Looking for a quick, healthy side dish? This just might do the trick. I love the simplicity of this, the preparation is about as minimal as could be and the tasty reward is significant. Try this as a yummy side with any grilled meat or poultry. However, my favorite is alongside a nice juicy grilled steak.

INGREDIENTS
2-3 sweet potatoes
olive oil
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
cayenne pepper, to taste
1-2 Tbs. pure maple syrup

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425º
First, wash and scrub the potatoes. Next, cut the potatoes in half, lengthwise and then cut each half into three or four lengthwise wedges. Place the wedges on a rimmed baking sheet, sprinkle lightly with the olive oil. Then add the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, maple syrup and toss to coat thoroughly.

Place into the preheated oven and roast for about 20-30 minutes, turning once or twice to ensure even browning. Because all ovens are different, check for doneness with a fork, it should be easily inserted. If it feels too firm, leave them in a bit longer. That’s it…serve immediately.

NOTES
Although this is my favorite, feel free to be more adventurous and use different spices or fresh herbs. You could replace the maple syrup with a tablespoon or two of brown sugar. I have tried this with both fresh rosemary and fresh thyme and loved it.

Okay, this is for all of you non-bread bakers. I understand your hesitation because that was me too, until I found this recipe. It is part of the no-knead trend in bread baking and it is a definite game changer. Not only is it easy, but it is delicious. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed and I dare say, you’ll be quite pleased with yourself!

INGREDIENTS
16 oz. warm water
1/4 tsp. yeast
1 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
1 1/2 Tbs. honey
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup oats, plus 3 Tbs. for garnish

DIRECTIONS
First pour the water into a large mixing bowl. Next, sprinkle the yeast (this prevents clumping) into the warm water. Then, add the salt and honey; stir to combine, because the honey will just sink to the bottom otherwise. Next, add the flour and then the oats. Using the handle end of a silicone spoon; you can use a wooden one as well, it just sticks more, stir to combine the ingredients. This will be a very sticky dough and seem hard to combine, just keep going until it feels like a dense, scraggy mass. Then, cover with a dampened dish towel and set aside to proof, for about two to three hours or until roughly, doubled in size. Ideally, you would proof it overnight, but you still will get a good rise with the 2-3 hours.

Once the dough has doubled, use the handle end of your spoon and mix the dough around. This will deflate it a bit and it should roll somewhat into a ball. (Sorry I don’t have a picture of this technique, but check out this video to see it in action.) Sprinkle 2-3 Tbs. of the oats on top and roll it around again. The goal here is to lightly coat the ball of dough with the oats, no hands need to touch the dough.

Next, use an 8″ non-stick frying pan as your proofing bowl. It should be smaller than the dutch oven that you will cook the bread in. Spray the pan with non-stick spray to ensure nothing sticks. Turn the dough into the pan and let sit or proof, for 30-60 minutes. Meanwhile, place your oven rack in the bottom third of the oven, place your covered dutch oven into the oven and preheat to 450º. A dutch oven isn’t essential, but definitely preferred. Alternatively, you could use an oven-safe, covered baking dish, with varied results.

When the dough has finished proofing and the oven is properly preheated, remove the dutch oven. Next, remove the lid and flip the dough into your hot dutch oven, sprinkle the top with a few more oats (this is really just cosmetic). Then, bake in the oven for 30 minutes, with the cover on and another 3-10 minutes with the cover off.

The timing of the final bake without the cover is to brown the crust to your liking and all ovens are different. I prefer a browner crust, so I usually do 5-6 minutes. Just make sure you watch those last few minutes carefully, because it does darken pretty quickly. Finally, remove from the oven and place the bread on a wire rack to cool, for about an hour…if you can wait that long! There actually is a legitimate reason for letting it cool a bit. If you cut into it too soon, you may find the inside a bit gummy. By letting it cool completely, or nearly so, you allow the inside to fully firm up.

NOTES
I adapted this from a recipe I found on youtube. I will attach the link below, it is well worth watching. He does a great job of explaining and demystifying the process.
Steve’s Honey Oatmeal video

Another tidbit, I often use a cup of whole wheat flour, instead of 100 percent all-purpose. So, the breakdown would be 1 cup whole wheat and 2 1/2 cups of the all-purpose. That’s just my preference, I feel it’s a bit healthier. Either way, it comes out irresistibly delicious.

