Sometimes you just need a sauce to take an ordinary dish to an extraordinary dish. Arugula walnut pesto is a universal sauce that can be used on roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, sauteed fish, scrambled eggs, and pasta. Not only does it taste delicious but it’s …

When I did my first Whole30 challenge I wasn’t sure if I would like chili without beans. How silly. Yes, chili tastes just fine without beans! This turkey chili has such a unique flavor profile my husband and my guests rave about it. What’s funny …

This mayonnaise-based dairy-free ranch dressing delivers the fresh, herb-packed flavor of classic ranch without the dairy. Parsley, dill, garlic, chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper combine to create a clean, vibrant dressing people always ask me about. It’s naturally Whole30, Paleo, and Keto …

Steak Niçoise Salad is one of our favorite meals to serve guests. This hearty steak salad combines perfectly cooked tri-tip, tender potatoes, crisp green beans, ripe tomatoes, olives, and a bright nut-lime vinaigrette. It’s ideal for entertaining because you can prep almost everything ahead of …

This vinaigrette is delicious and satiating. It’s wonderful with steak or chicken entree salads. One guest said, “Wow, this dressing really makes the salad.” You can also use this vinaigrette as a dip for spring rolls. Cashew-Lime Vinaigrette1/2 cup lime juice (about 5 limes)1/4 cup …

Finally, a whole-food healthy version of nachos. These delightful bites are grain-free and dairy-free. Plus, peppers are a good source of vitamin C. Whether you want to enjoy a nutritious appetizer or introduce others to a healthier option these mini-pepper nachos are easy to make …

Making a simple vinaigrette only adds an additional five minutes of prep time and yields many benefits. Just think about it. You’ll know all the ingredients your dressing contains. You can control the amount of sugar or leave it out all together. Have you ever …

What do you think of when you hear the word “meatloaf?” For some, it may be an all-beef meatloaf with a ketchup glaze. Others may think of  a meatloaf with a thick gravy on the side. This recipe is not all beef, does not have …

Yes, you can make Greek meatballs using ground turkey. My husband and I love my all-beef Greek Meatballs. We often serve them to guests with rave reviews. I wondered if they would taste just as good with extra-lean ground turkey. The answer is yes! The …

I’m not sure where I’ve been that I have not heard of delicata squash until this year. A couple months ago a dear friend had a small birthday party for me. It was a delightful party for eight. We enjoyed appetizers and conversation outside while …

I love getting the wonton soup that comes with my dinner at Chinese restaurants. It qualifies as comfort food. If we are honest with ourselves, some wonton soups are better than others. Who knows what’s in the soup from restaurant to restaurant. Does it have …

We shouldn’t automatically brine a turkey. It depends on the turkey. If we buy a self-basting turkey then we ought not to brine because it will be too salty. Essentially, it’s already brined. This year I bought a heritage turkey from a small family operated …

Leaving behind processed foods and embracing a more whole and real food diet can sometimes be a shock to the wallet. Why is it that food not good for us costs less? Why does eating healthy cost more? Hmm. I’ll have to save that for …

There is nothing like crispy chicken skin. It’s to chicken what bacon is to pork. I remember fighting to get “one more bite” of chicken skin as a kid. Then sadly during the low-fat craze of the 80’s and 90’s the family threw it away …

I have been making this recipe for years, roughly since the early 2000’s when one night I contemplated and savored what I loved about Boston Market’s green beans (which now appears only on the catering menu). So, now you can make them at home. I’ve …

These potatoes  remind me of my childhood. Mom’s fried potatoes were one of my favorite side dishes growing up. I remember when I was old enough, Mom put me in charge of flipping the potato slices. One of the many ways she introduced me to …

When I first made this salad dressing ten years ago, my husband wasn’t fond of it. For those who are trying to transition their families to healthier recipes, I’d like to offer some hope and insight. I can now fast forward 10 years later from …

Can you make pesto without cheese? Yes! The last time I went to the store they had large tubs of basil and I couldn’t resist. The weather is good enough to grill now and basil screams summer to me. I love pesto with pasta, of …

I love my original Zucchini Frittata recipe. However, many people can’t have cheese or choose not to have cheese if they are doing a 30-day elimination diet. So, I altered my original recipe to create this dairy free version. The main difference is this frittata …

We all know that broccoli is good for us. Why exactly? It provides vitamin K, vitamin C, a variety of B vitamins, calcium, potassium, loads of amino acids, and fiber. Not to mention broccoli contains cancer-fighting antioxidants and feeds your gut microbiome.  Until recently, I’ve …

