Dark Chocolate Banana Muffins with Gooey Chocolate Chunks

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Whole Wheat Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Muffins Happy Labor Day! I’m a day late posting because I was at the shore with friends—our usual Ocean City, Maryland getaway—and it was a blast. I’ll share trip highlights soon; if you want real-time updates, follow my Instagram where I post stories and short videos. A few weeks … Read more

Dill-Infused Green Beans and Okra Recipe for Fresh Summer Sides

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This summer, whenever Jamie picked green beans he inevitably picked okra too—the rows sit side-by-side—and of course we gathered tomatoes. One evening my son and I decided to cook them together and finish the dish with fresh dill. The result was astonishing. Green beans and okra sautéed with garlic, red pepper flakes, tomatoes, and dill … Read more

Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole Recipe

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Homemade Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni — a from-scratch Hamburger Helper copycat that’s pure comfort food and a family favorite. If you grew up in the 1980s, boxed Hamburger Helper might be a nostalgic sight in the grocery aisle. That little oven mitt mascot brings back memories. I wanted the flavor and ease of cheeseburger macaroni but … Read more

Traditional Welsh Cakes: Authentic Recipe & Baking Tips

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A classic Welsh cake recipe from South-West Wales. These griddle-cakes are best cooked on a heavy bakestone or hanging griddle, which gives a traditional texture and flavour you won’t get with a thin pan. Using authentic cookware makes a noticeable difference — it’s a simple way to bring a bit of culinary history into your … Read more

Chipotle Sausage Chili for New Year’s Celebration

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2014?! Wow — it arrived quickly. Looking back, this time last year already feels like a long while ago. 2013 brought many changes: highs and lows that pushed me forward. I launched The 21-Day Vegan Blueprint, taught classes at the Toronto Vegetarian Food Festival and the Cleveland Clinic, served as a guest chef at Suite … Read more

Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes with Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

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I have been waiting a full year to make and share this recipe.

Last summer James and I drove down to North Carolina to visit my cousin Ashley and her now-husband Evan. We had plans to jetski, picnic, and walk downtown, but our timing coincided with the only week of rain all year. Instead of sunshine, we found comfort in excellent Southern food.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Goat Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette. This Southern-meets-Italian appetizer is bound to be a late-summer favorite. I crave it all year long! | hostthetoast.com

If you know me, you know food was one of the highlights of the trip—well, second to seeing family. We went to a place called The Pit and indulged in cornbread, hush puppies, brisket, ribs, okra, collard greens, baked beans, mac and cheese, fried chicken, pulled pork, and local beer. Everything was great, but the standout was an order of Fried Green Tomatoes with Goat Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette. We couldn’t stop talking about them.

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Gingerbread Cookies ‘n’ Cream Holiday Cocktail Recipe

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Homemade infused spirits and liqueurs are among the best things to prepare during the holidays. They require minimal hands-on work—mostly time to infuse and rest—and make thoughtful gifts for friends who enjoy cocktails. When you create your own flavored spirits, it’s useful to have simple recipes ready to showcase them. This Gingerbread Cookies n’ Cream … Read more

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Slow Cooker Recipe)

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Shredded chicken combined with cream of chicken soup, canned green enchilada sauce and fire-roasted green chiles, finished with sour cream, sharp cheddar, and crisped corn tortillas and green onions—this Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a family favorite. I first made this casserole in 2015 and it quickly became a household staple. I often marinate … Read more