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Breads and Baked Goods, Breakfast

Beer Bread (whole wheat or white)

Tender and lightly chewy, this fuss-free, one-bowl bread has the yeasty flavor of a risen loaf – and takes just 5 minutes to prep.   Every summer growing up, I went to camp in Maine. I made wonderful friends there, and several of those friendships are still going strong. One winter, I got to visit…

Side Dishes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A golden crust is the magic that happens when a clever baking method meets olive oil and Parmesan cheese in this versatile recipe that takes five minutes to prep.   When I think of St. Patrick ‘s Day, I think of Leprechauns, four leaf clovers, and wearing green. I also think back to elementary school…

Side Dishes

Baked White Rice

Baked rice is easy, foolproof, and hands off. Plus, it works with white and brown rice – the only thing that changes is the cooking time.   I’ve practically given up cooking rice on the stovetop because baking it is easier. The oven method is also foolproof and hands off. As a bonus, a few…

Pastas

Chicken Alfredo

Lighter than the traditional Alfredo but equally irresistible, this flavorful pasta dish comes together easily with minimal ingredients. Plus, there are options to add favorite vegetables and vary the protein.   Welcome to Fountain Avenue Kids! Joey is back with his fabulous energy and enthusiasm to demonstrate a new-and-improved chicken Alfredo. Among other upgrades, we included three veggies.…

Breakfast

Prep-Ahead Steel Cut Oatmeal

With their nutty flavor and toothsome texture, steel cut oats take longer to prepare than typical old-fashioned rolled oats. But thanks to this easy trick, you can prepare them the night before in about three minutes. In the morning, simply reheat and add all your favorite oatmeal toppings.   A warm bowl of oatmeal offers…

Appetizers, Breads and Baked Goods, Snacks

Homemade Crostini

Crisp, golden crostini are easy to make and form the perfect base for a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres. Delicious for general snacking too!   The day I prepared this easy recipe for a photo shoot was “one of those days.” I woke up to no heat and a 59℉ (brrrr!!!) house. Outside temps, by…

Appetizers, Main Dishes, Pizzas

Easy Italian Stromboli

Modeled after a favorite at a local pizza shop, this flavor-packed stromboli is easy to assemble and may be prepped in batches and frozen for later use. Perfect for game day, casual entertaining, and easy weeknight meals. Gluten-free adaptation included. After baking strombolis recently with my nieces, Evie declared them a 10½ out of 10! Grace…

Soups and Stews

Easy Cauliflower Soup

Made with only a few ingredients, this soup is easy, satiating, and adaptable to most any taste, allergy, or preference!   When I was growing up, my mom would make me soup if I wasn’t feeling well. We weren’t above chicken noodle from a can, but sometimes she would make her own concoction. The following…

Soups and Stews

Amish-Style Chicken Corn Soup

Brimming with chicken and vegetables, a pot of this soul-warming soup is easy to make with basic ingredients. A regional classic and a true family favorite!   (Look below the recipe card for a fun way to top this or another soup!)   The aroma of this soup takes me back to summer and the…

Appetizers, Breads and Baked Goods, Snacks

Baked Havarti with Dill

A crisp, golden crust and gooey cheese are the hallmarks of this irresistible appetizer – and you won’t believe how easy it is to prepare! I have a stash of stained and tattered recipe cards (always a good sign!), which I consistently return to when I need something quick, foolproof, and guaranteed to please. Baked…

Appetizers, Dips, Snacks

Baked Artichoke Dip

Loaded with artichokes and elevated with a trifecta of cheeses, party-perfect Baked Artichoke Dip is creamy, crusty, salty, and tangy–and it can be prepared in advance! Two Christmas Eves ago, when holiday celebrations of all kinds were canceled because of the pandemic, my sister-in-law, Melissa, prepared this dip for family and friends. She baked multiple…

Beverages, Cocktails

Cranberry Simple Syrup (and bonus cocktail recipe)

This easy-to-make syrup adds festive color and seasonal flavor to a variety of cocktails and mocktails. Makes a lovely gift too!   Taking a few minutes to prepare an infused simple syrup is an easy way to create the type of cocktail that garners big bucks at trendy restaurants.   And while I most often use…

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