Category Archives: Side Dish

Quick Frijoles Negros (Black Beans)

Quick Frijoles Negros_2

I am an obsessive meal planner.  For most people, meal planning is a chore, something you don’t like to do.  For me, it’s the opposite.  Dreaming up recipes to use up ingredients, and finding recipes that overlap in ingredients is like a scavenger hunt.  I look forward to my weekly meal planning time. Continue reading

Dijon Thyme Roasted Cabbage

Dijon Thyme Roasted Cabbage
Cabbage is still in season, and going on sale in preparation for St. Patricks Day.  Cabbage is enjoyed in America over St. Patties day because it was inexpensive for Irish immigrants to purchase.  Because it doesn’t cost much, it is a staple in my kitchen all winter long. Cabbage lasts for a long time in the fridge, it is versatile, and so healthy! This Dijon thyme roasted cabbage is an easy side to put together for quick dinners. Continue reading

Whole Wheat Naan Bread

Stack of Whole wheat naan

This recipe was inspired by my standard I can make that! attitude.  The local Indian restaurant makes delicious naan, and I just had to have some at home for when we make curry.  You can find naan at the grocery store, but it is just not the same as fresh.  We can’t have curry at home without whipping up a batch of this delicious naan! Continue reading

Apple Date Chutney

Apple date chutney ingredients

Chutney is a great way to add a huge layer of flavor to a dish or recipe.  If you are unfamiliar, it is a condiment or side dish traditionally used with many Indian dishes.  Most are made with fruit, vinegar, and spices.  This combination of sweet, acidity, and spice pairs well with almost any dish! Continue reading

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

It’s finally November.  I have been reluctant this fall to get into the season.  However, Thanksgiving is on its way and it’s time to start testing recipes!  This recipe is a simple side dish that will do for Thanksgiving or Christmas.  Roasted potatoes are easy and delicious.  Adding rosemary adds a fresh element that works well with all your holiday dishes!

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

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Homemade Refried Beans

Refried beans are a simple staple that go into many recipes.  Have you ever tried making homemade?  You’ll be surprised at how simple it really is.  And how good!  I grew up with homemade refried beans, so the canned variety was never good enough.  A lot of canned refried beans are not vegetarian either, and neither was my moms recipe, but that is the great thing about making homemade!  You get to choose what goes into your food.

Refried Beans Continue reading

Summer Roasted Vegetables

I know I said that I was going to embrace fall.  Yet here I am posting about summer vegetables…still.  At the farmers market this morning there were still so many yummy summer vegetables to enjoy, I couldn’t help myself!  There were a few butternut squash, but I have all winter to enjoy the long lasting squash (which is another great vegetable to roast, by the way).  So there you have it, summer roasted veggies with my special seasoning blend!

Roasted Vegetables

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Southwest Summer Squash Gratin

Summer squash is almost gone for the season.  Sigh. Depending on where you live you might be able to find some last of the season fruits to enjoy in this dish!  Buttery summer squash makes an excellent gratin.  I jazzed this southwest summer squash gratin up by adding jalapeno and sweet corn.  A little spicy and sweet balance nicely and add something special to this gratin.

Gratin Circles

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Grilled Corn with Garlic Chive Butter

It is officially fall, but I’m not over summer yet!  Gardens are producing the last of their summer’s bounty.  Mid-October will bring our first freeze in southern Illinois, so there are still a few weeks left.  This week I will be bringing you recipes to enjoy the last days of summer produce and use up what’s left in your gardens before fall takes over. This grilled corn with garlic chive butter is to die for!

Grilled Corn with garlic chive butter

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Garlicky Green Beans

Sometimes an awesome side is all you need to complete a meal.  Already have a favorite recipe and need something to go with it?  I’ve been there.  This simple recipe for garlicky green beans is fresh and full of flavor!  Perfect to sit beside your favorite meal, simple enough to bring for pot lucks, and just fancy enough to serve for big meals like Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Garlicy Green Beans

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