Meals Under 30 Minutes
Roasted Baby Eggplants
With their caramelized exterior and velvety insides, these bite-size eggplants are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Serve with marinara for an especially irresistible side dish. Midsummer through the first frost is the ideal time for eggplant, and the baby varieties offer a little something special where this edible berry is concerned. Though commonly used as, and therefore considered,…
Salmon (or Chicken) Caesar Wraps
Light, crisp Caesar wraps are a no-cook, no-wilt, hand-held alternative to the classic salad. Flexible, filling, and brimming with flavor! As someone who grew up with sandwiches as the staple lunch fare, I was slow to join the wrap craze when it arrived years ago. The texture and thickness of my go-to whole grain bread…
Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Dip
Traditional tomato bruschetta is reinvented as a dip for a fresh, flavorful appetizer that tastes like summer at its best! This summery dip began as an easy appetizer after a day at the beach in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. We’d buy tomatoes at the farmers market just down the road－Clinton Conover Farms. (As an interesting…
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
A minimalist preparation yields maximum flavor in this versatile side dish that makes the most of fresh zucchini and summer squash. Zoodles. Zucchini Noodles. Summer squash pasta? Whatever you call them, these colorful strands are a fun way to mix up your pasta routine. Zucchini noodles can also be a welcome alternative to go-to side…
Bruschetta Chicken (grill and stovetop options)
Bruschetta Chicken turns the classic appetizer into a summery entree by replacing the crostini base with grilled or pan-seared chicken for a nutritious, versatile meal that’s easy to make yet worthy of company! Bruschetta Chicken is the perfect summer meal, and the highlight is the no-cook topping made with vine-ripened tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic…
Grilled Sausage Bites
Crisp, golden, grilled sausage bites may just be the easiest appetizer with the most crowd appeal! Who knew something so easy could be such a hit? Smoked sausages are an excellent choice for a backyard barbecue or any casual get-together with friends and family. Perfect hot off the grill, the sausages are equally exquisite served…
Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Worthy of your favorite steakhouse, this speedy sauce enhances beef tenderloin, prime rib, grilled sausages, roast beef sandwiches, and so much more. Before I address the merits of this versatile sauce, I thought it would be fun to briefly discuss the heat aspect of horseradish…which is, by the way, a root vegetable in the mustard…
Classic Kale Caesar Salad
My very favorite (and easy!) Caesar dressing pairs beautifully with shredded kale for a hearty salad that can be enjoyed as a versatile side dish or as a complete meal with the addition of a protein of choice. When contemplating the salads I make most often, this super satisfying number is most definitely in my…
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Caramelized, smoky flavor bolsters the natural sweetness of fresh corn on the cob, making this summertime favorite even more fabulous. The following grill method is easy and works whether you prefer to husk the corn first or leave it on. When my dad was a boy, he helped his dad build a stone oven in…
Mom’s Classic Strawberry Shortcake
While this classic recipe is traditionally served as dessert, my family has long enjoyed it for the occasional dinner when local strawberries are in season. Served with milk or yogurt, it’s great for breakfast too! Making strawberry shortcake with freshly picked, local berries has long been tradition in my family. My sister and I loved…
Pink Pony Cocktail
The Pink Pony is a spin on a Greyhound with Paloma vibes and options to use vodka, gin, or tequila. It’s the ultimate customizable drink and a party favorite! My favorite cocktail is a little number we call the Pink Pony. Inspired by the classic Greyhound cocktail with a Paloma vibe, it’s a citrus-forward drink…
Roasted Carrots with Za’atar
A singular spice rub, a sprinkle of feta, and a quick stint in a hot oven will reinvent cooked carrots and add delicious variety to your usual veggie routine. The secret to perfectly roasted vegetables rests in the details. In the case of the following recipe, the tricks include a high enough oven temperature (to…
