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Stovetop Spinach Dip
Sauteed spinach can be an incredibly flavorful side dish. When combined with mascarpone, Parmesan, and lots of great seasoning, it transforms into an indulgent dip. As opposed to a light bite that you can pop into your mouth right before the main course, this recipe is perfect for those times when a roast is slowly baking in the oven. As creamy and delicious as a baked version, it won’t take valuable oven space away from your main meal. Another advantage of a stovetop dip is that you easily can cook it until it reaches your desired level of thickness. Keep a close watch on the pan, and remember all that…
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Comfort Food: Soup Dumplings
“The last monk leaves the garden; days decrease, And autumn grows, autumn in everything.” – Robert Browning
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Roasted Whole Carrots
One of my grandmother’s favorite sides was a simple carrot salad. Ahead of her time in many ways, she always favored vegetable-rich eating and whole grains – not a common choice for a butcher’s daughter. Whenever I see bunches of carrots with their festive green tops, I think of the lunches we shared and her vibrant, feisty personality. Standout ingredients like sweet, tender carrots can be left whole and roasted with a simple dressing for a delicious side dish. Leave a little of the green top showing for a rustic touch. Ingredients 1 bunch small carrots 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon apple cider…
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Maple Granola
As a child, breakfast was not my favorite meal. Some kids prefer mounds of pancakes, but my go-to breakfast was a tiny package of granola clusters. Simple and enjoyable to make, homemade maple granola reminds me of those school day breakfasts while having all the flavors that satisfy my adult cravings. When you are in the mood for a crunchy, flavorful treat in the morning or just need a fast, healthy breakfast or snack, granola is a great option. With plenty of pure maple syrup and the perfect blend of salty and sweet, this recipe makes a complete breakfast all on its own, but it also works well as a…
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Roasted Red Cabbage with Blue Cheese
Around here a couple of cooler days briefly interrupted the late summer heat and jolted my appetite for fall food. While it may not be time for sauerbraten just yet, some fall-inspired side dishes are the perfect way to preview the upcoming season and squash the end of summer blues. After finding some beautiful red cabbage at the market, I decided to pair it with vidalia onion and some incredible, creamy blue cheese as my own personal welcome to the coming autumn.












