Weeknight Favorite Recipes
Asparagus Cobb Salad
Sure, you can make a regular Cobb salad, and it will taste great. But adding asparagus ramps up the color, nutritional value, and seasonal appeal. If you don’t usually have salads for dinner, this satisfying plateful might win you over. Did you know that there’s an acronym to remember the traditional ingredients in a Cobb…
Cilantro Lime Rice
A few key additions transform basic rice into an extra special side dish that enhances a wide variety of cuisines. Not a fan of cilantro? Not to worry. You may omit it and the resulting lime-infused rice will still be a winner! Perhaps no food better embodies feelings of sustenance and comfort than…
Salsa Simmered Halibut (or other white fish)
Your choice of fish simmers to tender perfection for a super speedy meal that’s bursting with flavor. The easy sauce can be customized in a surprisingly simple way, making this meal a favorite with adults and kids alike. A reader recently mentioned that he’d like to incorporate more fish into his weeknight repertoire but lacks creative, family friendly ways…
Open-Faced Egg Sandwiches (with advance prep options)
Not your usual egg sandwich, the flavor-packed topping can be prepared in advance and then baked on the bread when ready to eat. Crunchy, creamy, and utterly delicious! My most vivid Easter memories include the year my dog, Ruffy, ate the contents of my Easter basket while we were at church. I also had…
Harissa Roasted Green Beans
A singular condiment adds culinary magic to simply roasted vegetables, in this case, transforming basic green beans into a restaurant-worthy side dish. The best part? The dish takes less than 15 minutes start to finish! When we’re not familiar with a recipe ingredient, let alone know where to look for it in the grocery store,…
Roasted Mediterranean Cauliflower
Simply roasted cauliflower is elevated to something special thanks to a versatile sauce that might just become a new favorite. The base recipe is perfect as a side dish, and a few pantry staples will transform it into a filling entree. Easy and flexible are two important words in my kitchen. Day to day,…
Roasted Veggie Pesto Pasta
Quite possibly my favorite pasta, which I make on repeat, this satisfying meal is nourishing comfort food at its best. It delivers a hearty dose of vegetables, allows for endless customization, and leftovers are a treat. When it comes to comforting meals that the whole family enjoys, this pasta recipe ranks high. It’s entirely different…
Roasted Wild Mushrooms
The simplest of ingredients and a straightforward technique transform earthy mushrooms into a meaty, savory, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways. And though wild mushrooms are widely available and contribute interest and textural variety, this hands-off technique will make the most of basic button mushrooms. When I…
Spinach Pesto
Easy, accessible, and endlessly versatile, this flavorful pesto is especially ideal when fresh herbs aren’t available. Perfect for adding flavor to pasta, pizza and flatbread, sauces, sandwiches, and so much more, the simple recipe can be customized with a variety of nuts, seeds, and cheeses. Plus it maintains its vibrant green color and freezes well! …
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
A modern remake of my mom’s classic casserole, this rendition of a childhood favorite is lighter but still delivers the memorable flavor. There’s even a crunchy topping, an option for extra veggies, and excellent alternatives for some dietary restrictions. (And Mom approves!) Who doesn’t love a comforting chicken and rice casserole? If…
Southern (with a Twist) Cornbread… naturally gluten-free with a dairy-free option
The magic begins when you pour the simple batter into a hot skillet. This unique recipe is naturally gluten-free with a dairy-free option and has been a hit with readers (and my family) for years. And have you noticed how leftover cornbread always seems dry? There’s a great tip for “refreshing” it, and I also mention how I…
Salt-Free Smoked Paprika Chicken with Lime
Watching your sodium intake can be challenging, but this recipe proves that you can skip the salt without losing the flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and the leftovers can be transformed into a brand new meal! (For those who may be interested, there is a link to a video above the recipe card.) …
