Cassie DeNisco

New Posts Weekly

My Trader Joe’s Essentials!

I cannot tell you how exponentially better my life is now that I have a Trader Joe’s close to me! My weekly grocery trips and meal planning has leveled up since then. I wanted to dedicate this post to my Trader Joe’s essentials, the things that are alway on my list and in my fridge!

If you like this post, I actually have another Trader Joe’s post here to check out! I made that a few years ago but honestly some of these things are the same. TJ’s is great for everything but I love to stock up my fridge/freezer because their pre-made meals are great for busy days.

Freezer White Jasmine Rice

This product is a true freezer staple for me. I rave about my rice cooker but sometimes you just don’t have the time to use it. These rice packs you just have to pop in the microwave and they come out great every time. They’re so fast and great for quick additions to your lunch or dinner.

Chunky Guacamole

I have tried so many guacamole containers but this one is truly my favorite. I also like that it’s super inexpensive because guac is not cheap these days. This one seems to last me awhile too so I can open it one day and it’s not super gross and brown the next.

Chicken Fried Rice

trader joe's essentials

I cannot explain to you the love I have for this rice. It definitely isn’t a takeout dupe but honestly tastes better in my opinion because I know it’s healthier. This is perfect on its own or I like to grab like egg rolls or pot stickers and make a full dinner out of it.

Chicken Soup Dumplings

trader joe's essentials

I saw this online and immediately knew I needed them. I love dumplings and these are so great for lunch. They come in chicken or pork but I like the chicken version best. Seriously I love these and just having them in my freezer makes me not have to worry about planning a lunch during the work day.

Vegan Cashew Ravioli

trader joe's essentials

You need to try these ravioli even if you aren’t vegan! These are so yummy and honestly you probably can’t tell they aren’t vegan. I haven’t had a ravioli in like a year because I can’t have dairy and finding these was life changing!

These Trader Joe’s Essentials have seriously become staples in my life. I’ve noticed that TJ has become really dairy free friendly and has some great alternative products so let me know if you want me to do a post on my favorite non dairy things!

Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes & exclusive daily content!

My Dairy Free Broccoli Cheddar Quiche!

September has turned into the month of recipes for me! This post is dedicated to my latest favorite breakfast recipe, Dairy Free Broccoli Cheddar Quiche! I was craving a bigger weekend breakfast and I love how easy this is!

Quiches are awesome because they’re so easy to customize and also prep. You can make this as a meal prep for morning breakfast during the week! My recipe is vegan but you can always swap out the ingredients to fit your dietary needs!

dairy free broccoli cheddar quiche

Ingredients

1 Pre-made pie crust

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups vegan shredded cheese (I love follow your heart brand)

1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk

1 cup broccoli (i like to bake mine ahead of time)

Directions

  1. Pre heat oven to 400F.
  2. Spray pie pan then place pre made pie crust into pie pan and fork some holes into the bottom of it.
  3. In a separate bowl, scramble eggs then mix in milk and shredded cheese. Add broccoli and give it a gentle stir.
  4. Pour egg mixture into crust and bake quiche for about an hour. This might be more time but you just a knife to come out clean when you enter it in the center.
  5. Slice and enjoy!

As you can see, this Dairy free broccoli cheddar quiche recipe is seriously so easy to make! I personally love broccoli and cheese but you can really add any veggie you want to it. As long as you have the milk and eggs, you can really make it your own! Adding meat for extra protein might be great if you eat it too!

This is a great meal prep meal since it stores so well in the fridge for about 4-5 days too! If you liked this recipe, check out more of my recipes here! Follow me on Pinterest for more food videos too!

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!

My Summer Lunch Idea that you Need to try!

I can hardly believe summer is almost over here in New York! I have been loving the warmth but I’m starting to get excited for fall. I wanted to share with you my summer lunch idea that you need to try! I’ve seriously been living off this all summer long.

This is a dairy free recipe however feel free to do what makes you happy! I also will admit the vegan cheese I’m using is incredibly hard to find but if you do find it, it’s worth it!! I have been on a mission for like a year to find cheese similar to mozzarella and this is really it!

summer lunch idea

Ingredients

Sourdough bread slice

Pesto (basil, garlic, and olive oil minced together)

1 ripe tomato

Miyokos Cashew Milk Mozzarella

Balsamic Glaze

Directions

  1. Toast your sourdough slice til golden brown
  2. Apply a thin layer of pesto on the bread then take vegan mozzarella and add slices on top
  3. Slice your tomato and add that on top
  4. Finish off with balsamic glaze and you’re all set!

As you can see this is quite possibly the easiest lunch but it is so good. I love lighter lunches like this because sometimes you don’t want a giant meal when it’s hot. This is also such an easy on the go lunch that you just need to assemble and enjoy.

