New Year's Recipes
Crispy Potato Peels
Instead of tossing the peels when preparing potatoes for mashing, save them. They make a fun snack that’s crisp and flavorful–and nothing goes to waste! The first time I roasted what were essentially the mashed potato scraps, I did it as an experiment and had low expectations. Little did I know the crispy…
Italian Ricotta Cookies
These tender, cake-like cookies are topped with an irresistible glaze and look beautiful on a cookie platter. Perfect for special occasions from Christmas and Easter to baby showers. Simply change the color of the sprinkles! Credit for this absolutely delightful cookie recipe goes to my friend, Kalyn, who bakes these gems every holiday season with…
Loaded Cauliflower Bites
Roasted cauliflower is topped with bacon and cheese in this satisfying twist on baked potato skins that can be served as an appetizer or family-friendly side dish. A “steak” option makes for a heartier side dish, and a few extra ingredients will turn the recipe into a protein-rich meal. Initially, I went back and…
Leaner Pulled Pork Barbecue
This easy-to-make recipe can be adjusted to any number of diners and offers a leaner spin on what has long been a crowd favorite. With options for homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce. When I had my first baby, I remember struggling to get the stroller through a double set of doors, only to be assisted…
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 refreshing—and not too potent! And ever wonder how to make crushed ice, or better yet, “soft” ice? I’ve included the easy how-to! mar·ti·ni (märˈtēnē): a cocktail made from gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon.…
Mandarin Mixed Green Salad
A crisp, colorful salad can breathe life into a winter meal, and this fresh combination delivers palette pleasing flavor and texture: sweet oranges, buttery avocado, a pop of salty feta, and a bed of crisp greens. And the flavor-packed vinaigrette is worth returning to again and again! We don’t usually think of winter as…
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…
Sausage & Egg Casserole
This tried-and-true casserole can be prepared in advance and is perfect for holidays and special brunches. A smaller batch option follows the main recipe and is ideal for more intimate gatherings and the occasional breakfast for dinner! In the years before The Fountain Avenue Kitchen came to be, this recipe was one of the…
Pan Seared Lamb Chops (with optional bonus sauce)
Juicy, mouthwatering, pan-seared lamb chops are restaurant quality but couldn’t be easier to prepare at home. Minimal ingredients and a hot skillet are all that’s 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…
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…
