Pasta/Rice/Grains

Southwest Quinoa Salad, with black beans, corn, red pepper and cilantro, in a white serving dish in the garden.

Southwest Quinoa Salad

Colorful and delicious, Southwest Quinoa Salad relies on kitchen staples plus a few fresh herbs and vegetables to create a crowd-pleasing and protein rich side dish for easy entertaining.

Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts in a pretty dish from Louisville Stoneware

Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts

I write a lot about the seasons here and yet, like true friendship, some recipes transcend the seasons. Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts is one of those recipes. This silky pasta dish, somewhere between a velvety risotto and a comforting mac and cheese, has been a family favorite for nearly as long as I’ve been cooking. A good friend shared it with me soon after we met…

Black Rice with Gingered Sweet Potatoes served in an asymmetrical white bowl.

Black Rice with Gingered Sweet Potatoes

Interesting and easy to prepare, Black Rice with Gingered Sweet Potatoes is an appealing side dish. Sweet potatoes provide a colorful contrast to the nutty black rice. Ginger brings a touch of sass to the flavor profile. With rich flavor and good nutrition, this recipe is a happy discovery and one that I am eager to share.

Forbidden Rice Salad with Ginger Dressing

Would you like to add a touch of drama to you picnic fare this summer? Here is a wholesome salad that can do the job.  Not only is it beautiful and easy to prepare but its main ingredient has a long history and a reputation as forbidden. Shopping at Costco […]

Lemon Rice Pilaf

Lemon Rice Pilaf

Lemon Rice makes a great summery side dish for many different entrees. It goes great with baked chicken but it is also a tempting accompaniment to salmon or pork…

Macaroni and Cheese baked in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish nestled in a basket.

Macaroni and Cheese

This recipe for my family’s favorite Macaroni and Cheese has been pared down to keep it simple. Sprinkle the top with a bit of grated Parmesan or Gruyere and bake until golden brown and gooey. I make it in a big 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and leftovers are hard to come by.

Four Pepper Pasta topped with shredded parmesan on a white plate.

Four Pepper Pasta

This delicious pasta sauce uses sweet bell peppers, in a variety of colors, and pairs them with onion, picante sauce, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese to make a delicious topping for pasta. Four Pepper Pasta is a hearty vegetarian entrée that is bright with rich fall flavor.

Bacon, Squash & Chestnut Risotto

I just love Jamie Oliver. I used to watch Oliver’s Twist and I would get hungry just listening to him talk about food. (It’s probably the accent!) I can remember drooling over the risotto he cooked. It sounded so good that I even tried it myself, carefully watching and following […]