Notes about Recipes in this book

• Skillet chicken piccata

  • jennabailey54 on December 04, 2021

    This recipe is unreal, so so good!!

• Salmon Milano with lemon-basil pesto

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Best salsa verde ever!

• Weeknight lamb Bolognese

  • crandall57 on October 03, 2021

    Really enjoyed this dish and will definitely make it again. I used one pound of lamb, not the 1 1/2 pounds listed in the recipe; I didn't change any of the other quantities. Because of gluten and dairy allergies, I didn't add the milk at the end and served it over gluten free tagliatelle.

  • courtney_nb7i83 on March 01, 2026

    We love this recipe. I use plain tomato sauce and add my own spices rather than jarred marinara. I used chicken broth instead of wine and it still tasted delicious and light. Fresh made pasta really makes this great. Thankfully our grocery store sells it!

  • courtney_nb7i83 on March 01, 2026

    We love this recipe. I use plain tomato sauce and add my own spices rather than jarred marinara. I used chicken broth instead of wine and it still tasted delicious and light. Fresh made pasta really makes this great. Thankfully our grocery store sells it! This works great with ground beef too.

  • rachel_kzkw4i on May 12, 2026

    Really excellent depth of flavor for a relatively quick sauce. Make sure to not add the wine, thyme, and bay leaves until you’ve let the lamb and vegetables brown and stick to the pot a bit so that when you do add the wine, you have nice flavorful browned bits to deglaze off the bottom of the pan. Lamb comes from Aldi in a 16 oz package and pancetta in a 4 oz package, so that’s what I went with and the ratios still seemed OK. Next time I’ll add some diced celery in with the vegetables for a mirepoix start. This time i added about a teaspoon of celery seed.

• Sheet pan halibut with Italian salsa verde and asparagus

  • southerncooker on April 22, 2022

    I made this with the Oven Frites on page 228. Everything was delicious.

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Excellent recipe. The salsa verde is one of the best we've ever had.

• Lasagna-stuffed zucchini boats

  • ginger2212 on January 23, 2022

    These were delicious! Very watery when it came out of the oven but once you plate it, it doesn't matter that much. Flavors were very good - definitely if you're having a lasagna craving.

  • casey_mu301h on March 10, 2026

    We found that it needed 35 min for our zucchini

• Chicken fajita lettuce cups

  • southerncooker on March 22, 2022

    This was flavorful and delicious. I only had yellow bell pepper instead of green and red. I used the optional cayenne in the seasoning mix, and the butter lettuce for the lettuce option.

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    My family note: Delicious. Please have it again. Included guacamole, salsa and sour cream and salsa options for everyone to choose.

• Crispy slow cooker carnitas

  • hbakke on May 15, 2022

    The spice rub combined with the different citrus juices made a delicious cooking liquid for the pork shoulder. I've never done the crisping under the broiler step to slow-cooked meat before and I really liked the textures and flavor it added to the finished tacos. I would make these again.

• Chipotle chicken tostadas with pineapple salsa

  • halfchefc on February 11, 2026

    Quick and easy!! Truly a 30 minute meal or less.

• Steak street tacos

  • halfchefc on May 29, 2026

    I've made a few times now and it's a solid go-to recipe for us!

• Blackened tuna bowls with chili-lime slaw and cilantro-lime rice

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Nice weeknight dinner. The slaw was excellent. Used sauteed cauliflower rice spiced with the suggestions for the cilantro-lime rice.

  • crandall57 on February 23, 2026

    This is a great dish. I didn’t add mayo to the slaw, as we like it with a little avocado oil instead. I used red cabbage for the slaw, as that’s what we had on hand. I used brown basmati rice, rinsed it before cooking, and cooked it longer than I would have cooked the white rice. The blackened tuna had a nice spice to it and we grilled it, instead of pan searing it. It all went together perfectly with the store-bought pico de gallo. Next time, I will try a different pico de gallo (I bought mine in Publix), or make my own. We will make this again.

