Cranberry sauce is usually a staple at a Thanksgiving meal. The bigger debate around this popular side dish is typically canned, jellied version vs. homemade, whole berry cranberry sauce. While I like both, I really enjoy the flavor variety you can add to homemade sauce. Plus it is super easy. For this year’s…
Category: Side Dish
4 State Cheddar®, Bacon, & Kale Hash Brown Casserole
I love the draw of the TV show Chopped – either it is the awe of the unusual ingredients the contestants have to work with, or shock of ingredients I can’t imagine having to use to craft a master recipe. Like most of us, I have wondered what it would be like to…
Flash Fried Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Drizzle
If flash fried brussels sprouts can take my husband from loathing to loving the mini cabbages, then I’m pretty confident this recipe will make everyone a lover of these little orbs. I haven’t often made brussels sprouts since my hubby has made known how much he detests them. One of the last times…
4th of July Party Mix
As the Fourth of July draws closer, I begin to think of the fun ways the U.S. celebrates its freedom: Parades, Fireworks, and BBQs. I enjoy all three and try to squeeze each of them in if I can. It is hard not to get wrapped up in the enthusiasm of the day…
Strawberry Salsa
Aaah, springtime. Warmer weather, fresh buds on the trees, and the start of fresh vegetables and fruits. While still early in the season, one of things I look forward to in April/May is the bounty of fresh strawberries. The in-season prices mean my whole family devours them at breakfast, and I tinker in…
Chopped Veggie Salad
The tradition of Bridal Showers over the last few centuries has been to help the new bride start off married life with some essentials, including those for the kitchen. At my bridal shower, this included a recipe from each attendee which they wrote on notecards and compiled in a book. The recipes ranged…
Port Wine Cheese Soup (a.ka. Pretzel Soup)
Just before Christmas in 2014 my husband asked my daughter what she wanted to eat on Christmas Day. She said, “yummy soup made by mommy. PRETZEL SOUP!” Pretzel soup? I had never made pretzel soup before, but like any self-respecting foodie I accepted the challenge. First step – what pairs well with pretzels?…
Squash Spaghetti
Eat your vegetables! I’m sure we can all name one (or two) people whom frequently need this reminder. Sometimes I am looking for a way to make encourage my kids to each more vegetables, and other times I am just looking for a way to create a tasty & light side dish that delights…
Lentil Salad
Many people kick-off the new year with certain foods as a way to try to usher in good luck for the entire year. For example, lentils are thought to represent wealth for the new year. While I don’t make certain meals as talisman, I do think reinvigorating my healthy meal preparation by including lentils in…
Kaniwa, Tomato, and Basil Salad
In my opinion, eating a gluten-free diet is getting easier and easier. Not only are there many more gluten-free breads and other goodies on the market, but I even stumbled upon another wheat-free side dish option to put into rotation – kaniwa. Kaniwa is a gluten-free “grain”, that like quinoa is actually an…
Asian Salad with Ponzu Dressing
When life gets busy, it is often easiest to make the same, old staples for meals – things that are quick, or don’t take much thought to prepare. While I fall into this trap myself, I think we are cheating ourselves when we walk past ingredients in the grocery store just because we…
Rambutan & Lavender Fruit Salad
The first time you see a rambutan you are sure to think, “How do you eat THAT?!?”. The fruit is covered in a hairy peel that seems uninviting. If you simply scour the peel around the middle you reveal the white flesh in side. Many people enjoy them as is and just chew on…
