Weeknight Favorite Recipes
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Protein-rich beans replace the cream in this flavorful soup, creating exceptional texture and staying power. Just before Thanksgiving, my older son endured the displeasure of jaw surgery. To eliminate additional procedures down the road, he had his wisdom teeth pulled, too. Lucky boy. In the week or so that followed, pureed or very soft…
Pancakes in a Jar
The following recipe may be used as a gift but also as your go-to biscuit mix. Economical to make, it tastes fresher than store-bought, too. When presenting as a gift, a small container of maple syrup makes a fitting accompaniment. Who doesnโt love to start a weekend morning with a tall stack of pancakes? In…
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is easy to make at home with just two ingredients. The following how-to offers helpful details on which beans and liquor to use and how to store for practical use and gifting. Every year, I tell myself that I’m going to do my Christmas shopping earlyโand wrap the gifts too. In September,…
Roasted Root Veggie Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
The easy vinaigrette is key to memorable flavor in this endlessly adaptable, jewel-toned salad. A favorite protein makes it a complete meal. Think of all the people you see regularly, but only in passing. People with whom you may exchange friendly banter but never have the time to really know. Maybe itโs your faithful…
Cottage Casserole with a Kick
This all-in-one meal is as satisfying as it is easy! The ingredients mix up in a single bowl and may be prepared a day in advance. On a busy weeknight, meals that can be mixed up in one bowl or prepared in advance are especially helpful. ย This savory, protein-rich baked egg dish…
Overnight Buckwheat Groats — a crunchy, delicious option to oats
If you happen to be a fan of the ever-versatile, no-cook overnight oatmeal, you must try this novel twist. (And if you haven’t ventured into the easy breakfast world of overnight oats, I have several recipes for you!) For those who enjoy steel cut oats, buckwheat groats are quite similar in taste. In raw form,…
Cauliflower Fried Rice
If only a photo could convey flavor! At first glance, this hearty and healthy meal may not seem particularly fabulous. That said, I’ve served it many times for family and friends (and have even used it for several school cooking demonstrations), and it’s always a major crowdpleaser! As a child, cauliflower was…
Slow Cooker Spicy Mango Chicken Chili
A couple of Sundays ago, this recipe appeared in my weekly newspaper column. ย A few days later, I received an email from Jane from Mrs. Renfro’s salsa company thanking me for mentioning their product. ย As a thoughtful gesture, she offered to send me any four of their products. ย I truly love the flavor and ingredients…
Spooky Spaghetti Stuffed Peppers
A kid-friendly meal that adults love too. Carving the bell peppers can be part of the fun! Itโs dinnertime. You have leftover spaghetti but not enough to feed the family. What to do? In mid-October, โspookyโ spaghetti stuffed peppers are sure to delight. I saw this silly idea years ago but forgot about it as…
Homemade Bisquick Mix
My husband loves to make pancakes, and he’s a Bisquick kind of a guy. ย We really enjoy the 100% whole wheat and almond flour versions I often make, but I have to agree. ย His Bisquick pancakes hit the spot. Sometimes, there’s good reason to make a do-it-yourself version of a favorite store-bought product. Better price,…
Gladys Langford’s Apple Cake
On occasion in this space, I have mentioned the inspiration for The Fountain Avenue Kitchen–my maternal grandmother, Gladys Langford. Amazing aromas continuously wafted from her narrow kitchen, but it was her spunk and zest for life that made people want to sit down in that cozy space and stay a while. Day in and day…
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet
All the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls in one easy pot โ or skillet! As the days grow shorter and the nights become colder, this is a meal we eat often. Comfort food for all the right reasons. Itโs an economical, one-pan meal that can be assembled quickly and left to simmer. Hearty yet…
