Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup

Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup

I love Chinese food and miss going to Chinese restaurants but the fact is most, if not all of them, have no clue how to accommodate those of us who are gluten free. So, I get my Chinese food by cooking it myself. Now I have to admit, I had never, ever ordered egg drop soup at a Chinese restaurant before because the wonton, hot and sour, and sizzling rice soups always interested me way more. But I was wrong…egg drop soup is REALLY delicious. This Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup recipe will have you agreeing with me.
The ribbons of egg are super silky and velvety and the broth has a nice, yet subtle, kick to it. And on the table in less than 15 minutes, you can’t beat it!

Lemony Beet Bliss

Lemony Beet Bliss

I love the flavors, textures and colors in this recipe but it’s the pan searing of the beets that differentiates this beet recipe from most others. The pan searing creates these delicious little crispy bits on the beets that are so satisfying. And pairing the beets with dollops of greek yogurt, gives this dish just the right amount of extra zhuzh. Lemony Beet Bliss will put a satisfied, even blissful smile on your face.

Copycat Jimmy’s Milan Salad

Copycat Jimmy’s Milan Salad

Ah…the memories. Going to Jimmy’s Milan in Center City Philadelphia and ordering the Milan Salad and the Ziti with Asparagus (back in the day when I was still eating gluten!). Those were the days. My sister and I used to go there all the time. Well, this recipe pays homage to that beloved salad. If you’re not familiar with Jimmy’s Milan or never had the pleasure of eating there, once you have this salad you’ll understand what all the fuss is about.

Lettuce Medley with Crispy Shallots

Lettuce Medley with Crispy Shallots

Lettuce Medley with Crispy Shallots is a sophisticated, classy salad yet it’s understated in its simplicity… which is why I find it so appealing. It works just as beautifully as part of a Thanksgiving spread as it does at a casual dinner party. It’s got a variety of texture, color, and shape and the vinaigrette adds a balanced zippiness.

Noodle Soup with Bok Choy, Shiitakes, and Jammy Eggs

Noodle Soup with Bok Choy, Shiitakes, and Jammy Eggs

I’m a noodle soup girl🍜…always have been! I’m also a total sucker for all recipes with jammy eggs. So, Noodle Soup with Bok choy, Shiitakes, and Jammy Eggs really speaks to me. This soup is easy to make, comes together in under 30 minutes, is healthy and delicious. Now this is a language I totally understand.

Perfectly Cooked Jammy Eggs

Perfectly Cooked Jammy Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are great but I really jam on Perfectly Cooked Jammy Eggs. The whites are perfectly set and firm and the yolk has a luscious, creamy texture. Serve the eggs in a soup, salad, grain or noodle bowl or eaten solo with some kosher or flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper or my favorite way…with a bump of caviar or roe …because, why not😋?!

Black and Blue Steak Salad with Quinoa Crunchies

Black and Blue Steak Salad with Quinoa Crunchies

I love the combination of steak and blue cheese!  In Black and Blue Steak Salad with Quinoa Crunchies, we have the best of that combo, and then add in some refreshing salad ingredients and top it off with fun quinoa crunchies … it’s a total home run!

Tomato, Onion and Oregano Salad

Tomato, Onion and Oregano Salad

I know. I know. It’s hard to resist serving tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, balsamic and basil in the summer. I’m with you but you must fit Tomato, Onion, and Oregano Salad into the rotation. My mom used to make this salad for us all of the time in the summer. I only slightly tweaked her recipe (because it doesn’t really need tweaking!) by using fresh oregano leaves in addition to dried oregano. As you’ll see below, this salad is so easy to make, it really doesn’t require a formal recipe.  

Chilled Summer Beet Soup

Chilled Summer Beet Soup

I’m in love with the gorgeous, vibrant color of this soup. It’s just spectacular! As stunning as this soup is, it’s also absolutely delicious. Chilled Summer Beet Soup is perfect for when you’re trying to keep cool on those hot summer days. It’s super quick to make and requires no stovetop cooking. Say no more!

Seared Tuna Nicoise Salad

Seared Tuna Nicoise Salad

The ultimate in tasty and versatile, Seared Tuna Nicoise Salad can feed two people or twelve. It can be served warm or cold and it can be made a day in advance and then assembled the day of. Modify the salad to your specific tastes and preferences…use tuna or salmon (fresh or canned), hard-boiled or jammy eggs, delete the potatoes and add the radishes. You get the idea!

Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad

Fun potato salad? Yep, Sour Cream and Onion Potato salad definitely falls in the fun and surprising category.  If you’re a fan of sour cream and onion potato chips (and who isn’t??), you’re going to love this novel rendition of potato salad that has a sour cream and onion mayo base and then is topped with crumbled sour cream and onion chips for good measure!

Fennel-Celery Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Fennel-Celery Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Just hold on a sec😡! Before you get all “I hate fennel. I don’t even like celery,” I’ll tell you why you should want to try this salad. Fennel-Celery Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese is a SOPHISTICATED salad…a salad filled with layers of full-on flavor, crunch, sweetness, and tang. While admittedly this salad isn’t for everyone, it just might be for you, your family, or your guests! It’s definitely for me and BG!

African Peanut Soup (Maafe)

African Peanut Soup (Maafe)

I’m preparing for my first trip to Africa and I’m super excited! There’s a lot more prep work for this trip than for the usual trips I take….securing Visa’s, getting Yellow Fever vaccinations (ouch!), picking up the anti-malarial pills, etc. Even with all of this preparing, I hadn’t given any thought to the Africa cuisine until my cousin Eric brought it up. As a food lover, how could I have overlooked this? I did some research and chose to experiment with Maafe…an African Peanut Soup. It’s a delicious, full bodied, satisfying soup that can easily double as a stew over rice, if desired. If you’d like to get a taste of African cuisine why not make a pot of African Peanut Soup (Maafe) yourself? Tutaonana baadaye! (Swahili for “catch you later!”👋🏼)

Classic Hungarian Cucumber Salad

Classic Hungarian Cucumber Salad

A bit about myself. My maternal side of the family is Hungarian. Actually, sometimes we’re Hungarian and other times we’re Romanian. My maternal grandfather grew up in Sighet, Transylvania (spooky, right?!) and at the time he came to the United States, Sighet was part of Hungary. So we consider ourselves Hungarian even though today Sighet is part of Romania. Sorry for the digression…Here’s a traditional Hungarian recipe – Classic Hungarian Cucumber Salad. It’s so light and refreshing and is perfect when served with heavier dishes like stews for example.

Fresh and Herby Gluten Free Macaroni Salad

Fresh and Herby Gluten Free Macaroni Salad

Fresh and Herby Gluten Free Macaroni Salad is perfect for summer holidays, pot lucks, and picnics. It’s a breeze to throw together, travels easily, and the gf pasta holds up well. It’s not mayonnaise-y and heavy like so many other macaroni salads. Rather it’s light, fresh and herby…just like the recipe name. How about that😉!

Cucumber, Blackberry, and Peach Salad with Fresh Herbs

Cucumber, Blackberry, and Peach Salad with Fresh Herbs

Biting into your first juicy, sweet peach of the season is such a joyous experience. Cucumber, Blackberry, and Peach Salad with Fresh Herbs takes advantage of the season and is a great combination of mouthwatering peaches, crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta, sweet and tart blackberries and a zesty vinaigrette. There’s no cooking necessary. Enjoy this simple, beautiful, refreshing salad that’s perfect for the lazy, hot days of summer.

Charred Asparagus and Dates

Charred Asparagus and Dates

Charred Asparagus and Dates is utterly divine. First let’s address the awesomeness that happens when you char a date. The date transforms into a candied, sweet, and chewy heavenly nugget. Next, while asparagus are available year-round, spring is the height of asparagus season so take advantage. This recipe is layered with amazing combinations of flavors, textures, and colors and can be on the table in 30 minutes.

Shaved Carrot and Radish Salad with Pumpkin Seeds

Shaved Carrot and Radish Salad with Pumpkin Seeds

Shaved Carrot and Radish Salad with Pumpkin Seeds is the perfect salad to help you spring into spring. It’s vibrant, refreshing, layered with crunch, and straight-up gorgeous. Plus, it’s chock-full of vitamins and nutrients. I feel healthier and stronger already💪🏼!

Kale Salad with Dates, Parmesan, and Almonds

Kale Salad with Dates, Parmesan, and Almonds

Kale Salad with Dates, Parmesan, and Almonds is a simple and delicious salad that has a phenomenal combination of crunchy, sweet, savory, and salty. It’s easy to get hooked on this one, even for non-kale lovers! 

