By now, my love of baked oatmeal has been well established. Truth be told, I hold back some of my variations because I don’t want to over-oatmeal people. I think the time has come, however, to release another! My sister-in-law, Melissa, is to thank for this delicious creation. She is a nurse who leaves…
Ok…so first thing is first! What is the difference between polenta and cornmeal…and grits for that matter? In case you are wondering what to buy, or whether it matters, I am including an overview below that might prove helpful. When I began the Flavor Trend Journey with Sargento Cheese and Rick Bayless last winter, Rick…
My T-Fal cookware giveaway began yesterday. In conjunction with that giveaway, I was asked to review the Cooking Planit app. I joke with my kids that I am “under-app-ed.” That is my made-up term meaning that I hardly have any apps and the ones I have I rarely use! I know…I should get with the program! I…
A reader-favorite (and reader-created!) recipe, this satisfying pasta salad was inspired by the classic sandwich and is a tried-and-true crowdpleaser. Easy to make too! It is always a joy to receive recipes from those who read my newspaper column or blog. When readers send me their family favorites, I am always happy to cook them…
Two reader-favorite recipes come together to form a delicious twist on classic eggplant Parmesan where the eggplant stays crispy! This recipe was born from a desire to keep the eggplant in the classic eggplant Parmesan crispy. It is also a perfect marriage of two much-loved seasonal recipes: a quick and easy cherry tomato…
This family-friendly meal is a deliciously clever way to use an abundance of zucchini. Naturally gluten- and grain-free too! Fresh herbs and zucchini are currently overflowing from our garden. The kale, chard, and spinach will make a comeback as cooler weather returns. So, for the next recipe in my Sargento flavor journey, I…
Don’t you love it when a friend shares a time-tested, family-favorite recipe? This one contains everything you need for a well rounded meal and quickly became a quick favorite in our house too! Stacie is a friend of my husband’s from elementary school days with whom we reconnected when I started The Fountain Avenue Kitchen.…
Whether it is too hot to cook or you would simply rather be at the pool, summertime cooking begs to be easy. With a few fresh ingredients, a grill, and a versatile, make-ahead dressing, dinner can truly be as effortless as it is delicious. One of my friends mentioned a few months ago that she…
These tender, flavorful baked meatballs have been a family and reader favorite for many years. Hundreds of readers have called them the best meatballs ever! Serve them with spaghetti and your favorite sauce, as an appetizer, in a meatball sandwich-or all by themselves. A perfect meal prep recipe that freezes well too! Perhaps you are like…
You likely have all the spices needed to make this classic seasoning blend, and it’ll taste fresher–and be more economical–than the store-bought packet. Early in our marriage, I discovered my husband’s fondness for taco salad. When I first served tacos, he piled all the filling ingredients on his plate and crumbled the shell over…
Walking Tacos offer a fun, portable way to enjoy the traditional taco salad and are perfect for kids’ parties and casual dinners. Those who prefer a plated taco salad may absolutely eat the meal that way. Both of my sons are swimmers and, like so many sports activities, the summer swim meets are always over…