Cassie DeNisco

My Chicken Roaster Recipe!

March 1, 2023

This is definitely a newer recipe for me! I love this chicken roaster recipe because it’s not only good the day of but I love the leftovers. Chicken is just about the only meat I’ll eat and making a roaster like this ensures I’ll have leftovers to use in so many ways!

I like to think of this recipe as my own at home rotisserie chicken. It’s essentially the same thing but I can season it how I want and it gets so fresh and delicious! You can serve with potatoes and gravy or really however you want to! It’s so easy it’s become a staple in my meal rotation!

Ingredients

Whole Chicken Roaster

1 tsp thyme

4 tbsp melted butter

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp rosemary

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425 and decide what pan you’re going to use. Sometimes I use my dutch oven and others I’ll use a throw away aluminum foil.
Prep your chicken by patting it dry from the extra liquids.
Melt butter and then mix in minced garlic, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. Pour mixture over chicken in pan and make sure it coats completely. (sometimes I add more, sometimes I need less)
Cooking time will depend on weight of your roaster.. typically it’s 2-3 hours for a young chicken and sometimes you can even get the one with the pop up timer!
While it’s cooking, baste with the drippings occasionally to keep it moist!
Carve & enjoy!

This is the easiest chicken roaster recipe to make for dinners! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more recipes like this here! You can follow me on Pinterest @cassiedenisco for even more content!

My Chickpea Orzo Salad Recipe!

February 15, 2023

I definitely have summer on my mind after these really cold days! There’s truly nothing I love more than a pasta salad in the summer so this recipe is getting me in my feels. I turned chickpea orzo salad recipe into a summer staple and really it became and instant hit.

Pasta salads can get really receptive and seem all the same after awhile but this one pairs chickpeas with a lemon vinaigrette and is just so yummy! You could even turn this into a meal and just pair some protein like grilled chicken with it on top!

Ingredients

1 lb orzo

1 can chickpea

1/2 red onion diced finely

2 tomatoes diced

2-3 mini cucumbers diced finely

1 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 tsp basil

1/4 c olive oil

juice from 1 full lemon

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp fresh minced garlic

1 tsp oregano

salt & pepper

red pepper flakes

Directions

Cook orzo according to package. Once cooked, drain and then put in a big bowl.
Mix in chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, nutritional yeast, basil & parsley.
Assemble vinaigrette by wishing together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic, garlic, oregano & salt + pepper.
Combine bowl with dressing and mix thoroughly. Let cool and serve with red pepper flakes on top!

I love a good pasta salad and this chickpea orzo salad is delicious! Its so refreshing with the lemon juice in the dressing! The protein from the chickpeas helps to elevate this and make it even more filling!

Let me know if you loved this recipe and check out more recipes from me here! Be sure to follow me on Pinterest @cassiedenisco for even more content!

My Sweet Potato Quesadilla Recipe!

January 9, 2023

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

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.
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.
Create a little salsa with your diced jalapeño, other half of the yellow onion, and tomatoes!
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.
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!!

Vegan Au Gratin Potato Recipe!!

November 21, 2022

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!

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:

Start by boiling your sliced potatoes in water then drain.
Preheat your oven top 425 and then heat a small pot on the stove.
Begin making the roux by heating oil then the diced onions. Add in water & Salt then butter and once melted slowly mix in flour.
Slowly add more veggie broth then the milk and keep stirring. Add cheese and stir until sauce has thickened. Then immediately remove from heat.
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.
Bake for 55-60 minutes or until cooked thoroughly and brown!
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!

Insta Pot Curry Recipe!

November 14, 2022

This is one of my fall go to recipes that I am obsessed with! We’ve been making this insta pot curry recipe since last fall but really have the recipe perfectly nailed down. This is the easiest dinner recipe that tastes like you’ve been working all day on it!

I really fell in love with my insta pot during the pandemic because it cooks food so easily and quickly! This recipe wouldn’t be as easy if it weren’t for my insta pot so definitely think about investing in one if you don’t already have it!

Ingredients:

4-5 boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 yellow onion diced (keep pieces large)

olive oil

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced ginger

7-8 chopped baby carrots

1 tablespoon ketchup

3-4 potatoes peeled and cubed

2-3 cups chicken broth

block of Japanese curry roux

1 tablespoon soy sauce

White rice to serve it with!

