Make-Ahead Recipes
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. ย 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 donโt 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…
Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake
A high-protein meal replacement that pulls double duty as dessert? Sign me up! This thick, creamy shake has actually served me quite well over the years. Because of my penchant for a nightly bowl of ice cream–truly one of the hardest habits for me to break–I’m always on the hunt for healthier options that truly…
Chicken & Broccoli Slaw with Speedy Thai Peanut Sauce
This veggie-packed, protein-rich meal is quick, easy, and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights and a great way to stretch some leftover chicken into a new meal. Summer cooking begs to be carefree and easy. Who wants to be holed up in the kitchen when the sun is shining and outdoor activities abound? Since you…
Strawberry Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts and Goat Cheese
Easy jam jar dressing and candied walnuts add amazing flavor to this crisp, fresh plate. Leftover chicken makes it a satisfying, complete meal. Friends and family provide some of the best recipe feedback, which often steers me towards sharing a particular dish sooner than later–or in some cases, going back to the drawing board.…
Amish Baked Oatmeal
This wholesome family favorite can be prepared in advance and tastes a lot like a cinnamon oatmeal cookie. I typically take a minimalist approach, but the recipe is easy to customize through the addition of raisins, nuts, etc. Twenty years ago, when baked oatmeal was hardly a blip on anyoneโs breakfast radar, a friend…
Abbyโs Watermelon Salad
A little sweet, a little saltyโฆ ย this quick-to-assemble salad is perfect on a summer night paired with something off the grill. Though we only attended the same school for one year and werenโt even in the same grade, my friend Abby and I have a unique history and never fail to relive old memories…
Black Bean Dip (or Salsa or Salad)
Enjoy this easy, endlessly versatile recipe as a dip with chips, a salsa for fish or chicken, a super-simple salad, or the foundation of a healthy, plant-based meal. Perfect for a potluck and can be prepared up to a day in advance! Amidst all my experimenting with new recipes, this simple…
Easy Blueberry Lemon (or Lime) Sauce
It’s easy to pass over “component” recipes like sauces, dressings, and other condiments in favor of recipes that produce the whole meal. Time is always at a premium, and it can be hard enough to get dinner on the table without worrying about…blueberry sauce? Well this easy, versatile recipe might just be reason to rethink.…
