What I Learned About Salads from Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen is a fast causal restaurant that serves salads, bowl meals, and protein plates. They are a growing chain with a loyal following. I don’t usually eat out as I prefer cooking meals for my family. When traveling, however, it is an opportunity to try new restaurants, hence my visit to Sweetgreen during a recent […]

In Need of Meal Planning Inspiration This Week?

In need of meal planning inspiration this week? Pam Outen was recently honored by NC State University for her 50+ year career as an Extension agent. Pam’s goal was to help people plan quick, easy, and nutritious meals. You can find Pam’s videos on her YouTube channel Pam’s Kitchen*. I hope this will fuel your […]

Quinoa, Broccoli, and Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Batch prepping and batch cooking can save you time and money as well as help you eliminate some areas of food waste. I don’t always have time to do this on the weekend but when I do it makes the work week so much less stressful. Batch cooking and prepping on the weekend allow me […]

Prepared tacos

Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos

This versatile recipe brings together simple ingredients to produce a flavorful combination. Sweet potato, cauliflower, and bell pepper can be exchanged for other vegetables, such as carrots, russet potatoes, eggplant, or squash. The recipe calls for corn tortillas, but you could use flour tortillas, naan bread, or substitute with rice. Add optional toppings to increase […]

Prepared meal

Turkey Skillet Recipe

This recipe was inspired by a Home Chef meal my brother gifted me in exchange for dog sitting. It was so simple to make and delicious, that I knew I had to recreate this recipe. This meal comes together quickly in one pot if you have cooked grains like brown rice or quinoa already on […]

Serving of thai noodles in a bowl

Pad Thai-Inspired Hearts of Palm Noodles

Pad Thai is certainly one of the most popular Thai dishes in the US. It has a sweet, sour, spicy combination that is hard to beat. Making it at home can be complicated with finding the traditional ingredients of Nahm prik Pow (hot sauce), palm sugar, tamarind sauce, fish sauce, etc. The noodles used for […]

Samosa-Inspired Potato Cakes

The best part of a samosa is the filling. This dish is inspired by samosas without the frying or outside wrapper. They are delicious and the heat can easily be adjusted for your palate by how much cayenne you use. Placing the mixture in the refrigerator makes it much easier to make patties and sear […]

Shaking Portobello Mushrooms

Shaking beef is a very famous Vietnamese dish that gets its American name from the constant shaking of the pan to cook the beef and onions without burning. It is traditionally served on a bed of watercress and with a dipping sauce of lime juice and pepper. This dish borrows from the famous original but […]

Chicken Cutlet with Cucumber and Greens

Chicken cutlet is a year-round favorite and a simple way to get more bang for your buck. One boneless skinless chicken breast makes for two hefty cutlets when pounded thin. The surprising addition of crackers goes the distance by adding both crunch and flavor. When paired with a simple summer salad – one full of […]

Khichdi – Instant Pot Recipe

Khichdi is a very popular dish from the Indian subcontinent and has many variations depending upon the different regions of India. The common theme is that it is made from a mix of rice and lentils – it is like a savory porridge that is served hot. It is usually one of the first solid […]