• Collard green and chicken burritos

  • casey_mu301h on March 10, 2026

    Needed more seasoning on the meat, doubling that could be better. Very refreshing and light for a burrito.

• Enchiladas con carne

  • southerncooker on March 17, 2022

    This was delicious. We ate with a simple salad, no dressing. I used flax seed tortillas, cornstarch instead of arrowroot starch, and Monterey Jack cheese for the cheese option. Left the cilantro off hubby's, since he has the soap taste gene.

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    These were devoured by all at a family gathering...including the 7-year old. I did cut the cayenne in half. Otherwise made as written.

  • courtney_nb7i83 on March 01, 2026

    This is my family’s favorite dinner. I left out the cayenne for the kids and used homemade chicken broth and tortillas (it’s easier thank you think!) I prepped this earlier in the day and took it out of the fridge to bake just before dinner.

  • courtney_nb7i83 on March 01, 2026

    This is my family’s favorite dinner. I left out the cayenne for the kids and used homemade chicken broth and tortillas (it’s easier thank you think!) I prepped this earlier in the day and took it out of the fridge to bake just before dinner.

  • emily_9fs28s on June 05, 2026

    Wonderful recipe! Fairly easy to make but it can get messy during assembly. These freeze great too!

• Spicy red snapper platter with roasted zucchini and black beans

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Great alternative way to have white fish. All of the components were exemplary.

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Oh, and used 1/2 a seeded jalapeno for the serrano.

• One-pan Mexican chicken and rice

  • ginger2212 on January 23, 2022

    This was good! It was almost magically easy and the flavors were delish. My only issue was my own doing. I used chicken breast instead of chicken thigh and while I tried to adjust time, the chicken breast ended up pretty tough. I would definitely follow her suggestion and use thighs!

• Turkey taco skillet bake

  • ginger2212 on May 16, 2022

    Loved this in theory but the flavors fell flat. I've now made 5 dishes from this cookbook and her newest - while they are good - they all seem to lack something. Great ideas but the flavors need oomph!

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    My family enjoyed this one. Made as written. Tex-Mex comfort food.

  • courtney_nb7i83 on March 01, 2026

    My kids liked this because they could eat it with chips. Adding some spice would take it up a notch, but we just keep hot sauce on the table for the grown-ups. It’s a solid meal. Not our top 5 but worth a place in the rotation.

  • courtney_nb7i83 on March 01, 2026

    My kids liked this because they could eat it with chips. Adding some spice would take it up a notch, but we just keep hot sauce on the table for the grown-ups. It’s a solid meal. Not our top 5 but worth a place in the rotation.

• Chorizo con papas taquitos

  • casey_mu301h on March 10, 2026

    Potatoes need more seasoning.

• Black pepper chicken

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Simple, but great flavor. The amount of pepper worked well. Do not be afraid! Served with a cauliflower fried rice.

  • halfchefc on April 11, 2025

    This was a hit! I added in snap peas for extra veggies and served with brown rice.

  • allie_8kpcme on June 05, 2026

    One of my favs!

• Thai basil beef

  • Auntvava on February 09, 2023

    I think the sauce is great. I now love coconut aminos. I made this dish twice, first time I followed the directions and sliced up the meat. I found this tedious, and my thinly sliced beef became overcooked when I tried to brown it. The second time I made this dish, I pounded the steak and trimmed up the sides. I kept the trimmings to saute and brown. I used the pan drippings to slightly saute the onions and red pepper while I marinated the meat in a little oil, coconut aminos, salt and pepper and garlic powder. Next time I might just make extra sauce and use that to marinate the meat. I let the meat sit for several hours then I seared the uncut steak in a grill pan and cooked it for about 3 minutes a side. I let the meat rest then I sliced it thinly and placed the meat on the serving dish. Then I tossed the sauteed onion and bell pepper in a pan sprinkled a little arrowroot powder on the veggies and poured on the sauce. Once it thickened a bit a poured the mix over the meat

  • simone_lu3llo on June 04, 2026

    Loved this! The slicing and cooking of the beef was a little tedious, but was otherwise very easy and came together quickly. Had the perfect balance of spice and freshness with the Thai chiles and basil.

