Category Archives: Quick and Easy

Snow Pea Fried Rice

Snow Pea Fried Rice by Alison's AllspiceThis snow pea fried rice recipe is simply a classic fried rice recipe which swaps fresh snow peas for frozen green peas.  Nutritionally, they are the same, but when you have garden fresh snow peas why use frozen?

Snow peas have a tender pod and are often times used in stir fries because they cook quickly.  They fit seamlessly into a fried rice recipe as well, perfect for late spring and early summer when snow peas are ripe and bountiful. Continue reading

Grilled Shrimp with Rhubarb Sauce

Grilled Shrimp with Rhubarb Sauce by Alison's AllspiceRhubarb is more well known for its sweet applications, but I love to use it in savory ones too.  These grilled shrimp with rhubarb sauce are a great way get out the grill this season!

The rhubarb sauce is a little sweet and sour thanks to the honey and the rhubarb.  It pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the shrimp. Continue reading

Blackened Fish Tacos with Pineapple Slaw

Blackened Fish Tacos with Pineapple Slaw by Alison's AllspiceMy homemade blackening seasoning is a favorite to use on fish, and its spicy nature is delicious in these blackened fish tacos with pineapple slaw.

The pineapple slaw is sweet and juicy keeping the spicy blackened fish from overwhelming your tastebuds.  The two are a perfect match. Continue reading

Asparagus and Pesto Baked Eggs

Asparagus and Pesto Baked Eggs by Alison's AllspiceI have another asparagus recipe for you this week!  This time, I made a quick and easy lunch, asparagus and pesto baked eggs.  I used sundried tomato pesto, and it was stunning in this dish!

First, many asparagus baked eggs do not use pesto.  I used it because I wanted an extra pop of flavor.  If you don’t have any, this dish will still be tasty, just not as complex. Continue reading

Asparagus and Corn Salad

Asparagus and Corn Salad by Alison's AllspiceMy favorite spring vegetable is asparagus, hands down. For me it is partially nostalgic because I grew up eating fresh picked asparagus and now I grow it in my own garden as well. Asparagus lends itself well to many dishes.  Most often I eat it as a side dish, but it also works in pasta dishes and salads like this asparagus and corn salad.

This salad is also a side dish, but you could easily turn it into a simple meal by adding some protein, like canned chickpeas. Continue reading

Gouda and Smoked Tofu Grilled Cheese

Gouda and Smoked Tofu Grilled Cheese by Alison's AllspiceThis post is really more like an idea than a recipe.  Yes, the recipe for gouda and smoked tofu grilled cheese is written out in full below.  However if you know how to make a grilled cheese sandwich, then all you need to do is add some smoked tofu to have a hearty, cozy, and easy to make meal in only a few minutes.

The grilled cheese was one of the first things that I learned to cook.  I was just a kid probably getting in the way in the kitchen.  I imagine I was told to flip the sandwich while another was being made. Continue reading

Garlic and Nutritional Yeast Pangrattato Pasta

Garlic and Nutritional Yeast Pangrattato Pasta by Alison's AllspiceBefore I knew what Pangrattato was, I used to call it spaghetti with breadcrumbs. Pangrattato is Italian for breadcrumbs.  Most often when I see this title used, it is used as a topping on pasta.  Garlic and nutritional yeast pangrattato pasta is just one in a million ways to make pangrattato.

All you have to do to make pangrattato is to heat oil in a skillet, add breadcrumbs and seasonings and cook until toasted to crunchy perfection.  Use it to top all your favorite pasta dishes, or just put in on plain spaghetti with an extra drizzle of olive oil.  You can use it on casseroles, and many other dishes as well. Continue reading

Smoky Pumpkin Pasta

Smoky Pumpkin Pasta by Alison's AllspiceI love pasta, and therefore, it is hard to believe that I have not tried this smoky pumpkin pasta before now.  The creamy sauce clings to the pasta in a way that is reminiscent of mac and cheese, but the flavors are more sophisticated.

The pumpkin really elevates the other savory flavors in the dish without getting lost itself.  Its creamy earthy tones are balanced by the smokiness of the paprika, which also brings the smallest touch of heat. Continue reading

Healthy Greek Yogurt Ranch

Healthy Greek Yogurt Ranch by Alison's AllspiceThis healthy Greek yogurt ranch is better than bottled ranch for a wide variety of reasons. First of all, it tastes better! The yogurt and fresh lemon juice add tang that you would expect from a traditional buttermilk ranch and the fresh herbs have a distinctly bright flavor that you will never get in a bottle. 

Beyond the amazing flavor, this recipe is very easy to make. Simply mix together all the ingredients! I almost always have a tub of Greek yogurt in the fridge, so if you are the same then all you need are the herbs.  Continue reading

Black Bean Taco Dip

Black Bean Taco Dip by Alison's AllspiceI can’t believe that December is in full swing already. This fall has flown by so quickly and now it is practically winter. During the fall, I don’t dive into pumpkin spice season so much. I do, however, love football food season. This black bean taco dip is one that I made repeatedly this year. 

The base for this dip is black beans, seasoned with onion and taco seasoning (garlic, cumin, chili powder and paprika). Then I add salsa to give the dip some more body, and of course flavor.  Continue reading