I first made this on the recommendation from a close friend, quite some time ago. She shared how she prepared it and that the children actually REALLY liked it. Although it solved the age old issue of getting the little ones to eat their vegetables, it didn’t sound all that interesting, to me. However, once I made it, I was a convert. It was quite delicious and she was correct that the little ones would love it too. Over time, without the picky palates of little ones, I have added the fresh herbs and the kick of the red pepper.

This is a super fast, simple and tasty vegetable, that is also a very flexible “recipe”. It’s embarassing to even call it a recipe, because it is so basic and easy. Although it is a snap to make, the flavor does not disappoint. This can vary, depending on what you have in your frig and what you need to use up. You have some vegetables, herbs, cheese and you can’t or don’t want to go to the supermarket; pull them all out, be creative, and go with this basic formula.

INGREDIENTS
2 Tbs. butter
1 small summer squash
1 small zucchini squash
1 medium onion, sliced
pinch crushed red pepper
kosher salt & fresh ground pepper
grated parmesan, cheddar or mozzarella cheese
sprigs of fresh thyme, basil or mint, chopped

DIRECTIONS
First, place the butter in a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet, heat to medium high. Then, add the onion slices and cook until there is some translucency or light browning. Meanwhile, slice the squashes into thin rounds and add to the onions. Sprinkle with a bit of salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, to taste. Personally, I like a distinct kick, so I add a hefty pinch of the red pepper. Continue to sauté until tender but not too soft and make sure to leave them long enough to brown a bit. Finally, when nearly done cooking, sprinkle with the herbs, give a final toss to combine and top with the cheese of your choice or a combination of cheeses. Leave in the pan long enough for the cheese to melt (or place under the broiler to brown and bubble it) and then serve.

NOTES
One caveat regarding this being kid-friendly, they usually prefer the gooeyness of melted mozzarella, so try that one first.

Again, be creative, there is no right or wrong combination. Use what you have on hand. An onion and the herbs do add a tremendous amount of flavor. So, if you happen to have those, make sure to use them.

I know, I know, who needs a recipe for a roasted chicken. It is the easiest, no-brainer, staple for a family dinner and everyone can and has done it. However, there is nothing wrong with trying to knock it out of the park and amp it up a bit. I’m hoping this is one of those recipes that does just that for you. An added bonus, this is unquestionably a company worthy dish. Everyone loves a bit of comfort food and this is a relatively healthy one. Your guests will be gushing with compliments and you’ll want to add this to your regular rotation of simple, delicious meals.

INGREDIENTS
1 roasting chicken
fresh thyme, rosemary, sage and parsley
1 lemon
2-3 large onions
1 lb. carrots, cut into sticks
1 lb. parsnips, cut into sticks
fingerling potatoes
kosher salt & fresh ground pepper
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup white wine

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 425º
First, pat the chicken dry, with paper towels. I know there are opposing views regarding rinse, don’t rinse the bird. Personally, I no longer do rinse before roasting. Ina doesn’t, Julia Child didn’t and that’s good enough for me!

Next, drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the chicken, sprinkle generously, inside and out, with the salt and pepper. Then, take one of the carrots, cut it into chunks, one of the onions and quarter it, then place them into the chicken cavity. Next, quarter the lemon, squeeze some juice into the cavity and place two of the lemon wedges into the cavity. Finally, add a few sprigs of each of the herbs into the cavity as well.

Next, thickly slice one (two if you like a lot, like me) of the onions and add to the bottom of a roasting pan. Then, place the chicken on top of the onions, add the white wine, place some herb sprigs over the chicken (save some for garnish, when serving) and place it into the preheated oven.

Worth noting, placing the chicken on the onions, adding the white wine, veggies and herbs to the cavity, they all flavor the chicken and ultimately your sauce or gravy. With very little effort, this amps up the overall flavor immensely.

Finally, bake for the recommended time on your packaging. Depending on the size of your bird, that is usually anywhere between one and two hours. Meanwhile, about 40-45 minutes shy of being done, add the vegetables and potatoes to the pan. Worth noting, you can use any type of potato that you prefer, just make sure you cut them to a size comparable to that of the other vegetables. Additionally, when adding the vegetables, baste them with the pan juices, season with salt and pepper and roast them until tender. If the chicken is done before the vegetables, just remove the chicken to rest while the vegetables finish cooking.

Finally, slice the chicken and sprinkle the vegetables with a bit of chopped parsley. Given that this is a classic comfort food, I prefer to serve it family style.

So, what do you do when your ‘better’ half brings home raw, unsalted mixed nuts?! They don’t exactly have much flavor and not what I was expecting. Yes, a mistake, not the end of the world, but now what do I do with these blah, boring nuts? Well, I found an incredibly easy solution. Just add a drizzle of olive oil, some kosher salt, a few fresh herbs and toast them in a hot oven for a bit. A total game changer, they’re delicious, company worthy and great as a nibble with cocktails.

