With corn still the star of the season, I tried a few corn cake recipes this week and the winner is……………this one (with a a big nod to WSJ)!! It’s healthy, savory, spicy and has a great texture that holds up well to toppings. A great appetizer or the […]
Sides
A list of side dishes.
Bloody Mary Salad
Hold the Vodka! That’s all that’s missing in this tasty twist of a Bloody Mary. Sweet, farm fresh tomatoes combined with all those yummy components of the cocktail make a delicious side for your summer BBQ. I paired this salad with a grilled flank steak and roasted potatoes for a […]
Charred Green Beans with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
Another idea for all those beans coming out of your garden and local farmers markets. A quick and tasty 10 minute side to pair with your summer mains. Charring the beans brings out a smokey, nutty flavor and it’s the only way I prepare these seasonal veggies. Add lime and […]
Sweet Kentucky Bourbon Cornbread Pudding with Candied Jalapenos
When I served this side along with BBQ ribs, I called it cornbread and Randy quickly responded, “this is not cornbread.” Huh? I looked at the recipe again and he was right, it is corn pudding. While that made sense to him, I’m really “not a connoisseur of the cornbread” […]
Grilled Veggies With Quinoa
After busy summer weekends, we like a fresh start on our Monday’s with healthy veggie packets. When you heat the vegetables in foil packets they release their natural juices and the heat also helps to caramelize them. This is hardly a recipe, really just a starting point for you to […]
Watermelon Radish And Burrata Salad
The Watermelon radish is an edible globular root that has the most vivid color you will find in this category. As with many roots, watermelon radishes should feel heavy for their size, and their skin should feel firm. Avoid watermelon radishes that feel spongy when gently squeezed. The […]
Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs
Who’s bringing the deviled eggs? You just might want to volunteer! This clever twist on a traditional deviled egg combines ingredients that mirror jalapeno poppers. The creamy yolks are combined with a bit of cream cheese, jalapeno and green onions. The eggs are then topped with cheddar cheese crisps and […]
Sweet Pea Pancakes
Spring has sprung. Time to close the chapter on cozy comfort food and turn the page to fresh green spring veggies. Fresh peas are a sure sign of Spring and the health benefits are impressive. Green peas […]
St. Paddy’s Day Stuffed Potaotes
Colcannon: mashed potatoes studded with tender cabbage or kale, onions, salt, pepper, butter and cream. This traditional Irish potato dish is typically served on Halloween. Well, I’m turning this savory side into a hearty main for St. Paddy’s Day by adding corned beef and horseradish sauce! Stuffing these spuds with […]
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Who doesn’t like (love) Kung Pao Chicken? How about a twist on your favorite Chinese take-out? Just add Brussels Sprouts to your Asian pantry staples…I hope by now you all have the ingredients on hand. Roast these seasonal beauties until they are firm but crisp and then toss […]
Cauliflower and Caramelized Onion Tart
Cauliflower seems to be getting a bit more love lately….as it should. This cruciferous vegetable boosts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and digestive support. Roasting cauliflower turns the slightly bitter flavor to sweet and nutty. Healthy and yummy. NOW add sweet caramelized onions, a cheesy custard, a bit of dijon and you […]
Polenta with Sauteed Mushrooms
This hearty vegetarian dish pairs rich, creamy polenta with a luscious topping of sautéed mushrooms. The Taleggio cheese adds a nutty layer of flavor that marries the earthiness of the mushrooms perfectly. For an entrée, we paired this with a crisp green salad, some crusty bread and an earthy red wine. […]
Wilted Greens With Bacon Jam
Bacon jam. Sweet, savory, slightly smokey and a bit crunchy. This condiment is a game changer for a multitude of dishes. While I’m posting this to accompany greens ( Thanksgiving??) think of the possibilities…..ultimate grilled cheese, hamburgers, over brie, rosemary focaccia crostini, stuffed dates, quesadillas and on and on and […]
Orange Olives
Eat like a Mediterranean and live longer. OR…I would just like to live longer IN the Mediterranean!! After returning from a visit to Italy, it is clear that the Mediterranean diet is working on those people!! The diet is varied containing nuts, legumes, olives, olive oil, fish, whole grains and […]
Roasted Green Beans
What’s your favorite way to eat freshly picked green beans? Mine is raw….. until now. Roasting these summer farm stand faves highlight their sweet flavor. The result turns these beans to a nutty, caramelized, crispy side dish. Roasted Green Beans Serves 4-6 2 lbs green beans 1 to 2 tablespoons […]