This summer lunch idea has seriously been my obsession! Let me know in the comments below your favorite summer lunch! If you liked this post, check out my other lunch recipes here!

Be sure to subscribe here to the blog so you don’t miss a post!

My Italian Pasta Salad Recipe!

It wouldn’t be summer without a pasta salad recipe on the blog! Last year I shared a super easy recipe for a light, refreshing pasta salad here. This year I have a revamped, Italian pasta salad. This recipe is fresh but also has that anti pasta feel.

Pasta salads are great at a barbecue but also a great lunch for the week. It’s super easy to meal prep and stores so well in the fridge. This recipe is easily my go to when I have guests or just need a quick lunch idea for the week!

italian pasta salad

Ingredients:

1 box cavatapi pasta

Container of grape tomatoes

1 medium red onion

Log of salami

Half an english cucumber

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 tsp basil

1 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp oregano

Directions:

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package. Let the pasta cool completely! This is essential.
  2. Finely dice your tomato, onion, cucumber and salami. This is up to you but I like mine about half an each chunks.
  3. Mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and all spices.
  4. Once pasta is completely cooled, mix in veggies, salami and dressing! Enjoy 🙂

Pasta salads are seriously my favorite meal of summer! They’re easy to bring to an event or just great to store in the fridge! Let me know some of your favorite recipes below!

This Italian pasta salad seriously is my go to. It’s so fresh and refreshing but filling! This is great as a meal or just on the side! I love the protein from the salami and the freshness of the veggies. It’s truly a great recipe that everyone will love!

Be sure to subscribe here to the blog so you don’t miss a post!

A Yummy, Healthy Rice Bowl!

I’m super excited to be sharing this healthy rice bowl recipe with you! I was originally introduced to it through Green Chef, but I’ve made it so many times now I have my own take! Rice bowls are seriously such a good dinner idea because they have something for everyone.

I also love to have meatless nights but still get in enough protein. This bowl is so filling and if you wanted to add a meat protein, chicken, beef or turkey would pair well!! Here’s my recipe!

Ingredients:

1 cup White Rice

1 cup veggie broth

Tomato

Scallion

Lime

1 can pinto beans

1 can corn

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp chili flakes

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp mayo

1 tbsp dijon mustard

Pecans

Directions:

  1. Bring veggie broth, rice, and salt to a boil then let simmer covered for about 10 minutes.
  2. Chop up tomato, scallion, lime, and rinse pinto beans
  3. Use half of the tomato, half of the scallion, and half the lime to create a salsa. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
  4. Saute the other half of tomato, scallion, and corn in the pan then add pinto peans and spices. Cook until heated.
  5. Add the cooked rice to this veggie pan and sprinkle with the other half of the lime. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat.
  6. Divide the rice & veggies evenly into bowls. Add salsa on top then pecans and finish off with dijon mustard & mayo mixed together and drizzled on top.

As you can see this bowl is so easy to make but jam packed with flavor. I seriously love to try out green chef recipes because they open your eyes to different ways to put food together! It really gives me the inspiration to create a healthy rice bowl like this!

If you liked this post, check out more recipes here ! Be sure to subscribe here to my newsletter so you never miss a post!

A Crispy Salmon Recipe!

My last salmon recipe, which you can find here, instantly became a fan favorite for my blog! It is so delicious and easy to make. I wanted to share this updated version of my crispy salmon recipe that I have been loving because it’s seriously that good.

The ingredients are pretty much the same but the actual way I make it is different. This leaves the salmon so crispy on top but juicy inside. I crave this recipe at least once a week and it seriously has become a staple in our house!

Ingredients

1 tbsp minced garlic

4 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

3 tbsp sriracha (use less if you don’t like spice)

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp sesame oil

1.5 lbs fresh salmon

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425
  2. Start by creating the sauce over a medium heat. Add a little olive oil to an oven safe pan and then add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant then add soy sauce, vinegar, sriracha, and honey.
  3. Once sauce starts to thicken remove from heat, add sesame oil, and set aside.
  4. Add a teeny bit of oil back into the pan then add your salmon skin side up. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until you can easily flip the salmon over with a spatula.
  5. Once the salmon is flipped, pour a little sauce over it and put in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. This depends on how you like your salmon, I always do 5.
  6. Take out & enjoy!
crispy salmon recipe

I love to make rice with this crispy salmon recipe and roast some broccoli. The combo is just so good and I always save a little sauce to pour over everything. Making this salmon is super easy and it’s one pan so it helps to make your clean up easy!

Let me know in the comments below your favorite way to cook salmon! I am really trying to step up my game in the kitchen so be sure to subscribe here so you won’t miss a recipe!

