Roasted Carrots

Recipe Found HERE

1 pound carrots, about 1 large or 2 medium bunches, cut into 2-inch barrels 

1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 

1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup) 

½ teaspoon sea salt 

Freshly ground black pepper 

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish 

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the carrots with the olive oil, honey, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Transfer the carrots to the baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Roast for 15 to 35 minutes, or until fork-tender and lightly browned but not mushy. The timing will depend on the size of your carrots. Remove from the oven and season to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Roasted Broccoli

Recipe Found HERE

12 ounces broccoli florets 

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling 

Sea salt

Black pepper, freshly ground 

Red pepper flakes, optional 

Lemon, optional

Spice mix (Penzey's sandwich sprinkle, etc)

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the broccoli florets on the baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt/pepper, and spice mix and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast 15 to 22 minutes or until browned around the edges. 

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh squeezed lemon juice over the top, if desired. 

Mango Jicama Slaw

Inspired by Trader Joe's and recipe here

1/2 cup ripe-firm mango, thinly sliced or julienned 

1 cup julienned jicama 

1 cup shredded green cabbage 

1/8 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 

LIME MANGO VINAIGRETTE 

1/4 cup mango chunks 

2 Tablespoons olive oil 

2 Tablespoons rice vinegar 

2 Tablespoons honey 

2 teaspoons lime juice 

1 clove garlic 

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Prep slaw ingredients and place your cabbage, jicama, mango and cilantro in a salad bowl. Toss to combine. 

Add all ingredients for the mango dressing into a blender and blend until smooth. The batch will make about 3/4 cup. Pour 1/2 cup over slaw mixture and toss to combine. Taste and add more dressing if needed. 

Store any remaining dressing in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Leftover salad will also last 3 days in the fridge.

Vegan Broccoli Salad

Nikki H.  
Recipe Found HERE

Cashew Sauce

1 cup raw cashews (soaked or boiled)

½ cup unsweetened almond milk

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp sea salt (add more to taste)

¼ tsp black pepper 

Broccoli Salad

2 lbs raw broccoli (stems removed)

1 ½ cups red grapes halved

¾ cup red onion diced

½ cup dried cherries

½ cup roasted pumpkin seeds 

Boil the cashews in water for 10 minutes. Drain any excess water and set them aside to cool. 

Add the cashews, ½ cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper to a blender. Blend on high until the sauce is smooth and creamy. 

Trim the stems off the broccoli and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. Put the broccoli into a large mixing bowl along with 1 ½ cups halved grapes, ¾ cup diced red onion, ½ cup dried cherries, ½ cup roasted pumpkin seeds, and all of the cashew sauce.

Use a large spoon to toss the salad together until everything is coated with the cashew sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary. 

You can enjoy the salad immediately or put it into the fridge to chill for one hour before serving. 

 Notes: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Easy Winter Fresh Fruit Salad

Recipe found and adapted here

Fantastic fresh and healthy side dish for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas dinner to offset the typically heavy holiday foods. 

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 cup peeled and diced kiwi fruit

1 cup fresh mandarin orange segments 

1 cup diced apples or pears 

1 cup halved grapes 

½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds 

lemon juice (for apples/pears)

Place the fruit in a serving bowl. If using pears/apples toss them with a light squeeze of lemon juice before adding to the salad. 

Notes:

The fruit is very adaptable to what is in season and what you prefer. You’ll want about 5-6 cups total fruit (not including the pomegranate seeds). The lineup listed above is my favorite (I use pears when I can find delicious, ripe ones). 

Pomegranate Seeds: I personally think the pomegranate seeds are essential for this fruit salad – for color, texture, flavor and prettiness.

Mango Salsa

The key to great salsa is dicing everything very small.

Recipe Found Here

3 ripe mangos, diced

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 

½ cup chopped red onion 

¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 

1 jalapeño, seeded and minced 

1-2 large lime, juiced (about ¼ cup lime juice) 

⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste 

In a serving bowl, combine the prepared mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro and jalapeño. 

Drizzle with the juice of one lime. 

Using a large spoon, stir the ingredients together. 

Season to taste with salt, and stir again. For best flavor, let the salsa rest for 10 minutes or longer.

Sunny's Book Club Fruit Salad

Recipe Found HERE

1 cup Sugar

1 cup Water 

Juice Of 1 Orange 

Zest Of 1 Orange 

2 whole Vanilla Beans, Caviar Scraped Out (or 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract) 

4 pt. Strawberries, hulled and halved 

2 pt. Blueberries 

2 cups Red Grapes, halved 

2 cups Green Grapes, halved 

Mint Leaves 

Place the sugar, water, orange juice and orange zest into a small saucepan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 to thicken slightly. Set aside to cool, then store in the fridge until cold. 

Mix together all the fruit in a large bowl and pour the syrup over the top, tossing gently. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.

