Best Snack Recipes
Barbecued Bean Salad
A crowd-pleasing, family-friendly alternative to baked beans, this protein-rich salad can be prepared in advance and the flavor improves over time. As I walked to school with my younger son one morning last month, he mentioned that his 6th grade history class’s Colonial unit would be culminating with a special lunch. All students were…
Rustic Polenta Cake with Rhubarb
Rhubarb always reminds me of my grandmother. Late every spring, she froze rhubarb to enjoy throughout the year. To my grandmother, the word rhubarb did not just refer to the celery-like stalk, it was the actual recipe. Her rhubarb was just like applesauce, only red and with a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Though…
Peanut Butter Energy Bars
These nutty, chocolatey, whole-grain bars are a tasty mix of chewy and crunchy and have been declared a winner by literal teams of kids and adults. Six years ago, my friend Carrie Johnson asked me to meet her for coffee to discuss a program she had been researching. Carrie was seeking input and, as a runner…
Deviled Egg Spread
This easy, make-ahead recipe is everything we love about the classic deviled egg, but in the form of a light meal! Deviled eggs are favorite picnic and cookout fare — and they’re also an ideal way to use all those colored Easter eggs! My sister-in-law and my mom make the best deviled eggs, but this…
Dark Chocolate Blondies (grain-free, no refined sugar)
Typically, I don’t mention the specific brand I use in a recipe unless it is integral to the recipe’s success or I just really love the product for one reason or another. I first became familiar with Bob’s Red Mill many years ago when my dad discovered he had to eliminate gluten. He never complained about all the…
Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
My grandmother’s recipe for the classic treat, this time-tested recipe rivals a Reese’s peanut butter cup. The recipe can be prepared in stages and makes enough to share! When I think of my grandmother, many things come to mind. She was full of life, funny and frugal, yet so very generous. This was a…
Quickie Cookie Baked Oatmeal
When I have the pleasure of some one-on-one time with my 3-year-old niece, I like to think of a project or activity she will really enjoy. Whether it’s making homemade play dough (has to be blue!) or a simple walk to the playground, I have at least as much fun as she does. After making…
Baked Cheddar Broccoli Rice Cups
Convenient shortcuts and great taste highlight this veggie-packed recipe that’s destined to become a family favorite! What started as a way to use the Minute rice my husband bought in place of long grain rice has become something of a sensation. When I shared this recipe shortly after I began The Fountain Avenue Kitchen,…
Butterscotch Bread Pudding
Crispy edges, tender insides, and notes of caramel and butter take the classic bread pudding to new heights. Easy and irresistible! Last fall, I mentioned that I was all set to share a recipe for butterscotch bread pudding when a thoughtful reader emailed me the recipe for her prized beet cake. Like my chicken in…
Brown Soda Bread with Steel Cut Oats
Hearty, wholesome bread has never been so easy, thanks to this yeast-free, no-knead recipe. The finished loaf slices beautifully and tastes great! When I experiment with recipes, I am never 100% sure how they will turn out. Sometimes, a new recipe takes repeated tries, especially in the baking department. I aim to limit white flour…
Make-Ahead Granola Parfaits
This slightly different preparation yields surprisingly delicious results. Consider preparing several at one time, as the parfaits will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Preferring my granola crunchy, I was skeptical the first time I tried this. After resting in the fridge overnight, I was pretty sure the granola…
Chunky Homemade Granola Snack Mix
Mixing Chunky Homemade Granola with dried cranberries, cashews, and white chocolate chips makes a snack mix so incredibly delicious with the added benefits of being mostly healthy and portable. It’s a welcome lunchbox addition and a convenient on-the-go snack. My husband, a frequent flyer, thinks this mix is the perfect snack to take while traveling…no need to…
