American Cuisine Recipes

Cookies, Desserts

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

  The time-honored pairing of peanut butter and chocolate is elevated with more peanut butter and a dusting of sea salt in this super simple, salty-sweet recipe that will delight any time of year!    Peanut butter and chocolate. What could be better?  Perhaps when that peanut butter and chocolate is enrobed in a peanut butter…

Desserts, Snacks

No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

Capture the flavors of the season with these no-bake, satisfying bites that come together quickly and offer an option with no added sugars or syrups.   Filling protein and fiber. Satiating fats. Warm spices. And pumpkin!  These bite-size gems are packed with staying power and seasonal flavor, and a big batch comes together easily thanks…

Sandwiches

Baked Ham & Cheese Bunwiches

The classic ham sandwich is redefined with two kinds of cheese, a flavorful spread, and a quick trip to the oven. Toasty bunwiches are easy to make ahead and party perfect!   Over the course of two decades and three houses, these toasty sandwiches appeared at many of our game day parties and casual get-togethers.…

Salads, Side Dishes

Roasted Potato Salad with Special Sauce

No need to peel the potatoes in this customizable salad, which uses a uniquely flavorful dressing that can be made in advance.    I’ve been making this salad for years without actually measuring the ingredients. A little different than the average potato salad, it’s always a hit. Most recently, I prepared the summer staple for…

Burgers

Tender, Juicy Turkey Burgers

Tender, juicy, flavor-packed turkey burgers are possible with lean breast meat thanks to a few simple additions. A go-to weeknight meal and worthy of a weekend barbecue!      Tender and flavorful, these burgers defy the dry, flavorless hockey pucks some people associate with turkey burgers, especially those made with lean breast meat. The best…

Side Dishes

Baked Swiss Chard with Peppers and Feta

Crave-worthy greens are within easy reach thanks to a unique method of preparation, which delivers crispy edges and golden brown bits of feta, all while adding a few other colorful veggies to the mix!   Since much of the work I do for The Fountain Avenue Kitchen takes place in the quiet of my kitchen…

Breakfast

Crunchy Top Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

Red, ripe strawberries highlight this seasonal favorite, which offers make-ahead convenience and countless ways to customize. In a pinch, frozen berries may be used.   I clearly remember the first time I served this seasonal addition of my original baked oatmeal recipe. My younger son, who was a rather picky fourth grader at the time, asked…

Side Dishes

Asiago Asparagus

Asiago cheese provides a delightful alternative to Parmesan, adding a unique twist to simply roasted asparagus. Any crispy bits of cheese sticking to the baking sheet are a special treat!     No doubt, Parmesan cheese is a dependable workhorse in the kitchen. From chicken Parm and pesto to risotto, Italian-style soups, and even popcorn, versatile…

Salads

Asparagus Cobb Salad

Sure, you can make a regular Cobb salad, and it will taste great. But adding asparagus ramps up the color, nutritional value, and seasonal appeal. If you don’t usually have salads for dinner, this satisfying plateful might win you over.   Did you know that there’s an acronym to remember the traditional ingredients in a…

Casseroles

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

A modern remake of my mom’s classic casserole, this rendition of a childhood favorite is lighter but still delivers the memorable flavor. There’s even a crunchy topping, an option for extra veggies, and excellent alternatives for some dietary restrictions. (And Mom approves!)       Who doesn’t love a comforting chicken and rice casserole? If…

Beverages, Cocktails

Apple Bourbon Smash

Warm notes of bourbon complement the sweetness of apples in this lightly effervescent cocktail that takes a mere minute to make. Prefer a mocktail? Just skip the bourbon! Over the years, I’ve tended towards a simple glass of wine over a mixed drink. But an occasional cocktail can be a fun mealtime addition, and lately…

Main Dishes

The Most Flavorful Roasted Turkey Legs or Thighs

A simple spice rub and one clever trick are the keys to crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that’s brimming with flavor. Easy to prep ahead and pop in the oven when ready.    Where turkey and chicken are concerned, there have long been two distinct camps: Team White Meat and Team Dark. This recipe…

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