Make-Ahead Recipes

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 that’s 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  –  These tasty little bites were ranked as the favorite recipe in a recent cooking class…even by those who claim not to like sweet potatoes!  For added convenience, the poppers can be prepped in advance, covered, and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.     On some…

Baked Tacos

This clever approach to tacos offers a fun twist on an old favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, and game day. Plus you can serve everyone at once!   Taco Tuesday is about to get easier, healthier – 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 — and 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 America’s relationship with boxed cereals is in a slump.  Amidst a recent…

Sazón Grilled Chicken

Who doesn’t love a new way to use an old standby? Though sazón 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 sazón recipe can be mixed up…

Homemade Sazón Seasoning

Homemade Sazón 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…

Low Carb Mock Potato Salad

A delicious alternative to traditional potato salad, mock potato salad is a perfect accompaniment to burgers, grilled chicken, steak, and pulled pork and offers advance prep convenience. No amount of Mom’s savory brown butter sauce could save the day when steamed cauliflower appeared on my childhood dinner plate.  But even though I once wrote it…

Zucchini Noodles Made Easy

This simplified method of creating zucchini noodles yields wide ribbons that require nothing more than a quick sear and a sprinkle of salt and pepper – yet they serve as a fine foundation for a plethora of other toppings too. What’s the only month without a holiday?  As simple as this recent crossword puzzle clue…

How to Build a Better Yogurt Bowl

A yogurt bowl might not sound like anything new and exciting, but a slightly different approach can turn this easy breakfast into a new favorite — and it just so happens to be healthy, filling, and undeniably satisfying!       We’ve all heard of Taco Tuesdays and fish on Fridays, but have you ever…

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