Uncategorized

Soups and Stews

Tuscan Lentil Soup

A hint of sausage supplies smoky, savory flavor in this one-pot soup, which is packed with plant-based protein, colorful veggies and satiating appeal. Wholesome comfort food at its best๏ผand a customer favorite at a regional restaurant chain! It never fails. When one of my sons issues a last-minute request for a friend to stay for…

Casseroles

Cheesy Roasted Lentil and Veggie Casserole

This wholesome dish has just enough cheese to make it decadent but enough plant-based protein and nutrient-rich vegetables provide a healthy-but-filling reset whenever your body needs it. Depending on where a person calls home, the New Year may be ushered in with black-eyed peas, pickled herring, or pork and sauerkraut. But while the holiday meal…

Beverages, Smoothies

Pink Pineapple Protein Smoothie

Just five ingredients create a filling smoothie that’s frosty, creamy, sweet, and tangy. Anyone else feeling the need for a post-holiday reboot? Party food and cookies notwithstanding, the bigger assault to my system just so happened to come by way of a nasty virus that hit me just days before Christmas. Instead of attending a…

Beverages, Desserts

Caramel Eggnog Creamer

Caramel Eggnog Creamer is a cinch to make and takes your coffee to the next level. Great way to use leftover eggnog too! Are you ready?  I certainly have a calendar, but every year the holidays seem to sneak up on me.  As I count the items on my mental to-do list and the stress…

Soups and Stews

5-Can Weeknight Chili

A great bowl of chili is just minutes away thanks to a handful of economical pantry ingredients. Top with a simple sprinkle of cheese or load it up with chopped avocado, crushed tortilla chips, minced onions, etc. The wee hours of Christmas morning last year found my extended family in an airport. We were trading…

Breads and Baked Goods

Homemade Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

Homemade Jiffy corn muffin mix beats the boxed version any day, and it can be made gluten-free! Most of us have a short list of recipes that, for one reason or another, we return to again and again.  One of the recipes from my own time-honored list is a cross between baked corn and cornbread…

Breakfast, Casseroles

Apple Crisp Baked Oatmeal, Holiday Style

Apple Crisp Baked Oatmeal is a super-satisfying breakfast, and this seasonal spin can be prepped and enjoyed over several days. Or serve it for a wholesome holiday brunch.   Genetics are a funny thing. When my dad drove me to a recent appointment for outpatient eye surgery, he commented apologetically that I had him to…

Breads and Baked Goods, Breakfast

Eggnog Quick Bread

Capture the flavor of the holidays with this irresistible quick bread, which makes a lovely gift and is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The quick glaze adds a hint of decadence and a snow-capped look but is purely optional.     Several times over the years, I’ve seen the claim that a perfect…

Appetizers, Snacks

Spiced Pecan Chex Mix

This sweet and savory spin on the classic snack mix is easy to make and hard to resist. Perfect for gift giving too!    Why is it nearly impossible to replace a favorite pair of shoes? You know, the shoes that are really comfortable and go with everything, but their near perfection wasnโ€™t apparent until…

3-Ingredient Cinnamon Ornaments

Three simple ingredients come together with ease for a project that’s fun for adults and kids alike. Once dried, you can decorate as desired or opt for a rustic look. Great as a gift and the aroma will last for years!    Choosing the right gifts for the many special people in our lives can…

Condiments, Sauces, Side Dishes

Jeweled Cranberry Orange Relish… and a Thanksgiving bonus recipe

A cup of jewel-like pomegranate seeds and an orange-enhancing splash of triple sec take classic cranberry relish to new heights!   When I was growing up, my family spent every Thanksgiving at my maternal grandparentsโ€™ house. My grandmother graciously opened her home to family, and any friends with no family. She put all the extra…

Main Dishes, Stir Fry

Bacon & Egg Quinoa Fried โ€œRiceโ€

This twist on a takeout favorite uses quinoa in place of rice for a breakfast-inspired meal that makes a great dinner too.   As we coast into the season of mashed potatoes, cookies, eggnog, and pie, I figured it was more important than ever to share a few easy meals that are healthy yet filling–and…

Get recipes delivered straight to your inbox.