Make-Ahead Recipes

Chia Pudding Breakfast Bowls

This nutrient-dense alternative to the popular acai bowl takes just a few minutes to make and offers a deliciously filling start to the day. The concept is similar to stovetop oatmeal or overnight oats, as you can top and customize to taste. The unadorned pudding is good enough to enjoy as a satisfying snack or…

Baked Almond Cake Donuts or Muffins (grain-free)

No messy frying step needed for deliciously satisfying, grain-free donuts. No donut pan? No problem. The recipe can be made as muffins instead!    I have a clear vision of the best donut I ever ate. It was from a cafe called Philz during a visit to Los Angeles several years ago. My family and…

Frisco’s Peruvian Green Sauce

Looking for a condiment that complements and elevates seemingly everything? This flavor-packed sauce is easy to make-and makes enough to share. We almost always have a jar in the refrigerator, and whenever I whip up a fresh batch, I give a jar away.         How many times have you enjoyed a restaurant…

Christmas Potpourri

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…

Overnight Sticky Buns

A clever shortcut and prep-ahead convenience make these tried-and-true sticky buns as easy as they are delicious. The recipe has long been a family and reader favorite on holidays and special occasions. As an added bonus, the aroma wafting from your kitchen will remind you of the corner bakery! The anticipation of waking up to…

Sausage & Egg Casserole

This tried-and-true casserole can be prepared in advance and is perfect for holidays and special brunches. A smaller batch option follows the main recipe and is ideal for more intimate gatherings and the occasional breakfast for dinner!     In the years before The Fountain Avenue Kitchen came to be, this recipe was one of the…

Christmas Chex Mix

Sweet, salty, and delightfully crunchy, a big batch of this festive mix takes about 10 minutes to prepare and is perfect for holiday snacking and gift giving. Tailor the recipe to any occasion by simply varying the color of the M&Ms!   I recently read that the first recipe for Chex Party Mix appeared on…

Turkey Sausage, Kale & Potato Soup

Quick to make with minimal ingredients, this soup is nourishing comfort food at its best. A complete meal on its own, the soup is perfect for the weekly rotation and comes with built-in flexibility!   Five ingredient meals are all the rage. And why not? The concept suggests a dinner you can get on the…

Olive Oil Smashed Potatoes

Light and creamy mashed potatoes can be dairy-free, fuss-free, and utterly delicious. A sprig of optional rosemary adds a little something extra!   Do mashed potatoes make infrequent appearances on your dinner plate because they feel like a hassle to make? Or do you steer away from some of the customary ingredients? This spin on…

Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re not careful, these magical bites will disappear from the baking sheet before they make it to the table! Who knew we had to guard our vegetables?   I remember the first time my older son ate a Brussels sprout. A toddler at the time, he popped one into his mouth, and the edges…

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…

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…

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