I am a chef, mom, TV host, cookbook author, blogger, professional voice over artist and terrace gardener. I cook in a way I call "Meat on the Side" which focuses on veggies, making them unique and the star of the plate.
Nikki Dinki on Food Network Star Season 9!! Click here for pics, clips and more from the show
Monday, August 15, 2016 
I've been on a kick lately--changing up classic dishes by adding more veggies to them.
You know, making them much more "Meat On the Side"-esque.
But when I started messing with one of the most classic lunch foods ever--peanut butter and jelly (PB + J), no one liked it...at ALL!
I posted a pic of my PB + J + P + C a little while back on social media and let's just say you guys had something (not too pretty) to say about it.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 
Gluten-free is definitely trending--and for good reason.
Of course there are some people who simply can’t have gluten, but there are also many who are realizing that eating less gluten and carbs helps them feel and look their best.
Monday, August 8, 2016 
Someone recently pointed out to me that I tend to weave fruits into my savory dishes more than the average person.
I never really thought about it, but I guess they're right.
It's just that sometimes when I'm thinking about what a dish needs to make it really delicious, pears, blackberries--or in this case--strawberries, just seem like the perfect adds.
Monday, August 1, 2016 
When I have a summer dinner party I love to serve foods I've grown in my garden.
But at my last party there was barely a veggie to be found. The only things ripe-for-the-pickin' were a couple of cherry tomatoes.
Monday, July 25, 2016 
A life without salsa would be a sad life indeed.
A week or so ago, I had a dinner party--and served three different types of salsa throughout the meal.
Monday, July 18, 2016 
Having a garden in the middle of New York City is one of my great joys in life.
Even with a newborn baby I was able to plant over 80 different vegetable, fruit, and flower plants this year.
It took me a bit longer than last year, and much of it was done in 30 minute intervals--interspersed with me running away to help the little lady put her pacifier back in her mouth.
Monday, June 27, 2016 
Kale chips are all the rave (they have been for a while now!)--and for good reason.
The crispiness you can get from kale is amazing, and the texture and flavor are addicting.
Monday, May 30, 2016 
As the weather warms up you can’t help but think about ice cream.
However, you also can’t help but think about the fact that soon you'll be wearing bikinis and tank tops…oh my!
Monday, May 23, 2016 
I’m not a huge baker, so I have found an easy formula to create new recipes that are just plain delicious and highly addictive.
Here it is: take three things you love AND SMASH THEM TOGETHER!!
Monday, May 16, 2016 
Asparagus season is finally here!
It's also that perfect time in New York City when you’re no longer bundled up head to toe, but you're not so hot that it feels like the city is actually radiating heat.
