Simple Cuban Black Beans & Rice in a Rice Cooker by John Spottiswood

I've loved cuban black beans and rice ever since I lived in Weehawken, New Jersey and ate at the Unica Cafe. This recipe takes some short cuts and uses a rice cooker, but I still think the results are delicious. Try this under any caribbean grilled meat, fish or stew and you won't be disappointed!

Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes by Mary Joseph

Chili Sauce by Salad Foodie

Chili sauce is one answer to that bumper tomato harvest. The perky piquant sauce can compliment many classic recipes like meatballs, meatloaf, cutlets, chops, tenders, eggs, potatoes, etc. This recipe is from Ball Blue Book of Canning (2010) and is what I’d deem a standard chili sauce for a wide variety of family uses. It is not…

In-a-Pinch Cranberry Sauce made from Dried Cranberries by Salad Foodie

I serve turkey year round but forget to keep canned cranberry sauce on hand; even when I do it's hard to use up the whole can because not everone eats it. Recently the craving for cranberries with roast turkey breast was too strong. I grabbed the Craisin bag from the pantry and experimented making a small amount of cranberry sauce.…

Cumin Rice by Joyce Leung

This rice is a delicious mix of cumin and cinnamon. It provides a nice, slightly sweet flavor, that is a perfect complement to any middle eastern dish. The only dishes I would avoid serving this with are sweet dishes with dates, figs, etc. I served it with my Braised Lamb with Beans. It was great!

Plum Pineapple Jam by Salad Foodie

I devised this recipe when I wanted a variation of plum jam and thought why not use canned crushed pineapple? The result was beautiful jewel-tone jam with a pleasing fruit combo of flavors and textures. No added commercial pectin here, so if the thought of standing and stirring, oh about a half hour, scares you away, go with the…

Lentils, rice and fried onions (Mujadarrah) by Nancy Miyasaki

This is a tasty and healthy side dish that goes well with just about anything. It's filling without being too heavy, and tastes great as leftovers too.

Spinach Basil Orzo by Mary Joseph

Can you believe I *just* discovered Orzo about 2 months ago? I'm officially a huge fan and this is one of the many recipes I've come up with using a pasta that is in my top 3 faves.

Green Lentil "Moong" Curry by John Spottiswood

I've made this with green lentils and also with a mix of brown and yellow lentils. It doesn't really matter. They all taste awesome! Healthy and delicious as a side or main dish.

Easy Persian Rice in a Rice Cooker by John Spottiswood

Admittedly, this doesn't capture the crunch outside of the normal method of making persian rice. But if you are just looking for a fluffy and buttery rice to serve with a stew or tagine, this works wonderfully and is super easy.

Garlic Ginger Green Beans by John Spottiswood

These are an excellent, healthy side dish to any grilled meat. I highly recommend them with the Chinese BBQ chicken recipe below, but honestly these would go well with just about anything. Unfortunately these were tapped out long before our chicken, so make more than you think you need. They are great the next day too!

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta With A Kick by Allison Loesch

Whether you’re alone for the holidays and missing that home cooked meal or looking for a new stand out dish to bring this is the perfect recipe. The flavors of fall mixed in with the sweetness of the pumpkin pie mix equal a new twist on ordinary pasta. Hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!

Arroz a la Mexicana - Mexican Rice by Nancy Miyasaki

This is the real deal...not the sorry excuse for Mexican rice you often get on a combo plate these days. The fresh tomato flavor comes through wonderfully! We made this with long grain white rice this time, but next time I'm planning to do a 50/50 mix of long grain white and brown rice. That will make it healthier and I believe it…

Asparagus Almandine by Salad Foodie

From the description of this recipe reads: "Something magical happens when asparagus meets almonds and lemon. Crispy nuts, tart citrus and ... asparagus combine to make a taste sensation. This side dish is elegant for any entertaining party, but easy enough for any ordinary meal." I made half the recipe following instructions and…

St. Patrick's Day Irish Champ by John Spottiswood

This is a traditional Northern Irish dish of mashed potatoes with milk and sliced green onions. I thought it was a delicious under our St. Patrick's Day Salmon and Leeks recipe. The leeks and green onions really went well together. That said, the green onion flavor is quite strong so I would caution against serving this with…