American Cuisine Recipes
Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette (ideal way to use leftover pumpkin!)
Light but flavorful and super speedy, this versatile dressing makes great use of leftover canned pumpkin and might just become a new favorite! When a recipe calls for a cup or so of a canned good like chicken broth, beans, or coconut milk, what happens to the small portion that remains in the can? Lingering…
Threaded Hot Dog or Sausage Spaghetti (aka “Spider Dogs”)
Move over meatballs! This squirmy pasta dish makes a fun project for kids and a crowd-pleasing Halloween-themed meal. For a more “mature” version, substitute your favorite cooked sausage for the hot dogs. I’m pretty sure a spoonful of laughter and silliness makes any dinner taste better –and when the preparation of that meal can…
Basil Vinaigrette
When we think of basil, we often think of traditional pesto. Basil Vinaigrette, however, offers a streamlined alternative that can be used in much the same way. A jar in your fridge will perk up meals all week long–and don’t miss all the easy recipe inspiration! Easy. Healthy. Delicious. Ideally, those three words would accurately…
Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa Cobbler
With a layer of melted butter and then batter, followed by fruit on the top, this simple peach cobbler strays from the typical two-layer recipe with fruit on the bottom and a crumble or biscuit on top. Then, as this cobbler bakes, the batter rises up and over the peaches and forms a cake-like treat, with…
2-Ingredient No-Cook Chia Jam
2-Ingredient No-Cook Chia Jam is a sugar- and syrup-free alternative to the ever-popular chia jam! As I share recipes from week to week, I have a pretty good sense that speedy dinners with readily available seasonal ingredients will likely be well received and cooked often. Who doesn’t need another easy, healthy meal to add to the…
PB&J Breakfast Chia Pudding
An option to overnight oats, healthy, prep-ahead PB&J Chia Pudding is surprisingly delicious and satisfying. Feel free to use your favorite jam in place of the chia jam recipe and customize with your favorite fruits and toppings. Cha-cha-cha chia! 🎶🎵 I know what some of you are thinking. Pudding made from chia seeds? Maybe…
Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake
Guaranteed to be the hit of the party, my favorite Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake includes fudge filling, chocolate crunchies, and all. There’s also a worthy gluten-free option for those who need it—and nobody will detect a difference! On birthdays and hot summer nights, cake and ice cream really hit the spot. The following…
5-Ingredient Very Berry Smoothie (and make-ahead smoothie packs)
Loaded with filling protein, healthy fats, and a hearty dose of fruit (and optional veggie), this 5-ingredient very berry smoothie checks all the metaphorical boxes—and tastes great, too. For grab-and-go convenience, smoothie packs can be quickly assembled and stored in the freezer. For years, my childhood friend Christine and I would occasionally grab a…
Family Favorite Glazed Meatloaf
Family Favorite Glazed Meatloaf tastes great and slices perfectly! The recipe also offers prep ahead convenience and tips for a perfectly shaped loaf. Most children are discouraged from playing with their food. I learned this lesson at a young age, but as I get older, I occasionally ignore this piece of advice. Let’s face…
No-Bake Healthy-ish Buckeye Bars
Easy-to-make, four-ingredient Buckeye Bars taste a lot like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan. My grandmother’s recipe for chocolate peanut butter eggs, which she frequently made as buckeye bars or balls, has garnered friends from near and far. Sometimes, however, we want something quick,…
Easy Cheese Sauce
Four ingredients are all you need for this versatile, family-friendly sauce. Best melting cheeses, helpful tips, and recipe suggestions included. Four simple ingredients are all you need for a versatile, velvety, easy cheese sauce that has the power to transform plain pasta, baked potatoes, steamed broccoli, roast beef sandwiches, and more. For added flexibility,…
Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce or Simple Au Jus
Golden on the outside and pink in the middle, a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin will be the centerpiece of any special dinner. The recipe offers a less expensive alternative, as well as tips on how much meat to purchase per person. My husband and I had been friends for many years before we began dating, so I…