INGREDIENTS
1 lb. mixed nuts, raw & unsalted
extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt
fresh ground pepper
sprigs fresh rosemary
sprigs fresh thyme

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400º.
This could not be more simple and more satisfying. Spread the nuts on a sheet pan, sprinkle with a bit of good extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle generously with kosher salt, fresh ground pepper and toss in the fresh herbs. Pop in the oven and roast for about 10-12 minutes. Keep close and watch the nuts carefully, all ovens are different, so there is no definitive timing. Once you start to smell the wonderful aroma, they are pretty much done.

Pull from the oven and immediately sprinkle with a good finishing salt. Maldon or a good fleur de sal is perfect here. Finally, place in a small serving bowl, add another sprig or two of the fresh herbs, as garnish, pour your favorite cocktail and enjoy.

Hard to imagine that so little effort could elevate this cheese from delicious, to extraordinary, but it does. A simple round of brie or camembert, add some olive oil, herbs, heat from the oven and in no time, you have an absolute winner. It’s a bit embarrassing to even call it a recipe, but here it is.

INGREDIENTS
1 round of brie or camembert
drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
several sprigs fresh thyme and/or rosemary

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350º
Place the cheese in an oven proof dish that you will also serve it in. Make a few slits in the top of the cheese, drizzle with olive oil, add the thyme sprigs and place it in the oven for about ten minutes or until you can see it start to melt and ooze. Serve with some fresh crostini or your favorite crackers. That’s it, stand back and wait for the compliments!

NOTES
Many wonderful options for this include adding a drizzle of honey. Also, adding not just one, but a combination of herbs, you could add some dried cranberries and toasted walnuts. A handful of toasted, slivered almonds would work deliciously as well.

I am not sure how to convey just how yummy this sandwich is. Although I love a good, basic grilled cheese sandwich, this is a whole different level of love. Though the ingredients are top notch, none are exotic or out of the ordinary. They do however become something extraordinary when put together and grilled.

INGREDIENTS
2 slices whole grain bread
1 Tbs. butter
2 slices extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 heirloom tomato or vine-ripened
1/2 avocado
3-4 large basil leaves or a generous slather of pesto

DIRECTIONS
First, slather the bread with butter and place, each slice separately, butter side down, in a preheated, low temperature cast iron skillet. Next, add the cheese to one piece of the bread, add the tomato on top of the cheese and lastly, place the basil leaves over the tomatoes. Then, add the sliced avocado to the other piece of bread and season both sides with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Then, cover the pan and let sit for about 5-6 minutes to let the cheese melt and the other ingredients warm up.

Finally, when the cheese is melted and oozing and the bread is a nice toasty, golden brown, join the two sides of the sandwich. Press to merge the combined the ingredients, then cut in half. Serve with some chips and a cup of soup for an incredibly delicious and hardy lunch. Perfect for a chilly day.

NOTES
The variations on this are endless. Change the bread type, a dark rye is wonderful, change up the cheese or combine two different cheeses, wonderful. Consider adding some crispy bacon to really amp up the flavor, also wonderful.

Also, it bears mentioning that the better your ingredients, the better the sandwich. Try to find a good, whole grain, artisanal bread and good tomatoes. I used heirloom tomatoes here, however when tomatoes are out of season, you can use a good, vine ripened variety with great results.

Need to make a very quick lunch, or a speedy dinner for that matter? You should try this recipe. It is about one of the quickest, tastiest soups and it’s added bonus is that it’s also quite healthy. A shout out to my friend Joanne, who’s recipe I have adapted this from. She served it with some grated cheddar cheese, a salad and some crusty bread, for a light dinner and we loved it, I think you will too.

INGREDIEENTS
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 large sweet onion, chopped
pinch crushed red pepper
kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 lb. spicy chicken sausage, sliced
28 oz. can whole tomatoes, crushed
1 16 oz. can white navy beans
16 oz. chicken broth
1 small bag spinach

DIRECTIONS
First, warm the olive oil in a dutch oven, then add the onion, red pepper, salt, fresh ground pepper and sauté until the onions are translucent. Then, add the sausage and continue to sauté for a few more minutes. The sausage that I used, with great results, is Trader Joe’s Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Sausage. There are so many good chicken sausages on the market, they are too numerous to list here. You decide which you prefer, chicken or pork. Personally, I keep trying to find healthier ways to prepare meals that don’t compromise flavor, thus the chicken is my first choice. Additionally, the more flavor in the sausage, the better flavors in the soup.

