Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
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…
Easy One Avocado Guacamole
A dollop of guacamole adds a little something special to so many meals, and it’s a heart-healthy snack, too. But sometimes you don’t need a big batch, or perhaps you only have one avocado. This speedy recipe is for those times and more! Fun fact: avocados are also known as alligator pears, and less…
Kale Pesto
This versatile sauce adds flavor to a wide variety of basic ingredients, elevating simple meals with ease while adding vibrant color and healthy appeal. What is the key is to pulling off healthy and delicious meals with ease? (Emphasis on the last two words!) It’s a question I frequently hear.…
Waldorf Chicken Salad
Loaded with lean protein and fresh produce, this hearty salad perfectly balances savory and sweet ingredients while hitting all the right texture notes. Enjoy as a packable lunch or easy dinner! Waldorf salad always reminds me of my grandmother. It was the first non-baked good she taught me how to make－I was probably…
Tomato and Seared Garbanzo Salad
Garden fresh tomatoes meet the humble can of beans in this healthy, protein-rich salad. Two additional pantry items supply unparalleled flavor with ease.🍅 Schools may be back in session and pools may have closed for the year, but salad season hasn’t officially ended! Besides, tomatoes are still at their prime－I seem to pick…
Congo Bars
Congo Bars = the ultimate blondie! Perfectly chewy and so much easier to make than a batch of cookies, this foolproof recipe is a childhood favorite that has stood the test of time. Readers occasionally ask me if I ever really mess up a recipe – and the answer is a definite “Yes!” Earlier this…
Crustless Zucchini Pie
Similar to a quiche and loaded with veggies, Crustless Zucchini Pie can be served as a delightful meatless meal or a side dish to your favorite protein. (Leftovers improve with age!) Have you ever had an “Impossible Pie?” The name refers to certain recipes that were printed on the back or side of the Bisquick…
Napa Sweet Corn Salad
An unexpected ingredient adds crisp crunch to a classic corn salad, and the easy vinaigrette pulls it all together. Perfect for summer and fall meals! As mid-August rolls around, I still feel firmly planted in summer in many ways, but reminders of fall are increasingly frequent. Despite the still-present heat and humidity,…
Super Crunchy Oven Fried Drumsticks
Crispy, crunchy, and no fryer needed! Perfect for picnics, tailgating, kids’ parties, family dinners, packed lunches, and more. May be served warm, cold or room temperature－and note the helpful advance prep tips. There’s something so satisfying about biting into a crunchy piece of fried chicken. (As I type, my mouth is literally watering at the…
Summer Garden Jumble
A no-cook, plant-based meal that’s nutrient-rich and endlessly customizable. Store in the fridge and simply scoop when hungry! The best thing about this hearty salad (besides being easy, healthy, fresh and flavorful!) is that you can store it in the refrigerator for convenient scooping throughout the week. Or it can be enjoyed as a once-and-done, no-cook…
Easy Fermented (or Fresh) Garden Salsa
Who knew how easy it is to make flavorful homemade salsa that’s full of gut-healthy probiotics? No special skills or equipment are needed, and unlike other fermented foods, salsa takes only a few days to ferment.🍅 Does the idea of fermenting food sound daunting? Did you ever think to ferment salsa? (And why would…
Cheater Shrimp Ceviche (no raw seafood!)
A wholesome and refreshing appetizer or light meal, this easy-to-make Shrimp Ceviche recipe incorporates a blend of citrus to hit all the right flavor notes…and no raw seafood! Is it “se-vish” or “se-vish-ay”…or “seh-vee-chay?” When the mercury is soaring and you serve this light, refreshing dish, I’d venture to say nobody will care how you…
