I’m always looking for a versatile side to go with meaty mains, and these roasted potatoes and carrots are just that! Growing up, this was something my Mom made all the time. I don’t know exactly how she made it, but her roasted potatoes and carrots was something that was devoured as soon as it hit the [Read More…]
Rotisserie Chicken Quesadillas
Easy chicken quesadillas, ready within minutes! Just another example of how a rotisserie chicken uses are endless! I made these chicken quesadillas for dinner one night and they were easy and so delicious. In retrospect, I would’ve piled on a side salad and maybe some avocado slices. And maybe a little more cheese. Because we roll [Read More…]
Saucy Asian Meatballs Appetizer
Savory Asian-inspired mini meatballs that make the perfect party appetizer! Your friends will think you slaved away in your kitchen for an hour making these delicious, saucy meatballs… and you can let them believe that. But, you and I will know the truth. While the meatballs are in the oven, whip up the easy sauce! [Read More…]
Summer Broccoli Slaw
Don’t you just love side dishes that just require mixing? They’re the best! This took about 5 minutes to throw together. This broccoli slaw is crunchy and creamy with pops of sweetness from the dried cranberries. Absolutely delicious. I bought a package of Trader Joe’s Broccoli Slaw, but you can just as easily substitute any coleslaw package. [Read More…]
Sunday Stuffed Shells with Meaty Tomato Sauce
There’s something so deliciously comforting about macaroni and red sauce on a Sunday. Between the hours of 1 and 3 pm to be exact. It’s one Italian tradition that gives me warm fuzzies and flashbacks to childhood. Growing up, nearly every Sunday morning I woke up to the scent of onions and garlic sauteing in [Read More…]
Asian Dipping Sauce
A quick dipping sauce recipe that’s perfect for spring rolls or dumplings. The base is hoisin / sweet and sour / peanut sauce. However, in the past I’ve tossed in ground ginger or garlic (if I really wanted to be crazy and pull out the cutting board!). I’ve been making this dipping sauce for years. I first concocted this [Read More…]
Israeli Couscous with Tomatoes & Garlic
I love side dishes that are semi-homemade – with one box of Israeli couscous, fresh tomatoes, garlic and parsley, I was able to turn this into a beautiful side. And I mean beautiful – just look at those colors! In a dreary winter, where I see the sun rise and set on this gray world, [Read More…]
Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
There’s nothing better than a cheesy, warm dip at a party (hello, Super Bowl!). I’ve been making this one for years, adapting and tweaking it ever so slightly. When a recipe calls for, say, 2 cloves of garlic… I always add 4 of 5 cloves. I like to think it’s one of my best qualities. [Read More…]
Super Bowl Worthy Guacamole
This guacamole is smooth with little chunks of avocado mixed throughout with a hint of heat from the cayenne, robust flavor from the garlic and crunch from the onion. It’s so delicious that it’s worthy of a Super Bowl dip. Here’s what I learned during my first trial of this guac: Never, ever think that a [Read More…]
Vine Tomato Crostini
A simple crostini recipe that you can whip up in just a few minutes! I was so happy that I had half a loaf of leftover Italian bread to go perfectly with the juicy, ripe vine tomatoes resting in my fridge. Yes, it is winter and tomatoes aren’t normally in season. However, I lucked out at [Read More…]
Ultimate Leftover Nachos
We’ve all been in that situation – where you have bottom-of-the-bag broken tortilla chips, maybe half a can of beans, a chunk of cheddar and maybe a spring of green onions or a cup of ground beef just sitting in the fridge. It’s as if everyone in your house ate snacks and dinner all week [Read More…]
Lemon-Garlic Quinoa with Roasted Peppers
This quinoa side dish has received so many rave reviews – sweet roasted peppers, with hints of the chicken broth, bursting with lemon and garlic. New to quinoa? The best way I could describe quinoa is that it cooks and tastes like a richer couscous. It’s a very versatile side dish that can be dressed [Read More…]
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
I love, love, love the flavor combination of the salty Italian meat with the sweet maple syrup. Top that with hot, roasted garlic and this is a side dish that your family and friends will request for years to come. It also warms up your kitchen with savory aromas and promises garlic breath for all, [Read More…]
Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork
Lately I’ve been loving the one-dish and Crock Pot dinners that require a few chops here and there, a sprinkle of this, a smidgen of that. Set the temperature and timer and then tick-tick-tick your food is magically done! This pulled pork recipe is just that. The easiest to throw together, and absolutely amazing to [Read More…]
Roasted Pepper Caprese Salad
A fun take on the traditional caprese salad, this version substitutes roasted peppers for tomatoes. Hubs and I love making our own roasted peppers (it’s so easy! recipe here), plus we always have a jar of them handy. On this particular Sunday afternoon, I was craving mozzarella and balsamic… but of course, was out of [Read More…]
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli & Peppers
A simple roasted broccoli and peppers recipe that’s bursting with flavor. Proof: “These may be the best vegetables you’ve ever made,” said my amazing husband over dinner. SCORE! I would by lying if I said I didn’t do a little victory dance in my head. About a year ago I tried out a Parmesan Roasted Broccoli & Onions recipe from Real [Read More…]