Cranberry Sauce

1 (12-ounce/340-gram) bag fresh or frozen cranberries 

¾ cup/150 grams granulated sugar 

2 large lemons

water

Combine the cranberries, sugar and 3 tablespoons water in a medium saucepan. Zest the lemons directly into the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the mixture is jammy, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from the heat and reserve. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Black Bean Corn Salad with Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette

This is a fabulous side dish, salad topping, or my favorite dip with chips!

Recipe Found HERE

SALAD

• 2 ears fresh corn (or frozen corn)
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh chopped cilantro (plus a bit more for garnish, if desired)
• 1 avocado (optional) 

DressiNG

• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice, from 1-2 limes
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large garlic clove, roughly chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (2 peppers, not 2 cans; use smaller peppers and if they are all large, use only 1-1/2)

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corn, cover, and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the corn from the water and let cool.
2. Meanwhile, place the chopped red onions in a small bowl and cover with water. Let sit about ten minutes, then drain completely in a sieve and set aside.
3. Place the beans in a sieve; run under cold water to rinse well. Let drain completely and set aside.
4. Holding the cooled corn upright in a large bowl, cut the kernels off the cob in strips. Add the beans, red onion, red bell pepper and cilantro.
5. Make the dressing by combining all of the ingredients in a blender or mini food processor; process until smooth.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or, preferably, overnight.

1. Right before serving, add freshly diced avocado. Toss the salad gently, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (a squeeze of fresh lime to freshen it up). Garnish with a bit of fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Serve cold.

Chicken Nachos

Recipe Found HERE

You can easily prepare the chicken the day before or in the morning, to throw together later. One pan is enough for about 4-5 people. 

FOR THE CHICKEN
2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 large cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, plus 1 tablespoon sauce from can
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups shredded cooked chicken, from 1 rotisserie chicken
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

FOR THE NACHOS
1 (13-oz) bag tortilla chips
7 cups (28 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese
2/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
1/4 cup finely sliced scallions, from 2 to 3 scallions
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro

FOR SERVING (OPTIONAL)
Guacamole
Sour cream
Limes wedges

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CHICKEN
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and saute, stirring constantly for 1 min (garlic can burn fast). Do not brown; reduce the heat if necessary.

Add the tomato sauce, chipotle peppers and sauce, sugar, cumin, oregano, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. Stir in the chicken and cilantro.

FOR THE NACHOS
Preheat the oven to 425°F and set two racks in the center of the oven. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer, overlapping slightly, on two 13 x 18-inch baking sheets. Spread the chicken evenly over the chips, followed by the cheeses. Bake until the cheese is melted, 5 to 8 minutes.

Remove the nachos from the oven, then sprinkle with scallions and cilantro. Serve immediately, passing the guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges separately.

Make-Ahead Instructions: The chicken mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead of time. Warm the chicken to room temperature in the microwave before assembling the nachos.

Fresh Guacamole

Recipe Found HERE

3 avocados, ripe
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
3 Tablespoons, fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 fresh lime, juiced
1/2 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, salt to taste


Slice the avocados in half, remove the pit and skin and place in a mixing bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork and make it as chunky or smooth as you'd like.

Add the remaining ingredients and stir together.

To store or make ahead:
Place your leftover guacamole in a storage container and pat it down firmly with a spoon so it’s nice and flat on top. Add about 1/2 inch of cold water on top. Place the lid on the storage container and store it in the fridge. When you want to enjoy the guacamole, drain the water off the top, give it a stir and you’re good to go.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Scrub sweet potatoes and then prick all over with a fork. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet (lined with foil/parchment for easy clean-up). Bake until tender, or until a knife inserted in the thickest part has no resistance, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Split tops open with a knife and season as desired (butter, cinnamon sugar, or with salt and pepper etc).

Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Recipe Found HERE

These ultra-creamy make-ahead mashed potatoes can be prepared two days ahead of time and reheated in the microwave. Perfect for the busy holidays! 

*My Idaho husband loved them - they passed the test!* 

3-1/2 pounds Russet potatoes
2 cups heavy cream
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
Chives, for serving

Preheat the oven to 450°F and adjust an oven rack to the middle position. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack (alternatively, you can place them on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet). Bake until very soft, 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. (Err on the side of overcooking rather than undercooking them.) Remove the potatoes from the oven.

While they are still hot, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using an oven mitt or a folded kitchen towel to hold the hot potatoes, scoop out all of the flesh from each potato half into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (*see notes on using a potato ricer, food mill or hand-held electric mixer). The flesh near the skin gets a little tough, so be sure to leave it behind. Break the cooked potato flesh down into small pieces using a fork, potato masher, or rubber spatula.

Beat on low speed until completely smooth and no lumps remain, 1 to 2 minutes, stopping the mixer to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream and 6 Tablespoons of the butter to a simmer.

