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.

By Leslie Blythe

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.

By Leslie Blythe

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!

By Leslie Blythe

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!

By Leslie Blythe

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.

By Leslie Blythe

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.

By Leslie Blythe

Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers! Boneless chicken thighs soak up all the tangy goodness of pickle brine before being threaded onto skewers with crisp dill pickles. After a quick sear in a grill pan, they're baked until juicy and finished with a zesty, buttery garlic ranch sauce that brings it all together. The key to this dish is the pickle brine marinade. The acidity in the pickle juice acts as a natural tenderizer for the chicken, breaking down muscle fibers and infusing the meat with tangy flavor. Beyond just tenderizing, it also helps the chicken retain moisture, resulting in juicy chicken.

By Leslie Blythe

Southern Style Tomato Pie

You'll love this Southern Style Tomato Pie, a perfect summer dish. It's packed with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil in a flaky crust, topped with a creamy mix of mayonnaise and cheese that bakes up golden and bubbly. It's a delicious blend of sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and savory cheese—great for any summer get-together.

I used Duke’s Mayonnaise. Unlike many other commercial mayonnaise brands, Duke's is naturally sugar-free, giving it a tangier, less sweet flavor profile. This was initially due to sugar rationing during WWI but became a signature characteristic. Their motto. - It's Got Twang!

By Leslie Blythe

Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions

Apricot Chicken with Charred Scallions revolves around tender chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful apricot-based sauce, complemented by salty soy sauce and nutty sesame oil. What truly sets this dish apart are the charred scallions. When cooked at high heat, they transform, adding a smoky, pungent, and subtly sweet onion flavor that elevates the entire dish beyond a basic sweet and sour chicken.

By Leslie Blythe

Curried Salmon and Tomato Traybake

Curried Salmon and Tomato Traybake is packed with lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats from the salmon. The salmon fillets nestled on top of a bed of roasted red onions, bursting cherry tomatoes and a curry-inspired sauce, all roasted together on a single baking tray. Serve with rice or couscous and naan or pita bread to sop up at the the juices.

By Leslie Blythe