Appetizers

Perfect quick and simple appetizers the easy way.

Zucchini ‘Tzatziki’ Dip (Vegetarian, Gluten Free)

Zucchini ‘Tzatziki’ Dip (Vegetarian, Gluten Free)

When your garden (or local farmer’s market) is overflowing with Zucchini, here’s a super simple twist on a Tzatziki you can whip up in minutes!

The Ultimate Healthy 7-Layer Dip (Gluten-free, Vegetarian-optional)

The Ultimate Healthy 7-Layer Dip (Gluten-free, Vegetarian-optional)

This dip will make you the talk of the neighborhood. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, this healthy take on a classic 7-layer Mexican dip is sure to impress your friends and family with its lightness, freshness, and explosion of flavors.

Blistered Edamame with Rosemary and Garlic (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Blistered Edamame with Rosemary and Garlic (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

This Blistered Edamame with Rosemary and Garlic is inspired by a restaurant local to my house that serves the most delicious sautéed edamame. The first time I ate it, I knew I had to recreate it and I also knew just how easy it would be. Happily, I was right.

My Secret Sauce-Stuffed Meatballs

My Secret Sauce-Stuffed Meatballs

I haven’t shared this recipe with a single soul until now, but these are, without a doubt, the best meatballs ever. My family asks for these weekly, they freeze well, and are every mom’s dream – a quick and easy dinner that’s mess-free. 

Holiday Charcuterie Wreath

Holiday Charcuterie Wreath

This is always one of my favorite times of year, and as a staunch ‘delicious but not filling’ appetizer supporter, I considered this the perfect opportunity to combine two of the holiday season’s best features: charcuterie and Christmas.

Thanksgiving Essential Recipes

Thanksgiving Essential Recipes

This year I made it my mission to gather some recipes for you that were not only quick and easy but on the healthy side as well. These Thanksgiving essential recipes are some of my tried and true – the ones I turn to year after year that never fail to delight!

Ricotta Toast with Cucumber, Lemon, and Lots of Herbs (Vegetarian)

Ricotta Toast with Cucumber, Lemon, and Lots of Herbs (Vegetarian)

We all know that sweet ricotta toast is delicious. Berries, figs, peaches… it’s a thing of beauty. However, if you haven’t tried savory ricotta toast, this may be the nudge you needed to do just that…

The Best Chunky Guacamole                     (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

The Best Chunky Guacamole (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Many years ago, I took a vacation with some girlfriends to Tulum, Mexico. I had heard wonderful things about Tulum, not the least of which was the incredible food. No surprise, I always educate myself on the regional cuisine before I plan a trip. Tulum…

Pear + Proscuitto Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese

Pear + Proscuitto Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese

When it comes to entertaining, I like to use a variety of recipes for appetizers:  some that will be brand new to my guests and some that are “safe” dishes. This one checks both boxes,. It’s “safe” because crostini of all types tend to be…

Cranberry Red Pepper Jelly (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Cranberry Red Pepper Jelly (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Oh, this jelly.  I’ve been making this Cranberry Red Pepper Jelly for about a decade, every Christmas, and it’s my absolute favorite thing to give as a homemade gift.    Cookies are fabulous, obviously, as a holiday treat, but it’s the most common food to…

Feta Stuffed Marinated Olives               (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian)

Feta Stuffed Marinated Olives (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian)

Let’s all come together and start supporting light, bite sized appetizers, shall we? I’m all for hearty first courses, don’t get me wrong, but how many holidays have you experienced where everyone fills up on appetizers and then leaves almost no room for the main…

Miso Ranch Dip (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian)

Miso Ranch Dip (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian)

Ranch dressing… it has a reputation. It’s widely loved, and understandably.  It’s creamy, savory, and really flavorful.  Some people even put it on their pizza, though that’s a contentious debate I don’t have time to weigh in on here.   My husband loves ranch dressing, but…

The Silkiest Edamame Blender Hummus Dip (Vegan, Gluten Free)

The Silkiest Edamame Blender Hummus Dip (Vegan, Gluten Free)

If you’ve been here a while, you know how much I adore hummus.   In fact, tahini has become one of my favorite ingredients and I’m so thankful to the Indian and Middle Eastern cultures and cuisine that brought it to us here in America. I’ve…

The Silkiest Blender Hummus Dip (Gluten Free, Vegan)

The Silkiest Blender Hummus Dip (Gluten Free, Vegan)

You probably know this already, but not all hummus is created equal. I find most store bought hummus to be a bit gritty, and have a harsh taste.  There are exceptions, of course, but hummus is so easy to make at home there is no…

Holiday Chex Mix with Brown Butter & Herbs

Holiday Chex Mix with Brown Butter & Herbs

Oh, Chex Mix… how I love thee.   Every holiday season, I make batches and batches of this stuff.  It’s so satisfying to snack on with drinks, if you’re having people over (in any other year than 2020), and makes an easy and delicious gift for…

The Silkiest White Bean Blender Hummus Dip (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

The Silkiest White Bean Blender Hummus Dip (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

For all you fellow snackers out there (you’re my people), I have a host of easy, nutrient dense recipes that are great to have on hand in the fridge for those days when you don’t want to deal with preparing lunch. Those kinds of days,…