Christmas Recipes
Olive Oil Smashed Potatoes
Light and creamy mashed potatoes can be dairy-free, fuss-free, and utterly delicious. A sprig of optional rosemary adds a little something extra! Do mashed potatoes make infrequent appearances on your dinner plate because they feel like a hassle to make? Or do you steer away from some of the customary ingredients? This spin on…
Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re not careful, these magical bites will disappear from the baking sheet before they make it to the table! Who knew we had to guard our vegetables? I remember the first time my older son ate a Brussels sprout. A toddler at the time, he popped one into his mouth, and the edges…
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast and Gravy
This hands-off, foolproof way to achieve tender, juicy white meat can be fully prepped the night before if desired, and there are two spectacular gravy options－or you can simply make use of the pan juices. The aroma of Thanksgiving wafting from your kitchen is an added bonus! I created this recipe back in 2012…
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…
Crunchy Top Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal (Muffins Optional)
Pumpkin and warm spices join a short list of kitchen staples in this hearty breakfast that may be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. From sweet pies, muffins, cookies, and cakes to savory soups, vinaigrettes, and even butter, there are so many ways to enjoy pumpkin. For a quick pumpkin fix, I’ve long…
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…
Roasted Beet & Green Bean Salad
Clever cooking techniques, make-ahead convenience, and lots of options add to the appeal of this vibrant salad. The versatile vinaigrette is an absolute keeper that comes together quickly with basic pantry items. One of the first things I learned when I started The Fountain Avenue Kitchen in 2012 was just how polarizing certain foods can…
Nutella Brownies
Chewy edges yield to delightfully creamy insides and a “just right” chocolate flavor in these Nutella-infused brownies…and the recipe fills a 9×13 pan! Most years, I kick off the unofficial start to summer with some sort of ice cream treat. Because I’m making a slight deviation this year, I have two words for those…
Stuffing Waffles
Stuffing waffles are a quick way to make a fun meal out of leftover stuffing. Top with leftover turkey and gravy, a fried egg, cranberry sauce or whatever sounds good to you! Sometimes I’m not sure which I enjoy more－the big turkey dinner or the leftovers that follow! Realistically, if you’ve been working hard…
Easy Make-Ahead Gravy Base or Quick Gravy
A quick and easy base to which pan drippings are added for a deliciously stress-free (and lump-free!) gravy. May be prepared up to 4 days in advance. Do you fret over making the gravy? It’s the last-minute job that must be done as you’re trying to complete a myriad of other tasks and get everything to…
Slow Cooker Stuffing (with oven method)
Tender stuffing with crispy edges is 100% possible in a slow cooker, freeing up precious oven space. The classic flavor is sure to please, and the optional add-ins and prep-ahead tips offer something extra for everyone. (Gluten- and dairy-free suggestions included so all can enjoy!) As a girl, stuffing was always my favorite part of…
Cranberry Apple Crisp
A delightful balance of sweet and tart adds something special to this easy crisp, which can be made dairy- and gluten-free if needed. While I will always have a fond place in my heart for my grandmother’s black raspberry and apple pies, with their flaky, buttery crusts and sweet-tart fillings, I’ve broken with holiday tradition…
