Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
Forget everything you thought you knew about potato salad. This Crispy Smashed Potato Salad is here to revolutionize your summer cookouts and potlucks. It's an incredible combination of textures and flavors, combining the irresistible crunch of roasted smashed potatoes with a vibrant, pickley salad and a cool, creamy ranch dressing. Imagine tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside smashed potatoes, caramelized and golden, providing an incredible textural contrast to every bite.
By - Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Danish Puff Pork Chops
I'd never heard of this dish, but it sounded so interesting that I simply had to make it. Danish Puff Pork Chops use boneless pork chops and topped with a thick sauce made of butter, flour, milk, egg, sharp cheddar cheese and finely minced onion. It’s then spooned over seared pork chops and then baked. As it bakes, it sets and creates a slightly puffed, flavorful crust. Despite their name, Danish Puff Pork Chops are not a traditional Danish recipe. They are considered a comfort food classic that originated in the midwest of the United States. It's unique and absolutely delicious!
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Dump and Bake French Onion Meatballs and Rice
Taking the timeless appeal of classic French onion soup, this casserole is an incredibly easy, weeknight-friendly dish. All the delicious flavors you love are here: buttery caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and savory Gruyère cheese. It's the perfect way to enjoy this iconic 18th-century Parisian creation as a comforting and quick meal on even your busiest evenings.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 1 hr
- Yields: 4 Servings
Neiman Marcus Cake
The Neiman Marcus Cake is widely believed to be a variation of the St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake. This Midwestern dessert, reputedly created by accident during the Great Depression by a baker who added too much butter, sugar, or shortening to a standard cake, has a distinct gooey center and a crisp crust. The "Neiman Marcus" moniker is that the dessert is simply seen as being as "rich" and "luxurious" as the department store itself. This recipes uses a yellow cake mix for the base, combined with melted butter and eggs, and then topped with a sweet cream cheese mixture. I had never had it or heard of it before and when I served it, I cut the pieces too big. It's SO rich and luxurious that a little goes a long way!
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 35 mins
- Yields: 12 Servings
Cheese Slaw
In the United States, the story of Cheese Slaw largely begins in Roanoke, Virginia. The recipe is attributed to caterer Lib Wilhelm, whose famous cheese slaw appeared in the Roanoke Junior League cookbook "Oh My Stars!Recipes That Shine," published in 2000. Lib Wilhelm was a well-known figure in Roanoke's social scene, and her cheese slaw was a signature dish, even mentioned in her obituary. This version of cheese slaw often features Swiss cheese, banana peppers, jalapeño, and green onions, bound with mayonnaise. It's often described as the of cousin of pimento cheese.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Yields: 12 Servings
Classic Patty Melt
The Classic Patty Melt…
When a grilled cheese meets a hamburger.
The Bread should be sliced rye (seeded or seedless, depending on preference) is traditional and provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Some might opt for sourdough or even Texas toast, but classic rye offers a unique and essential flavor profile.
The Beef patty should be made from freshly ground chuck, ideally an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures juiciness and flavor. They should be seasoned simply with salt and pepper, cooked on a hot griddle or cast-iron skillet to develop a beautiful sear and crust, while remaining juicy on the inside.
The Onions should be deeply caramelized. This is where the magic truly happens.
The Cheese must be melty and flavorful. The classic choice for a patty melt is Swiss cheese. I prefer a sharp cheddar. And then there are those people that like American cheese… Well, they are not invited to this party!
The Classic Patty Melt is stacked with meat, onions and cheese and then cooked until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and oozy.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Slow Roasted Feta-Dill Pistachio Crusted Salmon with Creamy Tzatziki
Slow-Roasted Feta, Dill, and Pistachio-Crusted Salmon is an easy weeknight upgrade that boasts incredible flavor and texture. Experience perfectly moist salmon topped with a crispy, salty, and tangy crust, beautifully nestled on a bed of arugula and creamy tzatziki. It's truly the most delicious way to enjoy salmon! Truth be told, I bought ready-made tzatziki!
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 35 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Marry Me Butter Beans
Ever heard of Marry Me Chicken? It's an incredible Tuscan-inspired dish, bursting with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and basil. Here is a delicious vegetarian recipe for Marry Me Butter Beans. You'll be amazed at the depth of flavor this recipe delivers in just 15 minutes! Featuring butter beans enveloped in a creamy Tuscan-style sauce, these Marry Me Butter Beans are the ultimate quick comfort food. It comes together in one skillet. It's so delicious, it's rumored to make anyone who tastes it want to marry the chef!
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Chicken with Apricot Jam & Soy Sauce – AKA – Sandy’s Chicken
This is one of my husband's favorite meals. He is always asking me to make it. Sandy is one of my best friends. She was the first person I met on my first day of college (Sarah Lawrence) back in 1979. Actually, it was my mother that met her, I was too shy. You know those friends that know a hell of a lot about you - actually, too much about you? Well, Sandy is one of those. A friend that you haven't seen in years and yet you pick right up where you left off. That's Sandy and this is her chicken.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 1 hr
- Yields: 4 Servings
Chile-Lime Noodle Salad
This vibrant Chile-Lime Noodle Salad is naturally gluten-free, featuring Pad Thai rice noodles as its base. To ensure maximum freshness and crispness, the vegetables – cucumber, carrots, snap peas, red onion, and serrano pepper – are thinly sliced and incorporated raw.
The salad's signature kick comes from a spicy, tangy dressing. It's a creamy and bright blend of mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic, perfectly complements the fresh ingredients. To finish, a generous sprinkle of crushed salted and roasted cashews adds a satisfying crunch.
One of the best things about this salad? It's a fantastic make-ahead option! In fact, it tastes even better on the second or third day as the noodles and vegetables fully absorb the dressing and the flavors meld together beautifully. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prep (perfect for lunches) or for getting a head start on a potluck or cookout.
- Prep: 25 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
