It’s officially cold and flu season.  Where I live, it’s also the start of allergy season.  When you feel like crap, soothing food is desirable—enter chicken soup.  If you are tired of the classic chicken noodle, give this variation a try.  Instead of pasta, I used pearled barley, and in a nod to Italian Wedding…

This cheese dip recipe is idiot-proof.  You simply dump the ingredients in a small slow cooker, turn it on, let the cheese melt, and stir it up to combine it all together.  What’s great is that this dip stores well and reheats beautifully.  If you have leftovers, just spoon some into a bowl and heat…

Potato skins are a classic when it comes to game day spreads.  They are hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare for a crowd.  While they are fantastic in this basic form with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, potato skins are incredibly versatile.  Try topping them with Pulled Pork Barbecue, Chili, or Sloppy Joe Meat—you really can’t lose!…

Nutritionists love the phrase “eat your colors.”  Vibrant colors equate to lots of good nutrients, with the added bonus that they make your plate look really pretty.  This recipe stars red cabbage, which in my opinion is a hugely under-utilized and under-valued vegetable.  When paired with onions, vinegar, and a little sugar, you get a…

Moules Frites, or steamed mussels with a side of fries, is such an elegant dish.  It may seem intimidating to prepare, but it really couldn’t be easier.  All you need is a liquid, preferably something with alcohol (wine or beer), herbs (parsley, basil, tarragon, chives, thyme, and marjoram are all delicious options), shallots, and garlic….

I love roasting vegetables.  Even green beans.  That is all.  You’re welcome.   12 oz. green beans 1 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper   1. Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees.  On a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, toss the green…

This was one of my favorite meals when I was growing up.  It always makes me think of winter or early spring days—days in which there’s a biting chill in the air.  There’s something so comforting about roast chicken, and this is my favorite way to prepare it, just like my mum does.  The key…

One of my Christmas gifts this year was Giada de Laurentis’ newest cookbook, Giada’s Italy.  As I flipped through it, I came upon a recipe for “Penne with Corn and Spicy Sausage.”  It sounded delicious, but I was more intrigued by the fact that it reminded me of another dish I once had.  A few weeks…

My mum prepares this soup every year for our Christmas Eve dinner.  It’s so easy to throw together (seriously, it’s almost entirely dumping the ingredients in the pot and stirring them together), which makes it a perfect meal during the busy holiday season.  Additionally, it’s really healthy—a welcome break from the decadent fare which seems…

  Cream cheese & pepper jelly served with butter crackers is a southern classic.  If you are looking for a fast, easy, and flavorful hors d’oeuvre, give this combination a try.  The cream cheese provides rich tanginess, the pepper jelly is sweet and spicy, and the crackers lend a salty, buttery bite.  It may not…