Black Bean and Apricot Salad
This is a recipe by Patricia Harmon that I found in a magazine about 30 years ago. I wish I could claim it as my own. This has beautiful color and a faint Asian flair in the dressing. It is also such an unusual combination of flavors, but everyone loves it.
Apricot nectar can be tricky to find (check the Latino foods) but I haven’t found a good substitute.
Austin’s Tuna Noodle Casserole
When Austin was taking Home Economics in middle school, he wanted to learn how to make this comfort dish. He carefully wrote down and measured the ingredients as I made it. It was just another beautiful, shared time in the kitchen. It is also still one of my husband’s favorite comfort foods.
Corn and Cabbage Slaw
No picture because when I took this to work it disappeared. The flavors are reminiscent of elote corn. This would be great with grilled chicken or pulled pork or even on a fish taco. And now I am hungry for a fish taco.
Meaty Lasagna
Bulgogi Meatballs and Veggies
This was inspired by a WaPo appetizer recipe that I wanted to make into a meal. Putting in more vegetables is always a goal for me. Somehow it appeals to everyone in the family.
Short Smoked Salmon
Mediterranean Frittata Cake
I came up with this recipe when trying to create a savory, vegetarian brunch item with what I had in the house. It was also a day I was feeling lazy so there couldn’t be a lot of work involved. Cue yummy sun dried tomatoes, a leftover box of baby spinach that needed to be used, and thankfully feta cheese. Winner, winner.
Stephanie’s Rolls
These rolls are a favorite of my kids. Years ago my best friend, Stephanie, and I challenged each other to make the better rolls. It about killed me, but my traitorous children, picked hers These are sweet and soft and perfect with a little ham tucked into them.
Thai Curry Soup
This is probably one of the most requested soups I have ever made. While the ingredient list is long, it comes together very quickly.
Zuppa Toscana
Mom’s Oatmeal Cake
My family often teases me for changing recipes, but this is all my mom’s. This is comfort food at its finest. Maybe someday I will keep it around long enough to take a picture.
Enchilada Sauce
Macaroni and Cheese
This is mostly Austin’s recipe, with a couple tiny tweaks from mom. Feel free to experiment with various cheese. Austin will sometimes chop up a 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños and mix those in before you bake it. I will serve chopped pickled jalapenos on the side.
My “Panera” Broccoli Cheddar Soup
My son recently told me that his favorite Broccoli soup was Panera’s. This is my take on their specialty. I love how they add carrots - they look like little cheese shreds and who doesn’t like more cheese. Next time I should remember to take the picture in a nice bowl.
Sundried Tomato and White Bean Soup
This soup is what happened when I wandered around Safeway to see what inspired me. I just wanted to make a healthy soup that I would take to work. I didn’t intend to make a gluten free, vegan dish but that is what happened. And then, even my husband liked it.
Chicken Salad
This is a wicked easy chicken salad that always pleases. The grapes give it a sweet pop but you can substitute chopped apples or pineapple as desired. I’m all about the personalization.
Chocolate Cheesecake
This is a cheesecake recipe for those who don’t want to fuss too much. No water bath, just low and slow. I used a white chocolate drizzle to decorate but you could do fruit or whipped cream or nothing.
Curried Chickpeas
This was my first foray into cooking a curry. Don’t be afraid of the ingredient list. Yes, there are a bunch of things but mostly you are just measuring out of jars. Since many things go in the blender, you don’t have to get fancy chopping thangs up. It isn’t spicy: just warm. Also great with some naan on the side.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This is an easy riff on Mexican street corn turned into a salad. Using yogurt for the dressing keeps things light and low fat.
Blueberry Buttermilk Biscuits
A riff on Sally’s Baking Addiction biscuits. The addition of blueberries and sweet glaze make these a delicious breakfast treat.