Cassie DeNisco

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Easy Berry Smoothie Recipe

As the weather gets warmer, I love a smoothie in the morning! I’ve shared my go to tropical smoothie recipe on here before but this easy berry smoothie recipe takes you back to the basics. I love a quick morning smoothie to get in your fruit for the day on the go!

I will say, this recipe is so easy thanks to my Ninja Blender. You can seriously just throw everything in and set it & forget it. This is such a high powered blender that it truly is amazing in the morning when you need to get out the door quickly.

You can shop here for the Ninja Blender I have. This is an affiliate link so I make a small commission if you choose to shop from it!

Smoothie Recipe

1 cup frozen strawberries

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1 frozen banana

1/3 cup oats

1/2 cup walnuts

oatmilk (I start with about a 1/2 cup and continue to add as needed)

drizzle of honey

2 scoops Vital Proteins collagen (shop here)

Directions

  • Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Because of the oats and walnuts, this is a slightly chunkier smoothie so if you’d prefer it smooth, omit them!

What I love most about smoothies is how easy they make it to get your daily nutritional values in. I don’t always reach for a breakfast in the morning or even a fruit so by making this I truly get everything I need in for the day and it’s only like 10am by the time I’m done!

Feel free to add some protein to bulk up this easy berry smoothie recipe! I really just make this for the fruit aspect so I know I’m getting them in each day! If you make this smoothie, let me know in the comments below! You can check out other smoothie recipes here!

My Gardening Tips & Tricks!

After a little 2 week break, I’m back with more blog posts! The summer comes on fast and if you’re not ready for it, you often get swept away with it. One thing that has been consistent though is my gardening tips and tricks!

I started prepping it back in May and I’m starting to slowly see all of my plants come to life! Having a garden has been really therapeutic for me and given me the opportunity to get some sun every day! I thought I would walk through all of my adventures so far.

List of Plants

This was probably one of the hardest parts of gardening. When you get to the store, you just want to get everything but you have to go in with a plan and know what you can actually grow in your area. There’s lots of ways to figure it out but I just Googled “What Grows in Westchester NY” and I found a full list on a website.

It’s essential that you grow what you know will flourish so that it’s not a waste. What I did that I loved was once I made my list, I put it in a Google Doc that I not only shopped from but now I have it forever and can refer to it next season too!

Planters

After you decide what you’re growing, you have to decide what you’re putting it in! I went with these two versions of planters on Amazon. Both are great because so far my plants are really doing well in them and they’re holding up well.

I will say I feel like the metal ones are a little bit better price wise but the wood ones are great if you don’t want to be bending down to water the plants! These are affiliate links so I make a small commission if you choose to purchase from them!

Metal Planters: Shop Here

Wood Planters: Shop Here

gardening tips and tricks

Watering & Pruning

One part of the gardening process I really love is watering. It’s like a treat to be outside and getting to look at all of the garden progress each day. So far I’ve only been watering once a day, but now that it’s getting warmer, I’m going to increase to twice a day!

Pruning is also kind of fun because you get to get rid of all of the yucky leaves that aren’t helping your plants grow. I didn’t love this part but once I got a great pair of gloves, I’m able to really get in there and clean out the plants!

Gloves: Shop Here

gardening tips and tricks

I hope this post inspired you to at least get out there and give it a try. I know gardening seems so daunting but I’ve really grown to love it. If you liked this post of gardening tips and tricks, let me know! I’d love to continue sharing more!

Check out my latest blog post here!

My Homemade Salad Pizza Recipe!

I’ve been on a serious pizza kick after learning to make really great dough! Being dairy free has left me somewhat limited my pizza choices these days. I’ve been making this homemade salad pizza recipe on repeat because it’s so good!

This recipe is great for a leftover night when you have salad and veggies you’re just trying to finish up. I’m excited to make this over the summer once my veggies are ready to harvest from my garden. It’s going to be so fresh and delicious!