Remove the bowl from the mixer stand and, using a large rubber spatula, gradually fold in the hot cream and butter mixture. It will take a few minutes to mix it all in; keep folding until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Stir in the salt, then taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a large microwave-safe bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap (the bowl should be large enough that the potatoes don’t touch the plastic wrap). Refrigerate for up to 2 days. (DO NOT FREEZE)

To reheat, use the tip of a knife to poke about 10 holes in the plastic wrap knife, and microwave at medium-high (75 percent) power until the potatoes are hot, about 14 minutes, stirring halfway through the reheating time. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and sprinkle with the chives. Serve hot.
Note: For perfectly smooth potatoes, pass the potato flesh through a potato ricer or food mill before adding them to the mixer. If you don't have a stand mixer, you can use a hand-held electric mixer but the potatoes won’t be quite as smooth. If you don't have an electric mixer, pass the potatoes through a food mill or potato ricer and then whip by hand with a wooden spoon.

Simple Baked Potatoes

Medium Russet Potatoes
Fork
Butter
Salt & Pepper

Scrub potatoes. Pat dry. Poke with fork all over. Bake in 375 degree oven directly on rack for 1 hr 10min. Check with knife when done. Serve with butter, salt, pepper and other toppings.

Baked Potato Garlic Herb Sour Cream Topping

Sunny A.

Recipe Found Here

1 cup sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon fresh dill
1 teaspoon chopped chives
1 Tablespoon flat leaf parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Add the sour cream to a small bowl. Add garlic, dill, chives, parsley, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix to combine.

Cover with plastic wrap and keep chilled until ready to serve. Slice potatoes in half and pinch sides to open. Add garlic herb sour cream and serve.

Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Recipe Found Here 

4 cups cooked elbow macaroni, drained

2 cups grated cheddar cheese (extra sharp yellow cheddar)
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
4 Tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350. Once you have the macaroni cooked and drained, place in a large bowl and while still hot and add the cheese.

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture. Pour macaroni mixture into an 8x8 small casserole dish, top with additional cheese if desired, and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. 

Breakfast Potatoes

Recipe Found Here

4 whole (to 5) Large Red Potatoes
1 whole Onion
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Or Canola Oil
1 Tablespoon butter (more if pan needs it)
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Red and Green Bell Peppers, Diced (optional)

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover entirely with water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork tender (20 min or so). When they are ready, place the potatoes on a cutting board and dice them into 1-inch pieces.

Next cut up an onion into a large, rough dice.

In a large skillet heat oil and butter. Put the onions in the skillet and sauté until they start to turn brown. (You can also use red and green bell peppers diced up. If you do, throw them in at this point).

Next, throw in the diced potatoes. Stir well and then slightly press/pack then. Now you will cook them without stirring for several minutes. You want the pan to be hot enough to crisp the potatoes but not hot enough to char them. (Optional step: sprinkle a bit of flour over potatoes as they cook). Cook for several minutes and then flip them with a spatula. Salt and Pepper them as they cook. Cook until desired brownness.

Southern Collard Greens

(Oma J.)

ham bone
collards
3 Tablespoons vinegar
4 teaspoons sugar
pinch salt

Clean them well - each leaf individually as they are sandy.  OR you can buy them in a bag chopped and cleaned.

Take a ham bone or part of the ham/bone. 

Take greens and pull the thick part of stem off.  Put all greens in pot with ham bone and just barely cover w/water;  add white vinegar, sugar, and a bit of salt.  Bring to boil;  simmer about an hour covered.  Taste to correct.  If bitter add a little more sugar - may need a bit more vinegar.

Perfect Potatoes au Gratin

recipe found here

4 whole Russet Potatoes, Scrubbed Clean

2 Tablespoons Butter, Softened
1-1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1/2 cup Whole Milk
2 Tablespoons Flour
4 cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
1 teaspoon Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Freshly Grated

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Smear softened butter all over the bottom of a baking dish.

Slice potatoes, then cut slices into fourths.

In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, milk, flour, minced garlic, salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.

Place 1/3 of the potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour 1/3 of the cream mixture over the potatoes.

Repeat this two more times, ending with the cream mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown and really bubbling. Add grated cheese to the top of the potatoes and bake for 3 to 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Allow to stand for a few minutes before serving by the spoonful. Delicious

Vegetable Tian

from Barefoot in Paris, Ina Garten
also found here

Serves 4 to 6 (I will make a larger one next time)

3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, cut in half and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled (2 potatoes)
3/4 pound zucchini (1 zucchini)
1 yellow squash
1 1/4 pounds medium tomatoes (plum/roma tomatoes)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs (I used dried crushed)
2 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (I used Parmesan)
3 tablespoons Panko crumbs (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Brush a 9x13x 2-inch baking dish with 1 Tablespoon olive oil. In a medium saute pan, heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil and cook the onions over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Spread the onion mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.

Slice the potatoes, zucchini, squash and tomatoes in 1/4-inch-thick slices. Layer them alternately in the dish on top of the onions, fitting them tightly, making only one layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper thyme leaves, and thyme sprigs and drizzle with 1 more Tablespoon of olive oil. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Uncover the dish, remove the thyme sprigs, sprinkle with cheese* on top, and bake for another 30 minutes, or until browned. Serve warm.

*I wait unitl it is done and out of the oven to add the cheese

Can be made ahead of time, refrigerated and reheated at serving time.