Time-out! I don’t know about you… but I need a break! Perhaps a different flavor palate? Perhaps a carb-free meal?? These tasty wraps do the trick! They have a refreshing crunchy texture, a spicy kick and have plenty of protein to call it dinner. You need to keep these Asian ingredients […]
Author: shreddedsprout
Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower just doesn’t get the love. This cruciferous vegetable is full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and healthy fiber. While the health benefits are impressive, it’s just not the fan favorite. Try roasting these florets, add celery root and the result is sweet, nutty…. with a rich depth of flavor. I am confidant […]
Brandy Alexander
Nightcaps! Just when you’ve cried “Uncle” and slipped away to replace your fancy pants with yoga pants….here come the Brandy Alexanders. Everyone’s around the fire playing a rousing round of the “name game” when Aunt Paula serves up this traditional treat.. A happy ending to a Happy Thanksgiving! Brandy Alexander […]
Pumpkin Roll
The family tradition of “The Pumpkin Roll” goes back 15 years. This recipe had me at….. Fannie May Toffee!! Among the mix of pies, the pumpkin roll holds a special place at the Thanksgiving Sweet Table. Many recipes for this cake call for eggs and cream cheese, which can be […]
Quinoa and Acorn Squash
Think quinoa (gluten-free superfood) for a healthy, high protein week night meal. Incorporate seasonal ingredients for texture, great flavor, and potent nutrition. I feel fortunate that I have a husband that’s game for a dinner of grains and vegetables. However, I’ll add a nice glass of red wine and a […]
Pumpkin Bread French Toast with Bacon Brittle
O.K. so here’s the plan. The day after Thanksgiving when the house is still buzzing with relatives ….I am serving this for breakfast!!! Why you ask?? So they leave my leftovers alone! Status quo has been coffee, pumpkin pie………and then here we go…….. turkey sandwiches, cranberries, sweet potatoes, dressing and turnips! (You […]
Twice Baked Sweet Potato With Bacon Brittle
Bacon….do I really need to say more??? Switch up those same ‘ol, same ‘ol, holiday potatoes. This dish can be made hours before and the brittle the day before. Depending on the size of your party, make individual potatoes or serve casserole style. The bacon brittle adds a nice salty/sweet […]
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad With Burrata Cheese
Birth of the blog! Let’s start at the very beginning……. Randy and I were having a quiet Friday night in front of the fire last Fall and out comes The Shredded Sprouts Salad with a nice (glass) of wine. This started a conversation about journaling my recipes which then evolved…light […]
Butternut Squash Risotto
Risotto is not difficult to make…..if you have the time. Pour a glass of wine, set out a nice appetizer and bring your guests into the kitchen while you combine these simple ingredients to create an elegant (yet casual) seasonal entree. Butternut Squash Risotto Serves 4 (as a main course) […]
Caramelized Onion and Apple Tarts
With the holidays fast approaching it’s a good idea to have a few easy appetizers in your back pocket. Really can’t get much easier than this! Keep these seasonal ingredients on hand …. you can also combine mushroom and butternut squash or pear and caramelized onion. This appetizer pulls together […]
Celery Root And Potato Puree
Celery root (Celeriac) is a root vegetable. This gnarly-looking root need not be judged by it’s cover anymore. What you’ll find beneath is a creamy, white flesh with a deliciously sweet, smokey flavor. This humble vegetable packs some serious health benefits: it’s high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. […]
Cornbread With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
For years I have been in the hunt for the perfect cornbread. There’s cakey, dense, sweet, savory… you name it. The style really doesn’t matter when the bread ends up in the chili anyway! I’ve come to the conclusion that my preference is a typical cornbread with a twist. I […]
Chicken Chili
Fall, football, chili and beer! Is there a better combination? I think not. The aroma of onions, garlic, and cumin filling the house makes game day something special. I have been making this version of the fall classic for years. The original recipe was made with *(ground turkey). I prefer […]
Autumn Apple Salad
IT’S APPLE SEASON. We had an apple orchard within 2 miles of our home when the kids were young, so we spent many autumn days apple picking, cider drinking and donut eating (never got that connection). We love apples! This time of year any apple recipe stops me in my tracks. […]
Butternut Squash Soup
Hello Fall! This is my favorite season….crisp air, bonfires, sweaters, football and fabulous autumn fare. (And a very welcome change from the summer to forget). I have vivid memories of my Mom baking halves of acorn squash filled with butter, salt and pepper and serving all eight of us this […]