Ingredients for Dough:

1 packet active yeast

2 cups water

5 cups flour

2 tbsp salt

olive oil

Ingredients for Pizza:

Pizza sauce

Mixed Greens

1 diced red onion

1 diced tomato

1 large shredded carrot

1 diced cucumber

Directions:

  1. The dough is going to take the longest so make sure you leave ample amount of time for it. Start with your 2 cups of lukewarm water and slowly mix in active yeast packet. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. Add in your flour, salt and knead. Let this sit for about 2 hours and then kneed again and place in a clean bowl with a little bit of olive oil. I let it sit for another 3 hours just to make sure it’s set. Next I roll it out with just a sprinkle of flour!
  3. Preheat the oven to 425 and leave your pizza pan in the oven while it preheats. This is a pro tip to get the bottom crisp.
  4. After you roll out the pizza and form the crust, place your sauce on top and bake for about 10 minutes until everything is golden brown.
  5. While it’s baking, prep your veggies! Layer down the mixed greens first and then any toppings you love! I listed my favorites above!

As you can see, this is the easiest homemade salad pizza recipe ever. You get a delicious and healthier pizza in like no time. I’ve found that making my own dough is so rewarding and honestly just tastes so good. You’ll be just as obsessed as me if you make this!

Be sure to follow my blog and check out my pinterest so you don’t miss anything from me!! You can check out more summer recipes here!

Homemade Crunch Wrap Recipe

Looking to spice up your taco night? I have you covered with this homemade crunch wrap recipe. I seriously love this recipe when you’re not in the mood for just a regular taco night.

This is essentially a taco bell copycat recipe and it was an instant hit for dinner here. Obsessed with how easy this recipe was and how seriously yummy it is too!

crunch wrap recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey or beef

2 tbsp taco seasoning

soft tortillas in wrap size

crunchy circular tortillas

diced yellow onion

1 diced tomato

chopped romaine lettuce

jalepeño

hot sauce

Directions:

  1. Cook your meat and add taco seasoning.
  2. Microwave your soft tortilla for 10 seconds so you can easily mold it.
  3. Assemble your crunch wrap with your favorite filling with the soft tortilla down first. I love ground turkey, tomatoes, lettuce, vegan cheese, jalepeños, onions, and some hot sauce.
  4. Warm a frying pan with a little bit of butter.
  5. Place the crunchy circular tortilla on top then fold your soft tortilla over. This is the hardest part because it’s so tricky. As soon as it’s all assembled place it seam side down in the pan. This will seal it so it doesn’t explode.
  6. Flip after about 2-3 minutes to crisp the other side and then enjoy!!

I cannot tell you how badly I want to remake this as I’m writing this. It just elevates your taco night and creates something so filling and yummy. I am huge on making sure your dinner hits all the points to fill you up and this combo definitely does!

If you loved this homemade crunch wrap recipe be sure to check out some of my other recipes here! You can also check out my pinterest as I am super active on it here!

My Sweet Potato Quesadilla Recipe!

This new year we are prioritizing eating our veggies! I love this recipe because it sneaks in veggies in a really yummy and delicious way! I’ve now been plant based for over a year and a half and I love recipes like this sweet potato quesadilla!

Quesadillas used to be one of my go to recipes to make a quick lunch or order out but it’s hard to do when you’re dairy free! I found this recipe actual from a Hello Fresh Box but have made it my own as the years have gone on. If Hello Fresh is reading this, offer dairy free alternatives so I can still enjoy your stuff!!

This recipe is so quick and easy, as well as perfect to rotate into your New Year’s meals!

Ingredients

Your favorite Tortillas (I love almond flour but my grocery store didn’t have so I did whole wheat)

Cheese (Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese is the best to melt with)

1 poblano pepper

Grape tomatoes

1 yellow onion

Salt

Pepper

1 tsp cayenne

1 jalapeño pepper

Avocados

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 then peel and dice your sweet potatoes. Spray them with a little oil and bake for 25 minutes or until soft.
  2. Dice your poblano and yellow onion. Sauté your poblano and half of the yellow onion in a pan with cayenne, salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Create a little salsa with your diced jalapeño, other half of the yellow onion, and tomatoes!
  4. Once everything is cooked, assemble your quesadillas without the salsa and bake in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crisp.
  5. Serve with salsa on top and sliced avocado & enjoy!!

