Sunflower Basil Pesto
This easy recipe is economical, loaded with flavor, and ideal for families with a nut allergy. Plus the pesto freezes well, so you can enjoy the versatile condiment all year long! If I were to choose just one condiment to get me through the summer, it would be pesto. The fresh seasonal sauce can…
Tzatziki (and a few graduation pictures!)
In addition to the requisite photos of this cool, creamy, perfectly summery sauce, I have graduation pictures for you! As I mentioned last week, the past couple of weeks have been equal parts busy and exciting around here. The main event was last Thursday when John and 699 of his classmates paraded across the stage…
Honey Yogurt Poppy Seed Dressing
Nothing screams “Summer is almost here!” like red, ripe, juicy strawberries. (Side note: This reminds me of one of my sons’ favorite childhood storybooks, The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear. If you have toddlers in your life and like to read aloud to them, this is a fun one!) But…
Special Sauce recipe… and tips for a better burger
The sauce that makes the burger plus all the tips you need for the best backyard burgers! “Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun….” Can you almost hear the music? This iconic McDonald’s jingle was etched into my childhood brain, even though I never quite made the…
Cilantro Lime Crema
Five ingredients and countless ways to enjoy. That’s this recipe in a nutshell. It’s like a little magic wand that can be waved to perk up plain chicken, fish, a simple baked potato, and so much more. And who couldn’t use a little dinnertime magic from time to time? I first made this sublime sauce…
Easy Baked Refried Bean Dip (or taco or burrito filling)
Let’s face it. No one goes to a Super Bowl party expecting Brussels sprouts, quinoa, and salmon. Hot wings, chips, and chili are more likely on the menu, and that’s perfectly okay. My family most definitely enjoys the typical game day fare, but I do like to add a couple of healthy fillers to the…
Doctored Up Hummus
A simple hack will elevate store-bought hummus, making it creamier and more flavorful – with a little extra protein too! We can all use the occasional shortcut, right? And when that shortcut happens to pull double duty as a healthy, convenient snack and a delicious, last-minute appetizer, all the better! My older son is…
Easy Pizza Sauce
This simple sauce comes together quickly with pantry staples and makes the most of homemade pizza and stromboli. Use it to lend Italian flavor to other saucy other recipes too. Pizza sauce is one of the easiest things to make and will perk up homemade pizzas and a variety of other recipes with its…
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 grandparents’ house. My grandmother graciously opened her home to family, and any friends with no family. She put all the extra…
How to Make Kimchi
Make kimchi worthy of a Korean kitchen in your kitchen with these easy instructions. The flavor-packed, probiotic-rich condiment will keep for months and can be added to tacos, burgers, eggs, rice, pasta, and grain bowls or enjoyed as a simple side dish. My intro to traditional kimchi-making came in an unexpected way several years…
Green Goddess Dressing… and a trip to the Green Mountain State
For much of my life, summers have been all about New England. As a girl, I spent many memorable years going to camp near Camden, Maine, and camp was followed by family vacation on Squam Lake in New Hampshire. My sons veered only slightly off my path, attending a boys camp along the coast of…
Absolutely Famous Greek Dressing and Marinade
When I look through my ever-growing list of recipes, I notice quite a few that are modeled after memorable restaurant meals or frequently used store-bought products. In an effort to save money or control ingredients, readers sometimes ask if I can replicate items that they like to eat. Recent requests are as varied as belVita…
