American Cuisine Recipes

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 Cobb…

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…

Main Dishes

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast and Gravy

This hands-off, foolproof way to achieve tender, juicy white meat can be fully prepped the night before if desired, and there are two spectacular gravy options-or you can simply make use of the pan juices. The aroma of Thanksgiving wafting from your kitchen is an added bonus!    I created this recipe back in 2012…

Condiments

Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Butter

The heavenly aroma of sweet apples and warm spices fills your kitchen with this versatile fall favorite that can be sweetened to taste. The generous batch freezes well, and you can even bake with it!  Maybe you’ve shied away from apple butter because it seems limited to toast and plain yogurt. If those items aren’t…

Snacks

Caramel Apple Nachos

This fun twist on nachos delivers the flavor and crunch of a caramel apple, but in finger-food form. A hit with adults and kids alike!    When I think back to the cool fall days of my childhood, apples weave their way into so many fond memories. Bobbing for apples at Halloween parties, picking apples…

Beverages, Coffee and Tea, Snacks

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

There may be no shortage of pumpkin spice lattes in this world, but now you can make them at home, with tea or coffee, iced or hot, and with several other customizable options. You may even find that the homemade version tastes fresher…and at a fraction of the usual price!  I adore coffee and pumpkin, but I…

Breakfast

Crunchy Top Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal (Muffins Optional)

Pumpkin and warm spices join a short list of kitchen staples in this hearty breakfast that may be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. From sweet pies, muffins, cookies, and cakes to savory soups, vinaigrettes, and even butter, there are so many ways to enjoy pumpkin. For a quick pumpkin fix, I’ve long…

Burgers

The Staycation Burger (a deliciously simple pork burger with options)

One bite of these easy-to-make patties could make you rethink your usual burger. The base recipe has become regular weeknight fare in our house, and the optional pineapple onion jam offers a restaurant-worthy upgrade. (And don’t miss the clever burger-making tip!)   When we think of burgers, the traditional beef patty likely comes to mind.…

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