Make-Ahead Recipes

Kale Waldorf Salad

One of the first recipes I copied from my grandmother was for a simple Waldorf Salad.  I still have that 3×5 card and still enjoy a big bowl of it from time to time, with its hearty crunch and tart-sweet pairing of flavors.  With my love of kale, I developed a new recipe, loosely based…

Make-Ahead Strawberry Pecan Oatmeal Smoothie

My friend, Jill, over at GroO New York, recently shared a smoothie link that caught my attention. Although I have often seen smoothie recipes with oatmeal blended in, I have never before tried them, even though I am a huge oatmeal fan.  Between the make-ahead concept and the promise of a thick smoothie–and, of course, the suggestion…

Thai Ginger Peanut Sauce

In my quest to seek out and shine a light on one delicious recipe each week from other cooks, something from my friend Ann (yes, another Ann!) of Sumptuous Spoonfuls fame, caught my eye.  I adore Thai flavors, love all things peanut-ty, and haven’t made anything which fits that bill recently.  Having some ingredients that…

Maple Dijon Roasted Root Vegetables

Ever since I devised the recipe for Apple-Pecan Spring Greens with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette, we have eaten that salad a lot!  I initially made it to mimic a restaurant salad that my dad really enjoyed and have become quite a fan, myself.  The addition of Spiced Pecans makes me really swoon! When a friend told me…

ChinDeep Buttermilk Pie

There is so much I could say about this pie!  First off:  I cannot rightfully claim this recipe as my own.  It was graciously shared by the very talented Melissa at ChinDeep.  While I love to invent my own recipes or reinvent ones that I’ve seen along the way, some of the best recipes are…

Maple Blackberry Sauce

Fresh fruits are such a great topping for oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, pound cake, cottage cheese, shortcake…I’m sure you could add a few more items to the list.  When fresh fruits aren’t available–and after I’ve used the last of the strawberry-rhubarb sauce I freeze every year–I turn to frozen, organic fruit for quick and delicious…

Meatloaf Pizza Subs

I really love leftovers…especially when they can be reinvented to make a fun, easy,  and completely new dinner!  This was a raving success and something I will definitely be repeating. While I used leftovers from my Roasted Veggie Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze, any meatloaf will do!

Roasted Veggie Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze

Put leftover roasted vegetables to good use and make a better meatloaf with this oldie-but-goodie! Meatloaf is one of those meals that can be made in seemingly endless delicious ways. Simply start with the meat as your foundation and then add what sounds good to you: fresh herbs, oats, grated onion, sautéed vegetables, barbecue sauce, Dijon,…

Mango Macadamia Muffins

My kids are crazy about mangos.  When I made Mango-Peach Smoothies recently, I marveled at the thick, velvety texture the mango created.  With their wonderful texture and incredible sweetness, I started thinking mangos would make a great muffin.  Yet, we seldom (never?) see mango muffins!  I was also thinking that pureed mango could be incorporated…

The Ruby Red

Three ingredients plus garnish of choice are all you need for this refreshingly light and crowd-pleasing cocktail! My husband is a big fan of Fresca, so a friend of ours concocted this drink to please him. I thought the combination was brilliant and took a liking to it myself.   The best part is that…

Pineapple Salsa

Sweet and savory with a hint of heat, this vibrant salsa adds flavorful appeal to fish, tacos, pork, lamb, and grilled meats of all kinds. Grilling is the perfect way to get a great dinner on the table quickly. Marinades are wonderful, but sometimes I don’t think far enough in advance for an adequate steep. With…

Butterscotch Shortbread Nut Balls

Feel free to use this recipe as a framework, switching the ice cream flavors and/or cookie and nut combination. For added value, this crowd-pleasing dessert offers make-ahead convenience and built-in portion control!   Girl Scout cookie time is a happy time for my husband who looks forward to Thin Mints and Trefoils every year. Trefoils…

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