Zucchini GratinDo you want a delicious, balanced and not expensive dish? Zucchini gratin is just such a dish. This is a fancy side dish out of everyday vegetables. There are many variations on cooking zucchini gratin. I am sharing my French friend's recipe.
Stir Fried Beet GreensMy neighbor gave us some beets from her garden, with some beautiful greens attached. We love beets but I was not sure about the beet greens. They were so pretty that I did not want to waste them so I tried stir frying them with onions. They were great! I'm ready to do this again.
Sauteed Butternut Squash With OnionsThis recipe is easy to prepare and tastes great.
Roasted Chayote SquashI had never had a chayote squash before, so this was a welcome addition to our dinner tonight. Feel free to use any spices you wish.
E-Z Refrigerator BeetsThis simple recipe makes great use of all the beets from the garden and provides lots of great vitamins (like IRON!) too!
Parmesan Yellow SquashWe have enjoyed the yellow squash from our garden this year. Although, there are many ways to prepare squash, this is one of my favorite. It's quick and easy and so good.
Ratatouille KabobsI recently saw a recipe using a combination of squashes, zucchini, summer squash and eggplant and gave it my own twist! It is vegetarian and came out yummy and it was so easy!
Cracker Barrel CarrotsWhen we eat out at Cracker Barrel, I get carrots. They are so good and I wanted to know how to prepare them. I found a recipe and tried it. It calls for 2 pounds of baby carrots but I cut the recipe in half and only prepare 1 pound when I cook them. This is not Cracker Barrel's recipe but it sure does taste pretty close and it's good.
Roasted CabbageSome in our family do not like steamed cabbage but they love roasted cabbage. This has become one of our favorite vegetables. Since the weather is cold, I really enjoy cooking in the oven as it helps to heat the house.
Southern Green BeansIt's fun to try out new recipes with my instant pot and to do something to make vegetables more flavorful.
Baked Apple Acorn SquashI love all squashes, but acorn is one of my favorite. With its nuttier taste an and sturdy shell. Gives you more things to do with it. You will see with this tasty recipe I made, you will love and it easy fall like!
Roasted Brussels SproutsTasty way to serve brussels sprouts
Vegetables FrittersI had some odds and ends of vegetables to use up, so I improvised a recipe I found online to make these vegetable fritters with a sour cream topping.
Roasted Carrots with Carrot-Top PestoThis is a beautiful side dish with vibrant flavours. Use the carrots' own greens to make a pesto to serve with it. I added a bit of mint and lemon to really make it pop. I used pine nuts, but you can use cashews or something similar, too.
Chayote FriesSee if this works with your children. Mine is a very picky eater so I have to find ways for him to be able to eat vegetables. This one for the nth time is an effective trick for him. I'm glad my innovations work so my boy will eat some veggies.
Whole Roasted Garlic CauliflowerThis recipe helps you a achieve a perfectly cooked whole cauliflower with a garlic kick. I used a purple cauliflower, and using this method helped retain its beautiful vibrant colour. It is perfectly tender throughout, with a lovely crisp exterior.
Sautéed EggplantHere is quick sautéed eggplant you can make as a side dish or eat as a main dish. A good option to eat it is with fish sauce dip on the side, or pour over eggplant.
Sautéed LettuceDH bought way too much Romaine lettuce, so I stir fried one head with an onion and two cloves of garlic. I added the last bit of pasta sauce to use it up. It was delicious. I think it would work with any kind of lettuce.
Asparagus (Instant Pot)I will share this instant pot recipe though it failed me. I used 3 times the time listed. I also added an onion and apple as I find that makes a terrific taste. In general it is fun to add different sorts of vegetables and see what happens.
Fried MushroomsThis recipe is healthy, easy and inexpensive. It was delicious and made the house smell amazing.
Curried Okra and PotatoesThis is a tasty meal that also has some great health benefits. I love okra for many reasons, and one of them being it's great for blood sugar levels. The turmeric in this dish is also fantastic for it, too. I hope you give this dish a try.
Baked Scalloped PotatoesThis baked scalloped potatoes may not look appealing, but it was really delicious and easy to make! Pair this side dish with your choice of lean meat.
Sweet Potato Spinach Home FriesSometimes, not having all the right ingredients leads you to create a great new recipe. We wanted home fries for breakfast, but I didn't have enough potatoes for a whole batch. I used one potato, one sweet potato, some onion, and spinach. The sweet potato gave it a lovely sugary edge, while the spinach gave it a nice healthy green touch. I microwaved the potatoes first so they cooked evenly with the onions, and got a nice crisp exterior when finished.
Sweet Potato ToastThese are healthier substitute for bread! They are thinly sliced sweet potatoes that you can use as a toast under eggs or as a base for any food. They are also great as a snack! You may use one or more sweet potatoes but I find I need to make many more just to have some by the time we are ready to sit down and eat! Delicious!
Roast CabbageThis was something I made one day I had some old vegetables lying around. It can taste good and be completely fat free. You can add butter or coconut oil. It can also be festive-looking.
Stir Fried Bok ChoyPerfect for Chinese New Year, or anytime. Healthy, fast and delicious.
Barbecue Flavored FriesThese homemade fries are seasoned with a fantastically zesty barbecue seasoning. This is very similar to the flavoring of barbecue chips. In fact, use this seasoning recipe to use on things like chips and dips. I used my air fryer to make these fries, but you can also just pop them in the oven and cook them a bit longer.
Honey Citrus Butternut SquashThis butternut squash has a lovely zing to it. The orange and lemon really pop, while the honey tones it down with a lovely, deep sweetness. I love adding chopped walnuts on top then popping it back in the oven to toast. Such a lovely crunch! This is a great side dish, but also makes a great entree.
Butternut Squash PureeAny processed butternut squash is expensive, because it is so hard to cut. Let your microwave do the work for you. You can use the puree for baking, cooking, or as I am doing, for soup. Since I grew my own squash, the only cost to me was my labor.
Soy Sauce EggplantPhilippines is very rich with crops. Eggplants are one of those. My siblings are picky eaters, but when I'm the one preparing for them, they are less picky.
Mock'Crab Cakes with ZucchiniUse up your zucchini with this delicious recipe. I halved the recipe but will double it next time! I made my own Old Bay Seasoning
Protein Vegetable BonanzaWith all the vegetables from my garden, I decided to make my own recipe and was pleased with the results. The protein comes from the egg and cheese. Round out the meal with bread, butter and a piece of fruit.
Quick Pickled OnionsPickled onions is a must have in our refrigerator. They are very easy to make and are great in sandwiches, tacos, burgers, wraps, salads, and so forth. You can store your pickled onions in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash FriesI love acorn squash for its nutty flavour, lovely texture, and high fiber/vitamin content. They're especially awesome when turned into fries. Here, I've used my air fryer to make them quickly. If you'd rather make them in your oven, place them on a baking sheet and follow these same directions, but cooking for a total of 40 minutes.
Eggplant BoatsA healthy, meatless meal that takes advantage of the garden produce and excellent prices at the supermarket.
Deep Fried Cauliflower AppetizerThis was always an appetizer my mom was famous for making on all holidays! It was a great hit. And very easy to make. It does not take long to cook at all. Serve with or without your favorite dip. Then you can add it to your dinner menu.
Baked ZucchiniHere's another way to use the abundance of zucchini. I baked this in the toaster oven to keep the kitchen cool and not waste energy. The topping really makes this dish special, and it is easy to make.
Savory Corn PattiesSo we have more corn left. It took me a while to think of the best way to use it, but my mind didn't fail me.
Vegetable MedleyIf you like a combination of vegetables, or just have small amounts of various vegetables to use up, this is for you. You can vary the vegetables according to the season and what is on sale.
Spaghetti Squash FrittersI've been getting a bit tired of spaghetti squash in the usual form I prepare it; with spaghetti sauce or as a layered lasagna. I tried turning them into crisp fritters and they were delightful. You can add whatever bits you like in them, I went with onions, bacon and Parmesan cheese.
Tex-Mex Spiced LentilsI am trying to eat less meat. Lentils are a healthy and economical way to do that. These are quick and easy to prepare and are delicious. You can freeze if desired.
Garlic Parmesan Veggie MashThis is an excellent way to use up veggies, including things like the stalks and stem bits of broccoli. Once they get mashed up and dressed up, no one will know they were in there; they'll all be focused on how yummy it is! Not to mention, this is packed full of nutrients.
