Make-Ahead Recipes
Citrus Vinaigrette
To me, this dressing is the perfect summer vinaigrette. The taste is light and crisp and allows the flavor of summer-fresh fruits and vegetables to shine. Originally, I created this to compliment a salad with mint, feta, and blackberries although it is perfect whenever you want a hint of citrus with just enough sweetness and…
Black and Blueberry and Oat Muffins
Packed with filling protein, fiber, calcium, and a generous dose of naturally sweet fruit, these muffins offer a deliciously wholesome way to start the day! In my mind, blueberry muffins are a delicious, tender, white flour affair–sort of like cake! As often as I create healthy muffin recipes, until now I had not messed with…
Classic Spanish Sangria
Authentic Spanish sangria is simple to make and delivers nuanced flavor with eye-catching appeal. Perfect for entertaining and easy to customize with your favorite fruits and wine. My first taste of sangria came years ago while living in Madrid. It has been a summertime favorite ever since. Fruity and refreshing, it is popular with…
Gluten-Free Grilled Pizza
When my dad had to give up wheat, there were a few things he really missed: his favorite spice cake, a good cinnamon raisin cookie, and pizza. To this day, he gets excited when he sees a restaurant in town that offers gluten-free pizza. Most of the time, however, he reports that he wouldn’t order…
Barbecue Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
Meatloaf in muffin form offers a “just right” bite that’s fun to eat and can be frozen for a speedy protein addition to any meal. This flavorful take on the classic meatloaf was inspired a while back by some leftover homemade barbecue sauce. While I often use dry oats as a binder, you may also experiment…
Sautéed Minted Peas
A few fresh ingredients make sweet peas shine in this versatile side dish that takes less than five minutes to prepare. Fresh peas in the summer are such a treat. Tossed into salads and pasta dishes, they offer a hint of sweetness and color. Yet they are perfect all by themselves too. This…
Lemon Thyme Dijon Grilled Chicken (a variation on Wicked Good Chicken)
Wicked Good Chicken is a delicious in-a-hurry dinner that relies on pantry ingredients. No marinade time necessary. Bakes in twenty minutes. Pair it with one of my all-time favorite salads–Apple-Pecan Spring Greens with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette–and you have a complete meal that is worthy of company. Slice cold leftovers and serve them overtop of the same…
Curried Couscous Salad (with Gluten-Free Options)
This versatile, flavor-packed salad can be made in advance and pairs beautifully with a wide range of proteins. It’s hearty enough to be the centerpiece of a vegetarian meal, and an easy adaptation provides an excellent gluten-free alternative. Curried couscous salad has been one of my go-to summer entertaining recipes for…
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
A long time favorite that’s cold and creamy with deep chocolate flavor and plenty of protein – with chocolate peanut butter option! For years, I’ve been making this smoothie to satisfy my never-ending penchant for ice cream. Over time, I have tweaked the recipe and still switch it up from time to time. I have…
Fruit Rainbow
You can literally eat the rainbow with this vibrant fruit platter, which is sure to be a hit at backyard cookouts, birthday parties, and festive meals throughout the year. Roy G. Biv. I can remember the day my grandmother taught me that name as a way to remember the colors of the rainbow. Red, Orange,…
Heavenly (and Healthy) Carrot Cake Muffins
Deliciously wholesome way to start the day. Perfect for snacking too – or add frosting and call them cupcakes! These muffins are a big-time favorite in our house. I have even passed these healthy treats off as carrot cake cupcakes by adding a smear of buttercream icing on top. Sometimes, I use my gluten-free…
BLT Ranch Pasta Salad
Classic flavors come together with ease in this BLT pasta salad that’s equally perfect for family meals, packed lunches, and casual entertaining. Add grilled or rotisserie chicken for a well-rounded meal. To celebrate my older son’s 14th birthday, we had a group of his friends over for a cookout. He chose hamburgers and hot…
