Sides

Fresh Tomato Scallop served in a low dish on a rustic mat.

Fresh Tomato Scallop

This pretty recipe stars garden fresh tomatoes. No need to heat up the kitchen for this quick Fresh Tomato Scallop. Simply slice ripe tomatoes and dress them with a toasty crumb and nut topping, prepared in the microwave in minutes.

Railroad Cole Slaw served beside a Pulled Pork Sandwich on a white plate.

A Vintage Recipe for Railroad Cole Slaw

This vintage Cole Slaw recipe relies on a mayo-free oil and vinegar dressing flavored with dry mustard and celery seed. Straight from my Mother-in-Law’s recipe box, it is the perfect side for barbecues and picnic dinners.

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.

a broken Pork and Beans Muffin with bacon

Pork and Beans Bread

One of Aunt Hen’s favorite recipes to share, Pork and Bean Bread is a simple quick bread with a twist. It takes a plain can of traditional Pork and Beans and dresses it up in a new and unexpected way. Great for a barbecue side dish or a summer brunch, you can keep it basic or add chocolate chips or bacon

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Pineapple with Macadamia Nuts and strips of ham.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Pineapple with Macadamia Nuts

This delicious side dish pairs sweet potatoes with pineapple and macadamia nuts. The flavor suggests warm island breezes. Both the sweet potatoes and the pineapple are brushed with a savory herbed balsamic dressing and roasted, then tossed with candied macadamia nuts for a contrasting crunch.

Poached Pears filled with marinated red fruit and topped with chopped mint served being eaten with a spoon.

Poached Pears with Red Fruit and Ginger

I saw several illustrations of poached pears, one whole and one halved, and both were so beautiful. The curve of their side, the color of their delicate flesh, the expected and yet surprisingly lyrical asymmetry of their form…

Bourbon Vanilla Cranberry Relish in a glass bowl.

Bourbon Vanilla Cranberry Relish

The recipe for this cranberry relish includes vanilla, a jalapeño pepper and a splash of bourbon. The result is a bit different than any other cranberry relish I have ever tried, while not different enough to raise a red flag. It has a subtle edge and a sweet tang with the vanilla adding a rich depth of flavor.