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Red beans and rice

Red beans and rice by John Spottiswood

I've adapted this recipe from a number that I have used in the past. You can deviate from this and it is still delicious! Normally, I serve this with a jerk marinated chicken or pork, but it also goes well with grilled fish, steak and many other treats. If you serve it with something that isn't spicy, try adding some of the spices…

47 votes
77575 views
Roasted Broccoli

Roasted Broccoli by John Spottiswood

This roasted broccoli recipe, adapted from the Barefoot Contessa, is really wonderful. It has a lot of flavor. We served it with a mild pasta, and it was just a wonderful combination. Don't be worried by the lemon juice and zest. They impart a subtle flavor that adds a nice dimension to this dish.

25 votes
21183 views
Brussel Sprouts Sauteed in Garlic & Olive Oil

Brussel Sprouts Sauteed in Garlic & Olive Oil by John Spottiswood

This is a simple, tasty side dish to add to your menu. I've adapted it from Marcella Hazan's recipes for other vegetables. It tastes GREAT with Brussel Sprouts. Broccoli is good too.

25 votes
63857 views
Carrot Cake the Ultimate

Carrot Cake the Ultimate by Amos Miller

What a way to eat your vegetables! I work hard, try to eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of exercise and watch my weight. I also absolutely love a great carrot cake, so what are ya gonna do...?. This looks like alot of stuff, but it is just some dry and some wet ingredients. Do not be deterred! Press on! This recipe…

21 votes
38159 views
Stir-Fried Broccoli with Chili-Garlic Sauce

Stir-Fried Broccoli with Chili-Garlic Sauce by John Spottiswood

My father-in-law has become an amazing cook, and he made this as part of our Easter lunch this year with the fabulous pork tenderloin recipe (see linked below). This version isn't gloppy with extra sauce like you find in many Chinese take out places. It's very flavorful but also relatively light and healthful. He made a TON of it,…

18 votes
42224 views
Mexican Cole Slaw with Lime and Cilantro

Mexican Cole Slaw with Lime and Cilantro by John Spottiswood

Don't you love it when you find a great summer side dish that is healthy and goes with many things, so you know you'll be making it over and over again? That's how I felt when I tasted this fabulous cabbage salad. It is truly delicious and VERY easy. It's adapted from Kalyn's kitchen.

17 votes
60335 views
Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Onions

Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Onions by John Spottiswood

This is a great side dish for roast beef, pork, or lamb. It would also be great with any grilled meat. The recipe is adapted from an America's Test Kitchen recipe that included brussels sprouts and excluded the onions. I love the flavor that the caramelized onions add to the potatoes and to the gravy if you make it, so I think they…

15 votes
28948 views
Minestrone Romagna Style

Minestrone Romagna Style by John Spottiswood

This is the way minestrone is made in Romagna. It's not a lot of prep time, but you simmer the soup for a long time until all of the vegetable flavors mellow into one mild but delicious soup. The subtle flavors of this soup are even more delicious the next day, so it is a good dish to prepare in advance of guests arriving for a…

14 votes
21619 views
Lentils, rice and fried onions (Mujadarrah)

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.

14 votes
16887 views
Rich Sauce with White Eggplant & Herbs

Rich Sauce with White Eggplant & Herbs by Amos Miller

Eggplant has nothing to do with eggs - unless you dip and bread them. This sauce is a knockout! We grow 'Casper', an heirloom small, long white eggplant. It's mild in flavor and perfectly suited to thick, rich vegetable sauces. When cut into dime-to-quarter-sized disks, I have found Casper to be a perfect addition to other late…

13 votes
16536 views
Sicilian Eggplant & Ricotta Pasta

Sicilian Eggplant & Ricotta Pasta by John Spottiswood

This is yet another wonderful Italian recipe that I've adapted from Marcella Hazan's classic "Essentials of Italian Cooking". This one is good enough that my wife put a little smily face in the upper corner of the recipe and wrote "It's a keeper!". I think you'll feel the same way. We served this for friends with a wonderful citrus…

12 votes
10587 views
Italian Chick Pea Soup

Italian Chick Pea Soup by John Spottiswood

Chickpeas are one of my favorite ingredients in soup. They don't lose their texture or their nutty flavor. Whether in a spicy Harira (served during Ramadan) or in this mild flavored Italian soup, Chickpeas make soup both nutritious and delicious. This soup has been popular in Italian homes for over 1000 years, and it was…

12 votes
6304 views
Simple Pasta with Garlic & Olive Oil

Simple Pasta with Garlic & Olive Oil by John Spottiswood

This is a classic recipe that is so simple to make but always delicious. You can serve this as a side dish to any grilled meat or vegetable entree. It can also stand on it's own or be paired with a salad for a light lunch or dinner. It's a great, easy recipe to add to your list of staples. Using a good olive oil is key here. I…

12 votes
24525 views
Apple Oven Pancake

Apple Oven Pancake by Nancy Miyasaki

This is a traditional German oven pancake. If you've never had one, you've got to make this. It is soo delicious and nothing like a regular pancake.

12 votes
24865 views
Turkish Red Pepper & Walnut Dip

Turkish Red Pepper & Walnut Dip by John Spottiswood

I've had this appetizer numerous times at my favorite nearby Turkish restaurant, New Kapadokia. I finally made it myself for a number of guests and it was a big hit. Slightly sweet, slightly spicy, and very flavorful. I served it with high quality hummus and babaganoush, and the red pepper dip was the most popular. Give it a try!

11 votes
11374 views