Green Beans with Cranberries, Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Green Beans with Cranberries, Walnuts and Blue Cheese

This side dish is a great accompaniment to a Thanksgiving turkey or an Easter ham. It can also be prepared in advance and served as a chilled salad. The recipe was developed by Bobby Dean for the Food Network. 1 3/4 pounds green beans, trimmed 

Easy & Colorful Pasta Salad

Easy & Colorful Pasta Salad

Once again, my second mom created a masterpiece, this time in the form of a pasta salad that’s perfect for any summer picnic, lunch or dinner. You can chop/slice/dice the vegetables however it suits you and your desire for something you can really sink your 

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

With fresh parsley as a key ingredient, this super easy salad is packed with nutrition. It’s a refreshing side that can be served any time of the year. 4 oz. (1/2 bag) dry lentils, rinsed well 1 large bunch curly parsley 3-4 scallions (green onions) 

The Best Dang Potato Salad This Side Of The Mason-Dixon Line

The Best Dang Potato Salad This Side Of The Mason-Dixon Line

Alternatively: The Best Dang Potato Salad This Side Of The Mississippi.  That just about covers everybody.  And it is: THE BEST DANG POTATO SALAD – PERIOD!  Although, to quote my brother (who, in the summers, would wolf down seconds…thirds…fourths at each sitting), our Mom’s is 

Pilfered Pea and Orzo Salad

Pilfered Pea and Orzo Salad

I call it “pilfered” because a friend of mine used to work at a popular restaurant that had this colorful, delectable salad on the menu, and I asked him for the recipe. That particular restaurant was part of a large corporation and, therefore, was extremely 

Southern-Style Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing (or Dressing)

Southern-Style Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing (or Dressing)

To be truly Southern, it would be called “dressing” instead of stuffing, but this recipe was passed down to me by my Mom, a Louisiana native, and was passed down to her by her grandmother. So it’s about as close to being Southern as it 

Cheese Crack: Over-The-Top-Addictive Cheesy Snack Crackers

Cheese Crack: Over-The-Top-Addictive Cheesy Snack Crackers

Words cannot even begin to describe how tasty these snacks are! If you are a fan of Cheez-Its (and who isn’t, really?), you will flip out over this easy-to-make facsimile. The original recipe, introduced to me by my pal Marci, is posted here, and it’s 

Cider-Braised Red Cabbage

Cider-Braised Red Cabbage

This is a must-have side dish for my German Sauerbraten. It’s quick and easy to make while the sauerbraten sauce is finishing up. 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. caraway seeds 1 small head red cabbage, thinly sliced 3/4 cup apple cider Coupla dashes allspice 1 

Simple Chickpea Salad With Lemon, Parmesan, and Herbs

Simple Chickpea Salad With Lemon, Parmesan, and Herbs

I discovered this versatile and flavor-packed recipe in a Bon Appétit magazine from last year. As a result I always keep a can of chickpeas in my pantry for a spontaneous salad based on what else I’ve got on hand. Try some variety, such as 

Southern Greens – Just Like Mama Used To Make!

Southern Greens – Just Like Mama Used To Make!

A staple in many Southern homes, this side dish is packed full of nutrition – assuming you don’t overcook it, as is the traditional Southern way. I prefer to cook the greens for about 30 minutes, to retain the nutrients and flavor. Trader Joe’s sells