ham & cheese quiche
i decided to make ham & cheese quiche for brunch with some friends. when i told my husband what was on the menu, he had the audacity to ask “well steph, you’ve never made a quiche before, do you think you can properly execute it?” challenge accepted. let’s just say he had seconds, took the leftovers to work the next morning, and requested we have it again.. đŸ™‚
simple lemon & parmesan kale salad
this simple lemon & parmesan kale salad is so good & so easy to make. if you don’t like kale because you think it’s too tough and hard to eat, think again! the trick lies in massaging the kale to make it more tender, and the lemony, garlicky olive oil with parmesan cheese makes it oh so good. it’s a perfect & easy weeknight side dish, or you could throw some salmon or chicken on top to make it a main course. yum!
sweet potato fries (baked!)
I love sweet potato fries, and i love baked sweet potato fries even more! who wants to fry anything at home? not only is it fattening, but cleaning a fryer and dealing with oil splattering all over the kitchen is really not my idea of a good time. for these reasons, I prefer to bake them; the seasonings and easy clean-up will make you forget all about the extra oil!
mama’s coleslaw
I don’t particularly love coleslaw (or “slaw” in the south), but I always loved my mom’s recipe. I added a little dijon to give it a kick, but this really is some delicious stuff. even if you don’t think you’re a coleslaw fan, give it a try–I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
crock-pot pulled bbq chicken
i grew up in memphis, and this crock-pot pulled bbq chicken (barbecue/bar-b-que, however you like to spell it your neck of the woods) rivals some of the best (seriously!). it’s so simple to make, much healthier than pork, and SO good. just set & forget đŸ˜‰
cinnamon raisin oatmeal bread
i made this cinnamon raisin oatmeal bread yesterday morning for an impromptu brunch with friends. it’s easy to put together (i literally chose it because it was the only thing i could make with the ingredients i easily had on hand), makes the house smell great, and is insanely delicious. everyone loved it!
ultimate guacamole
just in time for cinco de mayo tomorrow–whip up some of this ultimate guacamole, bring along some tortilla chips, and start counting all of your new friends who want you back next year.
AKBB smoothie (almond kale banana berry)
this AKBB smoothie is the perfect way to start your day. it is healthy, filling, tastes like a treat, and easy to take with you on-the-go! i have this for breakfast almost every morning, but it is also great after a workout or for an afternoon snack.
baked brie en croute
this baked brie en croute appetizer is so simple & easy, and it is a total crowd-pleaser. it’s the perfect thing to make when you want to impress your guests but don’t have much time on your hands. everything is (gasp!) store-bought. all you have to do is toast the almond slivers & assemble. the cheese melts and gushes out of the flaky crust, the jam adds a touch of sweetness & the almonds that much-needed crunch. delicious!
baked parmesan truffle fries
these baked parmesan truffle fries are so delicious; you won’t even know they’re healthy! cutting them into thin strips allows the oven to really crisp them up. this way, you get all the crunch without all the fat that comes with frying. it is truly a cathartic experience when they come out of the oven, piping hot, and the smell hits your nose as you sprinkle the pan with fresh parmesan and truffle oil. mmmmmm. with fries this flavorful, you don’t even need the ketchup (but of course, ketchup-a-holics like myself might want it anyway..). enjoy!
