Birthday Recipes
No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
Capture the flavors of the season with these no-bake, satisfying bites that come together quickly and offer an option with no added sugars or syrups. Filling protein and fiber. Satiating fats. Warm spices. And pumpkin! These bite-size gems are packed with staying power and seasonal flavor, and a big batch comes together easily thanks…
Simple Salmon in Foil (grill and oven options)
A short list of everyday ingredients makes this quick-cooking salmon recipe shine. The simple foil packet locks in flavor and moisture–and makes cleanup a snap! This was a difficult recipe to name because all the components contribute something special: Garlic, dill, and lemon. Salt and pepper. A “knob” of butter, as they say in the…
Flourless Black Bean Brownies
Decadent, fudgy brownies score big points in flavor and texture while delivering a filling dose of fiber and protein. A total dessert win! โI love these brownies because you think they are going to be gross, but they are delicious and nutritious.โย Those words, from “Chef E.” age 9, sum up these brownies perfectly. Let’s…
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…
Pomegranate Martini (with sparkler and mocktail variations)
Fruity yet not overly sweet, this martini is delightfully crisp and refreshingโand not too potent! And ever wonder how to make crushed ice, or better yet, “soft” ice? I’ve included the easy how-to! marยทtiยทni (mรคrหtฤnฤ): a cocktail made from gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon.…
Baked Almond Cake Donuts or Muffins (grain-free)
No messy frying step needed for deliciously satisfying, grain-free donuts. No donut pan? No problem. The recipe can be made as muffins instead! I have a clear vision of the best donut I ever ate. It was from a cafe called Philz during a visit to Los Angeles several years ago. My family and…
Apple Bourbon Smash
Warm notes of bourbon complement the sweetness of apples in this lightly effervescent cocktail that takes a mere minute to make. Prefer a mocktail? Just skip the bourbon! Over the years, Iโve tended towards a simple glass of wine over a mixed drink. But an occasional cocktail can be a fun mealtime addition, and lately…
Overnight Sticky Buns
A clever shortcut and prep-ahead convenience make these tried-and-true sticky buns as easy as they are delicious. The recipe has long been a family and reader favorite on holidays and special occasions. As an added bonus, the aroma wafting from your kitchen will remind you of the corner bakery! The anticipation of waking up to…
Pan Seared Lamb Chops (with optional bonus sauce)
Juicy, mouthwatering, pan-seared lamb chops are restaurant quality but couldnโt be easier to prepare at home. Minimal ingredients and a hot skillet are all thatโs required. As an added perk, the recipe can easily be prepared for one or two diners, or for a larger family. Most holidays, our whole family is together and we…
Everything Crusted Salmon
When used on salmon, the classic bagel coating provides crisp crunch and great flavor for a super speedy meal the whole family will love. As an added bonus, the recipe can be scaled to a single serving or to accommodate a larger group. When I make a sauce or spice rub, I tend to…
Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte
There may be no shortage of pumpkin spice lattes in this world, but now you can make them at home, with tea or coffee, iced or hot, and with several other customizable options. You may even find that the homemade version tastes fresher…and at a fraction of the usual price! I adore coffee and pumpkin, but I…
Homemade Limoncello
Bring the Amalfi Coast to you with this easy-to-make Italian liqueur. The lightly sweet, lemony flavor is perfect as a mixer or an after-dinner drink and makes a festive holiday or hostess gift. 🍋 My mother-in-law introduced me to this light-tasting, lemony Italian liqueur several years ago after she and my father-in-law traveled to the…
