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…
A light drizzle of this sweet and tangy vinaigrette makes a classic strawberry salad shine. Eating your greens never tasted so good! When local strawberries are at their peak, I make salads with them almost every night. Once a simple dressing has been prepared and left to wait in the fridge, salads in general…
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…
A singular condiment adds culinary magic to simply roasted vegetables, in this case, transforming basic green beans into a restaurant-worthy side dish. The best part? The dish takes less than 15 minutes start to finish! When we’re not familiar with a recipe ingredient, let alone know where to look for it in the grocery store,…
Simply roasted cauliflower is elevated to something special thanks to a versatile sauce that might just become a new favorite. The base recipe is perfect as a side dish, and a few pantry staples will transform it into a filling entree. Easy and flexible are two important words in my kitchen. Day to day,…
A delightful balance of sweet and tart, this eye-catching twist on the classic cocktail requires just three simple ingredients. The refreshing drink is also easy to customize with other liquors and flavors, and I’ve included a few of my favorites. Most winters around this time, I begin looking forward to an annual trip to…
The simplest of ingredients and a straightforward technique transform earthy mushrooms into a meaty, savory, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways. And though wild mushrooms are widely available and contribute interest and textural variety, this hands-off technique will make the most of basic button mushrooms. When I…
With its flavor-packed, quick-cooking, crowd-pleasing appeal, this meatless recipe defies traditional chili logic and is 100% worthy of the weekly dinner rotation. Good enough for game day too! When we think of chili, we typically think of a meaty, long-simmered stew that requires a lengthy list of ingredients and a good bit of chopping.…
Fruity yet not overly sweet, this martini is delightfully crisp and refreshing—and not too potent! And ever wonder how to make crushed ice, or better yet, “soft” ice? I’ve included the easy how-to! mar·ti·ni (märˈtēnē): a cocktail made from gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon.…
A whole roasted head of cauliflower is delicious AND impressive. It can also be easy and relatively quick thanks to a helpful shortcut! A whole roasted head of cauliflower can be really impressive: beautifully golden brown with a delightfully savory, lightly nutty flavor. It can also take a really long time to cook. But…
A crisp, colorful salad can breathe life into a winter meal, and this fresh combination delivers palette pleasing flavor and texture: sweet oranges, buttery avocado, a pop of salty feta, and a bed of crisp greens. And the flavor-packed vinaigrette is worth returning to again and again! We don’t usually think of winter as…
The aroma of warm spices and fresh citrus join festive cranberries in this colorful, easy-to-make mix that is perfect for gift giving. Printable gift tags included above recipe card. My very thoughtful friend, Anne Besterman, is to thank for this festive recipe, which although made of edible ingredients, is not intended for consumption. Christmas…