Author: Vickie Young

White Bean Salad

White Bean Salad

White Bean Salad highlights the Spanish flavors of creamy beans, sharp shallots, sweet crunch from bell peppers, and light acidity of tomatoes with a simple oil and vinegar base. It pairs well with meat or hearty vegetarian main dishes or makes a great, protein rich 

Stuffed Portabello Mushrooms

Stuffed Portabello Mushrooms

Stuffed Portabello Mushrooms either with, or without meat are easy, quick, and delicious. I’ve made a number of versions over the years and this is the corner stone recipe. Great on the grill or roasted in the oven. Hearty enough for an entrée served with 

Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad is a throwback dessert “salad” that’s easy and refreshing on a warm day. It hits the sweet, creamy, crunchy, salty notes in excellent balance. This is a semi-homemade version that includes a couple of shortcuts that are great time savers. At 

Quinoa Veggie Salad

Quinoa Veggie Salad

Quinoa Veggie Salad exceeds expectations for a cool yet hearty side on hot summer evenings. I’ve been making a variety of sides lately that can be served cold and hold well to reduce the amount of time in the kitchen. This salad is easy to 

Fennel Apple Mandarin Slaw

Fennel Apple Mandarin Slaw

Fennel Apple Mandarin Slaw perks up your table with a crisp, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s great on a hot summer evening. If you’re not familiar with fennel, it’s a crunchy, anise flavored veggie. I encourage an immediate introduction and experimentation. Fennel is great in 

Baby Bok Choy Salad

Baby Bok Choy Salad

Baby Bok Choy Salad is a power punch of flavor with cool, fresh crunch that compliments many other dishes. I’ve been making this super easy Baby Bok Choy Salad for years. I originally adapted this version from a recipe we received with our produce subscription 

Huevos Rancheros with Chorizo

Huevos Rancheros with Chorizo

Huevos Rancheros with Chorizo is just the fuel needed for a busy weekend day. To me, this is comfort food at its pinnacle, packed with protein and flavor. It’s a hearty brunch dish with a bit of preparation needed, so it’s not something we make 

Melon Salad with Sesame Dressing

Melon Salad with Sesame Dressing

Melon Salad with Sesame Dressing is a fruit salad with lots of character that will liven up any dinner plate. Even melons with a bit less sweetness than I prefer are transformed in the sweet and tangy dressing. Use all or a combination of some 

Fried Polenta

Fried Polenta

Fried Polenta is a fun way to switch up your starch routine. It’s a versatile starch that’s a blank canvas for any flavor profile. Creamy polenta is a wonderful backdrop for stewed or braised meats, barbecue, or roasted meats with big flavors. It’s wonderful under 

Oven Fried Chicken

Oven Fried Chicken

Oven Fried Chicken is a great alternative to one of my all time favorite dinners, fried chicken. My mom’s fried chicken is unsurpassably delicious. But, it does take some watching and, sometimes it’s fun to switch up the method. So, if it’s cool enough outside,