Spiced Queso Fresco ZucchiniI love this veggie dish. It's popping with spicy flavours, cushioned by slightly melted Queso Fresco cheese. Top it with cilantro for perfection. You can swap out the zucchini with any vegetable for a change-up. I've tried it with carrots, asparagus, peppers - all delicious!
Garlic Chip Parmesan KaleThis is a simple way to make kale come alive in taste, texture, and presentation. The Parmesan makes it creamy while the lemon juice keeps it lively. The elegant little chips of garlic look so dainty sitting on top of the kale. This makes a wonderful appetizer or side dish.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan AsparagusThis is such a fabulous asparagus recipe for many reasons. Besides it tasting absolutely divine, it's a cinch to put together and will not go floppy on you. Just pop it in the oven, remove in 8 minutes, and you'll have a perfectly cooked, crisp side dish.
Cauliflower GnocchiThis guilt-free cauliflower gnocchi only takes 2 ingredients: cauliflower and flour. This is an excellent way to cut calories by not using starchy potatoes and eggs. You can use gluten-free flour to turn these beauties into a GF version that tastes absolutely scrumptious, too. These puffy little pillows are such a delight no matter how you top them. I've added a bonus step to turn them into garlic butter gnocchi. Highly recommended!
Cabbage for TwoWhen I was a teenager, I went with a friend to her home for lunch. Her grandmother had cooked a pot of cabbage. Susie wanted me to try it. Well, all my life, I had turned up my nose at cabbage. I was very hesitant to taste it. Much to my surprise, it was very good.
Honey Glazed Butternut SquashThis pretty and yummy recipe is perfect to 'fancy up' a meal. It's savory but can be made sweeter if desired. Precut too!
Caramelized Cranberry Brussels SproutsThese Brussels sprouts are extra yummy, sweetened by being caramelized, and studded with cranberries. The onions and garlic give it a nice smoky flavour. I love the green and red look for the holidays. :)
Roasting a Pie PumpkinA couple weeks ago I celebrated the last lingering rays of fall by finally baking up the pumpkin I bought at the farmer's market for Halloween. Specifically, it was a pie pumpkin, not a Jack-O-Lantern. I hoped to get a second use out of it and, woah, it worked! :) Thank you to my sister, who recommended roasting, not boiling it; another Holly, at www.spendwithpennies.com for the instructions; and Rosemary at allrecipies.com for the roasted seeds idea.
Japanese Style Dried Sweet Potatoes and YamsThis is a longtime winter-month Japanese tradition that dates back to the 18th century. No chemicals, additives or special equipment is involved. The proper drying of these vegetables result in a naturally sweet and chewy snack that is packed with nutrients. They are dried outside on sunny, dry days.
Cauliflower GratinI love subbing cauliflower for potato in many recipes. It's much lighter altogether, and packed with essential vitamins. Making them au gratin is one of my new favourite ways to use them. I hope you try this rich and creamy side dish!
Cauliflower Fried RiceA less indulgent way to enjoy your favorite Chinese take out dish.
Spicy CauliflowerCutting cauliflower into small, flat segments ensures even cooking and well-distributed flavours. I've added curry, coriander, cumin, and chili lime powder for a really nice kick. This is easy to prepare and makes a big impression.
Easy Veggie StewWhen the veggie drawers in my fridge need some emptying, I make this super easy and delicious one-pot, one-drop stew. No fancy gadgets, no fuss. You drop it all in the pot, and cook for 45 minutes. Easy peasy!
Butternut Squash with Macintosh ApplesI just love winter squash. I like it a bit sweet, but do not like having to sweeten it with so much sugar. I thought maybe I could cook apples with it and sweeten it naturally. This is so good, you will love it and you will have the kids eating their veggies like never before!
Dilled CarrotsI grew a lot of carrots. Although I like them raw, I enjoy cooked carrots, too. This is an easy and inexpensive way to eat them.
Eggplant CaponatinaI have a lot of eggplant in my garden, so I am looking for various ways to prepare it. This was served as a side dish in the recipe, but I served it as a meatless main dish over brown rice.
Roasted CauliflowerThis is a healthy alternative way of roasting cauliflower while also tasting "like" cheese! Perfect side vegetable to pair with your favorite entree (like: steak, lamb chops, meat loaf, ribs, chicken breast, etc.) or can be eaten as a snack.
