A Side of Sweet

Loaded Avocado Toast + Thyme, Tomatoes & Ricotta

Avocado toast gets a hearty upgrade with thyme, tomatoes and ricotta cheese. It’s easy to make and great for breakfast, or breakfast for dinner, especially when paired with Château de Lascaux Carra AOP Pic Saint-Loup wine from the Languedoc wine region in the south of France.

So, avocado toast.

I think we can officially say avocado toast is a thing, not just a trend. It’s become a permanent brunch staple, joining the ranks of classics like pancakes and egg scrambles. I would argue though, that avocado toast is far superior to those foods, as it makes an amazing dinner as well…. Read More »

Mahaina Wellness Resort in Okinawa, Japan

If you’re looking for a beautiful hotel in Okinawa, Japan with a focus on wellness, great food and excellent service, try Mahaina Resort in Motobu.

After two days of glamping at Nanma Mui, we checked in to Mahaina Wellness Resort in Motobu, Okinawa. Mahaina has something for everyone. You’ll find amazing food with multiple restaurants offering different dining options, spacious rooms, scenic views and even a traditional Japanese spa.

Read on for my review and my Okinawa travel video:
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Blueberry Pie Recipe + Herringbone All Butter Pie Crust

A blueberry pie recipe that has been in our family for three generations. The all butter pie crust is beautifully decorated with a herringbone technique.

People often ask what my favorite thing to make is. I have so many things that I enjoy making, like technically challenging french macarons, or my super popular stuffed cupcakes. It’s also really satisfying to make an easy and healthy dinner with Pat. My absolute favorite thing though, something that is almost in my DNA, is pie. I have been making this blueberry pie recipe since I was five years old. Seriously.

Get the blueberry pie recipe after the jump!

Glamping at Nanma Mui in Okinawa, Japan

If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Okinawa, Japan, try glamping at Nanma Mui Nature Resort in Nago. There’s no roughing it at this beautiful spot.

So, you read my Okinawa travel guide and now you’re headed to Okinawa. Perfect! Wondering where to stay when you’re there? A great option is Nanma Mui Nature Resort in Nago, Okinawa. It’s directly on the water, meaning you wake up to amazing views of the Hanejinaikai Sea. It’s perfectly secluded and surrounded by lush greens and beautiful flowers.

Read on for more from our stay and my Okinawa travel video!… Read More »

Unicorn Toast with Natural Food Dyes

Your childhood dreams have come true with this unicorn toast recipe made with easy all natural food dyes made from plants, fruit and spices.

So this happened.

If you’re like me, unicorn toast has been blowing up your Instagram feed. It’s everywhere. That being said, most versions are loaded with food coloring and artificial dyes. It takes a lot of dye to get color this vibrant! Don’t get me wrong, I use food colorings all the time. Heck, edible food paint is one of the most popular recipes on A Side of Sweet! Sometimes it’s fun to explore a natural alternative to food dyes though.

All of the colors you see in this post are completely natural. The dyes come from nature, using plants and fruits. It’s pretty cool and makes it extra special if you think about it.

Rhubarb Pie Recipe

How to make the best rhubarb pie recipe I’ve ever eaten! No need to add strawberries, rhubarb is the true star in this easy pie filling recipe.

April to June is rhubarb season and while we don’t have our own bush (is it a rhubarb bush?), we are lucky enough to have friends and family with more than enough to spare. My dad brought us some with his last visit and I was more than happy to make my first pie of the season! Rhubarb pie is one of my favorite desserts, and this recipe will knock your socks off. It’s the perfect mix of tart and sweet and sandwiched in between two layers of my favorite all butter pie crust, it’s sure to be yours too.
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