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This zippy, zingy recipe is adapted from Emily of 7 Empty Plates, whose version is more classic. Her brilliant use of a bag of precut coleslaw vegetables as a time saver makes this recipe all the more enticing. My Spicy Crunchy Coleslaw recipe uses two different types of cabbage, plus other ingredients that take precious […]

My mom has been making this classic easy recipe since the 1970s, but instead of Cool Whip, I use heavy cream. The instant pistachio pudding dessert takes about five minutes to whip up. Watergate Salad 16 ounces crushed pineapple with liquid juices (don’t drain) 8 ounces heavy cream 1 cup marshmallows 1/2 cup toasted pecans […]

There are almost as many ways to make a macaroni salad as there are to make a pizza. The beauty is that you can decide what goes in your salads just as easily as you can pick your favorite pizza toppings. Here’s what I call a winning macaroni salad. Macaroni Salad 16 ounces macaroni, rotini […]

Cornbread Casserole is an ideal side to serve with barbecue, pork chops, pork loin, chicken, sausage and more. The texture is similar to cornbread, but not quite as dry and with more add-ins. One of the local barbecue chains, Pok-E-Jo’s, serves a cornbread casserole that is slightly similar to this. You’ll love this side, packed […]

by Kelly J. Larson My introduction to coleslaw wasn’t ideal, a soggy, sweetened cabbage with carrot flecks from KFC. For years, I didn’t like coleslaw until I had it on the side with my beef ribs and potato salad at the County Line, and discovered a drastically better barbecue companion. Now I ask for double […]

by Kelly J. Larson Pasta with pesto has always been on my short list of what to order at Italian restaurants. I first created this pecan and pine nut pesto around St. Patrick’s Day and was totally was crazy about it and still am. The signature basil leaves with fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese and two […]

by Kelly J. Larson Dedicated to my Mandarin speaking family members, each who would shout “Jiao!” to this three-ingredient salad (spring lettuce mix, green onions and Cuties citrus oranges), here’s a sweet, crunchy crowd pleaser that is made up of three parts. Cuties Citrus Salad 11 ounces spring mix salad greens 1 bunch of green […]

by Kelly J. Larson This colorful Green Peas and Bacon Salad, hearty and satisfying — with bacon, eggs and cheese, pairs nicely with almost anything, plus can be made a day or two in advance. Green Peas and Bacon Salad 6 slices bacon (reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease for dressing) 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon […]

by Kelly J. Larson Salad dressing is the most important part of a salad or rice bowl or anything that is brought together with a dressing, in my opinion. There’s nothing more magical on a salad than freshly homemade dressing. My crew and I enjoy all the cuisine that Chick Fil-A has to offer including […]

by Kelly J. Larson My favorite homemade salad dressing is a basic vinaigrette (or vinegar-ette if you prefer to say it with four syllables), with freshly pressed garlic, freshly squeezed lemon, red wine vinegar, olive oil and salt. So simple and incredibly fresh. 3 to 5 cloves garlic, pressed 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon […]