Make-Ahead Meals
Spaghetti Casserole
Saucy, meaty, cheesy, and delicious, this make-ahead casserole is a longtime favorite that’s perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining, potlucks, and anytime you need to take a meal to a friend. My clearest memories of this spaghetti casserole is eating it in the days after my first son was born. Appreciating the sleep-deprived state…
One Pan Tex-Mex Quinoa
Pantry staples make this filling, flavorful, plant-based meal a weeknight win – and there’s no need to pre-cook the quinoa! Variety is the spice of life, as the saying goes. For your daily dose of trivia, I’ll also mention that this idiom came from William Cowper’s 1875 poem entitled “The Task,” and the full line…
Beef Short Ribs
A low and slow stint in the oven yields flavorful, fork tender meat that will warm your soul. Optional day-ahead prep offers added benefits and convenience. Certain foods smell as good as they taste. And I’ve noticed that special memories are often tightly linked to the intersection of these two senses. What comes to…
One Pan Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
One pan. Three basic ingredients. Endless ways to mix it up. This quick and easy meal pulls out all the shortcuts for a well-rounded meal the whole family will enjoy! Stir-fries are great for so many reasons. They’re quick to whip up, full of contrasting flavors, and an excellent way to load up on crisp,…
Ratatouille
With its roots in Provence, France (not the 2007 Pixar film!) ratatouille is a rustic, end-of-summer, vegetable stew that will make the most of a bounty of fresh produce and can be enjoyed in so many ways. If you don’t like to chop, I give you permission to skip the following recipe. But before…
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
A modern remake of my mom’s classic casserole, this rendition of a childhood favorite is lighter but still delivers the memorable flavor. There’s even a crunchy topping, an option for extra veggies, and excellent alternatives for some dietary restrictions. (And Mom approves!) Who doesn’t love a comforting chicken and rice casserole? If…
Vegan Chili (that meat-eaters enjoy too!)
With its flavor-packed, quick-cooking, crowd-pleasing appeal, this meatless recipe defies traditional chili logic and is 100% worthy of the weekly dinner rotation. Good enough for game day too! When we think of chili, we typically think of a meaty, long-simmered stew that requires a lengthy list of ingredients and a good bit of chopping.…
Sausage & Egg Casserole
This tried-and-true casserole can be prepared in advance and is perfect for holidays and special brunches. A smaller batch option follows the main recipe and is ideal for more intimate gatherings and the occasional breakfast for dinner! In the years before The Fountain Avenue Kitchen came to be, this recipe was one of the…
Turkey Sausage, Kale & Potato Soup
Quick to make with minimal ingredients, this soup is nourishing comfort food at its best. A complete meal on its own, the soup is perfect for the weekly rotation and comes with built-in flexibility! Five ingredient meals are all the rage. And why not? The concept suggests a dinner you can get on the…
Crunchy Top Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal (Muffins Optional)
Pumpkin and warm spices join a short list of kitchen staples in this hearty breakfast that may be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. From sweet pies, muffins, cookies, and cakes to savory soups, vinaigrettes, and even butter, there are so many ways to enjoy pumpkin. For a quick pumpkin fix, I’ve long…
Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Honey Lime Vinaigrette
What do you get when you add a variety of proteins, a whole grain, and lots of colorful veggies to a bowl and then drizzle it with a simple vinaigrette? A satisfying, all-in-one meal that you’ll want to make again and again! May I tell you how many times I’ve chopped up some leftover chicken,…
Low Sugar Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
With just 5.3 grams of added sugar per serving, this healthy, wholegrain breakfast relies on the natural sweetness of whole fruit to deliver great taste that we can feel good about. For added convenience, the recipe offers ingredient options! Baked oatmeals have long been a go-to breakfast in our house. Those who have been…