Ginger Cauliflower Soup with an Herb-Lime Relish

Ginger Cauliflower Soup with an Herb-Lime Relish

Ginger Cauliflower Soup with an Herb-Lime Relish is going to surprise you, I promise! This soup has a hint of spiciness from the ginger and a zingy, bright herb relish that delivers in a BIG way. It’s velvety smooth and creamy (despite there being no cream). We can say “thank you” to the russet potato for that!!

Creamless Corn and Clam Chowder with Crispy Chorizo

Creamless Corn and Clam Chowder with Crispy Chorizo

Creamless Corn and Clam Chowder with Crispy Chorizo is incredible. It’s layered with lots of flavor and comes together in less than 30 minutes(yes!). And it’s an extra bonus to have a creamy texture without using any cream! 

Green Bean Salad with Soy-Glazed Almonds (Gf)

Green Bean Salad with Soy-Glazed Almonds (Gf)

Crunchy beans and crunchy soy-glazed almonds…yum! Green Bean Salad with Soy-Glazed Almonds (GF) is a refreshingly bright salad (or veggie dish) that is so easy to make. Because it can be served cold or room temp, it’s another great make-ahead recipe that’s also super-convenient for potlucks, picnics and holidays.

Salmon with Creamy Dill Dressing

Salmon with Creamy Dill Dressing

Whether you want a light dinner on a warm evening or need a main course for a picnic or potluck, Salmon with Creamy Dill Dressing is the perfect choice.  It’s super easy to make (and transport, if need be) and can be served warm, room temp, or cold.

Classic Caprese Salad

Classic Caprese Salad

This Classic Caprese Salad recipe is so easy that a formal recipe really isn’t required! The key to a great Caprese Salad (as with most Italian recipes) is to use the best and freshest ingredients possible – ripe heirloom tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh Mozzarella. Summertime is the perfect time for Classic Caprese Salad because it’s when tomatoes are in-season, abundant, sweet, and gorgeous. 

Moroccan-Spiced Broccoli Salad

Moroccan-Spiced Broccoli Salad

Moroccan-Spiced Broccoli Salad is a fusion of robust flavors, textures, and colors that hits all of the right notes… sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy. It’s also VERY adaptable and open to MANY variations to suit your personal tastes. It’s a cinch to throw together and the longer it sits, the better it gets.

Grilled Radicchio with Honeyed Almonds, Balsamic, and Parmesan

Grilled Radicchio with Honeyed Almonds, Balsamic, and Parmesan

Grilled Radicchio with Honeyed Almonds, Balsamic, and Parmesan is typical of Italian cooking…using a few simple quality ingredients with the focus on flavor. Radicchio is gorgeous with its vibrant purples, pinks, and whites and while radicchio is the star in this recipe it has a stellar supporting cast of honeyed almonds, balsamic syrup and parmesan.

Asparagus and Pea Soup with Poached Eggs

Asparagus and Pea Soup with Poached Eggs

Asparagus and Pea Soup with Poached Eggs is a gorgeous, velvety soup (with absolutely no cream) that’s loaded with veggies and finished with a perfectly poached egg. It’s super easy to make and comes together very quickly – less than 15 minutes cooking time! While the colors of this soup make me think of spring, it’s delicious any time of year.

Curried Egg Salad with Currants and Chives

Curried Egg Salad with Currants and Chives

Are you ready to put a new spin on an old classic? If yes, this Curried Egg Salad with Currants, Chives, and Cucumbers is totally worth a try. It’s a delicious egg salad alternative that is chock-full of flavor and texture.

Asparagus and Radishes with Fresh Herbs

Asparagus and Radishes with Fresh Herbs

Everything about this recipe screams SPRING. Asparagus and Radishes with Fresh Herbs is refreshing, easy-to-make, and bursting with flavor. It’s a great dish to wake up your senses and spring into, well, you know, spring!

Gingery Broth with Wilted Greens

Gingery Broth with Wilted Greens

Gingery Broth with Wilted Greens is one of those soups that you crave in the dead of winter as well as during hot, steamy summer days. It’s a multi-purpose, all-season, healthy Vietnamese-style soup. The greens make the soup rich in nutrients while the ginger lends its soothing, healing powers.

Wedge Salad with Tahini-Yogurt Dressing

Wedge Salad with Tahini-Yogurt Dressing

Do you love the idea of a wedge salad but aren’t a fan of blue cheese dressing? Then this wedge salad recipe is for you! Wedge Salad with Tahini Yogurt dressing is like hitting the refresh button on wedge salads…it has all the comforts of the ‘ole classic but with a herb-y, seed-y, and more-sophisticated taste. Don’t get me wrong, I love the classic blue cheese wedge salad but I’m also head-over-heels about this updated version.