Roasted RadishesThis year we had a real bumper crop of extra radishes and so I researched to find out other ways to use them rather then just adding them to salads. By quartering and roasting them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and your favorite herbs, they are a tasty, mild (roasting removes all the heat of the radish) plus a little crunchy, and moist. They were a surprise even to me, but enjoyed by all!
Easy Sun Dried CarrotsTake advantage of the extra hot, dry weather if you've got it. We definitely do here in California, and next door in Nevada and Arizona. Some foods, you can sun dry without blanching beforehand. Carrots are a great example. When dehydrated, they can be reconstituted in soups, stews, and casseroles. You can also pulse them in a food processor and use them in cakes, smoothies and breads. My local shop had carrots on sale for 29 cents per pound so I had to fill up!
Kale and PotatoesI have a bumper crop of kale. This dish can be a meatless meal, a side dish, or a filling for omelettes. It is quick and very cheap, especially if you grow your own vegetables. Measurements do not have to be precise. I made enough for two servings. Use more kale than you think, as it cooks down a lot.
Parmesan Crusted Cauliflower SteaksThis is one of my favourite dishes for meatless nights in our house. When cut in very thick slices, cauliflower can be baked up to be a fantastic steak alternative. It's high in fiber, low in carbohydrates, and full of flavour!
Sautéed Sauerkraut and PotatoesI had leftover sauerkraut, which I had no idea what to do with. I also had a leftover baked potato, so I decided to combine them into something completely new.
Sautéed VegetablesThis is an easy to prepare and healthy side dish that pairs great with your choice of protein.
Roasted Brussels SproutsI love to make roasted brussels sprouts, it is very versatile, pairs well with a lot of dishes. Not to mention super easy!
Baked OnionsSuch an easy way to enjoy onions, especially when you got 3 pounds for 99 cents. Baking makes them sweet.
Sugar Coated Sweet PotatoesSweet potato is one of the best snacks that we serve because it is one kind of food that is easiest to find. Also this kind of snack is kid friendly.
Grilled Cauliflower SteakGrilling steaks, ribs or burgers? You can grill cauliflower too as a side vegetable to complete your meal. Tastes delicious with the char and seasoning, yum!
Green Tea Infused EdamameEdamame is a delicious young soybean, often eaten straight out of the pods. You can find them in the frozen section of any grocery store, in the pod or shelled. I prefer to eat them from the pod; I find it more fun and much more tasty. Cooking the pods in a pot of boiling green tea gives it a nice dimension, aroma, and lovely texture.
Quick Pickled CucumbersVery easy to make, refreshing to eat and pairs perfectly as a side dish to your main meal.
Baked CabbageSales were great on cabbage this month. This makes a lot and I' am going to freeze some for another time.
Baked Sweet Potato HalvesWhen I bake whole sweet potatoes in the skins, the juice runs out and sticks to the aluminum foil. Before I put the foil in the trash, I can't help but break off the pieces of juice that have hardened and eat them. It's like eating candy.
Oven Roasted VegetablesThis recipe is for roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts. I made this recipe without fat or oil but it may be made with oil.
Fried Eggplant SlicesI never really tried eggplants, so a great way to introduce eggplants to the family is by frying them! You can never go wrong with fried. This was an inexpensive snack/side dish. You can cut the slices into smaller pieces if you have more people to feed but it was just easier to fry in slices.
Roasted Frozen CauliflowerPerfect for busy days when you don't have a lot of time to prepare for side vegetables. You can use frozen cauliflower, and the roasted cauliflower is done in 20-25 minutes. Little prep time and tastes delicious. Perfect with your roast, steak, pork, meat dishes or even as a light snack.
Flavored Greens BeansAt our church, we have a monthly luncheon with 20-25 people attending. We have a committee that prepares the vegetables and desserts. I'm responsible for preparing green beans. I purchase a large can from Walmart and cook them in a large pot. Usually there are only a few left over.
Buffalo CauliflowerI love buffalo wings so much but I really can't be eating all that much fried chicken dunked in fatty sauces all the time. Bring in the buffalo cauliflower! This alternative is delicious and a fair bit better for you. Cauliflower is packed with vitamins, protein, and fiber.
