Curried Lentil Soup with Tomatoes and Spinach

Curried Lentil Soup with Tomatoes and Spinach is a delicious and healthy soup that is perfect for a cold day. It is also a good source of protein and fiber. The soup is made with lentils, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, ginger, curry powder, and cumin. If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon. You can also add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes.

By Leslie Blythe

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage & Brussels Sprouts

This is an easy sheet pan dinner for a busy weeknight that uses 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage and Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage. It’s is so simple. You halve the Brussels sprouts and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then put them on a baking sheet with the sliced sausages and sprouts. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.

By Leslie Blythe

Meatloaf Roll

This is Nadiya Hussain’s Meatloaf Roll. We watched an episode of her show on Netflix and my husband made it the next day. I really don't like meatloaf, but I have to say it is outstanding. It is a hybrid of three British classics: beef Wellington, sausage roll, and Scotch egg. Her trick is to brush the puff pastry with watered-down marmite before wrapping it around the meat, which gives it a subtle umami flavor. You can make it ahead of time and bake later in the day.

By Leslie Blythe

No-Churn Margarita Ice Cream

No-churn margarita ice cream is a delicious and easy to make dessert. It is made with just a few simple ingredients, including heavy cream, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and powdered sugar. The cream is whipped until thick and then the other ingredients are added and mixed until combined. The ice cream is then frozen overnight and is ready to enjoy the next day.

The alcohol in the tequila and triple sec prevents the ice cream from freezing too hard, so it has a smooth and creamy texture. The ice cream can be served plain or garnished with lime zest or margarita salt.

By Leslie Blythe

Salt & Vinegar Sheet-Pan Chicken & Brussels Sprouts

My family loves salt and vinegar potato chips. So when I saw this recipe I had to make it. Salt & Vinegar Sheet-Pan Chicken & Brussels Sprouts is an easy one-pan meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. The chicken is roasted with Brussels sprouts, red onions, and a vinegar mixture that gives the dish a tangy, flavorful kick. The whole meal cooks in just 25 minutes.

By Leslie Blythe

Simple Wild Rice Salad from The Silver Palate

This Simple Wild Rice Salad from The Silver Palate is a classic salad. It's made with Uncle Ben's wild rice, pecans, golden raisins, orange rind, mint, and a simple orange juice dressing. The flavors of the wild rice, pecans, and raisins are perfectly complemented by the brightness of the orange rind and mint. The dressing is light and tangy, and it helps to bring all of the flavors together. It's best made ahead of time and allowed to sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to develop.

By Leslie Blythe

Lebanese Pilaf

Lebanese pilaf is a simple rice dish that is popular throughout the Middle East. It is made with long grain white rice, vermicelli noodles, pine nuts, and butter. Some recipes may also call for a dash of cinnamon or other spices. To make Lebanese pilaf, the vermicelli noodles and rice are first toasted in the butter until golden. Broth is then added, and the rice is cooked until it is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. The pilaf is then fluffed with a fork and served.

By Leslie Blythe

Tomato Curry with Coconut Rice

In an effort to not eat much meat, I made Nigella Lawson's Tomato Curry with Coconut Rice, which is a great meatless Monday meal. It's made with fresh cherry tomatoes, coconut milk, spices, and basmati rice. The curry is creamy and flavorful, and the coconut rice adds a touch of sweetness. I added some sultanas (golden raisins), which is a nice addition.

By Leslie Blythe

Crispy Broccoli Parmesan Fritters

I made dinner from my freezer last night, I didn't feel like going to the market in 100° F heat. The recipe calls for fresh broccoli, but I used frozen instead.
Crispy Broccoli Parmesan Fritters are made with simple ingredients - broccoli, onion, eggs, flour, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. The broccoli is cooked until tender, then mashed and mixed with the other ingredients. It's then fried until golden brown and crispy.

By Leslie Blythe

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

My husband is a bit of a dill pickle fanatic. When we were dating a thousand years ago, I remember going to a market and he bought a jar of dill pickles. They were gone before we got home!
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy summer side dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. The pasta salad gets dill pickles, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing and flavorful salad.

By Leslie Blythe