If you are carb conscious one of the very first things you learn is skip the bun on a burger and swap it for a lettuce wrap, or have the burger with a side salad. That’s why I love Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. They have …

Doing a Whole30 challenge brought sweet potatoes back into my life. I shunned all potatoes, fruit, and starchy vegetables for far too long. I put them in a “bad food” category. I’m recovered from that thinking. I now know that they are good for me …

I periodically get nostalgic for my Mom’s Juicy Ginger-Beer Ham. She served it to our family both at Christmas and Easter. As a child I remember grumbling to my mom about having ham and potato salad twice a year while only having turkey and stuffing …

Hamburger gravy is something that my Mom made often when I was growing up. It was one of my favorites. I decided it was time to give mom’s recipe a make over in order to replace that beloved can of cream of mushroom soup with …

I have been making homemade chicken stock for years. I started making stock from scratch because I wanted to know exactly what I was eating, and I thought it would taste better. It does taste better! A lot better as a matter of fact. Years …

I originally posted this recipe in 2009. Since then it’s received over 30,000 views. I would love to think that I’ve helped families embrace cauliflower and not be so dependent on potatoes for every meal. Don’t get me wrong. I love potatoes and believe they …

When you don’t have time (or a smoker) you can make brisket in half the time using a gas grill and finish it in the oven. For the last three years my husband and I have bought a half side of beef. It’s an amazing …

If you’ve been to a picnic or a church potluck then chances are you’ve seen Broccoli Salad. I often see Broccoli Salad for sale at stores in the deli section. What makes this recipe unique is bacon, dried cherries, and shelled pumpkin seeds. To the …

Whether you are enjoying the bountiful abundance of vegetables from the produce section of your grocery store, your local farmer’s market, or your own garden this is a delicious way to infuse more veggies in an otherwise traditional pasta sauce. Pasta used to be a …

I love to grill chicken as long as the temperature is warm enough. I plan on doing as much outdoor grilling as possible. Two of my favorite things about grilling: That open-flame flavor (especially if I add wood chips on the grill). A clean kitchen …

Raise your hand if you’ve had at least one box of “Hamburger Helper” in your lifetime. We all love those one pan meals! Now we can enjoy some nostalgia with a simple low-carb version and stay in ketosis. I’ve made this once a week for …

I thought I bought three packs of chicken breasts. But, no, turns out I bought boneless skinless chicken thighs. I must say that thighs are not my favorite. As a matter of fact, it’s only in the last couple of years that I’ve started liking …

If you want to put your summer dinner guests into a state of bliss, this dessert-type cocktail is the answer. I was introduced to “The Hummer” by the mixologist himself at the Bayview Yacht Club.  Back in the day, when my husband was working red-capet …

Recently, friends invited my husband and I to a dinner party where the theme was “burgers.”  Everyone was supposed to bring a burger condiment as well as a side dish or dessert.  I decided to bring a bacon and onion relish. It was a huge …

My husband and I love hosting big parties at least once a year. By big, I mean big. We hosted over 60 people on July 4th last year, and we counted 56 this year. We host other dinner parties throughout the year but this one …

The first time I had Pan Pizza—Restaurant Style at a friend’s house I begged shamelessly for the recipe. When I make this for guests they tell me it’s better than what they get at restaurants. You see, the “pizza lady’s” husband actually managed Pizza Huts …

I love the convenience of bottled salad dressings, but equally important is knowing exactly what all the ingredients are in those type of convenience foods. If I buy salad dressing from a store I prefer to buy the kind that needs to be refrigerated. The …

Thick bone-in pork chops start in the oven, sear in a pan to finish so they don’t get dried out, and are topped with a quick pan sauce.

This is one of my favorite tried and true recipes. I’ve been making this recipe for over 10 years and I’ve made it dozens and dozens of times. I make them just for my husband and me. I make them for guests and they love …

There are a boat load of recipes for tzatziki, I know.  I have been on a quest for the recipe that I remember from my youth. I grew up in the Metro-Detroit area and I enjoyed many dinners in Greek Town. Oh, the memories—fresh warm …

I have been on a major frittata kick lately. It seems that between leftovers and the staples I have in my my refrigerator I can make a frittata out of just about anything. The flavor combination of spinach, tomato, and feta makes for an especially …

I don’t know why I have waited so long to blog about this salad. My husband and I have enjoyed this salad for years. We serve it to company. You can serve it family-style, split between six bowls, or split between two bowls. Add some …