Make-Ahead Recipes

Roasted Garbanzos…and other roasted beans

A simple technique and helpful hints for the best crunchy snack–that happens to be healthy, protein-rich, economical, and easy!   Last year, when I first posted my recipe for roasting garbanzo beans, a couple of my friends mentioned that a few of the beans popped in their oven!  We quickly determined that the garbanzos still…

STAT Chicken Noodle Soup

NOTE:  Following is an excerpt from my February 2013 column in the Lancaster Sunday News.  For the link to the referenced “Ask the Pediatrician” column, which may be of particular interest if you feel as though you or your children have been fighting colds and various illnesses since October, click here. My dad does not cook.  He jokes that…

Honey Sweetened Corn Muffins (gluten-free option)

My husband adores cornbread, so I have made it scores of different ways over the years. Since his birthday is today, and because we like to start birthdays in our family with birthday muffins, bagels, donuts or baked oatmeal — basically, anything I can stick candles in to start the day off in a festive…

Orange-Infused Chocolate Chunk Brownies

Who remembers the Pepsi Challenge?  Years ago, I remember going to a mall while with my family in the Poconos and seeing the stand. I thought it was so cool that we ran into the real, live challenge, just like they did on the Pepsi commercials.  My mom never kept sodas in the house, so…

Raspberry Peach Coconut Smoothie

We sometimes enjoy smoothies for breakfast, although I more frequently make lunch out of them.  For a meal on-the-go, the make-ahead recipes (see drinks and smoothies category) are particularly handy.  My kids, on the other hand, often request a smoothie as an after-school snack.  New flavors are developed based on the fruits they request —…

Baked Cheddar Spinach Squares

Easy, cheesy spinach squares are a retro appetizer that make an equally delicious side dish. The squares may be baked ahead and reheated and freeze well too.   The look of today’s menu item may remind you of a crustless quiche. In this recipe, however, two eggs serve as a binder for the remaining ingredients…

Raspberry Almond Baked Oatmeal with Quinoa

Those who have visited my kitchen, virtual or otherwise, are most likely familiar with my penchant for baked oatmeal!  Months ago, I saw the idea of combining oats and quinoa from Cooking Quinoa–a fabulous resource for additional quinoa recipes, by the way–and I thought this could be an interesting spin on my standard of using all oats.…

Fiery Grilled Shrimp

Asian and Cajun flavors come together and create new levels of flavor in this prep-ahead recipe that’s delicious as an appetizer or entree.    You know how when you eat something at a friendโ€™s house that is so delicious you hope to leave with the recipe?  This is one of those recipes. When I first…

Better-for-You Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Update: ย As I made a fresh batch of this tasty dressing for the big game tonight, I thought it worth linking in a few more ways I like to use this beyond the typical dressing or dip (links provided below). ย Also, my friend, Carrie, kindly figured out the nutritional information which I have included below.…

Baked Oatmeal and a Weekend in Miami…

It is hard to believe a humble oatmeal dish took my husband, Jack, and me on a trip to Miami.  When Smart Balance asked me to participate in their national recipe contest, I almost didn’t do it.   Would asking for votes, repeatedly over a month, be an annoyance to people?  I certainly didn’t want to be…

Balsamic Reduction (aka making “good” balsamic from the inexpensive stuff!)

Years ago, a friend gave me a small bottle of aged balsamic vinegar — the real stuff, from Modena, Italy. At that point, I had never experienced this mellow and thick, almost sweet, vinegar and I savored every last drop of that bottle. The terrific thing is that you really don’t need to spend twenty…

Chunky Quinoa Granola

This is one of those recipes I am really excited to share.  It is chunky and crispy and, as far as my tastebuds are concerned, the perfect granola.  What’s more, it is a terrific option for those who are gluten-free and may be intolerant of oats.  From the various feedback I receive from the fabulous…

Get recipes delivered straight to your inbox.