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Side Dishes

Baked Swiss Chard with Peppers and Feta

Crave-worthy greens are within easy reach thanks to a unique method of preparation, which delivers crispy edges and golden brown bits of feta, all while adding a few other colorful veggies to the mix!   Since much of the work I do for The Fountain Avenue Kitchen takes place in the quiet of my kitchen…

Breads and Baked Goods, Breakfast, Snacks

Strawberry Bread

Move over zucchini and banana bread, there’s a new quick bread in town! Strawberry bread is lightly sweet with a delicate crumb and may just become a new favorite.        Some recipes keep me up at night. This was one of them. Baking, as we often hear, is a precise science. Small variations in the…

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…

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