Eats: Monterey Chicken.

I know, I know, It's Super Bowl Sunday and I should be sharing a recipe that would be the perfect item to add to your appetizer party tray; however, I am not particularly a football fan (I'll take basketball or hockey please) plus I find that for these things, the chips and grilled meats are always the first to go. In my belief, today is not a day for fancy-shmancy little appetizers. So instead, I want to show you how to make a super quick main course- full of flavor, simple to prepare and ready in a flash- my version of Monterey chicken. Because once the game is over, you're going to need something to wake up your palette. Keep reading after the jump to see the full recipe. File as yum-oh.

Eats: French Onion Soup.

There is nothing I love more than a hearty bowl of soup when I'm feeling low. To say I've been rather stressed lately would be a bit of an understatement (my job search has proved less than fruitful so far) and the only thing I want to do this weekend is recharge my batteries, start my new book, avoid my computer and make a big ol' crock pot of soup. Since I just finished Julia Child's My Life in France (which I highly recommend), French Onion Soup is just the ticket for a low-kinda Sunday. Oh, and my new book is also about another French-culture icon, Miss Coco Chanel (go figure.) My love affair continues! Click below to see the whole recipe and file as noms.

Eats: Bucatini all'Amatriciana.

Being Italian, I feel like red sauce flows through my blood; I seriously cannot get enough of the stuff. And while I've practiced many different variations on the classic red sauce in the kitchen, there is one that I am dying to try next- Mario Batalli's Bucatini all'Amatriciana- a mouthful, I know, but so delicious to say. I used to eat pounds of this stuff in Roman Trattorias while I lived there two years ago and fell in love with it all over again at Batalli's restaurant Lupa while I was in NYC over the holidays. I can't wait to make it for myself, considering I could alway use a little extra spice in my cooking. Keep reading after the jump to see the full recipe so you can make it for yourself too! File as delish. 

Eats: Ultimate Quesadillas.

Until you've had my quesadilla, let me tell you, you have not tasted a quesadilla yet. Gooey, delicious, savory and full of bright flavors, my quesadilla is nothing like those sad flimsy disks yanked out of the microwave. No, mam. Served with a big old dollop of sour cream, cilantro or salsa (or all three mixed together...did I just blow your mind?) this will become a weeknight staple, like it has in my casa. Keep reading to check out the full recipe. File as addicting. 

Eats: Fried Mozzarella Sticks.

I have a love affair with just about any food that is dipped in breadcrumbs and fried to a delicious golden brown. Case in point- mozzarella sticks. Until about a month ago it never dawned on me that I could actually fry my own cheesy sticks of wonder instead of purchasing those sad looking brand-name frozen mozzarella sticks on my monthly Target trip. So I enlisted the help of a friend who had never deep fried anything in her life (blind leading the blind, not the best plan I admit) and was completely surprised at how simple, fresh and crunchy these little guys came out (without scarring ourselves with any hot oil.) These are just the thing for your next cocktail party. Keep reading after the jump for the complete recipe and file as more, please.

Eats: Crostini.

Now that the holidays are here, it's always good to have a few simple bites to throw together when guests decide to drop by at the last minute (lately I have been one of those types of guests.) But still, you can never be too prepared when it comes to little treats whether they're meant for guests or just a savory midnight snack. These ricotta, walnut and pear crostini do just the trick and look rather fancy even though they just contain five easy to find ingredients. Keep reading after the jump to check out the full recipe (which is probably the easiest one I will ever post) and enjoy these next time you're in the mood for something quick and delicious. File as eat it up.

Eats: Zucchini Fritters.

One of my favorite little pick-me ups while in Rome was these delightful fritters that my roommate would make as an appetizer (before we stuffed ourselves with ridiculous amounts of pasta, obviously) and these still bring me back to the fresh zucchini we'd find at the market down the street from our apartment. I haven't made them since I've been home, but I have a feeling I'll be breaking out the grater this week, to have a little taste of my Rome home. Keep reading after the jump for the complete recipe and file as yummy memories.

Eats: Brussels Sprouts.

Brussels sprouts (yes, that's a correct spelling) can be quite the hard sell. For some reason I think we all hated them as children. Overcooked, mushy and kinda smelly, the brussels sprouts of yesteryear were none too appetizing. But here my friends, is a recipe for sprouts that is sure to get you uber-excited about this most-hated side dish. Although I normally make mine the simple way (with loads of sea salt, fresh ground pepper and olive oil- roasted until they are browned and crispy) this recipe (with bacon I might add) makes them just a little bit more fancy than your average sprout. Try them as a side with an easy roasted chicken, grilled New York steak, classic lasagna (as I did at my graduation party) or with a sauteed piece of fish; (you get the point) these sprouts are seriously a delicious accompaniment to any dinner. Keep reading for the full recipe and file as noms.

Eats: Deviled Eggs.

Out of all the parties I've thrown, there is one go-to recipe that I know will be the first empty plate of the night. I know I can never get enough of a classic deviled egg (I'm pretty sure I ate an entire platter of them last night at my friend's party) but they are also a wonderful way to spice up a not-so-exciting dinner. Serve them as an appetizer by themselves or with a little salad of arugula, red onion and a simple vinaigrette. Keep reading after the jump to see the Martha Stewart recipe that I've drooled over many, many times over. File as yum.

