Make-Ahead Recipes
Shirley Temple for Grown-Ups
A grown-up rendition of an adored childhood drink, this pretty cocktail is quick to make and can be easily scaled to make a pitcher-full. When I think of a Shirley Temple, I can’t help but smile. One of the first restaurants my parents took my sister and me to as young girls was The…
Tomato Jam
Easy-to-make tomato jam is savory and tangy with a hint of spicy sweetness. An ideal way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes, the rustic jam offers a delightful alternative to ketchup on a burger or sauce on chicken, fish, and pork. If you’re envisioning a peanut butter and tomato jam sandwich and thinking…
Big Batch Zucchini Bread or Muffins
Perfectly spiced and classically sweet zucchini bread can be made as loaves or muffins – or both! Last summer, I gave a batch to my brother and his family, and these were the texts I received after they had eaten them: “These zucchini muffins were the best I’ve ever had. They were pillowy fluffy…
Steamed Corn on the Cob
For the best combination of ease and flavor when cooking corn on the cob, steam it! And if you’re tired of waiting for a stick of butter to travel around the table, I have a trick for that. The seasonal return of corn on the cob is a big deal where I live. Farmers…
Zucchini Tuna Melts
A favorite seasonal vegetable takes inspiration from a classic sandwich in this wholesome, all-in-one meal enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Easy to make with one zucchini or many. The annual glut of zucchini and my younger son Christian’s love of tuna melts led to a lightbulb moment last summer. How good would the…
Corn Fritters with Smoked Paprika Aioli
Golden corn fritters are a deliciously easy way to repurpose leftover corn and there’s no need to deep fry. The simple sauce is optional but takes the fritters to the next level. Entertaining? Make appetizer-size fritters! At the height of corn season every summer, I always receive several requests for a corn fritter recipe. I’m…
Chipwich Bars
Everyone loves a chipwich, so why not make it easier–and more fun–by making a sheet panful? I even have a simple trick for a cookie that isn’t rock hard when frozen, and the science behind it is fascinating! Many of us have distinct preferences where the classic chocolate chip cookie is concerned. Some fall…
Shrimp Salsa or Salad
Serve this colorful salad as a light yet filling entree or scoop it up with tortilla chips for a unique appetizer. Either way, the pop of flavor and ease of preparation is bound to make it a keeper. I first made this recipe when seeking an appetizer that felt fresh and exciting. Served as…
Beer Boiled Peel & Eat Shrimp
Beer Boiled Peel & Eat Shrimp bring the fun factor to dinner, and if you keep a bag of shrimp in your freezer, you can have this festive meal anytime — in about five minutes! Peel and eat shrimp and cold beer are a popular pairing, but cooking the shrimp in the beer produces an…
Speedy Cocktail Sauce
Bright, zippy, and super easy to make whenever needed, this fresh-tasting cocktail sauce adds memorable flavor to shrimp, crab cakes, hot dogs, and so much more. A condiment has the power to complete a meal. A really good condiment, however, will simultaneously elevate that meal. Such is the case with cocktail sauce. Cocktail sauce…
Blueberry Crisp
Plump, juicy blueberries provide a sweet foundation for an irresistible crisp topping you’ll want to use with other fruits too. Quick to make with dairy- and gluten-free options. Fruit crisps have earned their spot on the list of most popular desserts for a reason. They are made with accessible, economical ingredients and are incredibly…
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
An economical can of beans teams up with fresh veggies and a flavorful vinaigrette in this versatile, plant-based salad that can be adapted in countless ways. No cooking required! This protein-packed, plant-based salad starts with an economical pantry staple and makes a filling lunch or light dinner. I love it for its flavor and filling nature, and I…
