Make-Ahead Recipes
Raspberry Peach Coconut Smoothie
We sometimes enjoy smoothies for breakfast, although I more frequently make lunch out of them. For a meal on-the-go, the make-ahead recipes (see drinks and smoothies category) are particularly handy. My kids, on the other hand, often request a smoothie as an after-school snack. New flavors are developed based on the fruits they request —…
Baked Cheddar Spinach Squares
Easy, cheesy spinach squares are a retro appetizer that make an equally delicious side dish. The squares may be baked ahead and reheated and freeze well too. The look of today’s menu item may remind you of a crustless quiche. In this recipe, however, two eggs serve as a binder for the remaining ingredients…
Raspberry Almond Baked Oatmeal with Quinoa
Those who have visited my kitchen, virtual or otherwise, are most likely familiar with my penchant for baked oatmeal! Months ago, I saw the idea of combining oats and quinoa from Cooking Quinoa–a fabulous resource for additional quinoa recipes, by the way–and I thought this could be an interesting spin on my standard of using all oats.…
Fiery Grilled Shrimp
Asian and Cajun flavors come together and create new levels of flavor in this prep-ahead recipe that’s delicious as an appetizer or entree. You know how when you eat something at a friend’s house that is so delicious you hope to leave with the recipe? This is one of those recipes. When I first…
Better-for-You Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Update: As I made a fresh batch of this tasty dressing for the big game tonight, I thought it worth linking in a few more ways I like to use this beyond the typical dressing or dip (links provided below). Also, my friend, Carrie, kindly figured out the nutritional information which I have included below.…
Baked Oatmeal and a Weekend in Miami…
It is hard to believe a humble oatmeal dish took my husband, Jack, and me on a trip to Miami. When Smart Balance asked me to participate in their national recipe contest, I almost didn’t do it. Would asking for votes, repeatedly over a month, be an annoyance to people? I certainly didn’t want to be…
Balsamic Reduction (aka making “good” balsamic from the inexpensive stuff!)
Years ago, a friend gave me a small bottle of aged balsamic vinegar — the real stuff, from Modena, Italy. At that point, I had never experienced this mellow and thick, almost sweet, vinegar and I savored every last drop of that bottle. The terrific thing is that you really don’t need to spend twenty…
Chunky Quinoa Granola
This is one of those recipes I am really excited to share. It is chunky and crispy and, as far as my tastebuds are concerned, the perfect granola. What’s more, it is a terrific option for those who are gluten-free and may be intolerant of oats. From the various feedback I receive from the fabulous…
Classic Cheesecake with Chocolate Hazelnut Drizzle
Foolproof classic cheesecake (with a few delicious upgrades!) is easy to make with this recipe and the included helpful tips. First off, Happy New Year!!! It has been a complete pleasure to share my recipes with so many friends, both old and new, in the past year and I look forward to more…
Roasted Peel-and-Eat Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Easy to make and so much fun to eat. This recipe can be made with shrimp that has already been peeled and deveined. Simply adjust the seasoning amount, as noted. There are certain foods my family refers to a “fun foods”. Some of these include crabs, artichokes and anything for which we can use…
Homemade Chili Sauce
Forgot to buy chili sauce at the store? No problem, because great chili sauce is quick and easy to make at home! Chili sauce is a condiment I use occasionally, but not often. Needing some for a shrimp recipe I planned to make this weekend, I added it to my grocery list. Or, at least,…
Easy Yogurt Fruit Dip
A fruit tray is a delicious addition to any party menu as well as a healthy option that looks pretty and is typically a hit with kids and adults alike. Recently, I hosted an event and wanted a dip to serve alongside the fruit. I experimented with the following recipe and served it in a…