Eats: Beef with Broccoli.

I have an unnatural addiction to a few things: anything leopard print, the travel section in bookstores, museums and last but not least, cheap takeout Chinese food. I don't know what it is about a greasy takeout container stuffed full of chicken chow mein for only $2 from the organic grocery store down the block or a crispy eggroll of just veggies for two quarters but I cannot get enough of it. I figured it was about time to test out some classic Chinese takeout recipes of my own, and this beef and broccoli is just the place to start. Delicious, comforting, fast and better than what I can get down the street. Serve it with some rice and you're set for a cozy night in. Keep reading after the jump to see the full recipe. File under mouth watering.

Eats: Lemon Pasta.

I know that we all like to pretend that we have little diets for ourselves. For me it's cutting out white bread (sourdough just tugs at my heart strings it's so delicious) and trying not to eat so many G-D potatoes (especially those adorable little fingerling ones.) But let's be real for a second here and realize that "diets" are simply no fun. I'm all about indulging from time to time (or every other day or so) and with this lemony garlic spaghetti for two you can treat yourself (and a deserving friend!) without feeling like you cheated afterwards. It's light, tasty and reminds me of the uncomplicated pasta dishes I used to inhale in Rome. File under pasta diet part two. 

Eats: Taco Salad.

Of all the things I eat, salad is the one that I find myself getting the most bored of. I mean it's just lettuce. But in all honestly, I've been trying to up my salad IQ by mixing it up (pun completely intended) with all sorts of ingredients and new flavors. Take for instance my taco salad, which combines all my favorite Tex-Mex flavors with the most basic of leaves- romaine. Keep reading after the jump for the complete recipe and try switching up your salad for something a little more festive! Your taste buds will thank you. File as delish.

Eats: Roasted Chicken.

If there is one recipe that I am constantly scared of it would be roasted chicken. A seemingly simple dish that is in theory is much more difficult to concoct than foods that require three times as many ingredients, not to mention that I have possibly the world's smallest oven (surely from the 80s, destined for a museum or junk yard soon) which changes temperatures whenever it damn well pleases. Basically, what should be a simple roasted chicken, always proves to be quite a challenge. But, never one to turn down a challenge, I believe that I've found the perfect roasted chicken recipe. Adapted from many years of attempts (or failures I should say) and this new Design*Sponge recipe, I think I might have uncovered the gem that I like to call the perfect roasted chicken. Keep reading after the jump for the full recipe. File as mouth-wateringly delicious.

Eats: Tomato Basil Soup.

Being that I'm not feeling my best today (I'm guessing I have a mild case of the plague or I've just been watching Grey's Anatomy a little too much) the only thing that I want to do today is stay in bed and have a big old cup of tomato basil soup. This, along with a caramel apple spice from Starbucks, has always been my go-to cure for a day of rest. I hope that everyone else is having a wonderful weekend out with this beautiful weather. I for one, will be out of commission to do anything exciting until I kick this. Keep reading after the jump for the complete tomato soup recipe, which I have yet to try myself, but will be doing so once I feel well enough to go to the market! File under easy eats.

Eats: Caesar Salad.

I know it has been a while since I’ve posted a delicious recipe on here. Don’t worry, I haven’t stopped eating; I’ve just resorted to Top Dog and Tokyo Fish Market a little too many times than I’d like to admit this month. Nonetheless, I wanted to take this time to share an extra special recipe with you that my mother taught me and is a staple in both of our kitchens. What’s even better is that not only is it simple and delicious, but I promise it will impress just about any salad naysayer. I’m partially allergic to measuring spoons (they just annoy me), plus I’ve made this dressing so many times I could probably do it with a blindfold on (I think I just found my next party activity) but Martha Stewart version has all the details down (which is where my mom adapted it from!) Keep reading after the jump for my complete recipe, and I hope you all enjoy this salad as much as my family and I do! File under yum.

Eats: Coconut Macaroons.

If I had to pick my favorite dessert in the whole world, it would have to be chocolate dipped coconut macaroons. I remember having stressful days while working at Nordstrom and nothing made me feel better more than walking to the cafe and getting one of these giant confections. Luckily, the recipe is one of the easiest and most simple to recreate so even though I don't work there anymore, I can still enjoy these little bombs of heaven. Check out the ridiculously easy recipe (adapted from one of the Nordstrom cookbooks) after the jump. File under salivating. 

Eats: Beef Bourguignon

Thanks to the ever changing Bay Area weather, today is the perfect day to share with you a recipe for one of my all-time favorite rainy day foods. Beef Bourguignon may seem a bit tedious in its preparation, but I've tested both complicated (sorry Ina Garten) and simple recipes (love you William-Sonoma meat handbook) allowing me to realize that the end results are similarly delicious. Pare it with mashed potatoes and crusty bread to sop up all the delicious juices and I promise your belly will be thanking you. Keep reading after the jump for the full recipe. File under yummy.