Favorite Balsamic Vinaigrette

A year-round staple that pulls double duty as a flavorful marinade for chicken, this versatile homemade dressing will add zip to a wide variety of vegetables and basic pantry ingredients.    The key to fresh, flavorful meals that feel effortless and truly enjoyable? Find a few homemade dressings and sauces that you enjoy and keep…

Cajun Seasoning

This classic spice blend mixes up quickly with common herbs and spices and adds a savory kick to a wide variety of recipes, from simple grilled chicken and shrimp to eggs, rice and beans, and popcorn.   A good spice blend offers one of the easiest ways to inject nuanced flavor into your cooking with…

Quick Russian Dressing

Five minutes is all you need to prepare creamy, tangy Russian dressing that will elevate Reubens, Rachels, burgers, and more.    The first time I prepared this sauce, I was making Rachels and Reubens and realized as the meal was underway that I had no Russian dressing, a necessity in the classic deli fare. Thousand Island…

Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Four basic ingredients create a bright, punchy vinaigrette that holds its emulsification beautifully and adds exceptional flavor to a wide range of salads.    When I first developed this dressing, I wanted to call it Sunshine Vinaigrette. The golden hue and beautifully emulsified consistency feels like a ray of light, while the flavor is bright…

Honey Mustard Sauce (or Dressing)

A speedy way to elevate a simple weeknight meal, this versatile sauce pairs perfectly with chicken, pork, fish, veggies, and so much more!   Store-bought condiments have their place, but sometimes, a homemade version is easy to whip up at home with basic ingredients–and actually tastes better than a name brand bottle.  We don’t always…

Baked Artichoke Dip

Loaded with artichokes and elevated with a trifecta of cheeses, party-perfect Baked Artichoke Dip is creamy, crusty, salty, and tangy–and it can be prepared in advance! Two Christmas Eves ago, when holiday celebrations of all kinds were canceled because of the pandemic, my sister-in-law, Melissa, prepared this dip for family and friends. She baked multiple…

Easy Caesar Salad Dressing

My Classic Caesar salad dressing (with no raw egg or anchovies) is quick and easy to make and tastes amazing on a variety of greens. Add anchovies if you wish!   Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Caesar salad with chopped romaine or crave a heartier variation that will keep in the fridge…

Italian Salsa Verde

Vibrantly green and bursting with flavor, this classic sauce can be spooned over beef, chicken, fish, eggs, roasted vegetables, and rice – or use as a dip for crusty bread.    How many times do you buy a bunch of herbs, only to use a handful of the sprigs while the rest slowly wilt in…

Tomato Jam

Easy-to-make tomato jam is savory and tangy with a hint of spicy sweetness. An ideal way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes, the rustic jam offers a delightful alternative to ketchup on a burger or sauce on chicken, fish, and pork.   If you’re envisioning a peanut butter and tomato jam sandwich and thinking…

Speedy Cherry Tomato Sauce

A versatile summertime staple, this quick and easy sauce is a delicious way to use an abundance of cherry or grape tomatoes. It will even make the most of off-season cherry tomatoes. This is the sort of easy summer cooking I love: basic, fresh ingredients coming together as something altogether pleasing in a few short…

Shrimp Salsa or Salad

Serve this colorful salad as a light yet filling entree or scoop it up with tortilla chips for a unique appetizer. Either way, the pop of flavor and ease of preparation is bound to make it a keeper.   I first made this recipe when seeking an appetizer that felt fresh and exciting. Served as…

Speedy Cocktail Sauce

Bright, zippy, and super easy to make whenever needed, this fresh-tasting cocktail sauce adds memorable flavor to shrimp, crab cakes, hot dogs, and so much more.    A condiment has the power to complete a meal. A really good condiment, however, will simultaneously elevate that meal.  Such is the case with cocktail sauce. Cocktail sauce…

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