Weeknight Favorite Recipes
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is easy to make at home with just two ingredients. The following how-to offers helpful details on which beans and liquor to use and how to store for practical use and gifting. Every year, I tell myself that I’m going to do my Christmas shopping early—and wrap the gifts too. In September,…
Roasted Root Veggie Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
The easy vinaigrette is key to memorable flavor in this endlessly adaptable, jewel-toned salad. A favorite protein makes it a complete meal. Think of all the people you see regularly, but only in passing. People with whom you may exchange friendly banter but never have the time to really know. Maybe it’s your faithful…
Cottage Casserole with a Kick
This all-in-one meal is as satisfying as it is easy! The ingredients mix up in a single bowl and may be prepared a day in advance. On a busy weeknight, meals that can be mixed up in one bowl or prepared in advance are especially helpful. This savory, protein-rich baked egg dish…
Overnight Buckwheat Groats — a crunchy, delicious option to oats
If you happen to be a fan of the ever-versatile, no-cook overnight oatmeal, you must try this novel twist. (And if you haven’t ventured into the easy breakfast world of overnight oats, I have several recipes for you!) For those who enjoy steel cut oats, buckwheat groats are quite similar in taste. In raw form,…
Cauliflower Fried Rice
If only a photo could convey flavor! At first glance, this hearty and healthy meal may not seem particularly fabulous. That said, I’ve served it many times for family and friends (and have even used it for several school cooking demonstrations), and it’s always a major crowdpleaser! As a child, cauliflower was…
Slow Cooker Spicy Mango Chicken Chili
A couple of Sundays ago, this recipe appeared in my weekly newspaper column. A few days later, I received an email from Jane from Mrs. Renfro’s salsa company thanking me for mentioning their product. As a thoughtful gesture, she offered to send me any four of their products. I truly love the flavor and ingredients…
Spooky Spaghetti Stuffed Peppers
A kid-friendly meal that adults love too. Carving the bell peppers can be part of the fun! It’s dinnertime. You have leftover spaghetti but not enough to feed the family. What to do? In mid-October, “spooky” spaghetti stuffed peppers are sure to delight. I saw this silly idea years ago but forgot about it as…
Homemade Bisquick Mix
My husband loves to make pancakes, and he’s a Bisquick kind of a guy. We really enjoy the 100% whole wheat and almond flour versions I often make, but I have to agree. His Bisquick pancakes hit the spot. Sometimes, there’s good reason to make a do-it-yourself version of a favorite store-bought product. Better price,…
Gladys Langford’s Apple Cake
On occasion in this space, I have mentioned the inspiration for The Fountain Avenue Kitchen–my maternal grandmother, Gladys Langford. Amazing aromas continuously wafted from her narrow kitchen, but it was her spunk and zest for life that made people want to sit down in that cozy space and stay a while. Day in and day…
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet
All the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls in one easy pot – or skillet! As the days grow shorter and the nights become colder, this is a meal we eat often. Comfort food for all the right reasons. It’s an economical, one-pan meal that can be assembled quickly and left to simmer. Hearty yet…
Whole-Can-of-Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
Last fall, a friend mentioned that when she uses part of a can of pumpkin, the leftover portion always seems to go bad before she gets a chance to finish it. To avoid this problem, feel free to click on the link to my Pumpkin Roundup, below. But also consider giving the following recipe a…
One Dish Baked Fish Marinara
A short list of basic ingredients comes together quickly in this wholesome meal that requires just one pan. A little leftover rice will create a heartier casserole, although serving it over pasta, a grain of choice, or some crusty bread works well too. The start of the school year is always a busy time,…
