Make-Ahead Recipes

Curried Chicken Rice Salad

A few key ingredients join the usual chicken salad components for a filling meal that hits all the right flavor notes.    Someone recently sent me one of her favorite recipes and mentioned that I hope she didn’t think she was being presumptuous. I told her I love it when readers send me their top…

Zucchini, Potato, and Feta Frittata

A light but filling meatless meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this easy frittata is loaded with veggies and can be made ahead and reheated for added convenience.  It isn’t often that a meatless meal will satisfy my houseful of boys, but the potato in this simple frittata lends a satisfying heartiness while…

Chocolate Peanut Butter “Ice Cream”

Those who know me are keenly aware of my fondness for ice cream! (I actually have some very funny stories that center around this beloved frozen treat…will have to get into that later!) Anyway, to satisfy my nightly cravings, I have developed a pretty fabulous chocolate smoothie but am always on the lookout for other…

Salmon, Corn, and Cucumber Salad

Corn and Cucumber Salad with Basil and Chives is one of the oldest salads in my repertoire. I return to it again and again for its delicious simplicity. Because the recipe is so basic, it lends itself well to easy adaptations. With Corn, Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Homemade Ranch, I added avocado, tomatoes, and my go-to…

Italian Hoagie Salad

A reader-favorite (and reader-created!) recipe, this satisfying pasta salad was inspired by the classic sandwich and is a tried-and-true crowdpleaser. Easy to make too! It is always a joy to receive recipes from those who read my newspaper column or blog. When readers send me their family favorites, I am always happy to cook them…

Nutella Pops

A cold, creamy treat that’s easy to make, Nutella Pops remind me of the classic chocolate pudding pops that were so popular when I was a girl!   Do you remember Pudding Pops?  In the 1980s, Bill Cosby was the spokesman for this popular frozen treat.  The chocolate version was similar to a creamy fudgesicle,…

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

This family-friendly meal is a deliciously clever way to use an abundance of zucchini. Naturally gluten- and grain-free too!   Fresh herbs and zucchini are currently overflowing from our garden. The kale, chard, and spinach will make a comeback as cooler weather returns.   So, for the next recipe in my Sargento flavor journey, I…

Zucchini, Tomato and Sausage Casserole

Don’t you love it when a friend shares a time-tested, family-favorite recipe? This one contains everything you need for a well rounded meal and quickly became a quick favorite in our house too! Stacie is a friend of my husband’s from elementary school days with whom we reconnected when I started The Fountain Avenue Kitchen.…

Nutella Iced Latte

A cafe-worthy latte is easy to make at home and for a fraction of the price!   When the weather is warm, I particularly enjoy an iced latte.   As much as I love this coffee house treat, I am always a little annoyed with myself when I spend four dollars for what is essentially…

Tropical Watermelon Slushy

Two simple ingredients are all that’s needed for this fruit-sweetened frozen treat. And whether you call it a slushy, Slurpee, Slush Puppie, ICEE, or slosh, it’s sure to refresh all summer long!   My family LOVES slushies! A make-at-home version is tasty and easy. With some chopped watermelon stored in the freezer, it can also…

Jen’s Incredible Baked Meatballs

These tender, flavorful baked meatballs have been a family and reader favorite for many years. Hundreds of readers have called them the best meatballs ever! Serve them with spaghetti and your favorite sauce, as an appetizer, in a meatball sandwich-or all by themselves. A perfect meal prep recipe that freezes well too! Perhaps you are like me…

Homemade Taco Seasoning

You likely have all the spices needed to make this classic seasoning blend, and it’ll taste fresher–and be more economical–than the store-bought packet.   Early in our marriage, I discovered my husband’s fondness for taco salad. When I first served tacos, he piled all the filling ingredients on his plate and crumbled the shell over…

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