Side Dishes

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: Take Potatoes to the Next Level

I'll admit it: mashed potatoes have never been my favorite food. I've eaten a lot of boxed potato flakes in my life, so perhaps I have a permanent distaste. But these potatoes are taken to an entirely new level with this loaded mashed potato casserole. I love this dish...perhaps more than I should. It's not a healthy dish. (I'm always... Read More

Thyme and Parsley Roasted Carrots

Roasted Carrots with Parsley and Thyme. Amazingly easy to make. Tender, flavorful, and great with almost any dish. It might be surprising in a household with a food blogger. But we actually lack homemade side dish recipes. I tend to go back to the easy classics: rice or beans (or rice and beans). But I’ve ventured out into the world… Read More

Perfect Classic Cranberry Sauce: Approved by 3 Generations

Cranberry sauce is practically a requirement for the holidays. At least for thanksgiving. And maybe Christmas. Homemade classic cranberry sauce is actually easy to make, despite how fabulous it looks on the table. The smell of cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves simmering also fills the house. The mere smell brings on the essence of the holiday season. If you’re looking for… Read More

Asparagus Risotto Cakes

I confess. I used to hate asparagus. Loathed it. I would see pictures of it artfully arranged and think “doesn’t matter how you plate it, it still tastes horrible.” But as part of cooking, I make myself try new things. I don’t give up on a food. Seriously. This was the fifth way of preparing asparagus I tried. I loved it. I slowly started... Read More