Make-Ahead Recipes
Pick-a-Grain Trail Mix Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing
As part of a project with Stonyfield and Bob’s Red Mill (two companies with high-quality products and the nicest people behind the scenes, by the way), I was recently challenged to create a salad using one of the lesser known ancient grains–think amaranth, bulgur, farro, and sorghum–and yogurt. Loving the mild, nutty flavor and hearty…
Rustic Polenta Cake with Rhubarb
Rhubarb always reminds me of my grandmother. Late every spring, she froze rhubarb to enjoy throughout the year. To my grandmother, the word rhubarb did not just refer to the celery-like stalk, it was the actual recipe. Her rhubarb was just like applesauce, only red and with a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Though…
Basil-Orange Edamame & Bean Salad
Quick and easy and loaded with fresh flavor, this wholesome dish complements chicken, fish, steak, and pork or can be the basis of a filling plant-based meal. As a bonus, a simple ingredient adjustment will create a new recipe! Even those who claim they don’t care for bean salad have been known to have…
Crab, Avocado & Corn Salad with Cilantro & Lime
Memorial Day weekend officially launches the season of cookouts, picnics, and pool time. A repertoire of simple, make-ahead recipes can ensure more time enjoying the outdoor fun and less time sweating it out in the kitchen. The following crab salad was an early addition to my blog and has developed a loyal fan base. My…
Rhubarb Pineapple Jam
Over the last couple weeks, I’ve noticed rhubarb reappearing at our local farmers markets. I have held out buying any as the two rhubarb plants in our backyard garden have been growing quickly. I marvel at how briskly rhubarb grows ever spring, from those first early leaves that poke out of the ground when it…
Strawberry Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing
For many years, my father had a hush-hush arrangement with a stand holder at Lancaster Central Market. I only learned about it last year when he delivered a coveted box of the first homegrown strawberries after I had come home empty handed only hours before. After shopping at Market for sixty-plus years, my father…
White Bean, Tomato & Chicken Pasta
A go-to meal that’s hearty, healthy, and easy to make with basic ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights yet worthy of casual entertaining, too. We’re all looking for an arsenal of easy meals on those all-too-frequent busy nights, right? In the spirit of helping its volunteers, Girls on the Run recently asked its coaches…
Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Six years ago, my friend Carrie Johnson asked me to meet her for coffee to discuss a program she had been researching. Carrie was seeking input and, as a runner who volunteered in the community, she figured I might have an opinion or two. A few weeks prior to our meeting, Carrie and her husband…
Homemade Almond Milk
I bought cartons of almond milk for years, and I still do on occasion. My sister always made her own almond milk and told me that it was soooo worth the small effort. When I finally tried, I couldn’t believe how creamy and delicious it was. With a few simple tips, almond milk is also…
Potato Crusted Broccoli and Bacon Frittata
A complete meal that’s so very satisfying, and you’ll want to use the easy potato crust over and over! All-in-one meals that come together quickly and easily make me a happy cook. I think many busy people appreciate them as much as I do! When the recipes offer great flavor and versatility, they often become…
Deviled Egg Spread
This easy, make-ahead recipe is everything we love about the classic deviled egg, but in the form of a light meal! Deviled eggs are favorite picnic and cookout fare — and they’re also an ideal way to use all those colored Easter eggs! My sister-in-law and my mom make the best deviled eggs, but this…
Dark Chocolate Blondies (grain-free, no refined sugar)
Typically, I don’t mention the specific brand I use in a recipe unless it is integral to the recipe’s success or I just really love the product for one reason or another. I first became familiar with Bob’s Red Mill many years ago when my dad discovered he had to eliminate gluten. He never complained about all the…
