Appetizer Recipes

Prosciutto-Wrapped Roasted Asparagus

For added convenience, these pretty little bundles of savory deliciousness may be wrapped several hours in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.     In the final months of my second pregnancy, my legs were swollen to a rather extreme degree. My friends—and sometimes strangers—often noticed and offered advice based on personal…

Cheesy Cauliflower “Flatbread”

In the past few years, cauliflower has been reinvented in so many ways.  Thanks to its low carb count and subtle flavor, this healthy cruciferous vegetable has been successfully morphed into healthy-yet-creamy mashed “potatoes” and surprisingly delicious pizza crust. When my friend Sonali asked me to review her cookbook, Natural Pregnancy Cookbook, one of the first things…

Greek Chicken Meatballs

Healthy, flavorful, and versatile these easy baked meatballs work well with ground turkey and freeze well, too.   People often ask me when I’m going to write a cookbook. Although I have plenty of recipes, I haven’t quite figured out how to pull off a book. My friend, Sonali, has written three cookbooks and has…

Pineapple Serrano Hummus

I grew up watching the Parade of Roses every New Year’s Day.  Flowers have always been a hobby for my mom.  She had a greenhouse, an undisputed green thumb, and a knack for arranging flowers in the most beautiful way.  I remember being utterly amazed when she told me that all of the parade floats…

Rosemary Roasted Cashews

Rosemary, salt, and a hint of heat makes these easy-to-prepare nuts a snacking favorite. A jarful provides a welcome gift, too!         When I visit my parents in the weeks leading up to Christmas, my eyes always scan their kitchen counter for a large, red canister. I keep my fingers crossed that…

Party Salmon

Enjoy hot out of the oven for an easy weeknight meal or serve at room temperature for a delightful addition to any buffet table. For a delicious breakfast or brunch, serve in place of lox with an assortment of bagels, cream cheese, chopped hard-boiled egg, capers, minced red onion, and thinly sliced cucumber. Party Salmon…

Roasted Beet Hummus

Serve this gorgeous show-stopper as a make-ahead appetizer, a satisfying snack, or as a base for an anything-but-boring lunch.   When I first laid eyes upon this colorful sister of the traditional middle eastern dip, I was smitten by its vibrant ruby hue. Thanks to the addition of a humble root vegetable, the color is…

Peach Ginger Shrimp Kabobs

Pantry and refrigerator staples come together with ease to create tender, flavorful shrimp that are easy enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for company. For a great meal at a moment’s notice, keep a bag of frozen shrimp on hand.   I first shared this twist on my Apricot Ginger Shrimp in a Susquehanna…

Shortcut Soft Pretzels

Roll these clever pretzels into letters and spell out names for special occasions or twist them into the traditional shape. Either way, they’re a fun project and a crowd-pleasing snack!     Throughout all my years of being a mom, I can say with 100% certainty that my favorite gifts have been homemade. A handcrafted…

Classic Guacamole

The best guacamole keeps it simple: ripe avocados plus a short list of flavorful add-ins in just the right amounts. Perfect as a dip, in tacos, on sandwiches, burrito bowls, and more.   I tend to tuck recipes away and wait for what I hope will be just the right occasion for my readers. This…

Roasted Asparagus with Egg and Prosciutto

When paired with a protein-rich egg, these slender green spears form the basis of a satisfyingly simple meal with “French country” appeal!         Years ago, I marveled at the description of a meal with two basic ingredients: eggs and asparagus. The simple combination was described as very “French country.” I envisioned ambling up to a…

Christian’s Corn Flake Nachos

This quirky snack is quick, easy, and shockingly delicious. You wouldn’t think the flakes would stay crisp, but they really do!   For the latest edition of Fountain Avenue Kids, my younger son, Christian, steps behind the camera to demonstrate the after-school snack he has made for himself countless times over the years. It’s a great recipe…

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