Make-Ahead Recipes
Air Fryer Polenta Fries (with oven option)
A tube of prepared polenta and simple seasonings are the key to these irresistible bites. Serve the quick and easy recipe as an appetizer or side dish and watch them disappear! Tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, these golden bites are as irresistible as they are versatile. Based off my Polenta Croutons…
Tuna Pasta Salad
Fresh, filling, and endlessly adaptable, this vibrant pasta salad is ideal for packed lunches, picnics, and potlucks and is equally perfect as a simple, family-friendly weeknight meal. Welcome to Season 2 of Fountain Avenue Kids! In the latest edition, sisters Coco and Britt share their signature dish, a family recipe that has truly stood the test of time.…
Air Fryer Mini Peppers
No peeling, cutting, or seeding needed for these bite-size poppers. A drizzle of olive oil and dash of seasoning will transform a bag of mini bell peppers into a deliciously easy side dish or appetizer. (Oven option included.) A bag of mini bell peppers is a staple on my weekly grocery list. These multi-colored gems…
Mix & Match Protein Bites
Customize these protein-filled treats with a list of tasty add-ins, and then keep a stash on hand for lunch boxes, speedy breakfasts, and anytime snacking. In the latest installment of Fountain Avenue Kids, a fabulous group of kids from my Boys & Girls Club cooking classes took over my kitchen to demonstrate one of their favorite snacks. These…
Super Simple Salad (that morphs into a complete meal)
The easiest salad base happens to be completely scrumptious and can be transformed into a complete meal with the addition of your favorite protein. This salad began as a simple side dish – for scrambled eggs of all things – when I was lacking fruit or bread for toast (i.e., the traditional breakfast accompaniments). …
No-Sugar Horseradish Coleslaw
Horseradish and Dijon add memorable flavor to this crisp, versatile slaw that’s quick to make and contains no sugar or syrups! I’m a big fan of coleslaw. It’s easy to make, economical, and endlessly versatile. A simple base of cabbage provides crisp appeal, while the right dressing supplies exceptional flavor that will perk up…
Cilantro Lime Edamame & Black Bean Salad
Quick to prepare and brimming with zippy flavor, this colorful salad can be served as a versatile side dish or as an appetizer with tortilla chips. (We love it with Scoops!) Filling and fiber rich, leftovers make a great lunch. Essentially an elevated version of the age-old three bean salad, this recipe updates that classic with…
Shortcut Tzatziki
Used as a sauce, spread, or dip, this easy version of the popular Greek tzatziki will jazz up your favorite snacks and meals and can be made ahead of time in a flash. I have to admit I was skeptical about this recipe when I first looked at the simple ingredients and preparation. I…
Smashed Pea Toast
Move over avocado! Smashed peas are the new game in town when it comes to versatile, economical, and totally tasty toast toppers. The beauty of avocado toast is its versatility. Crisp toast topped with mashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt tastes great on its own. But that simple base will also serve as…
Smoked Salmon & Black Bean Salad
Simple yet sublime, this speedy, no-cook salad relies on a can of beans, a package of smoked salmon, a few fresh veggies, and a fast but flavorful cumin lime vinaigrette. Gluten- and dairy-free. Simple ingredients come together quickly and easily in this fresh-tasting salad that hits the spot as a light dinner or lunch.…
Grilled Chicken Wings
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, grilled wings are fuss-free and finger licking good. A choice of flavorings will satisfy every taste preference. In the early days of the quarantine, I was asked to start a recipe exchange with a group of women who were feeling cooped up and in need of…
Vanilla and Caramel Iced Coffee (or caramel vanilla!)
A café-worthy drink comes together in minutes – faster than a Starbucks drive-thru and more economical too. You can use this recipe as a guide, choosing an easy-to-make syrup, and adjusting the coffee strength, sweetness, and creaminess to taste. A recent New York Times article asked the following question: Does anyone drink hot coffee…
