Make-Ahead Recipes

Paleo Zucchini Bread

I don’t advocate or personally subscribe to a Paleolithic diet, yet many of the recipes I make do qualify as Paleo.  As you may know,  the idea behind a Paleo diet is to eat like people ate a long time ago…a very long time ago.  That is to say, if a caveman couldn’t eat it,…

Summer Breeze Chicken Salad

This fresh-tasting chicken salad offers a uniquely delicious way to savor sweet, seasonal peaches. The combination may seem unexpected, but once you try, I’m betting you’ll be sold!   Some people are hard to forget.  Take the gem of a teacher who totally gets your toddler.  When my older son first went off to preschool he…

Slow Roasted Cherry or Grape Tomatoes

With their concentrated savory-sweet flavor, these little bites will transform many a meal, and I’ve included a list of ways we enjoy them. A great way to make use of a bounty of cherry and grape tomatoes, the roasted tomatoes can even be frozen for later use.   If you told me that someone secretly…

Creamy Chocolate Power Shake

Thick enough to eat with a spoon and loaded with a wholesome balance of ingredients that will deliciously fuel your day.   I LOVE this shake–although you can call it a smoothie if you prefer. Initially, I was not a believer.  My friend Anita gets all the credit for showing me the wisdom of adding…

Grilled Caesar Salads… with easy options for a complete meal and a bonus recipe for watercress

Grilled Caesar salads are a summertime classic and can be a quick, well-rounded meal. This bright-tasting dressing is easy to prepare—no need for a blender or food processor—and is egg and anchovy free. Anchovy fans may absolutely serve them alongside, of course, and I’ve included my favorite ways to turn the salad into a complete…

Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls

Inspired by a menu item at a local cafe, these satisfying breakfast bowls can be prepped in advance and assembled when ready to eat with seasonal fruit of choice.   Move over granola (if only briefly)… we’re replacing crunchy with chewy. Traditional breakfast parfaits involve layers of fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, and crisp granola–and what’s…

Zucchini Noodles in Rustic Tomato Sauce

This easy, one-pan meal is plant-based but will satisfy meat eaters too. Use prepared zucchini noodles or spiralize them yourself, and feel free to enjoy the simple sauce with regular pasta as well.     Kitchen cabinets are like closets. One never seems to have enough of them. Since space is at a premium, I…

Snappy Honey Grilled Shrimp

Have you ever wondered what food item is most commonly stolen from grocery stores worldwide?  (Stick with me here…I’m going somewhere with this.) The answer surprised me.  It’s cheese.  In the United States, cheese actually ranks fourth behind meat, candy, and baby formula. (France skewed the global figures.)  These stats are one more reason the following…

Absolutely Famous Greek Dressing and Marinade

When I look through my ever-growing list of recipes, I notice quite a few that are modeled after memorable restaurant meals or frequently used store-bought products. In an effort to save money or control ingredients, readers sometimes ask if I can replicate items that they like to eat. Recent requests are as varied as belVita…

John’s Favorite Ice Cream Cake

A few weeks ago, I was working at my computer when the doorbell rang. Although I got up right away, I opened the door to find no one there. A quick glance up and down the street revealed nobody, but as I turned to close the door I noticed a yellow rose, attractively wrapped with…

Asiago Pesto Spread

Two types of cheese and two types of nuts provide nuanced flavor in this time-tested pesto recipe that will add memorable flavor to so many meals. (Freezes well, too!)         The flavor of pesto is unbeatable and its uses are many.  The only downfall of so many pestos is that they are…

Cheater Macaroni and Cheese

This shortcut recipe is ideal when you’d prefer not to clean messy pots and pans. You don’t even have to precook the noodles!      Settling on a Father’s Day recipe was particularly challenging this year.  As is often the case, my inability to decide what to share in this space was more a case…

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