Corn and Cucumber Salad with Basil and Chives is one of the oldest salads in my repertoire. I return to it again and again for its delicious simplicity. Because the recipe is so basic, it lends itself well to easy adaptations. With Corn, Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Homemade Ranch, I added avocado, tomatoes, and my go-to…
A reader-favorite (and reader-created!) recipe, this satisfying pasta salad was inspired by the classic sandwich and is a tried-and-true crowdpleaser. Easy to make too! It is always a joy to receive recipes from those who read my newspaper column or blog. When readers send me their family favorites, I am always happy to cook them…
Two reader-favorite recipes come together to form a delicious twist on classic eggplant Parmesan where the eggplant stays crispy! This recipe was born from a desire to keep the eggplant in the classic eggplant Parmesan crispy. It is also a perfect marriage of two much-loved seasonal recipes: a quick and easy cherry tomato…
Don’t you love it when a friend shares a time-tested, family-favorite recipe? This one contains everything you need for a well rounded meal and quickly became a quick favorite in our house too! Stacie is a friend of my husband’s from elementary school days with whom we reconnected when I started The Fountain Avenue Kitchen.…
A cafe-worthy latte is easy to make at home and for a fraction of the price! When the weather is warm, I particularly enjoy an iced latte. As much as I love this coffee house treat, I am always a little annoyed with myself when I spend four dollars for what is essentially…
Whether it is too hot to cook or you would simply rather be at the pool, summertime cooking begs to be easy. With a few fresh ingredients, a grill, and a versatile, make-ahead dressing, dinner can truly be as effortless as it is delicious. One of my friends mentioned a few months ago that she…
These tender, flavorful baked meatballs have been a family and reader favorite for many years. Hundreds of readers have called them the best meatballs ever! Serve them with spaghetti and your favorite sauce, as an appetizer, in a meatball sandwich-or all by themselves. A perfect meal prep recipe that freezes well too! Perhaps you are like me…
A handful of fresh ingredients and a super simple preparation make a nourishing meal that satisfies any time of day. Summertime cooking begs to be easy. Luckily, fresh herbs, your favorite cheese, and eggs are all you need for a super speedy meal that’s loaded with flavor. Although most people would probably consider this…
You likely have all the spices needed to make this classic seasoning blend, and it’ll taste fresher–and be more economical–than the store-bought packet. Early in our marriage, I discovered my husband’s fondness for taco salad. When I first served tacos, he piled all the filling ingredients on his plate and crumbled the shell over…
My favorite way to eat zucchini is a tie between zucchini bread and this recipe where the zucchini is broiled with a simple coating of fresh Parmesan. I’ve made these as rounds, sticks, and strips. They key is to cut them fairly thick and cook only until golden. This way, they won’t get mushy. Also,…
Walking Tacos offer a fun, portable way to enjoy the traditional taco salad and are perfect for kids’ parties and casual dinners. Those who prefer a plated taco salad may absolutely eat the meal that way. Both of my sons are swimmers and, like so many sports activities, the summer swim meets are always over…
Basic ingredients come together with ease in this family favorite muffin alternative to the much-loved cookie. Before my older son, John, went to camp last year, I asked him if there was anything special he wanted to have to eat…or better yet, help me cook in the kitchen. To my surprise, he said “Dilly…