Meals Under 30 Minutes

Cajun Seasoning

This classic spice blend mixes up quickly with common herbs and spices and adds a savory kick to a wide variety of recipes, from simple grilled chicken and shrimp to eggs, rice and beans, and popcorn.   A good spice blend offers one of the easiest ways to inject nuanced flavor into your cooking with…

Quick Russian Dressing

Five minutes is all you need to prepare creamy, tangy Russian dressing that will elevate Reubens, Rachels, burgers, and more.    The first time I prepared this sauce, I was making Rachels and Reubens and realized as the meal was underway that I had no Russian dressing, a necessity in the classic deli fare. Thousand Island…

Smashed Green Peas

This speedy but special side dish reinvents a bag of frozen peas and can be enjoyed in place of regular peas, as a fancy base for salmon, or as an economical and always fresh alternative to avocado toast.   Fresh peas in the summer are a treat. Happily, I have found that frozen peas can…

Perfectly Broiled Salmon

Perfectly cooked salmon with a golden crust is endlessly versatile and can be on your plate in less than 10 minutes, start to finish.   In my early days of cooking salmon, I always broiled it. As a young mom trying to get a good dinner on the table fast, I appreciated the speed and…

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

The simplest of ingredients meet a flavor-packed sauce for a prep-ahead meal that’s destined to become a weeknight favorite!    In the latest installment of Fountain Avenue Kids, high school senior Kenny Jackson-Kiefer is taking over the kitchen, demonstrating a dish that checks all his boxes โ€“ high in protein, easy to make in advance, and delicious!   Kenny is one…

Lemonย Dijon Vinaigrette

Four basic ingredients create a bright, punchy vinaigrette that holds its emulsification beautifully and adds exceptional flavor to a wide range of salads.    When I first developed this dressing, I wanted to call it Sunshine Vinaigrette. The golden hue and beautifully emulsified consistency feels like a ray of light, while the flavor is bright…

Spanish-Style Chickpeas

Pantry staples come together lightening quick in this plant-based meal thatโ€™s equal parts flavorful, satisfying, and budget friendly!   Spanish-style chickpeas were inspired by a tapas dish I enjoyed while living in Spain many years ago, as well as a complimentary appetizer at Quahogs, a restaurant we’ve long enjoyed during summer visits to Stone Harbor,…

Everyday Kale Salad

A short list of fresh ingredients pairs with pantry staples to deliver a kaleidoscope of flavors, colors, and textural appeal while offering flexibility based on what you like and have on hand. A simple protein will create a complete meal. Don’t miss the linked suggestions for an endless supply of easy, mix-and-match meals.    If the thought…

Brownie Waffle

A protein-rich brownie mix doubles as the base for single-serve waffles that make a filling breakfast, snack, or dessert โ€“ in 3 minutes!   I regularly hear from readers who are looking for ways to satisfying a sweet tooth while keeping overall added sugars in check. At the same time, many of us are looking…

Baked Tomato Bruschetta

Canned tomatoes work beautifully in this fresh-tasting, crowd-pleasing appetizer thatโ€™s easy to whip up any time of year.   I’ve been making these tasty bites for more than 20 years, and they still haven’t lost their luster. A simple tomato mixture (which may be prepared in advance) is scooped onto toasted baguette slices (which may…

Pretzel Fish with Honey Mustard Sauce

With its crisp coating and flavorful sauce, Pretzel Fish with Honey Mustard Sauce offers a quick and easy meal the whole family will love!   Welcome to the latest edition of Fountain Avenue Kids! A flavorful, three-ingredient sauce pulls double duty as โ€œglueโ€ for the crispy, pretzel crumb coating in this family friendly meal, which was the first fish dish…

Honey Mustard Sauce (or Dressing)

A speedy way to elevate a simple weeknight meal, this versatile sauce pairs perfectly with chicken, pork, fish, veggies, and so much more!   Store-bought condiments have their place, but sometimes, a homemade version is easy to whip up at home with basic ingredients–and actually tastes better than a name brand bottle.  We don’t always…

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