Make-Ahead Recipes

Meadow Tea

This Lancaster County staple is summer in an ice-cold glass. Crisp, clean, minty and utterly refreshing, it’s also the perfect way to use an abundance of mint.   If Lancaster County had an official summer drink, it would surely be Meadow Tea. For years I threatened to rip out the mint that has a way…

Greek Village Salad

Greek Village Salad is a rustic combination of garden vegetables, feta cheese, and Kalamata olivesโ€“but no lettuce. The basic ingredients are tossed with a flavorful vinaigrette that will transport you to Greece…or at least make you feel like you’re in an authentic Greek restaurant! There’s something quite special about a salad that nails authentic Greek…

Candied Jalapeรฑos (a.k.a Cowboy Candy)

Spicy-sweet pickled jalapeรฑos add flavor to burgers, sandwiches, tacos, rice, and more. Bake them into cornbread or use whenever you don’t have fresh jalapeรฑos on hand. I’ve included lots of delicious ways to make use of these zippy bites, and over time you’ll discover countless more ways to enjoy them!   This is one of those whisper-down-the-lane…

Easy Grilled Sausage, Pepper & Corn Dinner (or swap potatoes for corn!)

This fun, family-style meal captures the essence of summer and can be customized to taste. It’s quick, easy and perfect for busy weeknights and casual entertaining.   Over time, I think we’ve pretty much agreed on this: one can never have too many delicious recipes that are quick, easy and well-rounded! This all-in-one meal is…

Tuna, Tomato & White Bean Salad

Aย handful of pantry staples meets sweet tomatoes and fresh herbs in this protein-rich, flavor-packed salad. Enjoy it as an easy lunch or pair with an ear of corn, piece of cornbread or a crusty roll for a light but filling dinner. (Leftovers taste great, too!)     Too hot to cook or simply don’t want…

Sweetgreenโ€™s Guacamole Greens Salad (aka Guac Greens)

This copycat version of a restaurant favorite is filling, flavor-packed and makes healthy eating a breeze. And if you’ve struggled to find a cilantro lime vinaigrette recipe that tastes great, your search may be over. (No blender required either!)    Last summer, my older son John was accepted into a program in New York City.…

Popeye’s Baked Eggs

Looking for more easy, tasty ways to increase your veggie intake? A whole container of spinach melts into this cheesy, protein-rich meal that can be made ahead and enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner.     Do you ever buy a package of fresh spinach, intending to whip up lots of healthy salads throughout the…

Mix & Match Grilled Seafood Packets (aka Ocean Packets)

Looking for a special meal that keeps the work (and cleanup) to a minimum? My family raves when these flavorful packets are on the menu. Theyโ€™re healthy but loaded with flavor and just plain fun to eat. As an added bonus, individual packets can be customized according to preference and food allergies. (Simply label the packets with…

Wicked Good Chicken

This old recipe with a funny name is like a grownup version of honey mustard chicken, no mayo required. The quick-prep meal is a friend on a busy night and the leftovers can be enjoyed in so many ways.    “Wicked Good Chicken” was first published on my blog in March of 2012 โ€“ truly the early days…

Blue Cheese (or Feta) Turkey Burgers

Three simple ingredients make THE BEST turkey burgers. They’re tender, flavorful, and not the least bit dry, whether cooked on the grill or stovetop. The easy recipe quickly became a regular at our house, and Iโ€™m guessing it will become a favorite in your home too! After reviewing an impressive new cookbook authored by teen…

Easy Mud Pie

This easy, make-ahead recipe is sure to become a favorite for casual entertaining and special occasions. The quick, no-bake homemade crust adds something special (and allows for a gluten-free option) but a store-bought cookie crust works well, too. After a recent swim, I overheard a mother attempting to prepare her young daughter for a nap…

Slow Roasted Salmon

This need-to-know technique assures perfectly cooked, tender salmon every single time๏ผand you can apply the method to other favorite salmon recipes.🐟     In my early days of cooking salmon, I often broiled it. The method is quick, and a little crispy char is delightful. I quickly learned, however, that thereโ€™s a fine line between…

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