Meals Under 30 Minutes

Smashed Pea Toast

Move over avocado! Smashed peas are the new game in town when it comes to versatile, economical, and totally tasty toast toppers.   The beauty of avocado toast is its versatility. Crisp toast topped with mashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt tastes great on its own. But that simple base will also serve as…

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.…

Grilled Chicken Wings

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, grilled wings are fuss-free and finger licking good. A choice of flavorings will satisfy every taste preference. In the early days of the quarantine, I was asked to start a recipe exchange with a group of women who were feeling cooped up and in need of…

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…

7-Minute Salted Caramel Sauce

With just five basic ingredients, foolproof caramel sauce is easy to make and is perfect for last minute desserts and holiday gifts. Delicious in coffee too!    You’re entertaining and dinner alone feels like a sufficient task. Or maybe you need a last-minute hostess or teacher gift. Or perhaps you’d like to elevate your cup of…

Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

Using just three pantry staples, and about 10 minutes prep-time, this crisp and toasty homemade crust elevates your pie game to new heights! A good pie crust will elevate dessert. And in this case, it’s easy. No rolling. Three simple ingredients. Nothing fussy. Trusty store-bought options offer a convenient choice and do the trick, but…

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…

Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust

If you’ve struggled to create a gluten-free graham cracker crust that stacks up to the regular version, your wait it over!   The first time I made a gluten-free graham cracker crust several years back, I simply replaced the regular graham cracker crumbs in my traditional recipe with a gluten-free alternative. Cup-for-cup gluten-free flours tend…

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a tangy, creamy twist on traditional barbecue sauce that can be slathered on grilled chicken, pulled pork, fish, and burgers. It’s an equally delicious dressing for coleslaw and dip for corn ribs, fries, and chicken wings!    If you’re from the south, Alabama barbecue sauce needs no explanation. If you…

Corn Ribs

Corn ribs are the food you didn’t know you were missing, and you can make them at home with simple ingredients and a few helpful tips. The flexible recipe can be air fried, grilled, roasted, or pan fried.  Corn ribs? When my husband and I noticed them on the menu at Basic Kitchen, a delightfulย restaurant…

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A short list of ingredients comes together with ease for this wholesome, vegetarian salad that can be enjoyed warm or cold.   Easy meal alert! (We all need them, right?) This flavor-packed salad is super simple to prepare with minimal ingredients. Ripe for customization based on what you like and have on hand (I’ve included…

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…

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