Meals Under 30 Minutes
Walking Tacos
Walking Tacos offer a fun, portable way to enjoy the traditional taco salad and are perfect for kids’ parties and casual dinners. Those who prefer a plated taco salad may absolutely eat the meal that way. Both of my sons are swimmers and, like so many sports activities, the summer swim meets are always over…
Corn, Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Homemade Ranch
Fresh, flavorful, and versatile, this speedy salad is a great way to use leftover corn on the cob, but frozen and thawed works well too. A few months ago, I was the emcee of a heart health expo. At one point in the program, I was asked to speak about some of the tips I…
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Basic ingredients come together with ease in this family favorite muffin alternative to the much-loved cookie. Before my older son, John, went to camp last year, I asked him if there was anything special he wanted to have to eat…or better yet, help me cook in the kitchen. To my surprise, he said “Dilly…
Blueberry Avocado Salad with Nancy’s Sweet and Tangy Salad Dressing
After a yoga class one day, my friend Daina told me about her favorite salad. Daina is a master gardener and grows much of what she eats this time of year in her own backyard. She mentioned that her favorite greens are dandelion greens and that she doesn’t use dressing on her salads. Preferring my…
Nancy’s Sweet and Tangy Salad Dressing
While attending a dinner a few months ago where my mother received a well-deserved award for her many years of service to our local Boys & Girls Club, a family friend approached and told me of his wife’s incredible salad dressing. “Nancy always has a jar of her special dressing in the fridge and everybody…
Blue Cheese and Bacon Braised Trout
When we visit my in-laws’ cabin in Blooming Grove, Pennsylvania, the guys do a lot of fishing. (Usually, after I catch one fish, I say I am good for the year!) Some of the fishing is done from a row boat in the lake, but most is done casting from the shores of one of…
100% Whole Wheat Pancakes
Looking for a light, fluffy pancake recipe that offers a nutritional boost? This delicious stack is packed with whole grains and fiber－but no one will ever suspect they’re healthy! A few weeks ago, my younger son, Christian, and I were the only ones home for dinner. I asked him if, for…
Sesame Peanut Noodles
I have two favorite preparations for noodles in a peanut sauce so, before I chose one for this space, I made them both for dinner recently. My family declared a tie in the side-by-side comparison. They were no help! It almost came down to a coin toss, but ultimately, I chose this recipe because I…
Millet Breakfast Porridge
Looking to add new grains to your diet? A hearty, wholesome bowl of millet has a light, nutty flavor and offers make-ahead convenience. Since I recently introduced millet to the repertoire of grains included on this website, I felt compelled to include a few tasty ways to use it! I began with a Millet…
Spring Millet Salad
This springy salad is equally delicious served warm, chilled, or room temperature. And though you could replace the millet with couscous or quinoa, the tiny grain has a mild, corn-like flavor that offers a great way to mix things up. As I continue to experiment with recipes using millet, I have made variations of…
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
Three basic ingredients come together with ease in this flourless, dairy-free cookie that is sure to become a favorite! This recipe originally came from my friend Abby, who has a delightful blog called Manila Spoon. Besides being incredibly easy, the cookies are grain- and dairy-free to boot. My gluten-free dad adores them, yet those who can…
Velvety Chocolate Mousse and a Guide to Unrefined Sweeteners by Chef Amber Shea Crawley
Whenever possible, I like to use natural sweeteners–pure maple syrup being a favorite–and try to limit overall sugars in general. I do have a sweet tooth, so it is an ongoing challenge! With wider access to a broad range of sweeteners, I have started to dabble with options such as coconut sugar and stevia and…