• Spaghetti squash pad Thai

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Delicious. Only changes: 1 red Fresno for the Thai chiles. (We can't take the heat!) Also added 1 cup of slied broccolini.

• Green curry chicken

  • simone_lu3llo on April 22, 2026

    Everyone enjoyed— chicken was well-cooked, plenty of spice, and a good way to use up a bunch of Thai basil from our herb garden.

• Kung pao Brussels sprouts

  • Tee.Tee on February 08, 2021

    This was delicious and simple to make. I had all of the ingredients on hand except for the Brussels sprouts. A walk by the produce section took care of that. I served this over brown jasmine rice. I stuck by the recipe since it was the 1st time making this. the next time I make it I will skip salting the Brussels before roasting. The coconut aminos and fish sauce are salty on their own.

  • lisa_x487uc on January 31, 2026

    This is a nice technique but a bit one note. The sauce needs a sweet component to balance the pepper and fish sauce - a little honey, maple syrup or a tsp of brown sugar would help. This is also much better as a side dish than a main. It really needs a protein to help balance it.

  • casey_mu301h on March 10, 2026

    Added ground beef and doubled the sauce for more protein. Worked great!

• Mongolian beef stir-fry

  • krista_fcgy12 on February 21, 2026

    Wonderful & healthy meal ! Could be a little more flavorful so next time I would add some extra spices.

• Hibachi-style chicken with magic mustard sauce

  • ljl1989 on January 14, 2026

    Pretty good but I'd like more browning on the meat and veggies. I'd make it again for a quick, healthy meal.

• Greek salad with lamb meatballs

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Only did the Greek dressing and the lamb meatballs. Both were excellent. Allergic to cucumbers, so did a zucchini salad from Whole30 Quick.

  • emily_9fs28s on June 05, 2026

    Delicious all around! The meatballs are great for any Greek/mediterranean dish- make it a bowl (cava style) or stuff it in some naan. Always a go-to recipe!

• Hamburger salad with creamy jalapeño dressing

  • southerncooker on March 21, 2022

    I enjoyed the addition of avocado on this and the Jalapeño dressing was delicious. I used Dukes instead of making the homemade mayonnaise from the book.

• Simple Waldorf tuna salad

  • lisa_x487uc on January 14, 2026

    The dressing could use more seasoning. I used tuna in water but I think tuna in olive oil would be better. I also think adding pickled red onions would be a nice compliment.

• Vietnamese spicy pork meatballs with fresh noodle salad

  • hbakke on May 19, 2022

    We both really liked this. I don't love fish sauce, but the flavors in the meatballs worked well together and the sauce had enough lime juice to mask the fishiness. The only change I made was to reduce the ground pork by half. I think 2lbs. of meat for 4 servings is a lot, and we still got 5 meatballs per serving with the reduced amount. I would make this again. Also, not sure if my book is from a different printing, but this recipe is titled Bun Cha - Vietnamese spicy pork meatballs with fresh noodle salad in my book.

• Kale and mint salad with "peanut" vinaigrette

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Excellent despite my doubts about the mix of ingredients! Make a quick tasty summer dinner.

• Carrot-ginger salad with baked salmon

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Decent salad. Be aware the carrot dressing makes tons.

  • Bfamkitchen on July 23, 2024

    A nice salad meal. We made 1/2 of the dressing based on the note that it made a lot and still had plenty leftover. Would make again.

  • ljl1989 on February 03, 2026

    Nice, healthy meal! Dressing is delicious and we continued to use it for the rest of the week. Would also note that salmon cook time is way longer than salmon ever takes me at that temp, but that's an easy adjustment.