Directions:

In your insta pot turn on sauté feature and add olive oil, onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
Add in the chicken thighs and cook both sides until white. (I do this to make sure it get’s cooked all the way through)
Add in potatoes, carrots, and pour chicken broth over everything until covered.
Place curry roux on top but don’t mix it in just leave it there. Close the lid and then turn on stew setting for 15 minutes.
After cooked, let steam for additional 15 minutes.
Lift the lid and mix thoroulghy adding in ketchup & soy sauce.
Enjoy!!

As you can see, this was the insta pot curry recipe easiest recipe to make! I love to serve this with white rice and will have leftovers for days! This is also a really easy meal prep meal for lunches for the week too!

I get the mild curry so this is definitely a family favorite and really has all the veggies and nutrients you need for a dinner! If you liked this recipe, check out more here on my blog or on my Pinterest for video content!

My Fall Harvest Bowl!

October 10, 2022

I am so excited to be sharing with you my viral fall harvest bowl! This was posted on Pinterest Here and it seriously blew up! I am so glad everyone is enjoying this bowl because I swear it is the perfect transition meal!

Whether you want a warm dinner or a chilled side, this bowl is great for meal prep! You can make it in advance and use it throughout the week for lunches or dinners! I love how filling it is alone and it’s vegan so you’re also doing good for the planet too!

Ingredients:

1 box of orzo
1 can chickpeas
2 medium sweet potatoes
1/2 red onion
handful of grape tomatoes
handful of walnuts
olive oil
maple syrup
red wine vinegar
basil
oregano
red pepper flakes
salt & pepper

Directions:

Start by preheating your oven to 425 and dicing up your sweet potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. Add to an oven safe pan, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until all are soft.
Meanwhile drain chickpeas and add to a baking sheet with walnuts. Bake walnuts for 5 minutes until crisp and remove. Keep chickpeas in until they harden.
Cook orzo according to the package.
Make dressing by combining 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and dashes of basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Combine all together and mix well, adding salt & pepper to taste!
Enjoy!!

I hope you enjoyed this Fall Harvest Bowl recipe! I have this recipe on repeat each week because it’s just that good. If you liked this recipe, you can check out more recipes here!

My Trader Joe’s Essentials!

October 3, 2022

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

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

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

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!

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My Dairy Free Broccoli Cheddar Quiche!

September 26, 2022

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!

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

Pre heat oven to 400F.
Spray pie pan then place pre made pie crust into pie pan and fork some holes into the bottom of it.
In a separate bowl, scramble eggs then mix in milk and shredded cheese. Add broccoli and give it a gentle stir.
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.
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!

My Summer Lunch Idea that you Need to try!

August 15, 2022

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!

Ingredients

Sourdough bread slice

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

1 ripe tomato

Miyokos Cashew Milk Mozzarella

Balsamic Glaze

Directions

Toast your sourdough slice til golden brown
Apply a thin layer of pesto on the bread then take vegan mozzarella and add slices on top
Slice your tomato and add that on top
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!

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Reputation Book Review!

August 3, 2022

I am so excited to be sharing another book review with you! This one is seriously was on my want to read list for months before it even came out! We all love Bridgerton and this book gave me all those vibes! I seem to be obsessed with historical fiction since my last reviews have been just that!

This book was a quick read for me but really kept me entertained. I loved the vibe of it and it seriously was reminding me of Bridgerton meets mean girls! Here’s my Reputation book Review!

Reputation by Lex Croucher- Click Here

This book follows Georgina Ellers who is essentially abandoned by her parents. She’s sent to live with her aunt in this regency era and gets thrown into this world of high society. She meets Frances, the ultra high society queen bee and soon falls in with her friends.

The story follows them breaking the rules and pushing the boundaries that are set up for them during this time period. From underage drinking to sneaking out to party with boys, this book shows just how restricted teenage girls had it.

It also touches on the love lives of these girls and how they all essentially want to be married by the summer. They think that will magically solve all their problems and they can move up in society that way.

Final Thoughts

This was definitely a different book for me. I thought going in I would absolutely devour it but it wasn’t my top favorite and thought it was just a little all over the place. It definitely was a good read but the story line just wasn’t it for me.

It definitely was fun and Bridgerton/Mean Girls inspired but I guess I just had higher hopes for it than what it was. I think you definitely still should check it out yourself!

I hope you enjoyed this Reputation Book Review! Reading has been so much fun for me and I hope you’ve been inspired to read too! Be sure to subscribe here so you don’t miss another post!

Check out my other book reviews here!

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