A Side of Sweet - Beautiful Food, Travel & Design

Healthy Mezze Platter with Hummus & Lavash

Spice up your next party with a healthy vegetarian Mezze Platter with hummus, lavash, feta, and veggies. Makes an amazing easy appetizer! When people ask for a way to make entertaining easier, I always recommend making a platter. Platters are an easy way to impress company when you’re entertaining. They are colorful, fun to arrange and even more fun to eat!

Cheese and charcuterie platters probably come to mind, but today I want to advocate for a different platter to add to your entertaining toolbox – the mezze platter. Featuring a mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean delicacies, this is truly a fuss-free appetizer. It’s also super healthy and – unlike cheese and charcuterie – almost entirely vegan!

Read on for tips for what to put on a mezze platter…
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2 Hidden Maui Hikes You Shouldn’t Miss

You have to do these two hidden Maui hikes when you’re in Hawaii! You’ll be rewarded with stunning waterfalls and amazing views.

You can’t go to Hawaii without doing at least one hike. No matter what island you’re on, there are ways to connect with nature and enjoy amazing views…. Read More »

Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Maui

At Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani resort you’ll find the best in luxury travel with spacious suites, amazing dining, impeccable service and beautiful views.

Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, Maui impresses on every level. The hotel is truly spectacular with immaculate grounds, sweeping balconies and luxurious suites. They offer 5-star service, food and comfort with an amazing location for exploring Maui.

Read on for my review of Fairmont Kea Lani Maui!… Read More »

Hyatt Regency Hotel Maui, Hawaii

Looking for a hotel in Lahaina, Maui? Hyatt Regency Maui has amazing dining options, beautiful grounds, great location and friendly staff.

As soon as we walked into the Hyatt Regency Maui lobby, I knew we were in for a treat. As you walk in, you get a view of the pool and ocean to your right. It’s so beautiful. I literally wanted to drop my suitcase and make a beeline for the pool…. Read More »

No-Bake Créme Brûlée Cheesecake

Your holidays will be LIT (literally) with this no-bake créme brûlée cheesecake recipe. This dessert is perfect for parties as it can be made in advance.

I gave my classic no-bake cheesecake recipe a fun and decadent upgrade just in time for the holidays with this créme brûlée version. It has the crispy sweet crust of créme brûlée, but with the firm and creamy texture of cheesecake. It’s also incredibly easy and it’s such a crowd pleaser to light food on fire (intentionally of course!) before serving.

Read on for the recipe and what I’ll be drinking with it!
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How to Make a Charcuterie Board for the Holidays

Everything you need to know about building the perfect charcuterie board. It’s easy to make a beautiful platter with these tips & tricks! Includes a FREE printable shopping list.

You all know I love planning a good party! I almost enjoy the planning part as much as the party itself. The more we entertain, the more I value recipes and dishes that don’t take a lot of time, or can at least be made in advance.

I want it all – something that is sure to wow our guests, but without a lot of effort required the day of the event. I do everything I can to keep from being totally overwhelmed and to make sure our guests aren’t arriving to a kitchen that looks like a tornado just hit.

A charcuterie board is the mecca of easy holiday entertaining. It takes almost no skill to arrange an absolutely stunning platter. The key is starting with the right ingredients.

Read on for a list of what to put on a charcuterie board!… Read More »