Make-Ahead Recipes

Lavender Syrup

Lavender Syrup is simple to make and adds a sweet, floral note to hot and iced coffee and tea, lattes, lemonade, cocktails, desserts, and more. A clever trick makes the syrup a pretty shade of purple!  The first time I had a lavender latte, I didn’t finish it. Despite rave reviews from friends who claimed…

Apple Cake

No frosting is needed for this rustic cake that is studded with tender apples and comes together in a single bowl with pantry staples. Serve as is or with a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce. (Or my favorite, salted caramel ice cream!) My grandmother’s apple cake brings back so many memories. Economical and…

Mix and Match Trail Mix

A wholesome trail mix is easy to make and offers much room for variation, from basic nuts and dried fruit to an assortment of delicious extras.  Recipe includes our favorite combinations! I love nuts of all kinds. Their crunch is appealing, and the balance of fats and protein makes them an especially satiating snack. As a…

Fall Slaw 

A bag of slaw mix offers a convenient shortcut in this crisp, wholesome, seasonal salad. The easy vinaigrette is loaded with flavor and can be used in a variety of other salads. Not many recipes have extended runs on the weekly dinner rotation in our house. The continual need to develop new recipes means the…

Pickle Sushi

With just three basic ingredients (and no raw fish!) pickle sushi makes a delicious snack, appetizer, or lunch box addition. A fun kitchen project for kids too! When teaching kids cooking classes, I’ve found it helpful to start with recipes that are easy to pull off but offer a little wow factor. My goal is…

Honey Deuce

A cocktail version of raspberry lemonade and the official drink of the US Open, you don’t need to be a tennis fan to love this refreshing drink! People go to the US Open for the tennis. But the official drink of this long-standing tennis tournament lures throngs of fans as well. When I first heard…

Blueberry Lemon Cornbread

This delightful twist on the usual cornbread comes together quickly with pantry ingredients and fresh or frozen blueberries. An easy tip ensures leftovers are never dry—making them perfect for breakfast! Cornbread has long been popular in our house. Partial proof of this statement is evidenced in the multiple cornbread and muffin recipes already on this…

Confetti Salad

A big bowl of this colorful salad comes together easily and is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and at-the-ready meals throughout the week! A fresh, colorful addition to a backyard barbecue or potluck, this vibrant salad is equally well suited to packed lunches and speedy dinners. The recipe has many attributes: filling fiber, plant-based protein,…

Small Batch Refrigerator Pickles

Quick Pickled Vegetables are easy to make with almost any vegetable and are a practical way to use the odds and ends in your crisper drawer. The tangy, crisp bites are great for snacking and will elevate salads, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, burgers, burrito-type bowls, stir fries, and more.  Pickling can be a very simple process.…

Vietnamese-Style Cabbage and Chicken Salad

Shredded chicken and cabbage form the base of this crisp, Vietnamese-inspired dish, which is bursting with flavor, texture, and wholesome appeal. Great for meal prep and entertaining. In the mood for a salad that satisfies like a heartier meal? This is your recipe! Shredded chicken and cabbage form the base of this crisp, Vietnamese-inspired dish,…

20 Festive 4th of July Recipes!

Bringing a dish to a 4th of July party this summer? The following recipes can be made ahead, travel well, and are sure to please a crowd! Of course, if you are hosting your own get-together, these recipes have you covered as well. From appetizers and salads to main dishes, desserts and drinks, the recipes…

DIY Coleslaw Mix

A bag of coleslaw mix offers a convenient shortcut, but for fresher results and cost savings, you can do it yourself in minutes! Below I share my favorite ratios, the quickest way to make consistent shreds, and a few tips for truly stunning salads.  Cabbage is economical, widely available throughout the year, and keeps in…

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