Side Dish Recipes
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Popular Mexican street fare is reinvented as a flavor-packed salad that’s quick to prepare and always a hit! I’m pretty sure I was a college graduate before I witnessed someone putting anything but butter and salt on corn on the cob. After all, I grew up in Lancaster County where corn is frequently consumed the…
Classic Kale Caesar Salad
My very favorite (and easy!) Caesar dressing pairs beautifully with shredded kale for a hearty salad that can be enjoyed as a versatile side dish or as a complete meal with the addition of a protein of choice. When contemplating the salads I make most often, this super satisfying number is most definitely in my…
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Caramelized, smoky flavor bolsters the natural sweetness of fresh corn on the cob, making this summertime favorite even more fabulous. The following grill method is easy and works whether you prefer to husk the corn first or leave it on. When my dad was a boy, he helped his dad build a stone oven in…
Roasted Carrots with Za’atar
A singular spice rub, a sprinkle of feta, and a quick stint in a hot oven will reinvent cooked carrots and add delicious variety to your usual veggie routine. The secret to perfectly roasted vegetables rests in the details. In the case of the following recipe, the tricks include a high enough oven temperature (to…
Roasted or Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
A simple, 3-ingredient marinade heightens mushrooms’ natural umami for a super satisfying side dish that can be roasted or grilled. Great as a burger or vegan entree too! For years, my dad avoided mushrooms, claiming they were “tasteless.” In their raw form, I’ll let this statement slide. After all, uncooked mushrooms are over 90% water…
Jeweled Salad
This stunning salad adds fresh flavor and visual appeal to weeknight dinners and holiday meals alike. And while the recipe is delightful as is, there are many ways to customize depending on what you like and have on hand. Any meal can benefit from the crisp crunch and visual appeal of a good salad. Perhaps…
Make-Ahead Baked Mashed Potatoes
This flexible, make-ahead mashed potato recipe is a sure-fire hit on a holiday table. You can even freeze it before baking, and the Parmesan crust will not disappoint! Even though my job is all about cooking, I rely on make-ahead dishes as much as the next person. Ironically, aspects of The Fountain Avenue Kitchen often…
From the Recipe Box: Edition 3!
In this recurring series, I dig into my decades-old recipe boxes and share three tried-and-true recipes, which after over a dozen years, STILL haven’t made it to the blog. A little different from my usual posts, this is more like an old-fashioned recipe swap! The latest edition of From the Recipe Box is seasonal, practical,…
Fall Slaw
A bag of slaw mix offers a convenient shortcut in this crisp, wholesome, seasonal salad. The easy vinaigrette is loaded with flavor and can be used in a variety of other salads. Not many recipes have extended runs on the weekly dinner rotation in our house. The continual need to develop new recipes means the…
Pickle Sushi
With just three basic ingredients (and no raw fish!) pickle sushi makes a delicious snack, appetizer, or lunch box addition. A fun kitchen project for kids too! When teaching kids cooking classes, I’ve found it helpful to start with recipes that are easy to pull off but offer a little wow factor. My goal is…
Blueberry Lemon Cornbread
This delightful twist on the usual cornbread comes together quickly with pantry ingredients and fresh or frozen blueberries. An easy tip ensures leftovers are never dry—making them perfect for breakfast! Cornbread has long been popular in our house. Partial proof of this statement is evidenced in the multiple cornbread and muffin recipes already on this…
Confetti Salad
A big bowl of this colorful salad comes together easily and is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and at-the-ready meals throughout the week! A fresh, colorful addition to a backyard barbecue or potluck, this vibrant salad is equally well suited to packed lunches and speedy dinners. The recipe has many attributes: filling fiber, plant-based protein,…