Apple Galette
I had approximately an hour and a half before my friend Mary was stopping by for a Happy Birthday glass of champagne. I just looked at this recipe the day before and had all the ingredients in the house, so this made for a perfect impromptu happy (birthday) hour. Time did […]
Roasted Fennel with Asiago and Thyme
When you roast fennel it takes on a whole new depth of flavor, much different than its raw form. The slight licorice flavor mellows and the roasted bulbs turn to a nutty sweetness. I think this side makes for a nice accompaniment to any grilled or roasted entree. I love […]
Red Snapper Packets with Asparagus Rounds
When my kids called and asked for a great way to prepare fish at home I suggested they think back to the days of Girls Scouts and Indian Guides when everything went into a foil packet over the fire! O.K… so this may be kicked up a notch but certainly […]
Pork Tenderloin With Cherry Salsa
Cherry season peaks in June/July in the U.S. and we are winding down on one of my favorite seasonal flavors. You think cherries and think dessert. You think chocolate and think dessert. But both are way more versatile. This recipe combines these two flavors to create a savory and sweet […]
Zucchini Ribbons with Fresh Tomato Sauce
What’s for dinner? This recipe takes so few ingredients and so little time…..it’s a simple idea for a quick weeknight meal. I’m not the biggest fan of zucchini but Randy is. However, I do appreciate a creative technique. Slicing the zucchini into ribbons not only makes for a nice presentation […]
Plum Crazy Salad
This is an elegant summer salad with a blend of sweet and savory. The winning flavor combination for me is tarragon in the dressing and thin slices of fennel in the salad. The tarragon is a retro flavor that brings me back to the late 80’s when the culinary world […]
Harvest Bruschetta
It was harvest time at the Common Threads Garden this week. Tomatoes, swiss chard, kale, oregano, basil and chives were all on the menu for the day. The children seemed apprehensive with the ingredients at first……..however ………..they all loved the results!! Healthy eating tastes good!!!!!!! Harvest Bruschetta (adapted from a Common […]
Grilled Peaches
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said …..I never get a good peach!! So last week I spent some time at the farmers market with a peach farmer from Michigan. I now know more than I’ve ever wanted to know about peaches!!! (Sadly, 80% of his stone fruit […]
Tomato Tart
It’s tomato season!!!! We wait for months for this bounty and now that the harvest is abundant let’s find our favorite tomato recipes! I have been making this tart for years and it never disappoints. (Adapted from Kathy Harrison’s Cooking Class) You can be as creative as there are shapes […]
Grilled Pineapple Dessert
Keep the grill lit! This is an easy end to a backyard BBQ that will make you want to book your winter trip to Jamaica mon! 1 pineapple cooking spray 1 tablespoon butter 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup rum flaked coconut, toasted 1 pint coconut macaroon ice cream (or vanilla) […]
Chorizo Flatbread
A few weeks ago we gathered with good friends for a casual Friday night dinner party. Tom and Maureen always entertain with such ease and style, I usually leave with a great take-away. This flatbread has not left my mind since. The combination of garlic aioli, greens, parmesan, and chorizo […]
Leftover BBQ Breakfast
Oooops! Just when I thought all the guests had left for the evening …..they didn’t. We woke up to the leftovers both in the people variety and food. I wasn’t planning on serving breakfast but quickly needed to whip something up. Not tons of options in the fridge but had […]
S’MORE THE MERRIER
Who knew that today, August 10th is National S’mores Day??? I didn’t. I’ve always associated that sticky classic with Fall, bonfires and crisp cool air. Well…. last winter I hosted a “Comfort Food” evening with a few college friends and was looking for the perfect dessert. When Randy suggested roasting […]
Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad
I know, I know…..it’s been done. I’m not trying to re-invent the wheel here, only to document a GREAT salad. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta and refreshing mint make this the perfect summer salad. Be creative!! I decided to show two ways to serve this seasonal dish. First, as […]
Scallops with Avocado Salsa
I love scallops. The husband loves scallops. Our good friends Mark and Kathleen love scallops. This recipe has become a regular appetizer for our casual get-togethers. The combination of fresh summer produce and a caramelized scallop is hard to top. We pair this with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Avocado Salsa 1 avocado diced […]