Cuisine: Vegetarian

Maitake Wild Rice Salad

Maitake mushrooms sometimes called Hen-of-the-Woods, or "dancing mushrooms" in Japan, are found at the base of trees, particularly old-growth oaks or maples. Compared to other mushrooms, maitake has shown better results in preventing and treating cancer and other health conditions. Maitake also has a positive effect on overall immunity. This Maitake Wild Rice Salad uses walnuts, which pair well with the nutty wild rice. I actually used a wild rice blend which is finished with lemon juice.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Cheesy Hasselback Potato Gratin

Who doesn't love a cheesy potato gratin? This Cheesy Hasselback Potato Gratin has creamy, layered potatoes that are baked to become crispy browned on top. It's a recipe where Hasselback potatoes meet gratin. The potatoes are thinly sliced and put in the casserole dish vertically, which creates way more crispy edges.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 1 hrs
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Ikra, Eggplant Spread

Ikra is a Ukranian vegetable spread that's made of roasted eggplant, bell peppers, onions, carrots, and garlic. I had it at a restaurant recently and decided to make my own. This deliciously healthy spread can be served with sliced bread, pita chips or would work well with a charcuterie board.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 35 mins
  • Cook: 1 hrs 5 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Hot Corn Dip

This Hot Corn Dip is from Celebrate with Babs, by Barbara Costello, 2022. I have to say, it didn't last long, it's so good. You can make it ahead and put it in the oven before serving. I divided it into 2 separate casserole dishes, which worked well.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yields: 10 - 12 Servings

Egg Crunch Wrap

This Egg Crunch Wrap will liven up your breakfast or lunch. It uses eggs, sliced tomatoes, baby spinach, provolone cheese, and tortilla chips for the added crunch.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 1 Serving

Zucchini Tart with Whipped Feta and Thyme

Yesterday, I thought there was nothing for lunch, but rummaged through the fridge and freezer and found one zucchini and some puff pastry. I came up with this Zucchini Tart with Whipped Feta and Thyme. Whipped feta is all over the internet and decided to see what all the hype was about. It's very versatile, you can use it as a dip, spread it on sandwiches, or even on pizza. It's really delicious.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 2 - 3 Servings

One-Pot Pasta With Ricotta and Lemon

This One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon from The New York Times is a mixture of ricotta and Parmesan, with the zest and juice of one lemon. It's light and refreshing and goes perfectly while watching Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy on CNN. I find it absolutely impossible to watch it without eating some Italian food...

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Cheesy White Bean & Leek Casserole

I found this recipe for Cheesy White Bean & Leek Casserole on a package of dried beans when we lived in London in the ‘90s. As the Brits would say, this is cheap and cheerful! It’s actually one of our favorites. I haven’t made it in years and now will keep it in rotation.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Orange-Braised Carrots & Parsnips

These Orange-Braised Carrots & Parsnips are slow-roasted at a very low temperature, which intensifies the flavor. Parsnips are cousins to carrots, with a similar texture to potatoes. I love parsnips and feel like they are underutilized in the US. They have a sweet and mildly nutty taste.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 1 hrs 35 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Lentil Chickpea Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

This Lentil Chickpea Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and a power bowl of nutrition. It lasts in the fridge for up to 5 days, which makes it the perfect packable lunch.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 30 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings