#CREATEYOURTASTE

Mcdonald's is upping their burger game, and let me tell you they've come out of the gate full force and swinging. If you're not familiar with their new Create Your Taste Kiosk that allows you to Build Your Own Angus Burger buckle up because you're in for a delicious ride. 

{RECIPE} AVOCADO TUNA SALAD (MAYO FREE) + WATERMELON SODA

When it comes to summer I find I tend to lean towards eating lighter meals, and also having a bit of a struggle in knowing what to make other than salads. I also am much more busy (or on the go) so I love meal ideas that don't require as much prep. Some nights when I don't really feel like cooking at all I'll just make a little charcuterie board with various cheeses, meats, and nuts instead of turning on the oven, and while I don't like to eat a lot of red meat or pork I figured this tuna recipe was a great alternative.

{STYLE} SUMMER SUN

 A cute dress, some summer sun, and a cold lemonade you really can't ask for anything better for strolls around the city. 

{EVENTS} #MYMCLOBSTER

An East Coast classic, the McLobster is back! Celebrating its 25th year in the maritimes the Scotia Square McDonald's was bump-in' this afternoon with live music, McLobsters a plenty, and even some delicious fresh brewed Mccafe coffee. You could kind of say it was an East Coast Kitchen Party!

{RECIPE} KAYLA'S FAMOUS TORTILLA CHIPS

If you've ever been to a get together at my place, or you decided to pop by and I wasn't expecting you; (EEP!) don't worry I'm always ready, but you can pretty much bank on the fact that I'll make you something like these. I always have these tortillas, and spices (duh) on hand, so it's SUPER easy to toss these together, and they taste really great too!

{RECIPE} CHICKEN PESTO PASTA WITH ROASTED YELLOW ZUCCHINI

When a box arrives at your door containing a box of super greens pasta, yellow zucchini, and a lemon you can't help, but think about what you're going to create with it. I had a vague idea of what went into pesto, so I kind of just tossed a bunch of things into a blender, and crossed my fingers it would work out. 

{RECIPE} CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER AVOCADO PUDDING + COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM

I'm not vegan, but I sure do like vegan desserts; mostly because of the choice of ingredients for sweetners and fats are usually MUCH better for you. I honestly can't remember who mentioned this to me, but chocolate avocado pudding just sounded so amazing. I just had to try it, and since I had pretty much everything already I figured why not give it a shot? Also it's been a while since I blogged a dessert recipe so I figured it was about time. How about you?

LISE WATIER HYDRAFORCE & DETECT APP REVIEW + EVENT INFO

A hydrating skincare line that comes with its own technology? Now this is something I gotta try.

{RECIPE} KALE & QUINOA SALAD WITH ROASTED CHICKPEAS

This was one of the those times where I tried to find something online in the way of a chickpea and dried fruit kind of salad, but turned up empty handed. I knew what I wanted, but I just couldn't find anything close, so I just decided to make it myself. To be honest it almost always ends up better that way.

{RECIPE} FLUFFY AND CRISP BELGIAN WAFFLES WITH HOMEMADE BERRY COULIS

Looking for an extra special weekend recipe to test drive? These waffles which include an extra step that most recipes don't include are super fluffy, super delicious, and sure to please. The perfect recipe if you have a crowd, or if you want to make a big batch to freeze so you have some on hand for the following weekend. Just pop into the toaster, or the oven while you make some other delicious brunch items, and bob's your uncle.

CURRIED SWEET POTATO STEW

When a boat load of rice shows up at your door (#weekdaywin) you figure out how you're going to use it, and when a craving for curry and sweet potato hits you like a ton of bricks there's no question what you're going to do. Curried sweet potato stew of course. 

#FEEDITFORWARD

With the rising cost of food and coming off the tail end of the holidays, managing budgets this time of year can be a struggle at best. Growing up I saw this struggle first hand and it motivated me as a young adult to spearhead breakfast programs, clothing drives, and fundraisers you name it. Find out how I'm giving back now, and how you can too!

PRO OATS

I realize Oatmeal isn't everyone's favorite, but when it comes to putting together a quick nutritious meal that will fill you up and keep you going this is my go-to. Also it's what I bring with me when I travel. When I travel I tend to eat a lot more crap compared to what I would prepare at home. I mean if there's a Shake Shack you Shake Shack am I right? But what I like to do is pack some instant oatmeal packages, a few servings of protein powder, and probably pick up some fruit from a local grocer once I arrive to my destination. 

AVGOLEMENO SOUP

Avgolemono or αυγολέμονο or αβγολέμονο in Greek, is an egg-lemon sauce that is typically seen in Mediterranean recipes for sauces and/or soups. Made with egg yolk and lemon juice this mixture is gently heated with broth to create a great thickening agent (with the starch of the pasta) that's great for soups, and stews. 

Avgolemono soup is probably one of my favorite recipes, and one that I've made a million times over, but never tire of it. Truth be told I have blogged this recipe before, but it was many moons ago (and the images severely needed updating). What better time to revisit this recipe than the heart of winter?

SUPER EASY GLUTEN FREE PROTEIN PANCAKES

Want to surprise your loved one with a pancake feast in bed this weekend? Perfect because I have a super easy recipe for gluten free vanilla chocolate chip protein pancakes (phewf say that ten times fast), and with a doctored up pre-made mix no one needs to know they weren't made from scratch.  Shh.. I won't tell if you won't.

Also if you follow me on snapchat (@shortpresents) you know that I make these EVERY Sunday before a long day of dance, so you know they gotta be quick! #aintnobodygottimeforthat 

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR DETOX ELIXIR + 10 HEALTH BENEFITS

Apple Cider Vinegar has long been known for its healing properties, and house hold uses. From curing hiccups or alleviating cold symptoms the list goes on and on. Whether your goal is to lower cholesterol or to aiding digestion here's a drinkable apple cider vinegar recipe that kicks those health benefits up a notch,  along with 10 reasons why you should consider drinking it.

MINT MATCHA BLONDIES

  If you're not a huge baker, or you just don't have time this super quick recipe is for you. 

A YEAR IN REVIEW

While I'll admit that blogging is certainly not the most conventional career it has been without question a rewarding one. With 2015 being one of the best years yet for Short Presents, I decided to do a round up of some of my favorite and most exciting things that 2015 brought with it thanks to each and every one of you!

BEST RECIPES OF 2015

Before we head into the new year full of best intentions here are some of our favorite food recipes from 2015! From smoothie bowls to accidental noodles here's what we ate in 2015, and look forward to eating next year.

CRABBERRY COCKTAIL

Spice things up this holiday season with this alcoholic ginger beer (a great beer alternative) and haskap berry cocktail.  While these flavors aren't the first things to necessarily cross your mind, the citrus notes in the ginger beer paired with the super food Haskapa juice are actually quite complimentary.

Whether you're hosting a crowd and want to put something different out on the table, or you're cozy inside and just looking to toast to something new this recipe is for you!