Make-Ahead Recipes
Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and full of amazing flavor. Leftovers reheat well and can even be used for satisfying breakfast bowls. During a recent foray into my sonsโ closets, I uncovered a bag of clothes that appeared as good as new. Though both of my sons had worn the assortment…
Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette (ideal way to use leftover pumpkin!)
Light but flavorful and super speedy, this versatile dressing makes great use of leftover canned pumpkin and might just become a new favorite! When a recipe calls for a cup or so of a canned good like chicken broth, beans, or coconut milk, what happens to the small portion that remains in the can? Lingering…
Clementine Jack-oโ-lanterns (plus a few other Halloween treats)
These healthy snacks make a fun project for children, whether at home or school parties, and are a welcome lunchbox surprise. Thereโs a fun story behind them (plus an important tip for making the ink stick). And because every good celebration can benefit fromย some themed trivia, Iโve included some Halloween fun facts to use asย conversation…
Whole Foods’ Kale Waldorf Salad
This mayo-free variation of the classic Waldorf salad introduces kale to the mix and incorporates apples and nuts into the dressing for a creamy consistency with natural sweetness. The recipe card includes Whole Foods’ original version along with some adaptations I have come to enjoy. If you live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania as I do,…
Sheet Pan Sweet & Sour Chicken
Sweet and spicy mingle with a hint of heat in this family-friendly sheet pan meal thatโs worthy of a spot on the weekly dinner rotation. The prep-ahead sauce stores well and makes enough for a second meal another night. Or use it for quick stir fries with your favorite protein and vegetables. Opposites attract, or…
Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa
My childhood bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch is all grown up (and healthy!) thanks to this crunchy, hearty, perfectly sweet quinoa. So many of us are trying to incorporate more healthy grains into our diets. It’s easy to do it occasionally, but if we’re not wowed by the options, it’s hard to make them…
Sweet Potato Chicken (or Turkey) Poppers
Sweet Potato Chicken (or Turkey) Poppers ย โ ย These tasty little bites were ranked as the favorite recipe in a recent cooking classโฆeven by those who claim not to like sweet potatoes! ย For added convenience, the poppers can be prepped in advance, covered, and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. ย On some…
Baked Tacos
This clever approach to tacos offers a fun twist on an old favorite thatโs perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, and game day. Plus you can serve everyone at once! Taco Tuesday is about to get easier, healthier โ and quite possibly a little tastier! Taco night was a big deal when I was…
Toasted Maple Muesli
Toasted Maple Muesli is all you need for quick, healthy, satisfying breakfasts every day of the week โ andย just like granola, this muesli tastes good enough to eat all by itself! 🍏 🍏 🍏 After a gentle nudge to simply give them a try, many serious skeptics have converted to overnight oats. Realistically, they have…
Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
Mix and match an extensive list of options to create a healthy, economical alternative to store-bought flavored instant oatmeal packets. Perfect for busy mornings, college dorm rooms, camping, traveling (all you need is hot water) and a fun project with kids! Apparently Americaโs relationship with boxed cereals is in a slump. Amidst a recent…
Sazรณn Grilled Chicken
Who doesnโt love a new way to use an old standby? Though sazรณn is traditionally used in Latin chicken and rice dishes, using this little spice packet as a rub for grilled chicken is a fast way to make a memorable meal. For those who feel inclined, my homemade sazรณn recipe can be mixed up…
Homemade Sazรณn Seasoning
Homemade Sazรณn Seasoning is an easy-to-make alternative to the store-bought packets that eliminates MSG and lets you control the salt. Ideal for homemade chicken & rice, a variety of Latin dishes, and as a dry spice rub. Maria is a faithful and utterly delightful employee at my longtime gym, and over the years…
