Meals Under 30 Minutes
Turkey (or Chicken), Kale & Wild Rice Salad
This healthy, super satisfying salad is a convenient way to turn leftovers into a complete meal. Perfect post-holidays…or any time of year. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 I, for one, am thankful for family, friends and a loyal group of readers who make sharing recipes and stories through my blog and newspaper column a complete joy! Thank…
Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette (ideal way to use leftover pumpkin!)
Light but flavorful and super speedy, this versatile dressing makes great use of leftover canned pumpkin and might just become a new favorite! When a recipe calls for a cup or so of a canned good like chicken broth, beans, or coconut milk, what happens to the small portion that remains in the can? Lingering…
Clementine Jack-o’-lanterns (plus a few other Halloween treats)
These healthy snacks make a fun project for children, whether at home or school parties, and are a welcome lunchbox surprise. There’s a fun story behind them (plus an important tip for making the ink stick). And because every good celebration can benefit from some themed trivia, I’ve included some Halloween fun facts to use as conversation…
Threaded Hot Dog or Sausage Spaghetti (aka “Spider Dogs”)
Move over meatballs! This squirmy pasta dish makes a fun project for kids and a crowd-pleasing Halloween-themed meal. For a more “mature” version, substitute your favorite cooked sausage for the hot dogs. I’m pretty sure a spoonful of laughter and silliness makes any dinner taste better –and when the preparation of that meal can…
Whole Foods’ Kale Waldorf Salad
This mayo-free variation of the classic Waldorf salad introduces kale to the mix and incorporates apples and nuts into the dressing for a creamy consistency with natural sweetness. The recipe card includes Whole Foods’ original version along with some adaptations I have come to enjoy. If you live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania as I do,…
Sheet Pan Sweet & Sour Chicken
Sweet and spicy mingle with a hint of heat in this family-friendly sheet pan meal that’s worthy of a spot on the weekly dinner rotation. The prep-ahead sauce stores well and makes enough for a second meal another night. Or use it for quick stir fries with your favorite protein and vegetables. Opposites attract, or…
Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
Mix and match an extensive list of options to create a healthy, economical alternative to store-bought flavored instant oatmeal packets. Perfect for busy mornings, college dorm rooms, camping, traveling (all you need is hot water) and a fun project with kids! Apparently America’s relationship with boxed cereals is in a slump. Amidst a recent…
Sazón Grilled Chicken
Who doesn’t love a new way to use an old standby? Though sazón is traditionally used in Latin chicken and rice dishes, using this little spice packet as a rub for grilled chicken is a fast way to make a memorable meal. For those who feel inclined, my homemade sazón recipe can be mixed up…
Avocado Tomato Salsa
Keep this super simple salsa recipe in your back pocket all year round to add flavor and flare to chicken, fish, beans, salads, eggs, and in place of guacamole in your favorite south-of-the-border fare. Perfect as a dip with tortilla chips, too! My family always enjoys something saucy on grilled meats, and the following…
Homemade Sazón Seasoning
Homemade Sazón Seasoning is an easy-to-make alternative to the store-bought packets that eliminates MSG and lets you control the salt. Ideal for homemade chicken & rice, a variety of Latin dishes, and as a dry spice rub. Maria is a faithful and utterly delightful employee at my longtime gym, and over the years…
Zucchini Noodles Made Easy
This simplified method of creating zucchini noodles yields wide ribbons that require nothing more than a quick sear and a sprinkle of salt and pepper – yet they serve as a fine foundation for a plethora of other toppings too. What’s the only month without a holiday? As simple as this recent crossword puzzle clue…
How to Build a Better Yogurt Bowl
A yogurt bowl might not sound like anything new and exciting, but a slightly different approach can turn this easy breakfast into a new favorite — and it just so happens to be healthy, filling, and undeniably satisfying! We’ve all heard of Taco Tuesdays and fish on Fridays, but have you ever…
