Make-Ahead Recipes
Crunchy Chicken Poppy Seed Slaw
We’re gearing up for our first graduation around here! That on the heels of last weekend’s big garden tour — over 500 people came to our home over the course of the weekend. (Major props to our sons who couldn’t shoot hoops or do much of anything else in our yard on the first sunny…
Low Country Shrimp Boil
This festive, all-in-one meal is sure to become a summertime favorite! For a small gathering or fun weeknight family meal, simply cut the recipe in half. When I offered to cook for a dozen or so family members this past Mother’s Day, I pondered the perfect recipe long and hard. Ideally, the meal would be…
3-Ingredient Protein Cookies (with optional add-ins)
An ideal way to use overripe bananas, these wholesome cookies mix up in a minute or two in a single bowl, and a variety of optional add-ins allows them to be customized according to personal preference. When the clock ran out and the ref blew his whistle in Rachel Dawson’s final Olympic…
Strawberry Avocado Salad
Quick and easy to make, full of fresh flavor, and tossed with a simple poppyseed dressing – a side of grilled chicken or salmon is all that’s needed for a light and satisfying summer meal. As I glance back on the last few posts, things are looking rather fruity and salad-y. Tis the season,…
Honey Yogurt Poppy Seed Dressing
Nothing screams “Summer is almost here!” like red, ripe, juicy strawberries. (Side note: This reminds me of one of my sons’ favorite childhood storybooks, The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear. If you have toddlers in your life and like to read aloud to them, this is a fun one!) But…
Special Sauce recipe… and tips for a better burger
The sauce that makes the burger plus all the tips you need for the best backyard burgers! “Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun….” Can you almost hear the music? This iconic McDonald’s jingle was etched into my childhood brain, even though I never quite made the…
Blueberry Coconut Almond Baked Oatmeal
For added ease, prepare this filling casserole the night before and gently reheat in the morning. Serve as is or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of milk. If you don’t care for coconut, simply omit it from the recipe. Flipping through my timeworn recipe box is like a…
Easy Taco Chicken Foil Packets
This great tasting, all-in-one meal is easy to prepare and quick to cleanup. For added convenience, the family-friendly packets may be assembled several hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. My mom could have been the original queen of 30-minute meals. At 5:30 every night, she made her way to the kitchen…
Microwave Kettle Corn
To say that popcorn is a favorite snack in our house would be an enormous understatement. My husband enjoys a bowlful nearly every night as dessert. If our sons are nearby, it’s guaranteed that a second round of popping will follow. My mother-in-law gave us a microwave air popper well over 10 years ago. It’s…
Super Healthy Nut & Seed Bread
Two slices of this deliciously hearty, satisfying bread and a side of fruit is one of my new favorite ways to start the day. I’ve been enjoying it on and off for several months now and, from the start, what surprised me the most was how long it kept me feeling truly full. This recipe…
Parmesan Cauliflower Rice
A short list of ingredients and quick cooking time add to the appeal of this flavorful, low-carb side dish. Pre-riced cauliflower offers a convenient shortcut! When I was a kid, noodles meant spaghetti, lasagna, macaroni or occasionally ziti, and rice meant plain old white (sometimes the minute variety). These days, a plethora of vegetables…
Sautéed Asparagus with Crispy Prosciutto and Parmesan
Three key ingredients turn this much-loved seasonal vegetable into a standout side dish – in about 10 minutes! I think we talked recently about low effort, high reward recipes. Add this one to that coveted list! The funny thing is, when I looked back to see which recipe I described that way, there were so…
