Classic Potato Salad is everything you want Potato Salad is a favorite for several reasons. It's easy to make. It uses the best of summer potatoes. And it's so darned delicious! It's all about the potatoes There are a lot of opinions as to which potatoes make the best potato salad. As you can see from the photos I am sure, we prefer red skin potatoes. The fresher the better and that is easy this time of year. If you don't grow your own potatoes, they are abundant at Farmer's Markets and ... Read More about Classic Potato Salad
Side Dishes
Southwest Creamed Corn
Southwest Creamed Corn - a savory treat There are few things better in the life of a gardener that the season's first ear of sweet corn. If you have a place nearby where you can get corn that has been picked the same day as you buy it, that is nearly as good. In either case, Southwest Creamed Corn can't be far behind for corn lovers. Creamed corn is not the same as 'cream-style' corn You can buy cans of 'cream-style' corn in any supermarket. But, if you look at the ingredients, there is ... Read More about Southwest Creamed Corn
Lemon Garlic Zucchini
Lemon Garlic Zucchini is a simple side dish We like simple meals in the summer. And with so many vegetables coming out of the garden, it's not hard to pull together a fast, easy supper. Lemon Garlic Zucchini is definitely a favorite. We are pretty big fans of zucchini, no matter how we get to cook it. There's Chai Zucchini Quick Bread, Zucchini Fritters and Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Zucchini - all good. But all taking considerably more effort than Lemon Garlic Zucchini. Busy days ... Read More about Lemon Garlic Zucchini
Jalapeno Lime Cucumber Salad
Jalapeno Lime Cucumber Salad - cool and spicy! I know that cool and spicy seem like opposites, but in Jalapeno Lime Cucumber Salad, they come together beautifully. Fresh, crisp cucumbers, citrus from the lime juice in the vinaigrette and then there are those flavorful jalapenos! I would have difficulty naming my favorite fresh from the garden vegetable. Cucumbers are right at the top of the list though. Nothing tastes the same as a fresh cucumber that you grew yourself. Don't let that ... Read More about Jalapeno Lime Cucumber Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad is perfect for summertime meals This Mediterranean Orzo Salad can be made hours up to a day or two ahead of when you plan to serve it. It keeps well, because of the oil and vinegar dressing. In fact, we like it better the next day. That is the beauty of a marinated salad. The dressing sinks into the ingredients and melds all the flavors together. This is a flexible recipe Though it's called orzo salad, you can use any pasta that you prefer. Orzo is nice and small, ... Read More about Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Warm Green Bean Tomato Salad
Warm Green Bean Tomato Salad is good at any temperature We get this idea that every salad has to be ice cold. I think this Warm Green Bean Tomato Salad demonstrates that is not 100% true. Don't get me wrong, now. This salad is actually very good chilled. But it is equally good right off the stove, or at room temperature. And having a salad that stays tasty and fresh without refrigeration is a great thing in the summertime. Warm or room-temperature salads are safer in the summer There are ... Read More about Warm Green Bean Tomato Salad
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Spicy Peanut Noodles are Asian-inspired goodness This recipe has been kicking around my various blogs for years, and once I got to this version, I have never been able to improve upon it. Spicy Peanut Noodles is made with pantry ingredients you probably already have, plus a few veggies. The best part though, is how fast and easy it is to make. It is perfect for a busy weeknight, or after a day doing chores and errands on the weekend. It is so delicious and special, that you can serve it to ... Read More about Spicy Peanut Noodles
Buttermilk Cornbread
Buttermilk Cornbread is everything you want in cornbread There can be a problem with cornbread - it is very easy to make cornbread that is heavy, dense and dry. We're going to fix that today! Buttermilk Cornbread is hearty and is still light and moist because of the buttermilk. If you love cornbread as much as we do, that is very important. Buttermilk is a key ingredient Buttermilk makes a world of difference in recipes for quick breads leavened with baking powder or baking soda. The ... Read More about Buttermilk Cornbread
Broccoli Bacon Slaw
Broccoli Bacon Slaw is a match made in heaven! Seriously - what could be better than this Broccoli Bacon Slaw? It has everything that makes a great late winter/early spring salad, doesn't it? Nothing is growing here yet, so we have to rely on the store for fresh veggies. And, I don't mind, because this salad is so good! It's coleslaw with a twist. And a salad with bacon - is that like a dream come true or what? Hasn't that been the trouble with salads all through the history of the ... Read More about Broccoli Bacon Slaw
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are perfect for this time of year. This is "egg season" which makes it the perfect time of year to make deviled eggs. When the days start to get longer, and temperatures begin to rise a bit, chickens lay more eggs. We raise chickens for eggs, so I'm always looking for more ways to use them in these spring months. Deviled eggs are a great thing to take to a get-together because it doesn't seem like people make them as much as they used to. They seem special and that makes ... Read More about Deviled Eggs
Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms are an easy appetizer or side dish I think you most often see mushrooms like these Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms served as appetizers. That is kind of selling them short though. Mushrooms make a great side dish with grilled or roasted meats, like these Chipotle Maple Chicken Thighs. And, if you're sticking with veggie only options, they would be yummy with Cheesy Quinoa and Veggie Bake. Or, as you might expect, they do make a very fine addition to a selection of appetizers ... Read More about Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Honey Lemon Winter Squash
Honey Lemon Winter Squash has wonderful flavor! This is the best time of year to grab some winter squash. Properly stored, it will be at its peak of flavor right about now - fully ripened and nicely sweet. It is just perfect with the flavors of honey and lemon too - a little sweet, a little acidity. Those flavors enhance the background richness of the squash itself immeasurably. I know, I already did a recipe with Lemon this week, but maybe you bought a bag of lemons and now you need ... Read More about Honey Lemon Winter Squash