Steamed ArtichokesI have enjoyed artichokes only a few times. Now that I know how to make them, I'll be doing it more often. I used my pressure cooker, but you can steam them 25-45 minutes, depending on the size. A pressure cooker takes 15-20 minutes, with a 10 minute natural release.
Cauliflower PuddingIt was on sale for 99 cents a head, so it is what's on the dinner table tonight.
Sautéed Vegetables with Snap PeasThis is a wonderful side dish to serve or as a healthy salad that can be eaten cold or warmed up, perfect balance of vegetables paired with snap peas.
Broccoli Cauliflower Tater TotsIt's back-to-school time! This is my recipe for a tater tot that uses lots of broccoli and cauliflower instead of potato. They actually taste WAY better than the original potato version yet they are much healthier for the kiddos and us grown-ups. They freeze just like regular tater tots, as well. I hope you try these!
Grilled ArtichokesIf you are a fan of artichokes, you have to try grilling them! The secret of grilling artichokes is that you have to steam the artichokes first. These grilled artichokes are so flavorful and delicious! Pairs perfectly for a summer lunch/dinner with grilled sweet and savory chicken and vegetables.
Sweet and Sour Refrigerator PicklesIt is so simple to make your first pickles. With an abundance of cucumbers in my garden, I whipped up some delicious pickles for us to enjoy during the fall!
Sautéed KaleI have a lot of kale growing, and found this recipe from The NY Times food section. It did not disappoint.
Sautéed Shredded ZucchiniA fabulous way to use up the zucchini that's in season right now. If you have pre-shred your zucchini ahead of time and freeze it, this can be a very quick side dish on a busy day. I had the basil, mint and Parmesan on hand, so I added them in.
Microwave Corn on the CobYou will never boil sweet corn in a kettle of water again.
Stir-Fry ZucchiniIt's zucchini season! This recipe has an Asian flair with the soy sauce and sesame seeds. It takes very little time to prepare and is so good.
Stuffed Zucchini SquashThis recipe can be adapted to what you have on hand. I will write the recipe as I made it. It can be doubled or even tripled. A great way to use the zucchini that is plentiful and inexpensive this time of year.
Using Kale and Chard StemsMost people throw the kale and chard stems away but they are really good and tasty! Just chop the stems thinly and sauté with onions and olive oil for a few minutes. Very healthy and delicious to go with any side along with your protein.
White Zucchini FrittataThis is a delicious veggie frittata that's super easy to make. I find that white zucchini is more flavourful and juicy than regular zucchini, but you can use either one. I love having this frittata by itself with some nuts and yogurt, or wrapped with pita bread with a dab of hummus. Yum, yum!
Curried Cauliflower RiceThis yummy dish is called rice but it just resembles rice in many ways. Its main star is cauliflower that has been pulsed until it's rice-like. I've served this to many rice lovers and they've all been absolutely in love with it. It's a delicious way to save yourself from a huge amount of calories and not feel so weighed down.
Steamed FiddleheadsFiddleheads are a fern that are harvested as a vegetable. They are full of vitamin A and C as well as a good source of fibre and omega 3 fatty acids. They are a spring time vegetable that taste very similar to asparagus. I am steaming these but fiddleheads can also be used in soup, salad and pastas.
Roasted Sweet Potato FriesThese sweet potato fries are a nice side to any meal. They are quick and easy to prepare. You can adjust the species to your taste.
Spicy Pickled CucumbersI made some pickled cucumbers that were really tasty! In one batch I peeled the outer layer and in another I didn't. I prefer the peeled ones. Enjoy!
Miso Kale Stir FryVery healthy, fast, and delicious side dish!
Spinach BakeTop this spinach mixture with whatever toppings you like. Very tasty and low carb.
Hearty Stir Fry VegetablesEasy to make hearty stir fried vegetables - lots of nutrients in one colorful dish!
Roasted AsparagusA restaurant-quality dish that is easy to prepare.
Herb Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes and CarrotsEasy and healthy side dish!
Roasted Fall VegetablesThis wonderful sauce makes fall vegetables taste like a gourmet treat. It's easy to make as well.
Homemade Dried and Caramelized OnionsWhen I find a great deal on onions, I buy a large amount and make these dried and caramelized onions. It ends up being a whole lot cheaper and more tasty than buying dried onions in bottles. You can make these in the oven, in a dehydrator, or even in the sun! To make onion powder, run the finished product in a processor.