I love this recipe because it’s truly a twist on a classic. This helps you sneak in your veggies while having something good. If I’m looking for something more nutrient dense, I’ll even throw in some black beans! Let me know if you have tried this sweet potato quesadilla recipe or if you have a non-traditional quesadilla recipe!

Be sure to follow me on Pinterest for more day to day content!!

Holiday Cocktail Recipe!!

I struggled a bit with what type of recipe I wanted to share this month. I decided it would be so fun to share one of my favorite holiday cocktail recipe to get you in the holiday spirit! Recently I’ve gotten really into making cocktails and it’s actually so much fun.

Even if you aren’t hosting a big party, this cocktail is so yummy that you’ll want to make it on your nights in too! I am big on just using what you have at home and this recipe seriously is things you probably already have in your home!

holiday cocktail recipe

Ingredients:

Vodka

Cranberry Juice (I prefer low/sugar free recipes)

Limes

Lime Juice

Shaker bottle

Directions:

  1. Pour 1/2 cup cranberry juice, 2 cap fulls of Vodka, and 2 squeezes of lime into a shaker with ice. Shake well.
  2. Pour into a cute cocktail glass and garnish with a lime!

I probably didn’t have to give you the written out directions but hey you never know! This recipe is so easy and I love how easily you can control the sugar content. I worry about how much sugar is in those crazy cocktails you get out and about so I love making it at home. I’m not a huge drinker but I love something sweet for the holidays!

This recipe was a hit on Thanksgiving and I feel like it’s going to be just as good for Christmas! The sweet cranberry with the tart lime is soooo good and you have to give it a try! Let me know if you love this holiday cocktail recipe and if you’re interested in more like this!

Shop here for my shaker bottle

Shop here for my cute plastic cocktail glass

Check out my latest blog post here and be sure to subscribe to the blog so you never miss a post!

Vegan Au Gratin Potato Recipe!!

I have been waiting to share this recipe with you because it’s perfect for the holidays! This vegan au gratin potato recipe is next level and so good. I miss out on so many favorites being dairy free and this was life changing when I made it.

I seriously love how easy this recipe is for how good it tastes. These cheesy potatoes pair so well with any holiday dinner so I really wanted to share it now in my holiday recipe series!

vegan au gratin potato

Ingredients:

6 thinly sliced potatoes

1 white onion diced finely

1/3 cup flour

1/3 cup vegan butter

1/2 cup veggie broth

1 1/2 cup vegan milk

2 cups vegan shredded cheese

1 tablespoon garlic powder

salt & pepper

Directions:

  1. Start by boiling your sliced potatoes in water then drain.
  2. Preheat your oven top 425 and then heat a small pot on the stove.
  3. Begin making the roux by heating oil then the diced onions. Add in water & Salt then butter and once melted slowly mix in flour.
  4. Slowly add more veggie broth then the milk and keep stirring. Add cheese and stir until sauce has thickened. Then immediately remove from heat.
  5. In a baking dish, pour a little of the cheese sauce in then begin layering the potatoes. Pour the rest of the sauce on top.
  6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until cooked thoroughly and brown!
  7. Enjoy 🙂

I am not joking when I tell you this was the best vegan alternative I’ve made yet! This vegan au gratin potato recipe is delicious and seriously like the real thing! If you make this recipe, let me know!!

If you liked this vegan recipe, check out more here or follow me on Pinterest for more video content!

My Bruschetta Recipe!!

I am kicking off my November cooking series TODAY!! I’ll be sharing some great recipes for your to have on your Thanksgiving table and we’re starting with appetizers today! My Bruschetta recipe is so easy to make and will seriously make people think you spent forever on it!