• Creamy tortilla-less soup

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Very filling and tasty. I used 2 -12 oz. cans of chicken instead of rotisserie. Worked great for an every day lunch.

• Greek lemon and oregano potato soup

  • halfchefc on February 12, 2026

    Next time I might not blend it as much so it's a little chunky. I also think it needs a grilled cheese or a crunchy topping!

• Whole30 hot-and-sour soup

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Hit the spot on a cold, rainy day. Used leftover turkey breast instead of chicken and cremini mushrooms instead of shiitake. Both subs, because that's what I had. Turned out delicious, although I think the shiitakis would be amazing. Recommend the suggested bamboo shoots. Definitely added to great textures.

• Ginger-scallion meatball and bok choy soup

  • estanzler on March 29, 2024

    Really delicious. The whole family including the baby ate it. I wish i had added more veg.

  • ckpeters on December 09, 2024

    We really liked this...even my bok choy averse partner.

• Creamy tomato basil soup

  • southerncooker on March 08, 2022

    This was delicious. I only had Low fat unsweetened coconut milk instead of full fat. I opted for the balsamic vinegar over the coconut sugar, but only used 1 tablespoon.

• Mimi's minestra del sedano

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Had 3 heads of celery from the farm box! This was a tasty way to use up quite a bit. Omitted the red pepper flakes. Used Miracle (shiritake) rice instead of orzo. Would do again.

• Mexican cabbage soup

  • hailey_t7iwng on June 07, 2026

    We make this all the time and love it. It needs way more salt than what is called for. I typically eat it with cholula yum

• Texas brisket chili

  • southerncooker on March 30, 2022

    This was delicious. I used a half red bell pepper instead of a whole green one, omitted the pintos since son doesn't like them in Chili, and used water instead of broth. Everyone chose their own toppings.

• Lemony Greek potatoes with crispy Greek chicken thighs

  • halfchefc on June 04, 2025

    Simple. Ended up putting my potatoes in the air fryer to make this a quick weeknight meal. Served with a tomato salad.

• Chorizo and chicken paella

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Delicioso! Not paella, but tasty and close enough for those of us that must watch what we eat!

• Sumac-roasted salmon with mint-coriander yogurt sauce

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Simple but tasty way to show off excellent salmon. The mint sauce in particular was spectacular. Watch the timing. Ours only took 15-20 minutes to reach done and not dried out.

• Solomillo al whisky

  • brooke_7uj4rh on March 04, 2026

    I just didn’t find this to be flavorful at all. Just tasted like broth and potatoes.

• Curried beef-stuffed acorn squash

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Delightful. Change of pace. Cut back slightly on the curry. I think the blend we use is more potent than supermarket curry.

  • estanzler on September 23, 2024

    This had good fall flavors and came together quickly. I really liked the cinnamon on the squash with the curry spices on the beef. It was a little too spicy for the toddler, but other than that, I wouldn't change anything.

• Slow-cooker chicken tikka masala

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Good, but not great tikka masala. Spicing a little flat (or was it my spices!?)

• Garam masala-rubbed lamb chops with a simple fennel and arugula salad

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Tasty, but subtle.

  • estanzler on May 10, 2024

    So delcious and so easy and fast. Would be great for company

• Curried tuna cakes with lemony asparagus

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Great use of canned salmon! Terrific quick dinner. The lemony asparagus is perfect .

  • cklauber2 on July 08, 2024

    Left out the raisins and the bell pepper was just fine for sweetness. Also, didn't make that many fish cakes. Would use more tuna next time. Otherwise, easy to put together and lovely flavor!

  • zoe_fzh8d1 on May 04, 2026

    Very yummy and easy to prep but took a bit of time to get the veggies going at the same time, I was hoping for a sheet pan one and done situation

• Indian-style vegetable curry

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Nice, mild veggie curry. I think this could accommodate whatever veg needs to be used. Ex. Chard subbed well for the baby spinach. This curry base will be used many times .

