and check out my last recipe for apple crisp here!

My Vegan Apple Crisp

Chef Cass is back with a yummy fall dessert: vegan apple crisp. This dessert is perfect for a post apple picking treat and its vegan. I love vegan apple crisp and when I found this recipe, I fell in love. Add a little bit of vanilla ice cream or whip cream (vegan or non) to this you will be in vegan apple crisp heaven.

Ingredients:

Filling

4 Peeled Apples

1/2 c Brown Sugar

1/4 c Flour

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg

1/4 tsp Salt

1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

1tsp Vanilla Extract

Topping

1 c Flour

1 1/2 c Oats

1 c Brown Sugar

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

3/4 c Vegan Butter

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Directions:

  1. Cube the apples and add to mixing bowl with all of the other filling ingredients. Be sure to mix the apples so that they are properly coated and add to a 9 x 13 in greased pan.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  3. In a separate bowl, prepare the topping by adding all of the dry ingredients first then add the melted butter and vanilla.
  4. Use your fingers to crumble the toping over the filling so that it is evenly spread across.
  5. Bake for 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the inside is all gooey and yummy.
  6. Cool for 10 minutes and then add whatever toppings you’d like.

I’m literally so obsessed with fall and eating yummy desserts like this really help me get into the fall mood. I hope you enjoy this recipe and if you try it out let me know!

My Go To Fall Dinner Recipe

With fall right around the corner, my dinner recipes start to be quicker and easier to make. With getting back into the routine of working at night, I like to make sure that whatever I’m having for dinner is easy enough to either prep before I go to work or something that I can easily throw together once I get home. Today I’m sharing with you the easiest teriyaki chicken and veggie recipe for a fall dinner recipe!

Ingredients:

Chicken Breast (Cubed)

Soy Vay Teriyaki Sauce

Stir Fry Veggie Packet

Brown Rice

Directions:

  1. Marinate the cubed chicken breast for 1 hour in the Teriyaki sauce
  2. Once marinated, cook chicken in a large pan on top of stove on medium heat. Cook until the pieces have turned white.
  3. Add the veggie pack to the cooked chicken in the pan and add 1/4 c of the teriyaki sauce on top.
  4. Make your rice (I used the Trader Joe’s Freezer bag brown rice, click here) and you are ready to eat!

I wasn’t lying when I told you this recipe was so fast. I like to prep the chicken before work and then once I get home I throw it all together and I have a pretty healthy meal. I also sometimes make this recipe without the chicken so it’s perfect for my vegetarian friends too. You just have to be careful about this teriyaki sauce and the amount of sodium you’re intaking but this meal is so yummy! This fall dinner recipe is perfect for on the go nights or a cozy night in. Hope you enjoyed this quick little recipe, don’t forget to check out my Pinterest for more recipes or my latest recipe on the blog! @cassiedenisco

How to Make the Best Cake Pops

My absolute favorite 4th of July dessert is a cake pop. Why? I have no idea how but I love making . Every time I make them though, I’m surprised at how many people either don’t know how to make them or think that they’re so difficult to make. I’m here to tell you today that they are actually so easy to make, as long as you leave yourself plenty of time to make them. Also, patience is key and feel free to use whatever flavors and colors you want to customize this recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Box Cake Mix
  • 1 16oz Can of Frosting
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cake Pop Sticks
  • Melting Chocolate
  • Sprinkles

Directions:

  1. Following the directions on the box of cake mix to make the cake.
  2. Let cool and then take a fork and start to break up the cake so that it ends up being in little pieces. Place those pieces in a bag and stick it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. (This is my secret step)
  3. Once the cake mix is frozen, mix in the frosting. Add only a little at a time until the combination is sticky.
  4. Melt a little of the melting chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds. If it doesn’t all melt, stir it and then put on again for 20 seconds.
  5. Begin to make the cake into small balls, about 1 inch in size.
  6. Take a cake pop stick and put it in the melted chocolate and then directly into the cake pop ball. This will help to make sure it won’t fall off when its up right.
  7. Stick the pops, cake side down, onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze. I like to freeze for at least a day but as long as the frosting and chocolate is frozen it should be okay.
  8. Once the pops are frozen, melt 2 cups of the chocolate and begin to cover the pop with it. I like to use a spoon and gently glide the chocolate over the pop as opposed to just sticky it in the chocolate and turning it. This step is going to be the most tricky so be sure to stay patient.
  9. Before the chocolate hardens, this is the time to put your sprinkles or decorations on the pops.
  10. Put the pops back in the fridge until you are ready to serve them!

As you can see, it really isn’t that hard to make cake pops, it just takes a lot of time to make sure that they don’t fall apart. Cake pops are so yummy and really a great dessert for any party. There’s so many ways to decorate them that they can fit any occasion.

For the full video of how to make cake pops, check out my IGTV video on Instagram!

Follow @cassiedenisco