#30Seconds Live: Erica Kane Talks About Life As an Entrepreneur, Female Founder & Mom! by Donna John

We were thrilled to shine a light on our fabulous #30Seconds contributor, friend and foodie Erica Kane. Erica is the founder of Jewtalian.com, a lifestyle and recipe-based website for the home cook. Her website is an ode to her love of family recipes and comfort cooking. Read on to get fabulous recipes, food hacks and meal-prep ideas from the #30Seconds chat!

Q: Mother’s Day is here! Do you have any fun ideas for Mother’s Day brunch?

This is my first Mother's Day, so I'm excited to be pampered with a good brunch and a walk around my favorite city, Chicago with my family.For brunch ideas, my best advice is to go somewhere with bottomless mimosas! It's the least us moms deserve! My favorite brunch in Chicago is Ceres' Table. We take our son there all the time! Bellinis are to die for, service even better!I always think you should eat where you live. Hit up a great neighborhood spot that makes you feel comfortable and happy.

@witteeme Love this! Roasted brisket and noodle pudding are my faves. Such a #jewtalian I can't even tell you! #30seconds

— Erica Bethe (@ericabethe) May 11, 2017

Q: You are a busy mom with a baby. What are your go-to weeknight dinner recipes?

• Crispy lemon chicken is a favorite! I've made it two times in the past week. The whole family is obsessed.
• It sounds cliche, but I'm obsessed with meatloaf. I have re-envisioned my mom's recipe, but with lean ground turkey and it is mmm!
• This is the easiest and happiest one-pot chicken recipe I've ever made! You will not regret it.
• I've recommended this one before, but this slow-cooker chicken tortilla soup is SO easy and delish!

A2: Crispy lemon chicken is a favorite! I've made it 2x in the past wk. The whole fam is obsessed. https://t.co/lZVZ778H4u #30seconds

— Erica Bethe (@ericabethe) May 11, 2017

Q: Cucumbers, corn, tomatoes, avocados. Yum! What are some of your favorite summer veggie recipes?

• Nothing screams spring and summer more than sweet corn and shrimp. I make it decadent with this risotto.
• Basil chimichurri is the easiest thing and it jazzes up ANY meat. Perfect for summer grilling. 
• Leeks, spinach and sweet peas are featured in this light and springy pasta that will change your life!

A3: Leeks, spinach & sweet peas r featured in this light & springy pasta that will change ur life https://t.co/vTODkcmRBe #30seconds

— Erica Bethe (@ericabethe) May 11, 2017

Q: Summer is all about grilling. What are your favorite side dishes to go along with the main course?

• To be honest, my favorite side dish is some sort of quinoa salad. This Greek version is VERY good.
• This Asian slaw goes particularly well with an Asian-inspired tuna or turkey burger on the grill.
• I always love marinating veggies – zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli – in Italian dressing, then finishing on the grill.
• Although not so healthy, a delicious homemade cornbread in a cast-iron skillet with homemade honey butter never disappoints.

A4: 2 B honest, my favorite side dish is some sort of quinoa salad. This Greek version is da bomb https://t.co/63iBzCRC7z #30seconds

— Erica Bethe (@ericabethe) May 11, 2017

Q: Did you have any good kitchen and cooking hacks to make meal prep easier?

To break up the monotony of cooking, I prep and chop in the a.m. so that by the time I cook din in the p.m., it's all just fun! I usually don't do this because I can't stand spending money for someone to prep for me, but there are vegetables that are easier to buy prepped. I almost always cook enough food at one time for leftovers for at least two nights. That cuts cooking for the week in half!

A4: throw corn on the grill. once cooked husks peel right off. easy ! #30Seconds

— Holly @Tweenspot (@tweenspot) May 11, 2017

Q: Cool, refreshing desserts are always fun in the summer. Can you share some of your favorites?

• I made this chocolate pudding because I thought it would be healthier than cookies or cake. It's not, but it's worth it!
• It sounds cliche, but summer was made for delicious fruit: strawberries, cherries, peaches, nectarines. Natural perfection.
• Not to go too far off topic, but a nice glass of chilled rose is better than cupcakes or any dessert as far as I'm concerned.
• I'm also kind of obsessed with sangria. Homemade or store bought, pour over fresh fruit like cherries, oranges and nectarines.

A6: I made this bc I thought it would b healthier than cookies or cake. It's not, but it's worth it! https://t.co/QslQ90DdYH #30seconds

— Erica Bethe (@ericabethe) May 11, 2017

Be sure to follow @ericabethe, visit Jewitalian.com, like her on Facebook and check out her 30Seconds page!