Uncategorized

Desserts, Snacks

Flourless Black Bean Brownies

Decadent, fudgy brownies score big points in flavor and texture while delivering a filling dose of fiber and protein. A total dessert win! โ€œI love these brownies because you think they are going to be gross, but they are delicious and nutritious.โ€ย  Those words, from “Chef E.” age 9, sum up these brownies perfectly. Let’s…

Breakfast, Casseroles

Easy Chilaquiles

Protein-rich eggs and black beans pair with a handful of Tex-Mex staples in this versatile, satisfying, one-pan meal that can be enjoyed any time of day!     My friend, Keely, is the owner of a Lancaster County bed & breakfast and events venue. As such, she will tell you that she takes her brunching pretty seriously.…

Creative Ways To Use Leftover Rice

Cooking a pot of rice often leads to leftovers. Ditto for ordering takeout. On top of that, planning quick, easy, and healthy meals can be a challenge from week to week. The solution? What I call โ€œassembled meals.โ€ Assembled meals require little to no cooking and can be pulled together with leftovers and a variety of items that…

Breakfast

Crunchy Top Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

Red, ripe strawberries highlight this seasonal favorite, which offers make-ahead convenience and countless ways to customize. In a pinch, frozen berries may be used.   I clearly remember the first time I served this seasonal addition of my original baked oatmeal recipe. My younger son, who was a rather picky fourth grader at the time, asked…

Salads

Classic Strawberry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

A light drizzle of this sweet and tangy vinaigrette makes a classic strawberry salad shine. Eating your greens never tasted so good!   When local strawberries are at their peak, I make salads with them almost every night. Once a simple dressing has been prepared and left to wait in the fridge, salads in general…

Side Dishes

Asiago Asparagus

Asiago cheese provides a delightful alternative to Parmesan, adding a unique twist to simply roasted asparagus. Any crispy bits of cheese sticking to the baking sheet are a special treat!     No doubt, Parmesan cheese is a dependable workhorse in the kitchen. From chicken Parm and pesto to risotto, Italian-style soups, and even popcorn, versatile…

Beverages, Cocktails

Mexican Mule (and several mule variations)

A cross between the classic Moscow mule and the much-loved Margarita, this refreshing cocktail requires just four ingredients and may just become the drink of the season!        As I was reading up on some food history recently, I stumbled upon a curious newspaper article from 2016.  While at a cocktail convention (who knew?),…

Salads

Asparagus Cobb Salad

Sure, you can make a regular Cobb salad, and it will taste great. But adding asparagus ramps up the color, nutritional value, and seasonal appeal. If you donโ€™t usually have salads for dinner, this satisfying plateful might win you over. Did you know that thereโ€™s an acronym to remember the traditional ingredients in a Cobb…

Side Dishes

Cilantro Lime Rice

A few key additions transform basic rice into an extra special side dish that enhances a wide variety of cuisines. Not a fan of cilantro? Not to worry. You may omit it and the resulting lime-infused rice will still be a winner!     Perhaps no food better embodies feelings of sustenance and comfort than…

Main Dishes, Salsas

Salsa Simmered Halibut (or other white fish)

Your choice of fish simmers to tender perfection for a super speedy meal that’s bursting with flavor. The easy sauce can be customized in a surprisingly simple way, making this meal a favorite with adults and kids alike.  A reader recently mentioned that he’d like to incorporate more fish into his weeknight repertoire but lacks creative, family friendly ways to…

Breakfast, Sandwiches

Open-Faced Egg Sandwiches (with advance prep options)

Not your usual egg sandwich, the flavor-packed topping can be prepared in advance and then baked on the bread when ready to eat. Crunchy, creamy, and utterly delicious!   My most vivid Easter memories include the year my dog, Ruffy, ate the contents of my Easter basket while we were at church. I also had…

Side Dishes

Harissa Roasted Green Beans

A singular condiment adds culinary magic to simply roasted vegetables, in this case, transforming basic green beans into a restaurant-worthy side dish. The best part? The dish takes less than 15 minutes start to finish!    When we’re not familiar with a recipe ingredient, let alone know where to look for it in the grocery store,…

Get recipes delivered straight to your inbox.