Plant Based Alternatives I Love

I have been dairy free for almost a year now and seriously have never felt better. People always ask me how I do it, so I thought I’d share my top plant based alternatives that keep me going. I developed severe lactose intolerance over the past few years so I’ve become a pro at yummy dairy free things.

A lot of times people ask if I’m vegan but to be honest I don’t like to label myself. I am 100% dairy free due to medical reasons but I’ll eat meat here or there. This is my favorite list of milks, cheeses, and other plant based products & brands!

Follow Your Heart

plant based alternatives

This is my go to brand for any kind of vegan cheese. I love their Parmasean, Feta, and even recently discovered their sliced cheese. This brand makes me not even miss real cheese. I highly recommend checking out Follow Your Heart if you can. I usually find mine in Target and I’m telling you, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

Simply

plant based alternatives

The simply brand is my go to for milks. I love that the ingredients are super minimal and the taste is pretty good. The only issue I have with it is that it is so hard to find. Honestly, I think it’s because it is so good! I usually will buy an extra almond or oat milk if I see it because often dairy alternative milks have so many unnecessary ingredients. This brand is so minimal and has a great taste.

Planet Oat

plant based alternatives

When I can’t get simple, Planet Oat is my next best thing. Ingredients are a little iffy however, the taste and consistency is spot on to dairy milk. I also am obsessed with the Planet Oat ice creams. I found when I went dairy free it was so hard to have ice cream but after discovering this brand, I can have whatever Ice cream I want by them because it’s so good.

Violife

If you’re looking for a good chunk cheese to maybe have a cheese board or shred yourself, check out Violife. I love their white cheddar chunk and love it in mac n cheese or scalloped potatoes. I don’t really like anything else by this brand but the chunk cheeses make me continue to come back for more.

Made Good

My final holly grail is the Made Good granola bars. Let me tell you, typical granola bar brands sneak so much stuff in them. I love these because not only are they dairy free, but their nut and allergy free too so if I’m on the go I won’t upset someones allergy. Again this are so hard to find but I stock up when I find them!

These are my tried and true products and brands that are plant based alternatives. It took me a while to get to the point where I could even recommend anything because you really have to try it for awhile. One thing to note is that I am huge on the ingredients in products but some of these don’t have the best. In situations like this, I choose flavor over ingredients because sometimes you just want as close to the real thing as possible!

If you love this plant based alternatives list, check out some recipes here! Subscribe here to my blog!

My Cooking Favorites to Make Life Easy!

For this month’s bonus post, I wanted to share my cooking favorites that make life easy. I kid you not, these products have completely changed the game for me cooking. They help make the process go smooth and not be stressful.

I think for a lot of us 20 somethings cooking seems like such a daunting task. Between prep, cooking, and cleaning, it takes a lot of time. Having products like these to cut down cleaning and prepping time, you’re cooking time can actually become fun!

Our Place Always Pan- Shop Here

cooking favorites

My Always pan has seriously made cooking and cleaning so easy. This is a non toxic non stick pan that seriously does it all. You can boil water, sauté or even steam in it with the steamer it comes with. I absolutely love this pan and honestly it does so much that it has replaced a lot of my other pans!

Rice Cooker/Steamer- Shop Here

I’m not going to lie to you, at first I was like I totally don’t need a rice steamer. Once I got one, I can’t live without it. It seriously makes the best rice ever for whatever you’re eating. It reminds me of the perfect sticky fluffy rice. I also like this one because it comes with a steamer tray so you can cook your rice and veggies at the same time.

Silicone Strainer- Shop Here

I love this strainer for not only cleaning my rice but pasta too. It’s so nice to not have a million pans to clean after you cook so this little gadget is great. You just fasten it on the side of your pot and then pour out the water. It seriously makes life so much easier.

Mini Chopper- Shop Here

Not exactly sure how I lived my entire life with out this but a mini chopper seriously is so helpful. You just have to throw in whatever you want to chop and press the power button. It seriously does it for you and makes cooking faster. I also love this to chop up my onions so I don’t have to tear up while doing it!

Glass Containers- Shop Here

cooking favorites

This was something that I recently invested in but glass containers for storage are amazing. I really love them because you can put them back in the oven to reheat food which I prefer. I also like them because I feel like they keep the food better then the flimsy plastic ones.

Utensils- Shop Here

cooking favorites

My final favorite is new utensils. I think we all look over our utensils because they still function but new ones just hit differently. I have tried expensive ones in the past but find that the cheap ones do the job they need to. We all end up throwing them out anyway so why bother investing in super expensive ones.

With these cooking favorites in your kitchen, cooking will become your new favorite hobby. As with anything, having the right tools makes such a difference. I love cooking on nights when I have the time to make a meal because of these things!

If you loved this post, check out some recipe posts here! Be sure to subscribe here so you never miss a post!