Roasted Carrot and Avocado Salad
One of my most popular posts to date is the Marinated Mozzarella appetizer, inspired by my favorite blog Lottie and Doof. I returned to this award-winning site in an anticipation of a bumper crop of carrots, (fingers crossed Sil and Courtney). For this recipe I par boiled carrots earlier in the day […]
Lobster Mac N Cheese
A very special side dish or a decadent entree…you choose. I’m pairing this rich, indulgent dish with BBQ’d Ribs. The tender chunks of fresh lobster are king here mixing well with the combination of Gruyere and cheddar cheese. Like I said, this is a very special meal for the MVP […]
Honey Lemon Chia Muffins
Lemon and Ricotta….fragrant and fluffy. Spring. Add poppy seeds and you have one of my favorite muffins. Ingredients like olive oil, ricotta, honey, and chia seeds make a lighter version. Chia seeds……another super-food on the block are rich in omega-3s, help reduce inflammation and cholesterol and are high in fiber and […]
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Only four ingredients for a fabulous side. Really?? These smashers have the creaminess of mashed potatoes and crispy exterior of a fry. The concept is simple….par-cook, let cool slightly and then smash until flat but still intact…about 1/2″ thick.. Use Yukon’s that are approximately 2″ in diameter. Once smashed, the […]
Coconut Curry Cauliflower
Indian cuisine is new to my repertoire. Indian cooking intimidated me primarily due to the vast array of exotic spices. But fortunately, I have a neighbor who happily opens up his kitchen to teach me some of his authentic dishes. Raj eats a diet filled with veggies and plant-based protein. […]
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
What are you serving for Thanksgiving this year? I know you can’t divert too much from the same ‘ol same ‘ol. Traditions… (when it comes to food) are imperative and everyone’s favorite needs to show up. But what about the salad???? That poor… poor salad. We (a crew of 30 plus) […]
Cumin Lime Roasted Carrots
Yep, I know another side! Hey, very often this course is the star…or can set the tone. These roasted carrots are a nice Fall accompaniment to your roasted chicken or a flavorful marinated flank steak. Use similar flavor profiles to marry the entrée and side together. Serve with roasted potatoes. […]
Grilled Sweet Onions With Blue Cheese And Balsamic Glaze
One of our favorite sides this summer has been grilled sweet onions and blue cheese, drizzled with balsamic glaze. The lightly charred sweet onions balance the salty richness of the cheese….making it the perfect combination. I used skewers to keep the rings together to make flipping easier. This is […]
Rustic Heirloom Tomato Tart
Tomatoes are abundant right now…..so make the most of these summertime jewels. This recipe is a twist on the Southern tradition of tomato pie. Layer your tart with heirloom tomatoes and dollop with an herbed cheese mayo and you have a savory and robust side to a summer meal […]
Tomato, Stone Fruit And Mozzarella Salad
It was Monday morning and I needed to jump-start the week. I love our weekends and I love my weekend Wall Street Journal; my favorite section is Off Duty. I usually find interesting ideas from chefs around the country. Saturday highlighted Chicago chef, Stephanie Izard and her take on a […]
Poppyseed Coleslaw
Coleslaw…. most people can take it or leave it. Memories of soggy, over-mayonnaised salad may come to mind. Being the ultimate traditional side to a summer BBQ, coleslaw needs a shot in the arm. Give this recipe a try. …. it’s a crowd pleaser that I promise you will […]
Deconstructed Street Corn Salad
What memories are stirred when you sink your teeth into that first bite of summer’s corn on the cobb? I go back to my childhood where Mom would send one of us across the street to the farm stand with pocket change to pick up our daily sweet side to […]
Sweet Potato Chips
File this under….needed to be documented. The kids have called for this simple, healthy snack recipe so often that I felt it just needs to be on the record (blog)!! A couple things differ with this method than others…..first, the length of the slice and second, the slow cooking process. Many […]
Oven Braised Artichokes With Lemon And Thyme
Don’t let the preparation of these prickly thistles intimidate you. Artichokes are in season and this method of braising is easy. Once you trim the leaves and cut out the choke your work is done. My Mom’s typical preparation for artichokes was to steam them. (Always somewhat problematic because of […]
Pea and Mint Salad
I’m a pea convert. Going back to my childhood and recalling the mushy, tasteless little guys had me avoiding them for years. Now, I look forward to peas in their season. Peas are the crowning glory of the spring season with a naturally sweet flavor which enhance and complement […]