Weeknight Favorite Recipes
Kale and Eggs
A “busy night” dinner that’s hearty, healthy, colorful and super satisfying. Easy to customize based on preference and what you have on hand. There are lots of “busy night” dinners that I pull together often but have not shared in this space. Why, you may ask? Well, because they are the busy nights,…
Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal
I’ve mentioned a time or two in this space that I enjoy my morning oatmeal! ย When I haven’t kept up with the demand for baked oatmeal or when we aren’t working our way through a backlog of eggs from our four chickens, this is the way I often prepare it. Steel cut oats lend themselves…
STAT Chicken Noodle Soup
NOTE: Following is an excerpt from my February 2013 column in the Lancaster Sunday News. For the link to the referenced “Ask the Pediatrician” column, which may be of particular interest if you feel as though you or your children have been fighting colds and various illnesses since October, click here. My dad does not cook. He jokes that…
Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Wholesome and delicious, this quick and easy salmon can even be prepped ahead, making it equally ideal for busy weeknights and weekend entertaining. A version of this recipe was the first seafood dish I ever served to company when I was newly married 18 or so years ago! I have given this recipe away…
Honey Sweetened Corn Muffins (gluten-free option)
My husband adores cornbread, so I have made it scores of different ways over the years. Since his birthday is today, and because we like to start birthdays in our family with birthday muffins, bagels, donuts or baked oatmeal — basically, anything I can stick candles in to start the day off in a festive…
Raspberry Peach Coconut Smoothie
We sometimes enjoy smoothies for breakfast, although I more frequently make lunch out of them. For a meal on-the-go, the make-ahead recipes (see drinks and smoothies category) are particularly handy. My kids, on the other hand, often request a smoothie as an after-school snack. New flavors are developed based on the fruits they request —…
Braised Chicken with Rice and Spinach
This Greek-inspired, one-pot meal requires a slow braise but is largely hands-off and rewards you with exceptional flavor. Wholesome comfort food at its best. AND THE WINNER OF THE COOKBOOK IS….. SUSAN WOODRUFF!!! Susan, if you could please email your address to me, I will forward it to Elizabeth Songster and she will, in turn,…
BBQ Chicken Salad with Better-for-You Buttermilk Ranch
This is a frequent occurrence in our house. A hearty salad, thrown together at the last minute. For me, the trick to a speedy dinner that tastes great often lies in a simple homemade dressing. I have many that I like to make. (See the Dip, Dressings, Sauces & Salsas section on the right-hand side…
Baked Cheddar Spinach Squares
Easy, cheesy spinach squares are a retro appetizer that make an equally delicious side dish. The squares may be baked ahead and reheated and freeze well too. The look of today’s menu item may remind you of a crustless quiche. In this recipe, however, two eggs serve as a binder for the remaining ingredients…
Raspberry Almond Baked Oatmeal with Quinoa
Those who have visited my kitchen, virtual or otherwise, are most likely familiar with my penchant for baked oatmeal! Months ago, I saw the idea of combining oats and quinoa from Cooking Quinoa–a fabulous resource for additional quinoa recipes, by the way–and I thought this could be an interesting spin on my standard of using all oats.…
Fiery Grilled Shrimp
Asian and Cajun flavors come together and create new levels of flavor in this prep-ahead recipe that’s delicious as an appetizer or entree. You know how when you eat something at a friendโs house that is so delicious you hope to leave with the recipe? This is one of those recipes. When I first…
Prosciutto Wrapped Halibut Salad with Balsamic Tomato Sauce
A few nights ago, I pan seared some wild caught Halibut, wrapped simply in prosciutto. Though I buy fish regularly, I tend not to buy much Halibut. It is a meaty fish, and I tend toward the flaky. (Somehow, that sounds sort of funny, but you know what I mean!) These wild caught pieces of…
