Fresh, uncomplicated recipes to nourish the body while feeding the soul
Comfort food just about any time of year, macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleaser as a main dish on a chilly midweek evening or a fan-favorite side with weekend pulled pork sandwiches. This recipe elevates the ordinary version with the simple additions of slow simmered caramelized onions and fresh rosemary. The cottage cheese adds a …
This hearty, satisfying one-bowl meal is the best remedy when there is no end in sight to the winter chill. Serve it during the week when spirits need a little boost or share it with friends to stave off the sniffles. Whatever the occasion, the combo of these tender, savory meatballs in the rich broth …
Once the winter squash make it to the farmers market or pile up in the produce section, I start dreaming of cold weather cooking. This combo of butternut squash, mild Italian sausage, mushrooms, sage and cinnamon simmering on the stove with cute little mafalda (mini lasagna shaped pasta) screams of comfort food! Feel free to …
Summer is for nibbling fresh garden produce and sipping cool drinks with friends and family. Crumbly queso fresco takes on a whole new look and feel once it is whipped with yogurt and topped with corn, tomatoes and cilantro. Whether you are dining in your own backyard, packing a picnic for an outdoor concert or …
A lovely combination of flavors–fresh, earthy, sweet and salty– this simple, but showstopping salad is a great alternative to your everyday green salad. Serve with grilled chicken or salmon for an easy summer supper or double the recipe for a special occasion lunch. The dressing is so yummy on its own, consider whisking it up …
Cauliflower is a favorite side in our house, usually served roasted with a sprinkle of Parmesan. This soup brings cauliflower to the center stage and is quickly prepared, making it a perfect midweek meal. I love using the immersion blender to puree the cauliflower as it cuts down on the clean up, but you can …
Simmering Bolognese with the aromas of garlic and fennel seed melting into the rich and flavorful meat sauce is a sure way to brighten spirits in the midst of winter doldrums. While the sauce is simmering, toss together a simple salad and slice a whole grain baguette for a soul satisfying meal. If you are …
Celebrate baking season with this simple one-layer sweet potato cake that will fill your home with an irresistible sweet-spicy aroma that goes hand in hand with falling leaves and cool autumn temps. The Coffee-Tahini icing was inspired by a delicious Halva Latte from Sofra, a Mediterranean cafe in Cambridge, MA that my daughter shared with …
Celebrate the weeks in between seasons when the tomatoes are still on the vine, but the pumpkins are at the farmers market and the mums appear on doorsteps. This tomato tart uses an easy press-in crust so no need to roll out the dough. Whether your tomatoes and basil are fresh from your own garden, …
We love fish tacos, but sometimes they can be a little messy to serve to a group or take to a summer gathering. This main dish rice salad comes to the rescue–tossing together all our favorite taco ingredients with a bright, fresh citrus dressing. You can even crumble some tortilla chips on top for a …
The larger-than-life cauliflower that made its way to our local farmers market inspired this summer grain salad. Toss in a few of the plentiful tomatoes from your garden or the market and you are on your way to a healthy, delicious side dish for easy summer dining. While this recipe does require turning on your …
The only cooking involved in this fresh, colorful salad is a quick boil of the couscous. Toss together the remaining ingredients with a simple lemon dressing and you have a great side for any warm weather gathering. Feel free to mix and match your favorite grains, trying different combinations, like farro or quinoa or a …
One last addition to the soup season roster as we usher in the bountiful spring asparagus and pair it with versatile sugar snap peas. The afternoons are warming up, but it is still delightful to share a warm bowl of soup this time of year as the evenings cool down. This simple, bright soup comes …
Whether you are an avid bread baker or have never ever proofed yeast or kneaded dough, give this recipe a go and see why so many people love baking bread. I am quite sure you will not regret the fun of kneading and the crowd-pleasing results of an impressive bread to round out a simple …
My husband loves fried fish, but I have always steered clear of deep-fried dinners at home due to the mess, the “aroma” of oil lingering in the house, and the obvious downside to healthy eating. This oven-baked version of the classic Friday night special preserves the crunchy coating and the tender, flaky fish without inches …
These simple, classic cookies get a little dressed up with fresh lemon, rosemary and a bit of drizzle. They are fun to make, especially with helpers in the kitchen to cut and decorate. They make a great Valentine’s Day treat, but are also perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or late night chat with friends. And …
I have always love the combo of sharp cheddar and sweet-tart apple. In fact, my husband often asks for a slice of cheddar cheese to go with apple pie in place of the more traditional scoop of vanilla ice cream. These scones are just the right balance of savory cheese and rosemary with a hint …
Seasonal spices, red cranberries and green pepitas carry out the Christmas theme, but my family loves this granola all year long. It is so easy to mix up and quick to bake that I keep a supply on hand for my crew to sprinkle on yogurt, mix into oatmeal or for a desk-side snack any …
My favorite part of cooking in a slow cooker is coming home from a busy day to the aroma of dinner just about ready to go! Or if it’s a work-at-home day, I love the savory scents that build hour by hour. I oftentimes have to talk myself in to chopping onions and dicing veggies …
Crisp, tart Granny Smith apples, tossed with a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon, get wrapped up in flaky whole wheat pastry for a simple, rustic open-faced pie. I use this recipe to teach beginning bakers as well as anyone who struggles with making pastry at home how just a few easy steps and a …
A recent trip to Boston and Cape Cod inspired this chowder. No seafood in this one, but chunky potatoes and rich roasted butternut squash are the perfect combo for this autumn soup. The prep work can be done while the squash is roasting, which makes this a great Sunday supper and you’ll love the leftovers …
This loaf makes use of the bumper crop of autumn apples and the fresh cider that salutes the transition from summer to fall. Luckily both are available all year long so keep this simple, but yummy loaf on hand in any season. Grace God of abundant blessings, thank you for the fruits of the earth …
This grilled salad is super quick and best during the abundant corn harvest at the end of the summer or early fall. But check out the NOTE for shortcuts which can help bring a bit of summer to the dinner table all year long! Grace Good and gracious God, thank you for seasons, both those …
Keep the grilling season going with these super simple turkey burgers. I love the pronounced flavor of the shredded Asiago cheese, but everyday sharp cheddar works just as well. The chopped parsley and green onion brighten up an ordinary burger and what doesn’t taste better with a bit of smashed avocado? Grace Thank you God …
