The Lighter Side

The benefits of peppermint have been known for centuries and it’s not out of style now. Feeling a little nauseated? Need an afternoon pick me up? Skip the caffeine and …

The tang of blue cheese balances perfectly with the freshness of fall’s sweetest fruit in this pear salad with gorgonzola and walnuts. It may seem humble, but this salad is …

This healthy zucchini bread is a foolproof mix of nuts, cinnamon and zucchini in a tender loaf–spread it with a little butter and dig in! You can also make this gluten free with …

Sweet, perfectly ripe fresh peach cobbler should shine–not be cooked to death and covered up with a gloppy flavorless batter. Get the perfect balance of a cinnamon-sugar dough and bubbling …

Rich vanilla whipped cream and a tangy raspberry reduction gently swirled together to make a gently sweet raspberry fool dessert. Refined sugar free, it’s all you need to feel like …

Serve a crowd or just a few with this simple but flavorful platter cobb salad featuring tangy, moist vinegar brined grilled chicken. Top it with an easy homemade ranch or …

Oven roasted corn is one of my favorites and this version gets a lift from the always wonderful bacon and sweet caramelized onions. It’s a great change from your typical …

Spice up your weeknight vegetables with a greek cucumber tomato salad that brings a whole new spin to healthy. Fresh cucumbers, salty feta and simple spices make this an easy supper side …

Is healthy food on a budget really possible? I believe that with some logical approaches and the recognition that you probably won’t be able to do it perfectly right out …

Baked salmon fillet begs for bold, fresh flavors. Use these simple steps to add lemon, dill and roasted tomatoes to yours. Bake it all up on a sheet pan and …

Learn how to broil skirt steak and flank steak that stays juicy and tender from oven to table and is ready in 15 minutes or less. It’s one of my …

If there ever was a task worth learning at home, discovering how to make chicken stock is certainly one of them. So much simpler than you think it is, you …

If learning how to roast a chicken in the oven has felt overwhelming–get ready for a big confidence boost. This recipe is super easy, takes about an hour from start to …

Easy grilled fish tacos are a staple in our house year round. It took some time for me to find just the right affordable but delicious fish to feed all …

Lemon balm benefits the body in a spectrum of amazing ways, but it also carries risks. Discover how you can incorporate the bright flavor and support of lemon balm into …

Making your own juicy, oven roasted turkey breast that doesn’t make you choke or look for the gravy to hide the dryness–is it possible? It is. Discover how a simple …

Easy gluten free banana bread is all it should be–one bowl and so moist that butter will just be optional. Wrap it up and keep it on the counter for …

Greek stuffed peppers are a nice change from the classic rice and ground beef version we usually eat in the south. Dive in to tender chicken, tangy olives, and feta …

Old Bay shrimp boil packets take away all the fuss of a big pot of simmering water (unless you have time for that) and lets you enjoy the same flavors …

Baby back ribs on the grill are a specialty of summer–and something every rib lover wants to have on their table when they get a chance. My version takes a …

Provolone and prosciutto chicken rollatini is a mouthful to say but way easier to make. Plus, you get tired of plain old baked chicken and this version bakes up gooey, …

Sausage and lentil soup is a the perfect blend of vegetables, Italian sausage and tender lentils that will leave you with a smile when you take a taste. Coming in …

Classic deviled eggs aren’t rocket science, but they do need the right balance of tangy, salty and lip-smackingly good ingredients that will have them gobbled up in minutes. Get the …

15 minute broccoli beef stir fry is truly a busy person’s weeknight meal. Healthier than take out (and hello–cheaper) you can get big, bold flavors on the table in, well, …