Cooking Method: Mixing

California Quinoa Salad

Yesterday at work, I wandered into the staff kitchen to find several people surrounding this California Quinoa Salad. They said it was the best salad ever. Of course, I had some, and yes, it is truly delicious. My friend Kristi made it. It has so much flavor and perfect for a weekday lunch. 

Quinoa (pronounced ‘keen-wah’) is a superfood, which is a complete protein. It has the perfect ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and is one of the best sources of protein you can get from a plant source. It is gluten-free and one of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids. ​

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Crunchy Toffee Buckeyes

I was watching the Valerie Bertinelli cooking show and saw her make these Crunchy Toffee Buckeyes and given the fact that I was born in Cleveland Ohio, I thought I better try them. They are really good, but insanely sweet. The photograph doesn't exactly do them justice!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 35 mins
  • Yields: Makes 32 buckeyes

Pumpkin French Toast with Whipped Pumpkin Butter

I'm generally not a fan of the pumpkin spice craze, but my friend Jody made this incredible Pumpkin French Toast with Whipped Pumpkin Butter.I am completely hooked. It's pumpkin flavored in a suble way. The pumpkin butter is so light and fluffy. She made it wtih Challah bread, which really is the best bread for French toast. This is a must try for your next breakfast / brunch.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Balsamic Strawberries in Puff Pastry with Rosemary Cream

I almost always have puff pastry in the freezer. It's so versatile. These Balsamic Strawberries in Puff Pastry with Rosemary Cream combines sweet and the savory taste of rosemary, which is infused into whipped cream.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Walnut-Za’atar Pesto

Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Walnut-Za’atar Pesto is such a colorful salad, which gets a modern upgrade thanks to a salty-cheesy walnut pesto. The humble, underutilized cabbage, is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that deliver so many health benefits.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Mozzarella, Orzo, and Snap Pea Salad

When you buy 3 pounds of mozzarella balls, this is one way to start to use them up - Mozzarella, Orzo, and Snap Pea Salad! This salad is fresh tasting and can be made in advance.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Mustard-Dill Sauce

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Mustard-Dill Sauce is great for a summer outdoor cookout. Pork tenderloin is relatively inexpensive and is very low in fat, so this makes a delicious healthful meal. Pork tenderloin and pork loin are very different cuts of meat. Pork tenderloins are longer and skinnier than pork loin and cook way faster.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Israeli Couscous with Chopped Vegetables, Chickpeas, and Artichokes

Israeli couscous" is actually pasta, it's also called pearl couscous. This Israeli Couscous with Chopped Vegetables, Chickpeas, and Artichokes is a perfect dish to bring on a picnic or outdoor concert. I used Trader Joe's Harvest Blend Israeli Couscous.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Avocado Basil Hummus

This Avocado Basil Hummus is so absolutely delicious. The avocado and fresh basil really takes your ordinary hummus to a whole new level. Warning - it's addictive!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Yields: Makes about 2¼ cups

Arugula and Peach Salad with Pistachio Goat’s Cheese Balls

This Arugula and Peach Salad with Pistachio Goat's Cheese Balls is a delicious salad, which could almost pass as a dessert.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings