Make-Ahead Recipes

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๏ผ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…

Apricot Peach Yogurt Smoothie

Christian and I had a date with Grace, my 2-year-old niece, to make homemade play dough (see the blue fingernails in the photo below) and after lots of rolling, cutting, pressing, and being silly, they were hungry! ย I had promised Christian an apricot peach smoothie the day before, and we never got around to it.…

Walking Tacos

Walking Tacos offer a fun, portable way to enjoy the traditional taco salad and are perfect for kids’ parties and casual dinners. Those who prefer a plated taco salad may absolutely eat the meal that way. Both of my sons are swimmers and, like so many sports activities, the summer swim meets are always over…

Corn, Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Homemade Ranch

Fresh, flavorful, and versatile, this speedy salad is a great way to use leftover corn on the cob, but frozen and thawed works well too.  A few months ago, I was the emcee of a heart health expo. At one point in the program, I was asked to speak about some of the tips I…

Nancy’s Sweet and Tangy Salad Dressing

While attending a dinner a few months ago where my mother received a well-deserved award for her many years of service to our local Boys & Girls Club, a family friend approached and told me of his wife’s incredible salad dressing.  “Nancy always has a jar of her special dressing in the fridge and everybody…

Sweet Cherry & Feta Quinoa with Peach Vinaigrette

A light, flavor-packed salad that’s delightful paired with virtually any grilled protein but stands alone as a complete vegetarian meal. For a vegan alternative, simply omit the feta. And try substituting dried cherries or cranberries when the fresh cherry season has ended. 🍒 Every summer, I make several varieties of homemade jam that we enjoy throughout the…

Get recipes delivered straight to your inbox.