• Potatoes kissed with butter & garlic = AMAZING

    Potatoes are a staple side in my family and I am always on a mission to make them fun and delicious.  These Garlic Butter Potatoes are not only delicious but they are so easy, they are perfect for dinner tonight!! A side to remember Ok, Ok I know that skillet roasted potatoes are nothing too special…that is until you add in the garlic, butter and thyme.     For a little extra fun I used triple color baby potatoes.  I just love the combo of the red, yellow and purple (yes I said purple) potatoes.  There is a great mix of texture and color making this side dish feel a…

  • Pesto + Risotto = LOVE

    Risotto is one of my most favorite sides and ever since I made this Arugula Pesto last week I have been trying out new ways to use it in all sorts of dishes, and this one is my favorite so far. Oh how I love Risotto I am a big, big fan of risotto.  I love it simply done with a little parmesan or something more exotic such as with truffles, but this pesto version is pretty good too.  Not only is it delicious but it is also pretty easy to make, making this a perfect side for dinner tonight. Yes, you can make it tonight…a weeknight.  You will be surprised…

  • a little lemon to brighten up broccolini a bit

    Broccolini is one of my most favorite veggies.  When I say favorite I mean FAVORITE, and this Lemon Garlic version is my MOST FAVORITE! Quick & Easy I don’t know about you but sometimes side dishes can get super boring.  I can get into a rut and make the same thing over and over. For me I make the same sides because they are easy and they come together quick and they are easy. Sometimes though, I like a change. Just because we are going to change it up that doesn’t mean it can’t be quick and easy.  This side is not only quick but it is also easy and…

  • potato salad is a must have this weekend…

    Memorial Day is fast approaching and that means it is time to start planning for the big BBQ you are going to be having and potato salad is a must have on our menu…and this potato salad is a delicious one!! Now I have made my fair share of potato salads over time but this definately one of my favorites.  It all starts with the bacon.  I mean any recipe that starts with bacon has to be yummy.  Next comes the potatoes, I decided to roast the potatoes in just a tad bit of bacon grease (it’s just a little)…I mean I could have just stopped there and been so,…

  • get excited…it’s vegetable time

    Is it hard sometimes to get excited about vegetables?  I know it is for me at time.  I mean lets be real…can vegetables really be all that exciting? YES they can be… and you won’t believe how easy it can be. Now first, things first…lets talk about what veggies to choose. When I made this dish the first time we were having some sweet friends over for dinner and we had never had them over before.  I wasn’t 100% sure what they preferred so I went a little crazy and picked quite the assortment. When I went to the store I just couldn’t pick they all looked so good.  I just had to…

  • ch…cha…charro at home

    Are you a refried bean or charro bean person?  Me, I am a charro bean person.  I just love the hint of heat in each bite…and now I can make them at home! It all starts with bacon Yep…you read that right.  These Charro Beans start with bacon.  You can use your favorite bacon but I highly recommend either bacon ends or thick cut bacon.  These beans are going to be cooking for a while and the chunks of bacon will cook down better and in the end add in some great flavor.   I mean just look at that big hunk of bacon in the middle of the beans…

  • THE BEST EVER…cornbread that is

    Cornbread is one of those recipes that I seem to have a 1000 recipes for.  Some sweeter than others, some super savory, some spicy, and even some with bacon but this recipe will be my go to recipe from here on out.   Sweet or Savory I grew up with a more savory cornbread and was not really introduced to sweet cornbread until I was in high school and I immediately fell in love, but still went back to a savory cornbread recipe when I would make it.  But over the years I find myself going back to the sweeter side of cornbread…and this recipe is the BEST! A treat…

  • Spring Brussels Sprouts everyone will LOVE

    I can’t believe Easter has already come and gone and that we are more than half way through April.  That means warmer temps, longer days & humidity in my part of the world.  It also means it is time to celebrate all spring flavors and one of my favorite is lemon. & Some Brussels Sprouts Too Not only do I love lemons in the Spring but I really love them with Brussels Sprouts….especially these roasted ones with a little parmesan cheese.  The char from the outside skins on the sprouts really pairs well with the brightness and tang from the lemon juice and zest. I also think it is really…

  • bacon green bean casserole-yes I said bacon

    Over the years I have come to the conclusion that you are either a fan of green bean casserole or you are not…it’s really that simple.  I have always landed on the not a fan side of this debate but my brother, James, is a HUGE green bean casserole fan and asks for it every holiday…but this year it was time to take it to the next level. For my brother Most of the time my sis-in-laws mom will make it for him, but for Easter I decided to take on his request but to make it in a way that I (and the other non-lovers) would love as well.…

  • Pistachio fluff?? Yes, please

    Growing up there is one side dish that I always remember being on almost every Holiday table…Pistachio Fluff Salad.  I also remember that I was never a big fan of it (I didn’t like anything green as a kid) but I knew that everyone else LOVED it).   Fluff…yes please!! As I was thinking about our family Easter dinner this year I kept thinking about that green stuff that everyone seemed to love, (& my brother asked for it) so I decided it was time to make it.  Now as I am sure you have realized a lot of childhood memories are a little distorted being that they are from…