Cooking Method: Assembling

Boursin-Pepper Jelly Dip

If you’re looking for a showstopping appetizer for your next gathering, look no further. This Boursin-Pepper Jelly Dip is a sophisticated, high-flavor upgrade to the classic holiday block of cream cheese. By swapping basic cream cheese for the velvety, herb-flecked richness of Boursin, you transform a simple snack into a gourmet centerpiece in under two minutes. A shower of crushed smoked almonds provides a salty, roasted depth that ties it all together.

By Leslie Blythe

Cheez-It® Cracker Chicken Caesar Salad

My friend Chef Sara Tane (I hope she remembers me when she has her own Food Network show!) is responsible for this out of this world recipe. She has developed several recipes for Cheez-It crackers. This Cheez-It® Cracker Chicken Caesar Salad is crazy good. I think I will throw all bread crumbs out and use Cheez-Its from now on. I have merged her Caesar salad with her Cheez-It Cobb salad. I have been an enormous fan of these crackers since college. I used to dip them in Kraft Pimento spread. My culinary tastes were born in Indiana in the early '60s.

By Leslie Blythe

Divorce Salad

I have made several Marry Me recipes. My husband was a little upset by the title of this salad. One bite and he was raving and would probably marry me again. It's that good!

"Divorce Salad" refers to a specific type of salad, and its name often comes with a story. The most widely referenced "Divorce Salad" is a recipe that gained popularity for its meal-prep friendly qualities and was created by Emily Farris after her divorce as a way to prioritize self-care through food.

The idea behind this "Divorce Salad" is that it's easy to make, nourishing, and designed to be something you can enjoy when you need a simple, comforting meal, especially during a challenging time. It combines marinated cannellini beans, Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese and crispy fried onions.

By Leslie Blythe

Asparagus Hazelnut Salad

Since it’s asparagus season (April - early June), when it's sweetest and most tender, I made this outstanding Asparagus Hazelnut Salad. The delicate sweetness of the fresh asparagus pairs beautifully with the rich, earthy crunch of toasted hazelnuts. It's a simple yet sophisticated combination that truly lets the star ingredient shine.

By Leslie Blythe

Chicken Salad with Roasted Grapes and Almonds

I'm a big fan of incorporating roasted grapes into savory dishes; it truly elevates their sweetness and adds an incredible depth of flavor. This Chicken Salad with Roasted Grapes and Almonds was a perfect example—absolutely delicious! I enjoyed it for lunch the next day, tucked into warm pita bread.

By Leslie Blythe

Shaken Cucumber Salad

This Shaken Cucumber Salad recipe has taken TikTok by storm. It's a popular recipe that involves thinly slicing cucumbers, combining them with this delicious dressing, and then shaking everything together in a container to ensure even distribution. This is my version.

By Leslie Blythe

Irish Funeral Sandwiches

This recipe for Irish Funeral Sandwiches popped up in my inbox. It's sort of - if an egg salad sandwich (my favorite sandwich!) met up with a club sandwich. I literally made it 10 minutes later and let me tell you it's absolutely delicious. Apparently, Irish funeral sandwiches have been a staple at wakes and funerals across Ireland to offer comfort and sustenance to mourners during a difficult time. While the specific ingredients can vary depending on regional preferences and the availability of local produce, the core elements of an Irish funeral sandwich typically include hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, sliced ham or chicken, lettuce, and mayonnaise all chopped up.

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Pittsburgh Salad

The Pittsburgh Salad, a unique culinary creation featuring a bed of greens topped with crispy french fries, is a beloved regional dish with a somewhat murky history.
While there's no definitive answer to its origin, the most popular theory places its birth in the early 1960s at a Western Pennsylvania drive-in.
The Contenders
Two establishments lay claim to the title of Pittsburgh salad creator:
Jerry's Curb Service in Bridgewater, PA
Hilltop Grill in Rochester, PA (This restaurant seems to have closed down)

The story goes that a customer at one of these restaurants ordered a steak sandwich without the bread, adding fries to the top of a salad. The resulting concoction sparked inspiration, leading to the creation of the Pittsburgh salad as we know it today.
The beauty of this salad is its versatility. While the core components of greens and fries remain constant, the toppings and dressings can vary widely. All I can say is that this salad is brilliant in every way.

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Vanilla Ice Cream with Biscoff Cookies, Amarena Cherries & Sherry

Vanilla ice cream with Biscoff cookies, Amarena cherries (I use Trader Joe's), and sherry is a wonderful dessert that combines sweet, salty, and boozy flavors. The creamy vanilla ice cream is studded with crunchy Biscoff cookie pieces, juicy Amarena cherries, and a drizzle of sweet sherry, creating the perfect easy dessert.

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Brussels Sprouts Salad with Blueberries & Almonds

My husband and I are obsessed with this Brussels Sprouts Salad with Blueberries & Almonds. It is so delicious, healthy, and a great way to incorporate these cruciferous vegetables into your diet, which are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. The combination of sweet blueberries, crunchy almonds, and savory Brussels sprouts is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Even my father who hates vegetables of any kind, said it was delicious.

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