American Cuisine Recipes

Pastas

Martha Stewart’s One-Pan Pasta (and some riffs on the basic recipe)

This all-in-one meal is a versatile weeknight godsend! Once the water boils, the cooking time is a quick 9 minutes. (And there’s a spot-on gluten-free option for those who need it!)       Have you ever tried Martha Stewart’s one-pan pasta recipe? The all-in-one meal is a gift on a busy weeknight, for sure. Though…

Salads, Side Dishes

Napa Sweet Corn Salad

An unexpected ingredient adds crisp crunch to a classic corn salad, and the easy vinaigrette pulls it all together. Perfect for summer and fall meals!       As mid-August rolls around, I still feel firmly planted in summer in many ways, but reminders of fall are increasingly frequent. Despite the still-present heat and humidity,…

Appetizers, Main Dishes

Super Crunchy Oven Fried Drumsticks

Crispy, crunchy, and no fryer needed! Perfect for picnics, tailgating, kids’ parties, family dinners, packed lunches, and more. May be served warm, cold or room temperature-and note the helpful advance prep tips.   There’s something so satisfying about biting into a crunchy piece of fried chicken. (As I type, my mouth is literally watering at the…

Beverages, Coffee and Tea

Meadow Tea

This Lancaster County staple is summer in an ice-cold glass. Crisp, clean, minty and utterly refreshing, it’s also the perfect way to use an abundance of mint.   If Lancaster County had an official summer drink, it would surely be Meadow Tea. For years I threatened to rip out the mint that has a way…

Main Dishes, Salads

Sweetgreen’s Guacamole Greens Salad (aka Guac Greens)

This copycat version of a restaurant favorite is filling, flavor-packed and makes healthy eating a breeze. And if you’ve struggled to find a cilantro lime vinaigrette recipe that tastes great, your search may be over. (No blender required either!)    Last summer, my older son John was accepted into a program in New York City.…

Beverages, Coffee and Tea, Frozen

Homemade Frappuccino (healthy, creamy & dairy-free)

Frappuccino fans rejoice! This healthy, dairy-free coffee smoothie is creamy and decadent like a Frosty but naturally sweetened with dates-and because not everyone loves them, no bananas! Dessert-worthy but loaded with enough nutrients and staying power to be a meal.       If you have yet to dream about coffees smoothies, you surely will after…

Main Dishes, Salads

Asparagus & Chicken Salad With Sesame Ginger Dressing

This light yet filling spin on the typical chicken salad includes a hearty dose of vegetables and a versatile vinaigrette instead of mayo. Elegant and easy with prep-ahead options.    Warm evenings make cool dinners especially appealing. Of course, healthy salads are often relegated to the supporting role of light side dish instead of starring…

Burgers

Blue Cheese (or Feta) Turkey Burgers

Three simple ingredients make THE BEST turkey burgers. They’re tender, flavorful, and not the least bit dry, whether cooked on the grill or stovetop. The easy recipe quickly became a regular at our house, and I’m guessing it will become a favorite in your home too! After reviewing an impressive new cookbook authored by teen…

Breakfast, Snacks

PB&J Breakfast Bars

Healthy, filling and easy to make, Rachael Ray herself thinks these tasty bars are a total win! Convenient for grab-and-go breakfasts and anytime snacking.   As if a compliment by Rachael Ray isn’t cool enough, the following recipe comes from a cookbook I recently reviewed call The Teen Kitchen -and Amazon just named it one of the best cookbooks…

Breakfast

Banana Bread Pancakes (or Waffles)

A wholesome, naturally gluten-free version of the perennial favorite quick bread, these light and fluffy pancakes incorporate heart-healthy oat flour (or oats) and can be prepared as waffles, too.      Sometimes we just need a stick-to-our-ribs breakfast – and, happily, we can have it in a deliciously wholesome way! The first banana bread I…

Soups and Stews

Aunt Peggy’s Turkey Chili

Quick, easy, and super satisfying, this flavorful chili is a go-to on busy nights and reheats beautifully.   This recipe is quick and easy chili at its best. It may not be the nuanced, chili cook-off entry that’s layered with a variety of peppers and boasts hints of cocoa and coffee-but it’s family friendly and…

Breads and Baked Goods, Breakfast, Sandwiches

Healthy Egg & Sausage Breakfast Sandwiches

Breakfast sandwiches are often high in carbs and fat, but with a few easy swaps they can be a healthy and totally satisfying start to the day.   🥚🥚🥚🥚🥚   I’m not one to keep a firm count of calories, carbs, protein and other nutritional stats. But I’ve learned a general sense of what most…

Get recipes delivered straight to your inbox.