Make-Ahead Recipes
Prep-Ahead Seeded Oatmeal “Packets”
A trio of seeds adds fiber, fat, and protein to these DIY packets, and toppings like peanut butter, jelly, applesauce, and granola make them absolutely delicious! The convenience of an instant oatmeal packet is good, but we can make it better–and more filling–by adding a few key ingredients. These “packets” utilize pantry items, so…
Spaghetti Casserole
Saucy, meaty, cheesy, and delicious, this make-ahead casserole is a longtime favorite that’s perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining, potlucks, and anytime you need to take a meal to a friend. My clearest memories of this spaghetti casserole is eating it in the days after my first son was born. Appreciating the sleep-deprived state…
Maple Crisp Granola Bars
These crunchy bars are very lightly sweet, nutty, seedy, and delightfully satiating. Perfect for breakfast-on-the-run and convenient snacking anytime! Several years ago, my husband Jack discovered a crunchy, seedy, very lightly sweet (with a hint of salty) granola bar made by a local bakery. He quickly became a fan, and often enjoyed the bars…
Quick Collard Greens
Slow cooked collards may be traditional, but this speedy method yields tender greens with a hint of crispness around the edges. The mild flavor and natural sweetness of leeks balance the bitter greens for a wholesome match made in heaven. Serve as a versatile veggie side dish or in place of a green salad. …
One Pan Tex-Mex Quinoa
Pantry staples make this filling, flavorful, plant-based meal a weeknight win – and there’s no need to pre-cook the quinoa! Variety is the spice of life, as the saying goes. For your daily dose of trivia, I’ll also mention that this idiom came from William Cowper’s 1875 poem entitled “The Task,” and the full line…
Homemade Tostadas
Tostadas are an easy way to transform a soft tortilla into a crunchy base for all your favorite toppings–in under a minute. Taco night suddenly got a little more exciting! Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesday? No matter which night you enjoy the classic fare, a quick upgrade to a soft tortilla will create a deliciously…
Salsa Verde Chicken (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)
Quick to prep and brimming with flavor, this endlessly versatile chicken can be served over rice, in tacos or enchiladas, and can be customized with a variety of toppings. This is on my list of easy meals that defy expectations—and we can never have too many of those! Looks can be deceiving. Case in…
How to Make a Chocolate Tasting Board
An interactive way to sample a variety of chocolate and see what you like best, a tasting board offers a festively easy dessert for holidays, birthday parties, bridal showers, potlucks–even a special night for two! Many of us enjoy a sweet treat after dinner. If you’re like me, you’d love to taste everything on…
Roasted Potato Bites
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these flavor-packed bites take minutes to prepare and may just be the star of your dinner plate! I’ve mentioned recipes that don’t always make it to the dinner plates. This is one of them! Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and expertly seasoned…
Steak Bites
Lightning fast cook time and exceptional flavor may just earn these easy steak bites a spot on the weekly dinner rotation. Round out the meal with rice and a vegetable of choice. I have long been drawn to the incredibly easy prep and quick cook time of this flavorful steak dish. My family enjoys…
Favorite Brussels Sprouts Salad
A healthy, go-to salad for busy nights, parties, potlucks and holiday tables, this super-satisfying salad can be made in advance and the dressing is a versatile keeper! This salad could be described as an overachiever. The ingredients are fairly ordinary, yet they come together in a way that’s somewhat extraordinary. The recipe earns early points…
Homemade Hot Honey
Hot honey is the buzz-worthy condiment that adds spicy-sweet appeal to all sorts of sweet and savory dishes. It’s easy to make at home—and cheaper than store-bought—and is a great gift! Traditionally used over fried chicken and biscuits in the south and more recently to flavor the likes of gourmet pizzas and fancy cocktails…
