Winter Recipes
Pomegranate Martini (with sparkler and mocktail variations)
Fruity yet not overly sweet, this martini is delightfully crisp and refreshing—and not too potent! And ever wonder how to make crushed ice, or better yet, “soft” ice? I’ve included the easy how-to! mar·ti·ni (märˈtēnē): a cocktail made from gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon.…
Mandarin Mixed Green Salad
A crisp, colorful salad can breathe life into a winter meal, and this fresh combination delivers palette pleasing flavor and texture: sweet oranges, buttery avocado, a pop of salty feta, and a bed of crisp greens. And the flavor-packed vinaigrette is worth returning to again and again! We don’t usually think of winter as…
Christmas Potpourri
The aroma of warm spices and fresh citrus join festive cranberries in this colorful, easy-to-make mix that is perfect for gift giving. Printable gift tags included above recipe card. My very thoughtful friend, Anne Besterman, is to thank for this festive recipe, which although made of edible ingredients, is not intended for consumption. Christmas…
Apple Bourbon Smash
Warm notes of bourbon complement the sweetness of apples in this lightly effervescent cocktail that takes a mere minute to make. Prefer a mocktail? Just skip the bourbon! Over the years, I’ve tended towards a simple glass of wine over a mixed drink. But an occasional cocktail can be a fun mealtime addition, and lately…
Christmas Chex Mix
Sweet, salty, and delightfully crunchy, a big batch of this festive mix takes about 10 minutes to prepare and is perfect for holiday snacking and gift giving. Tailor the recipe to any occasion by simply varying the color of the M&Ms! I recently read that the first recipe for Chex Party Mix appeared on…
Olive Oil Smashed Potatoes
Light and creamy mashed potatoes can be dairy-free, fuss-free, and utterly delicious. A sprig of optional rosemary adds a little something extra! Do mashed potatoes make infrequent appearances on your dinner plate because they feel like a hassle to make? Or do you steer away from some of the customary ingredients? This spin on…
Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re not careful, these magical bites will disappear from the baking sheet before they make it to the table! Who knew we had to guard our vegetables? I remember the first time my older son ate a Brussels sprout. A toddler at the time, he popped one into his mouth, and the edges…
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast and Gravy
This hands-off, foolproof way to achieve tender, juicy white meat can be fully prepped the night before if desired, and there are two spectacular gravy options－or you can simply make use of the pan juices. The aroma of Thanksgiving wafting from your kitchen is an added bonus! I created this recipe back in 2012…
All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce
Mix a big batch of this flavorful sauce for quick and easy skillet meals that rival your Asian takeout favorites. Every single ingredient is a pantry staple and can be paired with a seemingly endless variety of proteins and vegetables. I have no good answer as to why I have never before shared…
Easy Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
The savory brown sauce that makes this Chinese takeout dish a favorite is simple to make at home thanks to one key (and easy to find) ingredient. Worthy substitutes are noted for a variety of common allergies or ingredients you prefer to avoid. Have you ever wondered why it’s so difficult to replicate your favorite…
Vegan Curried Vegetable and Chickpea Stew
Choose among three cooking options when preparing this deliciously hearty, plant-based soup that satisfies even the most diehard meat eaters. The big yield is perfect for meal prep and tastes great all week long. Chickpea or garbanzo bean? Whatever you call these protein- and fiber-packed little orbs, they form the foundation of a deliciously hearty…
Split Pea Soup with Ham
Wholesome, economical pantry ingredients combine with refrigerator staples in this hearty, comforting, slow cooked soup. Makes a big batch and freezes well too. It’s funny how tastes change. When I was little, the color and name alone were unappealing. Now, I consider split pea soup to be a soul-warming comfort food and one of…
