Winter Recipes
Valentine’s Day Heart Brownies
A little ingenuity and a heart-shaped cookie cutter is all that’s needed to make Valentine’s Day feel extra special! A heart-shaped cookie cutter does it again.. Start with this classically delicious homemade brownie recipe (minus the Halloween candy theme), an equally scrumptious Nutella brownie, or store-bought brownies, with Ghirardelli leading the pack in my humble…
Valentine’s Day Cheerio’s Snack Mix
This creative (and low effort!) snack may be all that’s needed to make Valentine’s Day feel extra special this year. 💘 For years, this effortless, no-cook mix was a regular after-school and lunch box snack for my boys. Thanks to the simple combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, they continue to enjoy it now…
Valentine’s Day Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
A simple message of love can begin with something as simple as a cookie cutter. 💘 Grilled cheese and tomato soup have long been considered a match made it heaven…one that becomes infinitely more fabulous with a festive (and extremely easy) presentation. When I was a child, I fully preferred chicken noodle soup to tomato, so…
Pepper Jack Tomato Soup
Bright tomato flavor is balanced by a hint of creaminess and mild kick in this takeoff of a restaurant favorite. Easy to make and especially tasty with the optional toppings. Those who live in the South Central, Pennsylvania area may be familiar with the pepper jack tomato soup at Isaac’s, a small chain of restaurants…
Pork & Sauerkraut (with lots of options)
Get ready for a New Year filled with luck and good health with this traditional dish, which can be customized in several ways to keep everyone happy! (slow cooker and oven method) There seems to be two distinct camps where pork and sauerkraut is concerned: those who love it and those who…well…tolerate it. Growing…
Jeweled Salad
This stunning salad adds fresh flavor and visual appeal to weeknight dinners and holiday meals alike. And while the recipe is delightful as is, there are many ways to customize depending on what you like and have on hand. Any meal can benefit from the crisp crunch and visual appeal of a good salad. Perhaps…
Make-Ahead Baked Mashed Potatoes
This flexible, make-ahead mashed potato recipe is a sure-fire hit on a holiday table. You can even freeze it before baking, and the Parmesan crust will not disappoint! Even though my job is all about cooking, I rely on make-ahead dishes as much as the next person. Ironically, aspects of The Fountain Avenue Kitchen often…
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
Nothing is more seasonal than hot chocolate…except maybe peppermint. This recipes combines both for a delicious, brownie-like cookie that may be your new family tradition! The name of these cookies caught my attention right away. How unique does a peppermint hot chocolate cookie sound? And what precisely would their taste and texture be like? I…
Quick & Easy White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili is creamy (but dairy-free), flavor-packed, and easy enough to pull off on a busy weeknight – yet absolutely worthy of company! I’m a big fan of traditional red chili – Aunt Peggy’s Turkey Chili is a quick-and-easy family favorite for sure – but there’s something special about a good white chili.…
Super Bowl Nachos
Super Bowl Nachos are the gold standard of nachos and include two types of chips for maximum crunch. Loaded with flavorful toppings, these nachos are game day perfection and hearty enough to be an occasional meal. The meat mixture makes great tacos and taco salads too! Nachos have always held a special place in my younger son…
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo and Manchego
Chorizo sausage and Manchego cheese give roasted Brussels sprouts a Spanish-style upgrade for a crowd-pleasing tapas or hearty side dish. The loaded sprouts are hearty enough that sometimes I even serve them as a main dish with a salad or side of rice. I first enjoyed a dish that was similar…
Baked Coconut Shrimp
Crisp, golden, and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, baked coconut shrimp are perfect as an appetizer or entrée and may be prepped a few hours in advance. Crunchy on the outside and tender in the middle, these crisp, golden shrimp are baked instead of fried and will vanish off an…
