Broccoli Salad with Smoked Almonds and Raisins

This Broccoli Salad with Smoked Almonds and Raisins is great because there's no cooking involved. Fresh broccoli is cut into small florets and tossed with a simple light mayonnaise-based dressing. I. add green onions, golden raisins, crunchy smoked almonds and sunflower seeds. I make it in the morning and add the nuts and seeds right before serving. It’s so good on a hot day.

By Leslie Blythe

Bang Bang Rainbow Slaw

Bang Bang Rainbow Slaw earns its name by delivering an exciting "bang" of flavor and a vibrant "rainbow" of colors. This show-stopping side or versatile topping expertly blends a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce with an assortment of fresh, crisp vegetables, creating a harmonious explosion of taste and texture in every single bite.

By Leslie Blythe

Rosalynn Carter’s Strawberry Cake

Rosalynn Carter's Strawberry Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a piece of history and a comforting classic. This moist strawberry cake is one of her family recipes. The recipe is simple and made with a box cake mix, a box of strawberry gelatin, vegetable oil, chopped nuts, eggs, flour and strawberries. Just mix all the ingredients together and bake in a bundt pan.

By Leslie Blythe

Mississippi Salisbury Steak

Mississippi Salisbury Steaks aren't your grandma's Salisbury steaks; they're an exciting upgrade.
These beef steaks are incredibly tender and flavorful, thanks to the addition of a ranch seasoning packet. This simple ingredient infuses the meat with a savory depth. The accompanying au jus is rich with umami, perfectly complementing the hearty steaks.
But the real game-changer here is the pepperoncini. Borrowing a page from the beloved Mississippi pot roast, the tangy peppers are incorporated to add a bright acidity and a mild kick that the traditional dish lacks. They cut through the richness of the meat and gravy, creating a beautifully balanced and incredibly addictive flavor profile.
This dish is also quick and easy, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to complete your meal.

By Leslie Blythe

Swamp Potatoes and Sausage

These Swamp Potatoes and Sausage are hearty, full of flavor and comforting. Its nickname probably comes both from its extra-deep South origins, and its resemblance to the bayou’s margin at low tide. Many Southerners also know this dish as old-fashioned smothered green beans. Serve alongside crusty bread for soaking in the delicious juices. While it may not win any beauty contests, its taste more than makes up for it!

By Leslie Blythe

Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad

I felt like making a light and refreshing salad for dinner. Get ready for a delicious, lightning-fast dinner salad that's packed with flavor! This recipe combines crunchy romaine and cucumbers with juicy shrimp and a creamy, irresistible soy-mayo dressing. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a meal that feels anything but quick. In fact, you might find yourself reaching for that amazing dressing as a go-to dip for everything from veggies to grilled fish!

By Leslie Blythe

Sicilian Spaghetti alla Norma

Get ready for this spicy (the spice can be toned down to suit your taste!) Sicilian Spaghetti alla Norma! It's a simple and incredibly flavorful. The eggplant achieves an amazing texture, and the sweet tomato sauce is perfectly contrasted by the salty capers and pecorino, all with a lovely hint of heat. This vegetarian pasta dish offers a satisfying, "meaty" texture and richness.

By Leslie Blythe

Salmon with Zucchini and Corn Cream Sauce

Enjoy this Salmon with Zucchini and Corn Cream Sauce. it’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests. It's simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for any special occasion.

The salmon gets seared until golden, then you make the sauce by sautéing shallots, garlic, fresh thyme, red pepper, zucchini and corn. Then whisk some heavy cream and Dijon mustard, add it to the vegetables along with some white wine and let it reduce a bit and finish the sauce with a bit of butter, lemon juice and zest. You can either spoon the sauce over the salmon or pour it on a plate and top with the salmon.

By Leslie Blythe

Soy-and-Cola-Marinated Steak

Coca-Cola is the secret weapon for incredibly tender and flavorful grilled steak. The magic lies in Coca-Cola's high acidity and sugar content. The acidity works to tenderize the meat, breaking down tough fibers, while the sugar promotes rapid caramelization on the grill, creating that perfect, sought-after char.

This recipe harnesses this technique, using a savory-sweet marinade of Coca-Cola, soy sauce, garlic, and white miso for skirt steak. Remember to use regular Coca-Cola, not diet.

By Leslie Blythe

Salt & Vinegar Potato Salad

My family can't get enough of anything salt and vinegar. These bold flavors really took off with salt and vinegar potato chips, which were a huge hit in the United Kingdom long before they made their way to our shores. Now, inspired by those very chips, Salt and Vinegar Potato Salad offers a vibrant, flavorful twist on the classic side dish. Finishing the potato salad with crushed Salt & Vinegar potato chips is a stroke of genius! It delivers a double punch of that iconic tangy flavor and an irresistible crunch.

By Leslie Blythe