Mom’s refried beans

Offered here in a scale-able format, this recipe makes the creamy, refried beans we all know and love served as a side at Mexican restaurants. I generally eschew posting simplistic recipes because I think that most people can figure them out for themselves. However, I have received so many compliments for my mom’s beans that…

Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables

These can be served as a side or on the grain of your choice. 1T olive oil or to taste 1 T thyme 1T oregano 1 red onion cut into 8ths 6 garlic cloves- 3 minced and 3 unpeeled 1 red bell pepper cut into chunks 4 items of summer squash (a blend of crookneck,…

Goat cheese gratin

When lightening up a comfort food recipe it is essential to add flavor while cutting fat.  This goat cheese gratin highlights the flavor of the potatoes with tangy little bursts of creamy cheese. 3 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes (about the side of a baseball) 2 eggs 3T half and half or whole milk…

Garlic oven fries

These oven fries satisfy as a healthy side dish that can be served with formal and informal meals alike. They can even stand in as an appetizer. 2T mayonnaise 2T Greek yogurt 2 garlic cloves, grated Zest and juice of 1 lemon 2T olive oil 2T rosemary or thyme, or a combination of the two,…

Fruit and nut rice

The almost floral aroma of this rice while cooking builds the anticipation, and the dish does not disappoint. 2 T butter, divided 1 pinch saffron 1 carrot, grated Zest of ½ an orange 1 small onion, minced 1 cinnamon Stick 3 cardamom pods Pinch of allspice ½ t cumin ¾ C brown rice 2C chicken…

Chipotle potatoes

Butter or olive oil 1 onion halved and sliced (or minced) 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled 6 halves sundried tomatoes packed in oil 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce 5 medium to large red potatoes 1T cider vinegar 1/4c crema, crème fraiche, sour cream or buttermilk at room temperature when using Salt and pepper Chopped cilantro…

Day Made Giardenia

While many ‘quick pickles’ end up tasting too vinegary sour, this giardenia has a pleasant freshness. Serve as a side dish with something rich like lasagna or meatball sandwiches. 2 cups water 1 cup rice wine vinegar ½ t celery seeds ½ t coriander seeds ½ t mustard seeds 4 black peppercorns 5 garlic cloves,…

Baked German potato salad

Some people sneer at the thought of a hot potato salad.  To appease those people we call this a casserole. 2lb potatoes 1/4 C cider vinegar 1T sugar 1/2t salt 1/2C sour cream 1/4C Havarti cheese, cut into chunks 5 gherkins, chopped 1 T whole ground mustard Boil potatoes whole in water until fork tender. …

Caramelized onion pull-apart bread

A garlic cheese bread with more intense flavor, the onions help distract from the lack of fat.  Instead of adding olives, you can use olive bread.  Serve in the middle of a family table as a fun appetizer or to bulk up a salad dinner. 1T butter 2 large onions, sliced 1t thyme ½c milk…