No-Cook Meals
Spanish Tapas Board
Elevate your charcuterie game with this epic Spanish tapas board, which comes together easily, looks stunning, and is loaded with savory bites. Perfect for any occasion, from New Yearโs celebrations and game days to girlsโ nights and book clubs. Optional extras will make it a meal. Charcuterie boards are popular for good reason. They…
Spanish-Style Marinated Olives
An impressive appetizer recipe that takes five minutes to prep and adds something special to any cocktail hour, cheese board, or antipasto platter. Irresistibly snack-worthy and giftable too! For many of us, olives plucked straight from the jar are incredibly satisfying. They are salty, meaty, and even deliver a dose of monounsaturated fats, fiber,…
Cinnamon Honey Butter
This copycat version of Texas Roadhouse restaurantโs popular cinnamon honey butter recipe is a delightful spread for rolls, bagels, toast, muffins, cornbread, and sweet potatoes. Makes a lovely addition to a food gift too. Every year, Cindy, a former coworker of my husband, experiments with a variety of new recipes for her annual holiday…
Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding & Parfaits
Everything you love about a pumpkin spice latte in pudding form. This thick, creamy chia pudding takes a few minutes to mix up and can be served as a nourishing breakfast, snack, or dessert. I have a very young chef to thank for my current love of pumpkin spice chia pudding, which I have enjoyed…
Mix & Match Protein Bites
Customize these protein-filled treats with a list of tasty add-ins, and then keep a stash on hand for lunch boxes, speedy breakfasts, and anytime snacking. In the latest installment of Fountain Avenue Kids, a fabulous group of kids from my Boys & Girls Club cooking classes took over my kitchen to demonstrate one of their favorite snacks. These…
Super Simple Salad (that morphs into a complete meal)
The easiest salad base happens to be completely scrumptious and can be transformed into a complete meal with the addition of your favorite protein. This salad began as a simple side dish โ for scrambled eggs of all things โ when I was lacking fruit or bread for toast (i.e., the traditional breakfast accompaniments). …
No-Sugar Horseradish Coleslaw
Horseradish and Dijon add memorable flavor to this crisp, versatile slaw that’s quick to make and contains no sugar or syrups! I’m a big fan of coleslaw. It’s easy to make, economical, and endlessly versatile. A simple base of cabbage provides crisp appeal, while the right dressing supplies exceptional flavor that will perk up…
Shortcut Tzatziki
Used as a sauce, spread, or dip, this easy version of the popular Greek tzatziki will jazz up your favorite snacks and meals and can be made ahead of time in a flash. I have to admit I was skeptical about this recipe when I first looked at the simple ingredients and preparation. I…
Smoked Salmon & Black Bean Salad
Simple yet sublime, this speedy, no-cook salad relies on a can of beans, a package of smoked salmon, a few fresh veggies, and a fast but flavorful cumin lime vinaigrette. Gluten- and dairy-free. Simple ingredients come together quickly and easily in this fresh-tasting salad that hits the spot as a light dinner or lunch.…
Vanilla and Caramel Iced Coffee (or caramel vanilla!)
A cafรฉ-worthy drink comes together in minutes โ faster than a Starbucks drive-thru and more economical too. You can use this recipe as a guide, choosing an easy-to-make syrup, and adjusting the coffee strength, sweetness, and creaminess to taste. A recent New York Times article asked the following question: Does anyone drink hot coffee…
Homemade Whipped Cream
Three ingredients and 15 minutes are all you need to make the freshest tasting whipped cream that is a dreamy topping for so many desserts. Homemade whipped cream adds an irresistible finishing touch to a variety of desserts, from pies and ice cream sundaes to hot chocolate and fresh strawberries. The following tips ensure…
Favorite Balsamic Vinaigrette
A year-round staple that pulls double duty as a flavorful marinade for chicken, this versatile homemade dressing will add zip to a wide variety of vegetables and basic pantry ingredients. The key to fresh, flavorful meals that feel effortless and truly enjoyable? Find a few homemade dressings and sauces that you enjoy and keep…
