Posts under ‘Simple Sides’

I’m gearing up for the start of my second semester of grad school, and with the pressures of the first draft of my master’s project due in less than a week I’ve resorted to one pot cooking for the night. A simple fried rice dinner is my go-to on days when I’m left feeling drained [...]

Many people shy away from salads because the leafy entrees either lack flavor or leave their stomachs wanting more. But this salad with smoky bacon, crisp water chestnuts and a tangy vinaigrette will satisfy even the biggest of appetites. I love to create salad recipes because you have the freedom to pick and choose your [...]

My sister Alison is more of a fashionista than a cook, but when she does decide to join me in the kitchen, you can guarantee she’ll be cooking up something delicious. Her baked sweet potatoes are a family favorite because they’re full of flavor and incredibly tender. Alison says you can add red pepper flakes [...]

Roasting your own nuts is incredibly easy and gives you the freedom to customize them with your favorite flavors. The brown sugar in my recipe carmelizes the nuts while the cayenne pepper adds a little heat to this protein-packed appetizer. Serve the nuts during a cocktail hour or take a small bag of them [...]

I am constantly watching the Food Network to not only learn new culinary techniques, but also to find inspiration for my next recipe. And with Ina Garten, Paula Deen, Tyler Florence and Rachael (does she even need a last name?) Ray at the top of my list of favorite chefs, it’s no wonder that I’m [...]

It’s finally starting to get cold in New York, and the change in weather has been signaled by the arrival of parsnips in my local grocery stores. This seasonal vegetable can be cooked in any variety of ways, including boiling, baking and even pureeing. My carmelized parsnips and carrots are a great vegetable side dish [...]

Green beans are one of my favorite vegetables because they pair well with a wide variety of ingredients. While this recipe emphasizes the combination of carmelized onions and soy sauce, the addition of two or three Tablespoons of brown sugar will instantly transform the beans from salty to sweet. Either variety is a great accompaniment [...]

These veggie rounds are healthy, pack a lot of taste and are simple to make. The thickness of the zucchini rounds depends on your preferences, but I usually make ¼-inch slices so they are thick enough to hold the mozzarella but also thin enough to get crispy on the edges. Feel free to use this [...]

This is a quick and easy way to cook this often-avoided vegetable, and I have made many a Brussels sprout convert through this recipe. Steaming the sprouts in chicken broth helps to draw out their true hearty flavor and makes them a great accompaniment to any chicken or fish entree.
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Brussels sprouts (preferably still on [...]