Weeknight Favorite Recipes
One Pan Tex-Mex Quinoa
Pantry staples make this filling, flavorful, plant-based meal a weeknight win – and there’s no need to pre-cook the quinoa! Variety is the spice of life, as the saying goes. For your daily dose of trivia, I’ll also mention that this idiom came from William Cowper’s 1875 poem entitled “The Task,” and the full line…
Homemade Tostadas
Tostadas are an easy way to transform a soft tortilla into a crunchy base for all your favorite toppings–in under a minute. Taco night suddenly got a little more exciting! Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesday? No matter which night you enjoy the classic fare, a quick upgrade to a soft tortilla will create a deliciously…
Salsa Verde Chicken (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)
Quick to prep and brimming with flavor, this endlessly versatile chicken can be served over rice, in tacos or enchiladas, and can be customized with a variety of toppings. This is on my list of easy meals that defy expectations—and we can never have too many of those! Looks can be deceiving. Case in…
Roasted Potato Bites
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these flavor-packed bites take minutes to prepare and may just be the star of your dinner plate! I’ve mentioned recipes that don’t always make it to the dinner plates. This is one of them! Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and expertly seasoned…
Steak Bites
Lightning fast cook time and exceptional flavor may just earn these easy steak bites a spot on the weekly dinner rotation. Round out the meal with rice and a vegetable of choice. I have long been drawn to the incredibly easy prep and quick cook time of this flavorful steak dish. My family enjoys…
Favorite Brussels Sprouts Salad
A healthy, go-to salad for busy nights, parties, potlucks and holiday tables, this super-satisfying salad can be made in advance and the dressing is a versatile keeper! This salad could be described as an overachiever. The ingredients are fairly ordinary, yet they come together in a way that’s somewhat extraordinary. The recipe earns early points…
Classic Butternut Squash Soup (with options)
Smooth and luxuriously creamy (but with no cream in sight), a big pot of this satisfying soup comes together easily with minimal ingredients. Plus there’s a list of recipe adjustments to suit every preference. Every fall, I look forward to my first bowl of butternut squash soup. For years I made the soup without…
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Classically light, fluffy, creamy, and buttery, this recipe is everything good mashed potatoes should be–and so simple. Recipe pairings and lots of great leftover ideas are included. Easy comfort food at its best, these dreamy potatoes are quick enough for casual weekday meals (especially when utilizing the included tips) yet special enough for holiday tables.…
Beef Short Ribs
A low and slow stint in the oven yields flavorful, fork tender meat that will warm your soul. Optional day-ahead prep offers added benefits and convenience. Certain foods smell as good as they taste. And I’ve noticed that special memories are often tightly linked to the intersection of these two senses. What comes to…
The Rachel Sandwich (Grilled or Baked)
Sandwiches for dinner are truly a treat thanks to this crunchy, saucy twist on the classic Reuben. Use Thanksgiving leftovers or your favorite deli turkey for an easy meal any time of year. Two methods of preparation mean you can easily serve one person or a crowd. For those who grew up watching the…
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…
One Pan Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
One pan. Three basic ingredients. Endless ways to mix it up. This quick and easy meal pulls out all the shortcuts for a well-rounded meal the whole family will enjoy! Stir-fries are great for so many reasons. They’re quick to whip up, full of contrasting flavors, and an excellent way to load up on crisp,…