Winter-Crunch Kale and Apple Salad

Winter-Crunch Kale and Apple Salad

It’s crunchy, tangy, healthy, sweet, salty, versatile, delish and addictive! Winter-Crunch Salad with Kale and Apples hits ALL the right chords. It just may be the salad that gets you through this winter!

Tomato Fish Chowder with Fresh Herbs & Lime

Tomato Fish Chowder with Fresh Herbs & Lime

It’s starting to get cold outside and my vegetable garden bounty is nearing its end for the season, that’s when I know it’s time to make Tomato Fish Chowder with Fresh Herbs and Lime. This soup is great to make when you have an abundance of late-season garden tomatoes that need to be used or if you’re just in the mood for some tasty fish chowder with fresh herbs and a bit of unexpected zing. This chowder is light and delicious compared to the more commonly known and heavier, cream-based chowders. So put on an extra layer, embrace the crisp air, and enjoy a bowl of Tomato Fish Chowder with Fresh Herbs and Lime!

Citrus Shaved Cauliflower  Salad

Citrus Shaved Cauliflower Salad

Here’s a different way to serve raw cauliflower…shave it with a mandoline and then add it to a salad. This Citrus Shaved Cauliflower Salad pops with flavor and the citrus vinaigrette is snappy and refreshing.

Arugula with Figs, Peaches, Goat Cheese Crumbles and (GF) Granola

Arugula with Figs, Peaches, Goat Cheese Crumbles and (GF) Granola

My stepdaughter, Amelia, and sister-in-law Meg get credit for this terrific salad. Amelia wanted to make a salad with fruit for dinner one night. She mixed together peppery arugula with sweet peaches, berries, and tangy goat cheese. Meg suggested adding my crunchy gluten free homemade granola as the topping. The combination is dyn-o-mite and I’ve been making Arugula with Figs, Peaches, Goat Cheese Crumbles and (GF) Granola ever since! As the seasons change, so do my fruit choices.

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Za’atar and Feta

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Za’atar and Feta

It’s often difficult for cucumbers to absorb sauces and dressings but not if you are using the “smash” method. Smashed Cucumbers with Za’atar and Feta is a crunchy, full-flavored summer dish that will transport you to your favorite Mediterranean country. If you want to get away, you better get smashing!

Crunchy Thai Slaw – Gluten Free

Crunchy Thai Slaw – Gluten Free

Looking for a different salad that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further. Crunchy Thai Slaw – Gluten Free has the perfect combination of crunch and tang. It’s also colorful and quite refreshing. Use pre-packaged slaw mixes as a shortcut to simplify the recipe and shorten the prep time.

Tuna Salad with “The Works”

Tuna Salad with “The Works”

This isn’t the same old plain tuna your mom used to make. Tuna Salad with “The Works” is a modern-day twist on an old classic. This version is satisfyingly flavorful and boosts simple tuna salad to new heights.

Asian Mushroom and Herb Noodle Soup

Asian Mushroom and Herb Noodle Soup

Each spoonful of this Asian Mushroom and Herb Noodle soup feels like it has healing powers. The richly flavored broth works perfectly with the delicious combination of mushrooms and herbs. If you are feeling under-the-weather or are craving soup to warm your soul, the Asian Mushroom and Herb Noodle Soup will hit the spot. And it’s even better the second day!

Broccoli and Spinach Coconut Curry Soup with Crispy Shallots – Gluten Free

Broccoli and Spinach Coconut Curry Soup with Crispy Shallots – Gluten Free

Broccoli and Spinach Coconut Curry Soup with Crispy Shallots is so simple to make and is perfect for a quick dinner on cool, nippy nights. It’s a green power soup rich in Vitamin A, C & K which are all important diet staples for overall health. And don’t forget the crispy shallots! They’re an amazing, easy-to-make topper that adds another layer of flavor and texture to your soup-eating experience.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette is a great, fall/winter salad that has a surprising, tasty twist from the dressing which is warm, full-bodied and scrumptious. The arugula is peppery and the butternut squash gets caramelized and candied. Top with crunchy toasted nuts and salty parmesan for a wonderfully delectable salad.

Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans

Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans

Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans hits on all cylinders! The varied flavors, textures and colors are knock-your-socks-off caliber. There’s sweet red and golden beets, smooth white feta, crunchy brown toasted nuts, and peppery green arugula. The presentation and taste of this salad is truly restaurant worthy.

Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing

Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing

I always enjoy a good Greek Salad. The crunchy, crispy romaine with the salty olives and feta hits the spot. But what makes a Greek salad fabulous is the dressing. Forget the bottled stuff, you need to make your own and it’s really simple, but makes all the difference. Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing is very easy to make and really hits the spot!

Mom’s Gazpacho Soup

Mom’s Gazpacho Soup

Talk about refreshing… Gazpacho is the answer to those hot summer days. It’s cold, filled with crunchy veggies and has a nice zippiness to it from the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and garlic. Since gazpacho is served chilled you don’t need to turn on the stove or oven…no cooking is required!

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Pecans

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Pecans

My whole family loves this chicken salad. You know a recipe is really good when everyone goes back for seconds and thirds. It starts with the chicken being shredded instead of cubed which does wonders for the consistency of the chicken salad. Then in each bite there’s a nutty crunch from the toasted pecans combined with the sweet juiciness from grapes. And the little bit of garlic powder goes a long way to give the chicken salad that extra umph! Warning…this chicken salad is addictive.

Grilled Romaine with Creamy Caesar Dressing

Grilled Romaine with Creamy Caesar Dressing

Grilled Romaine with Creamy Caesar Dressing is a fresh twist on the classic Caesar Salad. Grilling the romaine hearts takes the Caesar salad experience to the next level. The lettuce remains crunchy despite being browned and the warmth of the leaves allows the creamy dressing to seep into the crevices. It’s hard to go back to Classic Caesar after tasting this version.

Fresh Mozzarella with Roasted Peppers and Olives

Fresh Mozzarella with Roasted Peppers and Olives

The combination of Roasted Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella and Kalamata Olives makes a simple and very tasty Italian salad. It has the creaminess of the mozzarella, with the saltiness of the olives and the richness of the peppers tied together with a slightly tangy balsamic syrup drizzle.

Crab Louie Cobb Salad

Crab Louie Cobb Salad

My friend Susan and I discovered the Crab Louie salad while vacationing in Florida. The Crab Louie Cobb Salad is my twist on the traditional version of that salad…amped up a few notches. For me the key is to have big lumps of crabmeat throughout the salad so that you get a nice chunk of crab in each bite.

Carrot Ginger Soup – (no cream!)

Carrot Ginger Soup – (no cream!)

Carrot Ginger Soup – (no cream) is a delicious, healthy soup that can either be served as a meal or as a starter. The combination of carrots and ginger works great together and the resulting soup is velvety and creamy yet there’s no cream… it’s all vegetables and spices.

Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup-(Gluten Free)

Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup-(Gluten Free)

Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup is the Best. Soup. Ever. And so versatile. Whether you want to keep it all veggies or add tofu, shrimp and/or crab, this soup strikes the perfect balance…rich, slightly spicy, colorful, tasty and filling. It’s an amazing meal in a bowl.

Old-Fashioned Egg Salad

Old-Fashioned Egg Salad

Forget about buying Egg Salad at the market. There’s no need with this quick, easy and delicious recipe for Old-Fashioned Egg Salad.

Michelle’s House Salad

Michelle’s House Salad

I make this salad 3-4 times a week. I make it so often, I’ve named it Michelle’s House salad! It’s my go-to dinner salad. Simple, colorful, crunchy and most importantly…tasty. I generally use my Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette as the dressing.

Creamless Pureed Mushroom Soup

Creamless Pureed Mushroom Soup

Don’t be fooled by the nondescript color of this Creamless Pureed Mushroom soup…it’s pure mushroom deliciousness and without any cream!

Arugula with Apples, Goat Cheese Crumbles, and (GF) Granola

Arugula with Apples, Goat Cheese Crumbles, and (GF) Granola

Arugula with Apples, Goat Cheese Crumbles and Homemade Gluten Free Granola is a riff on the original salad my stepdaughter, Amelia, and sister-in-law Meg created one summer. The pairing of fruit with arugula, goat cheese and granola is dyn-o-mite and I’ve been making this salad ever since. As the seasons change, so does my fruit selection.

Avocado and Cilantro Salad with Homemade French Dressing

Avocado and Cilantro Salad with Homemade French Dressing

I especially like using French Dressing when my salads contain avocado and cilantro. The homemade dressing for this recipe is sooo good. Just the right amount of sweet, tang and spice. The Avocado and Cilantro Salad with the Homemade French Dressing is a great combo…a trifecta of sorts!