Make-Ahead Recipes

Pancakes in a Jar

The following recipe may be used as a gift but also as your go-to biscuit mix. Economical to make, it tastes fresher than store-bought, too. When presenting as a gift, a small container of maple syrup makes a fitting accompaniment.   Who doesn’t love to start a weekend morning with a tall stack of pancakes? In…

Pumpkin Bran Muffins (with optional 2-ingredient frosting)

The classic bran muffin meets a whole can of pumpkin in this wholesome recipe that the whole family will love!    Bran muffins are a seemingly wholesome way to start the day, yet so many bran muffins rely on sugar and oil to create moisture and flavor…  Enter pumpkin! These satisfying muffins offer the health…

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is easy to make at home with just two ingredients. The following how-to offers helpful details on which beans and liquor to use and how to store for practical use and gifting.    Every year, I tell myself that I’m going to do my Christmas shopping early—and wrap the gifts too.  In September,…

Chipotle Maple Sweet Potato Soup

My good friend, Sonali, is an ER physician, wife and mother of an adorable toddler.  In her “spare” time, she authors The Foodie Physician blog and writes cookbooks.  (I know what you’re thinking…I don’t think she sleeps!)  Sonali kindly asked to include several of my Greek yogurt-inspired recipes in her recently published The Greek Yogurt…

Maple Pumpkin Pie

Easy to make and delightful to eat, you may find yourself baking this pie well after the holiday season. For a pudding-like option, skip the crust and bake the filling in a lightly greased baking dish or individual ramekins.       If I counted the number of times I’ve made this recipe for “testing”…

Almond Flour Pie Crust (gluten-free)

A scrumptious grain-free pie crust is easy to make with this recipe and a few helpful hints. Perfect for all your favorite fillings! The perfect pie deserves the perfect crust. Traditional rolled crusts can be daunting for many, and some simply can’t eat the wheat flour.   Whatever the reason, this nutty, cookie-like crust is a…

Roasted Root Veggie Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

The easy vinaigrette is key to memorable flavor in this endlessly adaptable, jewel-toned salad. A favorite protein makes it a complete meal.   Think of all the people you see regularly, but only in passing. People with whom you may exchange friendly banter but never have the time to really know. Maybe it’s your faithful…

Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Kale

This update on the classic casserole is lighter, leaner, and loaded with wholesome vegetables. It’s a complete meal that can be made in advance and freezes well.    If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey, tetrazzini is a perfect way to enjoy it in a whole new way.  If there are no leftovers to speak of,…

Cottage Casserole with a Kick

This all-in-one meal is as satisfying as it is easy! The ingredients mix up in a single bowl and may be prepared a day in advance.       On a busy weeknight, meals that can be mixed up in one bowl or prepared in advance are especially helpful.  This savory, protein-rich baked egg dish…

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Skillet Cookie

A happy fusion of a fudgy brownie and the perfect peanut butter cookie, this grain-free dessert can be dairy-free with the use of dairy-free chocolate chips.    When I purchase a new product, I often look to see if there’s a recipe on the package. Until I started The Fountain Avenue Kitchen, I never thought…

Overnight Buckwheat Groats — a crunchy, delicious option to oats

If you happen to be a fan of the ever-versatile, no-cook overnight oatmeal, you must try this novel twist.  (And if you haven’t ventured into the easy breakfast world of overnight oats, I have several recipes for you!) For those who enjoy steel cut oats, buckwheat groats are quite similar in taste. In raw form,…

Spooky Spaghetti Stuffed Peppers

A kid-friendly meal that adults love too. Carving the bell peppers can be part of the fun! It’s dinnertime. You have leftover spaghetti but not enough to feed the family. What to do? In mid-October, “spooky” spaghetti stuffed peppers are sure to delight. I saw this silly idea years ago but forgot about it as…

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