Salads, Soups, and Sides

I feel like I make soup all the time, these days.  And maybe I do, but it’s a great way to use up the stuff in your fridge or pantry while packing in some vitamins.  To be honest, I was a little unsure of how my three year-old would react to this tomato soup...
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We had a sunny, warmish day today, so I wasn’t in the mood for anything very heavy for dinner.  I was also short on time (imagine that), so I needed to fix something quick.  Something easy.  Something that didn’t involve a lot of beef and cheese.  I came up with this crab, which took...
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Sister Number Two called the other day wanting to know if I had a recipe for butternut squash risotto.  I didn’t but used her inspiration to make this dish.  Risotto requires a little stove-top time, but it’s well worth it.  It was so creamy, and adding the sausage made it hearty enough to serve...
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Cilantro.  You either love it or hate it.  And for cilantro lovers or those who like to create the unexpected, this cilantro and mint pesto fits the bill.  Toss it with pasta and some fresh tomatoes, spread a thin layer on a roasted turkey sandwich, or use it as a base for pizza.  This...
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This soup is so lite and healthy, and you can really make it what you want it to be.  Top it with some fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream and serve with nachos or quesadillas.  Or add a little freshly chopped basil or crumbled bacon (Is there anything that bacon doesn’t compliment?). ...
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Mmm, mmm, mmm!  I am channeling What About Bob? right now- need I say more?  This side dish is so creamy and easy to pair with just about any thing, be it chicken, fish, or pork chops.  Plus, this carrot recipe is a great way to serve up some beta carotene when you are...
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I do not get to eat enough salad.  Hayden won’t eat it, and since I try my hardest to make one meal for everyone, I have been missing out.  The great part about this salad is the salmon, which Hayden loves.  I just serve his without the salad and offer him a little dressing...
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This salad is GORGEOUS.  The red and blue would be a perfect addition to your July 4th table or any summer occasion.  The dressing has a hint liqueur in it, but the overall amount is not enough to affect anyone (so it’s safe for your kids!).   Be sure to prepare this the day of...
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Oh, you suckers.  Every time I mention beer or bourbon ya’ll are chomping at the bit to get a look at the recipe.  You’re in luck- this one DOES have beer in it.  You will still have to drink some if you want to get loopy.  And did I mention how good these beans...
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This dish was inspired by one I like to make with okra.  I didn’t have any so I just used what I had on hand, and it turned out great.  Serve this with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to a main dish. 2 tbs oil 2 ears fresh corn, shucked and kernels cut...
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Spring is here, and summer is right around the corner, which means loads of fresh, tomatoes.  Often, people don’t know how to cook tomatoes and just eat them raw.  This tomato dish can be used for anything- serve on top of pasta, fish or steak, or as an accompaniment to your main course.  Serve...
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Oh, this soup is HEAVENLY.  It almost smells like candy when it’s simmering in the pot.  The spices and subtle sweetness will make you forget just how good for you it is!  I served this for lunch today, and Hayden gulped his down from a cup! 2 tbs butter 2 bunches carrots, peeled and...
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We’ve never been big carnivores, but getting a toddler to eat protein is sometimes difficult so I have been cooking more meat lately.  After watching Food, Inc. this weekend, we vowed to cut back on meat.  This egg salad is a great way to get protein and iron, without eating a steak. 6 eggs,...
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Feature recipe:  This recipe is from Eat It, It’s Good For You! by Barbara Brown Rynders.  This cookbook is like the underground bible for wholesome cooking.  My mother, aunt, and grandmother all made this soup (along with other dishes and baked goods from this book), and now I am carrying on the tradition.  In...
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