Meals Under 30 Minutes
Homemade Lemonade Concentrate
A refreshing balance of sweet and tart, this storable concentrate allows you to simply add water and mix up a glass or two whenever the mood strikes. Because personal preference varies, adjustments are provided for sweeter and tarter variations. The lemonade stand is one of the most iconic summertime images, and for good reason.…
Summer Shandy (Cocktail or Mocktail)
Equal parts light beer and lemonade create the easiest drink and can be modified in several delicious ways. Mildly sweet with a hint of tang and so very refreshing! Crisp and refreshing with a hint of sweetness, there’s something special about a Shandy on a warm evening. The 2-ingredient drink is effortless to mix and…
Southwestern Rice Salad
This crowd-pleasing dish can be assembled in advance, travels well, and caters to a variety of eating styles. Ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and stress-free family meals! You know all those times you’re searching for something a little different than the usual pasta or vegetable-based salad while maintaining broad appeal? For me, this tried-and-true…
Baked Swiss Chard with Peppers and Feta
Crave-worthy greens are within easy reach thanks to a unique method of preparation, which delivers crispy edges and golden brown bits of feta, all while adding a few other colorful veggies to the mix! Since much of the work I do for The Fountain Avenue Kitchen takes place in the quiet of my kitchen…
Classic Strawberry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
A light drizzle of this sweet and tangy vinaigrette makes a classic strawberry salad shine. Eating your greens never tasted so good! When local strawberries are at their peak, I make salads with them almost every night. Once a simple dressing has been prepared and left to wait in the fridge, salads in general…
Asiago Asparagus
Asiago cheese provides a delightful alternative to Parmesan, adding a unique twist to simply roasted asparagus. Any crispy bits of cheese sticking to the baking sheet are a special treat! No doubt, Parmesan cheese is a dependable workhorse in the kitchen. From chicken Parm and pesto to risotto, Italian-style soups, and even popcorn, versatile…
Mexican Mule (and several mule variations)
A cross between the classic Moscow mule and the much-loved Margarita, this refreshing cocktail requires just four ingredients and may just become the drink of the season! As I was reading up on some food history recently, I stumbled upon a curious newspaper article from 2016. While at a cocktail convention (who knew?),…
Salsa Simmered Halibut (or other white fish)
Your choice of fish simmers to tender perfection for a super speedy meal that’s bursting with flavor. The easy sauce can be customized in a surprisingly simple way, making this meal a favorite with adults and kids alike. A reader recently mentioned that he’d like to incorporate more fish into his weeknight repertoire but lacks creative, family friendly ways…
Harissa Roasted Green Beans
A singular condiment adds culinary magic to simply roasted vegetables, in this case, transforming basic green beans into a restaurant-worthy side dish. The best part? The dish takes less than 15 minutes start to finish! When we’re not familiar with a recipe ingredient, let alone know where to look for it in the grocery store,…
Grapefruit Gimlet
A delightful balance of sweet and tart, this eye-catching twist on the classic cocktail requires just three simple ingredients. The refreshing drink is also easy to customize with other liquors and flavors, and I’ve included a few of my favorites. Most winters around this time, I begin looking forward to an annual trip to…
Roasted Wild Mushrooms
The simplest of ingredients and a straightforward technique transform earthy mushrooms into a meaty, savory, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways. And though wild mushrooms are widely available and contribute interest and textural variety, this hands-off technique will make the most of basic button mushrooms. When I…
Spinach Pesto
Easy, accessible, and endlessly versatile, this flavorful pesto is especially ideal when fresh herbs aren’t available. Perfect for adding flavor to pasta, pizza and flatbread, sauces, sandwiches, and so much more, the simple recipe can be customized with a variety of nuts, seeds, and cheeses. Plus it maintains its vibrant green color and freezes well! …
