Best American Cuisine Recipes
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Wholesome and hearty stuffed acorn squash is an all-in-one meal that’s bursting with savory flavor. It even comes with an edible bowl! Acorn squash always makes me think of my grandmother. The dark green vegetable, with its signature splotch of orange, was not something we ate at home. My grandmother, however, cooked with it often.…
Curried Chicken Salad
Tender chicken is bathed in a light, creamy, curry-spiced dressing and studded with crisp celery and crunchy cashews for the ultimate chicken salad you’ll crave for every potluck, backyard BBQ, packed lunch, and casual dinner. I meant to post in the summer of 2015, and here we are 10 years later! This recipe for curried…
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
A minimalist preparation yields maximum flavor in this versatile side dish that makes the most of fresh zucchini and summer squash. Zoodles. Zucchini Noodles. Summer squash pasta? Whatever you call them, these colorful strands are a fun way to mix up your pasta routine. Zucchini noodles can also be a welcome alternative to go-to side…
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Three simple ingredients come together with ease for a salty-sweet frozen treat that mimics a store-bought favorite for a fraction of the price. My nieces introduced me to Tru Fru last year. The company makes a variety of chocolate covered fruit—raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and more—that are enrobed in dark or milk chocolate (or some of…
Best Barbecue Recipes
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…
Blueberry Lemon Cornbread
This delightful twist on the usual cornbread comes together quickly with pantry ingredients and fresh or frozen blueberries. An easy tip ensures leftovers are never dry—making them perfect for breakfast! Cornbread has long been popular in our house. Partial proof of this statement is evidenced in the multiple cornbread and muffin recipes already on this…
Air Fryer Mini Peppers
No peeling, cutting, or seeding needed for these bite-size poppers. A drizzle of olive oil and dash of seasoning will transform a bag of mini bell peppers into a deliciously easy side dish or appetizer. (Oven option included.) A bag of mini bell peppers is a staple on my weekly grocery list. These multi-colored gems…
No-Sugar Horseradish Coleslaw
Horseradish and Dijon add memorable flavor to this crisp, versatile slaw that’s quick to make and contains no sugar or syrups! I’m a big fan of coleslaw. It’s easy to make, economical, and endlessly versatile. A simple base of cabbage provides crisp appeal, while the right dressing supplies exceptional flavor that will perk up…
Best Italian Cuisine Recipes
Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup (or Sauce)
Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup is an ideal way to use an abundance of tomatoes and can be adapted to include additional produce, proteins, and pasta. Delicious as a sauce too! Consider this an added value recipe. For starters, it’s an easy way to make practical, even long term, use of seasonal produce. (It freezes well.)…
Bruschetta Chicken (grill and stovetop options)
Bruschetta Chicken turns the classic appetizer into a summery entree by replacing the crostini base with grilled or pan-seared chicken for a nutritious, versatile meal that’s easy to make yet worthy of company! Bruschetta Chicken is the perfect summer meal, and the highlight is the no-cook topping made with vine-ripened tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic…
Easy Roasted Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Sausage, peppers, and onions are tossed with simple Italian seasonings and then roasted to perfection for an easy meal that can be enjoyed over rice, pasta, or as the best sausage sandwiches. Easy, colorful, and hearty. This meal is versatile comfort food at its best. The most basic of ingredients – sausage, vegetables, and seasonings…
Pasta with Escarole, Sausage, and Beans
The classic Tuscan pairing of beans and greens meets sausage and pasta for nourishing comfort food the whole family will enjoy. If I told you that eight ounces of pasta could generously feed four adults and up to six depending on appetite, you may be skeptical. The following recipe, however, accomplishes that in a most…
Best Spanish Cuisine Recipes
Sangria Spritz
Enjoy the fruity, sweet-tart flavor of classic sangria in this light, refreshing, 3-ingredient spritz – and then customize according to season with your favorite fruit garnishes. The concept of a spritz dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans; it is believed that wine was often diluted with water to keep people from becoming…
Spanish Tapas Board
Elevate your charcuterie game with this epic Spanish tapas board, which comes together easily, looks stunning, and is loaded with savory bites. Perfect for any occasion, from New Year’s celebrations and game days to girls’ nights and book clubs. Optional extras will make it a meal. Charcuterie boards are popular for good reason. They…
Spanish-Style Marinated Olives
An impressive appetizer recipe that takes five minutes to prep and adds something special to any cocktail hour, cheese board, or antipasto platter. Irresistibly snack-worthy and giftable too! For many of us, olives plucked straight from the jar are incredibly satisfying. They are salty, meaty, and even deliver a dose of monounsaturated fats, fiber,…
Spanish Tortilla
Make this traditional Spanish dish in your own kitchen with a few basic ingredients and enjoy it as a light meal, a satisfying snack, or a filling addition to a Spanish-themed charcuterie board. In Spain it’s called a tortilla Española, sometimes a tortilla de patata. The name translates to Spanish tortilla or potato omelet,…
