A Party in My Pantry

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Traditional family Christmas recipes are the best. This particular one has been on my husband’s family Christmas Day dinner menu for decades. There is just something special about a recipe that comes out once a year….especially when it’s so good! The casserole can be made earlier in the day and then baked just before dinner….

White Chocolate Truffle Snowmen

How can you not smile when you see these festive, and delicious!, winter treats? The snowmen can be made in advance, which make them an ideal dessert during the busy holiday season. I have found that for every twelve cookies, I can make around twelve truffles. So adjust your ingredient totals to how many truffles…

Grilled Balsamic Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Grilling pork tenderloin has become our go-to “fancy” but easy dinner. This is a non-fussy prep yet the pork has so much flavor. Marinating the pork is key. Prep the tenderloin in the morning and just remember to take it out of the refrigerator a half-hour before grilling. When buying the pork tenderloin, ask the…

Tomato Balsamic Chicken

A simple, healthy & delicious meal does not get much easier than this roasted tomato chicken. I often prep it ahead of time while the baby is napping and then throw it in the oven while reading bedtime stories. The roasting of the tomatoes adds such a depth of flavor which is only enhanced with…

Autumn Wild Rice

I started making this in September when the cooler air started blowing in off of Lake Michigan. Now with the cooler northern air making its way south to Florida, I have begun shifting our dinner menus to autumn flavors again. The nutty flavor of the wild rice is complimented by the soft, sweet flavors of…

Roasted Delicata Squash

I started cooking delicata squash several years ago after coming across it at a Farmer’s Market in Boston. I’ve been in love with it since. Like other autumn squashes, the sweet squash is absolutely delish. Unlike the other autumn squashes though, you can eat the skin. Yay to not having to peel the squash! The…

Beef & Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers

This dish is one that stays on rotation in our home. It’s easy, flavorful, can be made in advance and makes for great leftovers. Historically, I have only added the cheese on the top of the peppers. As of late though, I have found myself adding cheese with each bite (calcium craving?!). Next time I…

Peaches & Prosciutto

Sweet, salty, fresh and easy. What else do you need for a final taste of summer? Ingredients Peaches Prosciutto Fresh Basil Slice peaches into pieces that can be consumed in one to two bites. Cut long strips of the prosciutto so that they’re about a half-inch wide. Wrap each piece of peach with slices of…

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

Every summer when we head north to be with family, my husband and I both try to claim to be from the Cherry Capital. I say it is Michigan, and he insists it is Wisconsin. While the dispute is ongoing, we do agree that both places grow delicious cherries. Whether you like them freshly picked,…

Green, Eggs & Ham Crêpes

Perfect for a summer lunch or brunch, this delicate dish is full of flavor, impressive and easy to pull together. They are especially simple if you use pre-made crêpes, which are often available in the produce section of the grocery store. The dish also lends itself to using what you have on-hand, allowing you to…

Nutbutter Oat Bites

For those on the go, (or for those of us that just had a baby!) these are the best snacks to have in the freezer. Loaded with protein and so much satisfying flavor, these bites are sure to curb that hunger and provide you with a boost of energy. The chocolate and dried fruit also…

J Bar Margarita

I have always been a fan of margaritas but am always hesitant when ordering them out at a restaurant as so many places use bottled mixes that consists mainly of corn syrup. The best margaritas are made from scratch when you squeeze fresh limes and make your own mix. My brother, Jay, has mastered many…