Next, add the tomatoes and beans, simmer for about five minutes more. Finally, add the chicken stock and spinach. Stir to combine well and simmer for another 10-12 minutes or until the spinach is fully wilted. That’s it, you’re good to go!

NOTES
Serve with your preference of grated cheese, (I’ve used parmesan and sharp cheddar, both are tasty) fresh crostini and a green salad.

Looking for a change from the many mundane potato recipes? Here’s your new favorite potato side dish. You’ll know you’ve made the right choice, when the incredible aroma permeates your house as this bakes. You will really break out of the boring potato rut with this recipe and it has the added benefit that it can be done well ahead of time. Additionally, it reheats beautifully which also makes it great the next day, although I dare say, I don’t think there will be any leftovers!

1-1/2 cups (7-1⁄2 oz.) all-purpose flour
1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
10 Tbs. unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, chilled
6 to 7 tablespoons ice water
4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated, about 1 cup, divided
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large egg, separated
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
11⁄2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary, divided
1⁄4 tsp. pepper
1 lb. medium Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1⁄8″ thick
1 shallot, sliced thin

Combine the flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a food processor. Scatter the butter over the flour and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, sprinkle 6 tablespoons of ice water over the flour mixture and pulse to combine, until it sticks together. If it is not coming together, add another 1 tablespoon more ice water, until it does come together.

Next, turn the dough out onto the counter, form into a thick round mass, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour.

Adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat oven to 375º. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Soften the chilled dough slightly on the counter, for about 10 minutes. Roll the dough into a 12″-13″ circle on a lightly floured surface and transfer to the parchment covered sheet pan.

While the dough is chilling, add the cream cheese, 1⁄2 cup Parmesan, oil, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon rosemary, remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a food processor to combine until smooth. In a medium bowl, add the cheese mixture to the potatoes and shallot and stir to coat completely. Although this will be a messy and imperfect process, have no fear, it will be delicious. Next, pour the potato mixture into center of dough, pressing the potatoes into an even layer and leaving about a 2-inch border. Then, sprinkle 6 tablespoons Parmesan and remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon rosemary over top of potatoes.

To finish off the crust, fold it over into pleats, and then brush the egg white wash over the edges and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan.

Finally, bake until the crust and filling are golden brown and potatoes meet little resistance when lightly poked with a fork, about 40 minutes. Transfer the sheet pan to a wire rack and let the galette cool for about 10 minutes. Using a metal spatula, loosen the tart from the parchment and carefully slide it onto a wire rack; let cool until just warm, about 20 minutes. Cut into slices and serve.

Looks can be deceiving and although this looks tasty, it doesn’t do justice to how tasty it actually is. One of the easiest and best ways to use those end of season tomatoes, it’s healthy as can be and comes together in no time. Use it as a side salad or enjoy it as a stand alone lunch…either way, you’ll be smiling and incredibly satisfied with this simple creation.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 thin baguette
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
kosher salt & fresh ground pepper
1 shallot, thinly sliced
3 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
1-2 lbs. fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
1 english cucumber, quartet and sliced into chunks
2 Tbs. capers
1/4 cup basil, julienned
1/4 cup mint, chopped

Start by slicing the shallot and marinating it in the vinegar for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the shallots, with a slotted spoon and set them aside in a large bowl, reserve the vinegar for the dressing.

Next, preheat your grill to medium and slice the bread in half lengthwise. Grill the bread on both sides, until nicely browned, this should only take 3-4 minutes per side. Immediately after removing from the grill, drizzle the warm bread with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and season lightly with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. When cool enough to handle, cut them into 1″ chunks.

Add the garlic, capers and olive oil to the reserved vinegar, season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, then whisk to combine well. Alternatively, you can use a small mason jar and just shake it until fully combined.

Meanwhile, place the tomatoes and cucumbers in a bowl. Next, add the bread chunks, shallots, basil and mint, then toss to combine. Add part of the dressing, and again, toss well to combine, taste for seasoning and serve. I usually hold back some of the dressing because I prefer a slightly “less dressed” salad. You can always add more if it’s too dry for your taste.

NOTES
You can get creative with this and still have great results. The amounts can certainly be modified, use what you have. You want more tomatoes, do it! You want to use the whole baguette, do it! Add toasted pine nuts, do it! Add more or different herbs, do it! Those are all good options, don’t worry about the taste, the basics here are good and it will be delicious.