A Side of Sweet

Beautiful Food, Travel & Design

Rainbow Beet & Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Gluten FreeNut FreeEgg FreeVegetarian

Add a pop of color to winter with this colorful rainbow Beet and Roasted Cauliflower Salad recipe. It’s healthy, hearty and absolutely beautiful!Winter Rainbow Salad - Fresh Beet and Roasted Cauliflower Salad Recipe with Avocado and Tomatoes

It’s been particularly grey and dreary in San Francisco this winter, with days of rain turning into weeks. There’s been a drought for most of the time we’ve lived here so it’s definitely a shock to the system to have had such a wet winter!

I’m overcompensating for the grey-ness of life with this gorgeous rainbow salad. No artificial colors or dyes, all the pops of color come from plants! I always say that nature is the best artist, and I think looking at the photos you’ll have to agree…. Read More »

Healthy Mezze Platter with Hummus & Lavash

Dairy FreeEgg FreeVegetarianVegan

Spice up your next party with a healthy vegetarian Mezze Platter with hummus, lavash, feta, and veggies. Makes an amazing easy appetizer!What to Use Vegetarian Mezze Platter Appetizer with Hummus 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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No-Bake Créme Brûlée Cheesecake

Nut FreeVegetarian


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.No Bake Creme Brulee Cheesecake - Easy New Year's Recipe

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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Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe with Brie Cheese

Nut FreeEgg FreeVegetarian

This cheesy spinach artichoke dip recipe is the BEST ever thanks to Real California Brie cheese. It takes just minutes to make and has only five ingredients!Easy Holiday Appetizer - Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe with Brie Cheese

You know I love a good easy recipe. I tend to overexert myself when we’re entertaining for the holidays, in part because I want our guests to have an amazing experience, and in part because I’m a terrible control freak. To compensate, I focus on simple recipes and dishes that can be partly or completely made in advance.

This cheesy spinach artichoke recipe checks all my party boxes. You can make it advance and bake it the day of, it only has five ingredients and it takes just minutes to assemble. Even a control freak like myself would feel comfortable delegating this recipe to a willing assistant – it’s that easy.

Read on for the cheesy spinach artichoke dip…

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Roasted Delicata Squash – Easy Holiday Side Dish

Egg FreeVegetarian

This roasted delicata squash recipe is the perfect easy holiday side dish. It’s packed with flavor from cayenne, pomegranates, Real California Queso Fresco and lime crema.Easy Holiday Side Dish - Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

Roasted Delicata Squash

Can I just say I’ve been loving delicata squash in a big way this year?

It’s truly the unsung hero of squashes. This beautiful little vegetable doesn’t need to be peeled.

I think the last time I tried to peel a butternut squash I actually got blisters, so this is beyond huge. It’s packed with flavor, but doesn’t overpower a dish. Instead it serves as a ready canvas for the amazing ingredients in this recipe, including pomegranates, Queso Fresco and a lime yogurt crema. Add in a pinch of spices and your mouth is truly in for a treat.

Read on the roasted delicata squash recipe…

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Easy Winter Salad with Spinach, Delicata Squash, Feta & Pomegranate

Gluten FreeEgg FreeVegetarian

An easy and healthy winter salad recipe with roasted delicata squash, feta, pomegranate & spinach that’s perfect for your holiday table. Vegetarian and gluten-free.

Easy Winter Salad Recipe with Delicata Squash, Feta, Pomegranate and Spinach

I love having a big colorful salad on our holiday table as a healthy option amid all the indulgences. This winter salad tics every one of my boxes – the feta brings a cool tanginess, the roasted delicata squash is warm and sweet and the pomegranates are perfectly tart. It’s satisfying and filling and will be the perfect addition to your holiday meal.

Read on for the winter salad recipe..… Read More »