I made this for the first time over the summer with my fresh garden tomatoes and have been craving it ever since! This seriously tastes delicious and has become one of my favorite appetizers. This is perfect for your Thanksgiving feast!

my bruschetta recipe

Ingredients:

3 Cups diced grape tomatoes

6 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 Tablespoon balsmic vinegar

1/2 fresh basil leaves

3 tablespoons butter

1 French baguette

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 and thinly slice your French Baguette. Melt 3 tablespoons butter and mix with 3 tablespoons minced garlic. Evenly coat both sides of baguette then bake for 20 minutes or until super crisp.
  2. Sauté 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the remaining 3 tablespoons of minced garlic. Cook until fragrant then set aside.
  3. Dice your grape tomatoes and combine balsamic, basil, salt and pepper together. Mix in your oil olive and garlic mixture.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for it to marinate but the longer the better!

This bruschetta recipe is perfect year round! I actually never really liked it in the jars because it always was way too salty! It’s so easy to make so you might as well try it out and flavor it your way! If you loved this recipe you can view more here and be sure to follow me on Pinterest as I’ve been posting lots of video content there!!

Cheesy Pesto Pasta Recipe!

I’m super excited to be sharing with you this super yummy cheesy pesto pasta recipe! I’m making a vegan version for myself but you can always use regular cheese for yourself! Pesto is like my go to pasta for summer but adding cheese helps to transition it to a heartier meal for fall!

I’m going to share with you my 3 ingredient pesto recipe that I use to create this delicious dish! It’s so easy and you can make it to freeze too! I recommend getting a basil plant if you do like pesto because it ends up being cheaper and you have it for so many recipes!

cheesy pesto pasta

Ingredients

Handful of Fresh basil

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound of pasta

Myokos Vegan Mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup sliced grape tomatoes

Directions

  1. Boil water and cook pasta according to the box. Once finished, drain water and add a little olive oil so it doesn’t stick together.
  2. To make the pesto, add a handful of basil, minced garlic and olive oil to a mini chopper and blend. You can make this thinner or thicker depending on how you like your pesto.
  3. Shred vegan mozzarella and then add pesto and mozzarella back to the pasta pot with the pasta. Mix until the cheese is a little melted.
  4. Plate pasta with sliced grape tomatoes on top and enjoy!

As you can see, my cheesy pesto pasta recipe is seriously that easy! I am so obsessed with how good this dish is. This is a great fresh recipe for this transitional time from summer to fall too! I love that it’s still light from the pesto but the cheese really makes it more decadent!

If you love this recipe, check out more of my recipes here! Also, I’ve been posting a lot of idea pin recipes on Pinterest so follow me there too!

My Vegan Burger Recipe!

It has been a true journey to find a meatless burger that I actually love from the grocery store. With so many options to now choose from, it’s honestly a little overwhelming. I’ve finally perfected my vegan burger recipe using none other than Beyond Burgers and this is too good to not share.

I’m a big believer of eating whatever you want but trying to at least elevate it a little and make it healthier. This burger recipe is dressed to the nines with nutrients but also other just yummy traditional flavors.

vegan burger recipe

Ingredients

Brioche Bun (love the brand Bakerly)

Beyond Burger

Vegan Sliced Cheese

Ketchup

Mayo

Bread & Butter sliced pickles

Red Onion

Sliced Tomato

Butter Lettuce

Directions

  1. Obviously cook the burger following the directions on the packaging but also toast the bun at this time too! Whether you pop it in the oven or on the grill, watch it till it gets toasted to your liking. (this is essential)
  2. To assemble, mix mayo and ketchup on the toasted burger and let it melt. Add the vegan cheese beyond burger and layer tomato, onion, pickles and lettuce on top.
  3. Enjoy!!

I used to hate burgers because I thought they were so bland. This recipe seriously gives you the nutrients you need but also makes it taste so good. I’m a firm believer that the Beyond Burgers taste better than regular beef because they cook just so well.

If you loved this vegan burger recipe, try pairing it with my summer pasta salad that is to die for! I also have been posting again on Pinterest so be sure to check me out there!