Chef Alyssa: Chicken Parm Sliders

When you spend all summer eating burgers (and let's be real here, most of us do) you tend to get a little creative. With autumn just around the corner, I've been trying to create some different burger-esque recipes that can translate into the colder months. Combine that with my love for red sauce and melted cheese and you get my latest creation: chicken parm sliders.

Chef Alyssa: Margarita Pizza

As an Italian girl, I love a good slice of pizza. While there's nothing better than a slice of pizzeria pizza, it isn't the best thing you can put in your body, and the cost of a good one keeps rising. Because of this, I think I've finally perfected my homemade version of a Margarita pizza, and trust me, this one is one of my favorites.

Chef Alyssa: "Puffins"

Now I know what you're thinking: and this recipe has nothing to do with the animal. Puffins are a hybrid of muffins and pancakes, and they're my new favorite thing to make for the week and grab on the way out the door for breakfast in the morning. They're simple to make, easy to store, perfect for the go, and most importantly, they're delicious.

Chef Alyssa: Kale Chips

It's no secret as to why kale has risen in popularity in the past year. Not only is it affordable and easily accessible, but it's a major super food and one of the best things that you can put in your body. Rich in vitamin A, it promotes eye and skin health and strengths the immune system, it also is a good source of fiber and is rich in vitamin C. I've found kale chips to be the easiest way to incorporate the vegetable into my diet without getting bored, and coming from girl who loves potato chips, they're a healthy alternative for an afternoon snack.

For this recipe, you will need:

• Kale: I used about half of a bag of Glory Foods Kale Greens
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

Foodie Favorite: Mug Cake

I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes all I need after a long day is cake. Aside from not always feeling up to baking the second I develop my nightly  sweet tooth, usually as soon as the mixing bowls are washed and the oven cooled off, I dive in to more than just one slice. Which is why I had to search for the perfect solution, which I've found: mug cake.

Not only is it the perfect portion size for a single person (which really holds true to the everything-is-good-in-moderation rule), but it also is also so quick and simple that even the most novice baker can (and will!) master it after the first shot.