pleasing your palate | Memorial Day side dishes

It's a week until the official start of summer begins (although it's been blistering already here in the bluegrass....).  I know that we will all be grilling out this weekend so below are some ideas for easy grilling sides and make-ahead desserts!

baked beans

beer cheese (for those burgers!)

frozen berry cake

grilled asparagus

 

grilled corn

 grilled potato packs

lemonade

pasta salad

popsicles

 ribboned asparagus salad

What do you have at your Memorial Day cook-ou?

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pleasing your palate | Kentucky Derby

This Saturday is the Kentucky Derby!  It's a rite of passage meaning that spring is here, no more frosts, and that we can plant our gardens.  Also, it's a good excuse to get dressed up, have a party, and have a great time!

Below are some recipes for your Derby party this weekend, but come back every day this week for new recipes like country ham balls and bread pudding!

bourbon mushroom sauce 

 chickpea and kale salad 

fried apples

 gooey cinnamon squares

 KY Bourbon Barrel Ale beer cheese

 mint julep

 peach raspberry mint julep

 shaved asparagus pizza

 sorghum cake

 steak and beer cheese nachos

Do you have a Derby party?  What kinds of foods do you like to serve?

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pleasing your palate | St. Patrick's Day

Besides the other recipes I shared this week, the recipes below would also work with any St. Patrick's Day celebration.  Irish fare is pretty basic: meat, potatoes, root vegetables, and bread.  Remember--next year, I am tackling soda bread!

Annie's Apple Cake

Beef and Cabbage 

Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms

Garlic Pepper Roast with Gravy

Irish Lamb Stew

No-Knead Bread

Roasted Parsnips with Onions

Smashed Potatoes

Spiced Oatmeal Cookies

Vegetable Beef Stew

 {blessing for happiness}

Sláinte! (cheers/good health)

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pleasing your palate | Superbowl

As many of you know, this weekend is the Superbowl!  I am not much of a sports person, and to be honest, I completely forgot about it!  Luckily, I was at a store and saw some game-day merchandise so I came home and whipped this together because I have the perfect recipes for your game-day party!

Since it's New England Patriots versus the Seattle Seahawks, it's only fitting you make food from those areas right? 

          Clam Chowder               VS         Chipotle-Coffee Pot Roast       

Okay-so maybe I don't really have something from Seattle, but that's where Starbucks first started right?  So coffee-something it is!  You can make this pot roast into sliders by serving it with some rolls and mustard!

Now what's Superbowl without the typical snack foods?  Here are some recipes and inspiration:

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Baked Beans

Baked Potatoes (crock-pot)

Lazy Pizza Dough

Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Steak and Beer Cheese Nachos

Of course, there's beef tacos, chili, guacamole, hummus, sloppy joes, and numerous other foods to make!  Head over to my recipe index for a list of all the recipes on this website for more inspiration!

Who are you rooting for and what are you serving?

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pleasing your palate | healthy sides/snacks

Finally, to help you with your healthy kick-start for the new year, some healthy sides and snacks!  Whether you are going gluten-free or just want to add more vegetables in your life, here are some recipes to get you started!

Baked Beans

Black Bean Ragout

Cauliflower Couscous

Dahl (Indian Lentils)

Guacamole

Hummus

Lima Beans in Garlic Butter

Parmesan Roasted Zucchini

Rice with Wilted Spinach and Garlic

Spaghetti Squash

Zucchini Noodles

I currently have hummus in my fridge, and a spaghetti squash (local) on my counter!  Avocados are currently $1 here in Lexington KY so I picked up a few for my sandwiches over the next week.  What are some of your favorite sides/snacks?

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