Best Appetizer Recipes
Fennel Salad
Mix up your salad routine with this fresh, crisp combination of fennel, apples, celery, arugula, nuts, and cheese that’s always a surprise hit! As the first recipe with fennel on this site, I debated the details of this salad long and hard. Of course, some may be wondering: why did it take 14 years to…
Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts
Inspired by the iconic New York City restaurant, these rosemary-infused nuts are lightly spiced, perfectly salted, and completely irresistible. Snack on them anytime, or enjoy as a pre-dinner nibble with your drink of choice. The first time I ate at the famed Union Square Café years ago, we started our meal with the bar nuts.…
Thanksgiving Turkey Fruit Kabobs
Looking for a fun and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread? This show-stopping centerpiece is a perfect way to balance out those rich holiday dishes and the kids will love helping you make it too! When my oldest child started preschool, each parent was responsible for bringing a Thanksgiving dish to a class party the…
Thanksgiving Turkey Charcuterie
There’s no better way to kick off your Thanksgiving feast than with a show-stopping appetizer, and this turkey-shaped charcuterie board is equal parts adorable and delicious! It goes without saying that the main event at Thanksgiving is the food. Sounds great in theory, but as a host, it can be stressful to get this very…
Best Breakfast Recipes
Rosemary Simple Syrup
A fragrant, easy-to-make syrup that adds an herbal twist to cocktails and mocktails — even baked goods, coffee, and tea. If you’ve made my Rosemary Paloma (which tastes great in non-alcoholic and classic form!), you already know how this simple syrup can transform the drink. A quick simmer of sugar, water, fresh rosemary, and a…
Thanksgiving Turkey Fruit Kabobs
Looking for a fun and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread? This show-stopping centerpiece is a perfect way to balance out those rich holiday dishes and the kids will love helping you make it too! When my oldest child started preschool, each parent was responsible for bringing a Thanksgiving dish to a class party the…
Blueberry Peach Yogurt Muffins
Loaded with whole grains, protein, calcium, and a generous dose of naturally sweet fruit, these muffins offer an easy, nutritious, and decidedly delicious way to start the day! As with many recipe on this site, the following peach- and blueberry-studded muffins came about thanks to a different recipe. Black and Blueberry Oat Muffins were such…
Egg White Muffins
A filling, wholesome, grab-and-go breakfast, egg white muffins are protein-rich, reheat well, and freezer friendly. Plus, there are options to use the whole egg, vary the add-ins, and customize for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. I’m the sort of person who likes to know what I’ll be eating for breakfast before I go to…
Best Dinner Recipes
Best Tuna Melts (Easy, Crispy & Cheesy)
Crunchy bread, two kinds of melty cheese, and minimal mayo make this the best tuna melt I’ve ever had. Economical, easy and delicious! Whenever my dad went out for lunch, there was a 99% chance he’d order a tuna melt. It was his thing, so my home version had a high bar to clear. My…
Bison Burgers
Love a good beef burger but want something leaner that’s still really flavorful? Bison is a great option. The taste is mild—not gamey—and because it’s leaner, your burgers won’t be greasy. Over the last few years, I’ve been using ground bison interchangeably with ground beef. What began as a simple way to vary the usual…
Lemony Dill Pea Salad with Salmon
Frozen peas and smoked salmon offer a super speedy way to whip up this fresh, flavorful salad, which can be enjoyed as an easy lunch, light dinner, or unique side dish when entertaining. A family trip to Paris last summer and a memorable meal at a chic little bistro inspired this herby, lemony, salmon and…
Chili Lime Chicken
Add memorable flavor to basic chicken with a blend of spices you likely have on hand. Perfect as is and in burrito bowls, with or without the optional sauce. When I first wrote about this chicken for a newspaper recipe column in 2015, I alluded to a debate I was having with myself as to…
Best Salad Recipes
No-Mayo Broccoli Salad
This classic-tasting broccoli salad relies on a honey and Dijon infused vinaigrette to keep it light yet incredibly flavorful. Perfect for those who don’t (and do!) love mayo. In surveys aimed at ranking the most polarizing foods, mayonnaise consistently tracks as a top vote-getter. The thick, creamy condiment ranks right up there with the likes…
Lemony Dill Pea Salad with Salmon
Frozen peas and smoked salmon offer a super speedy way to whip up this fresh, flavorful salad, which can be enjoyed as an easy lunch, light dinner, or unique side dish when entertaining. A family trip to Paris last summer and a memorable meal at a chic little bistro inspired this herby, lemony, salmon and…
Black Bean Dip (or Salsa or Salad)
Enjoy this easy, endlessly versatile recipe as a dip with chips, a salsa for fish or chicken, a super simple salad, or as the foundation of a nutritious, plant-based meal. Perfect for a potluck and can be prepared in advance! Amidst all my experimenting with new recipes, this simple combination of ingredients never grows old…
Quinoa Salad with Edamame, Bok Choy & Lemon Soy Vinaigrette
Crisp bok choy and edamame add fresh crunch to this tender quinoa salad. Tossed in a light lemon-soy vinaigrette, the versatile side pairs perfectly with salmon or chicken—or stands alone as a protein-rich meatless meal. When dinnertime rolls around, it’s easy to fall into a rhythm of the familiar meals we know by heart and…
Best Dessert Recipes
Rhubarb Bars
Sweet-tart flavor, gooey filling, and a crisp crust make these bars a must when rhubarb is in season! I’m not sure how many people would list rhubarb bars as their favorite dessert, perhaps favoring something featuring chocolate or ice cream. The first time I made this recipe many years ago, my husband—who did not grow…
Yellow Sour Cream Cake
Looking for a yellow cake that feels familiar but a little elevated? This one delivers. It’s light, tender, and just sweet enough to make any occasion feel special. Birthday dinners, weekend entertaining, and “just because” situations any night of the week are excellent reasons to bake this yellow cake. It boasts the most tender crumb…
Perfect Chocolate Frosting
Looking for a frosting with exceptional chocolate flavor that’s not too sweet? This is your recipe! Have you ever found yourself eating a cake and thinking it would be perfect if the icing was just a bit less sweet? If so, this recipe is for you. Originally featured alongside the Yellow Sour Cream Cake in…
Rosemary Simple Syrup
A fragrant, easy-to-make syrup that adds an herbal twist to cocktails and mocktails — even baked goods, coffee, and tea. If you’ve made my Rosemary Paloma (which tastes great in non-alcoholic and classic form!), you already know how this simple syrup can transform the drink. A quick simmer of sugar, water, fresh rosemary, and a…
