Mac and Cheese

An American classic that hits the waistline and hips pretty hard! My version softens the blow of cheese by mixing in non-fat cream cheese and parmesan.

Lemon Rosemary Shine

Try this rinse for shiny, smooth hair or to give your hair a change if you use the same shampoo everyday.

Black Bean Soup

Three hours is usually enough time for soaking the beans but you can boil them in water if you are in a hurry. I read in Mexican cookbooks that they never soak their beans – do so at your own risk!

Healthy Buttermilk Chicken Fingers

This is one of my most popular recipes, with adults and children alike! I love the taste of crispy chicken but prefer this version for a healthy everyday meal. I soak my chicken in low-fat buttermilk to tenderize it first, giving it the same tender texture of the deep fried version. If you have a busy schedule, you can soak the chicken overnight and purchase seasoned breadcrumbs instead of making them. Little folk love to eat with their fingers, and this chicken is moist and tender for small mouths!

Pear Hazelnut Muffin

Pears are plentiful in the fall. If you happen to have a few bruised pears at the bottom of your fruit bowl, this is a great way to rescue them! If you don’t have hazelnuts, almonds work just as well. I store all my nuts in the freezer to keep them from becoming rancid.

Balsamic Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil, and Fresh Mozzarella

If you love pasta salad but you’re tired of the same recipe, try this one instead. Perfect for serving at room temperature. Pull it out an hour ahead of time for impromptu parties, picnics, or evening meals on a warm summer night.

Chipotle Chicken with Mango Jicama Salsa

Chipotle chilies are jalapenos that have been smoked. You can purchase them dried or drenched in adobo, a savory tomato and herb sauce that absorbs the smoky hot tang of the chilies. I tuck the extra chilies and sauce in a snack-sized zipper lock bag and store it in the freezer for when I make shrimp with chipotle and orange.

Zucchini Bread/Cake

By the time August rolled around, Granny always had plenty of shiny, dark green zucchini in her garden, even after giving basketfuls away to neighbors and to her local church. A hunk of fresh zucchini bread resting on our counter next to Granny’s coffee pot that hooted like an owl as it brewed didn’t last long when neighbors came to call.