• One-pot coconut curry butternut squash pasta

  • julesamomof2 on May 16, 2023

    This was quite nice and creamy. It looked like it might be a bit plain as written so I added 1/2 pound of crumbled cooked italian sausage and two large handlfuls of baby spinach at the end and liked those additions. The recipe calls for 16 oz of gluten free pasta and recommends Jovial brand, but that brand only comes in 12 ounce packages, so that's what I used and it was perfectly saucy and creamy. For a gluten and dairy free dinner this was delish.

  • casey_mu301h on March 10, 2026

    This was tasty but just a little one dimensional. It needed some crunch or freshness or something.

• Sheet pan rack of lamb with potatoes and mint chimichurri

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Really enjoyed this. Served with coconut creamed lacinato kale/mushrooms.

• Skillet chicken with white wine, herbs, and roasted broccolini

  • casey_mu301h on March 10, 2026

    Good but just very average.

• Blueberry filet mignon with cauliflower mash

  • julesamomof2 on June 05, 2022

    Very good- I added some steamed broccolini to round out the meal. The blueberry sauce was delicious and I liked her easy method for mashed cauliflower. I may keep using this one because it's so easy and the results were perfect.

• Walnut-crusted scallops with butternut squash puree

  • casey_mu301h on March 10, 2026

    Has a lot of issues with the execution and the walnut crumbles not staying on. Would probably try this again still just to see how it turned out with better execution.

• Nashville un-fried hot chicken with easy collard greens

  • crandall57 on November 15, 2021

    Made this recipe as written and wouldn't change a thing. Delicious.

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Chicken very crisp and well done. Delicious. The collards are terrific, too. They will show up in other dinners. I have successfully made them with Canadian bacon as well!

  • estanzler on June 03, 2024

    Chicken was a big hit and easy to make. The collard greens wasn’t my favorite recipe that I’ve made. Needed a lot more chicken broth than called for and more time cooking than the recipe calls for.

• Meatloaf meatballs with mashed potatoes and green beans

  • southerncooker on April 01, 2022

    This was just ok. It was probably a taste preference. I used low sodium soy instead of coconut aminos. I had canned beans and didn't make that recipe but it sounds good.

• Mini King Ranch casseroles

  • southerncooker on April 07, 2022

    I used no salt added Rotel diced tomatos and green chilies, no salt chicken broth, and leftover baked chicken from our Sunday supper. Also used cornstarch instead of arrowroot starch and for the salt, pink sea salt only 1/4 teaspoon

  • nicole_mwyopi on April 09, 2026

    Pretty good! I upped the spices and made it in a casserole dish.

• Slow-cooker BBQ beef brisket with quick-and-easy coleslaw

  • southerncooker on March 22, 2022

    So easy to make in slow cooker. Both the brisket and slaw were delicious. I didn't make the homemade mayonnaise for the slaw, but used Dukes mayonnaise.

• Paleo chili pie

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Great alternative to cheesy versions. Thank you, Alex. Omitted the cayenne, and it was still spicy enough for our timid palates.

  • halfchefc on April 21, 2026

    Served this over homemade fries instead an it was a hit.

• One-pot chicken pot pie pasta

  • ckpeters on February 01, 2024

    Delicious. But had to modify for diabetic family. So subbed shiritaki fettucini for the noodles...Prepper the noodles according to the package, and added in with chopped broccoli instead of peas. Used a sprinkle of xathan gum to thicken the sauce a bit.

  • allie_p on February 01, 2024

    A delicious, cozy dinner perfect for a cold night. I didn’t have some of the dried herbs/spices, so I used an Italian seasoning blend and it worked great.

  • courtney_nb7i83 on March 01, 2026

    My family was not a fan of this one and I blame the sage. I’d absolutely make this again without it or with less. Likely a taste preference. It has potential!

  • courtney_nb7i83 on March 01, 2026

    My family was not a fan of this one and I blame the sage. I’d absolutely make this again without it or with less. Likely a taste preference. It has potential!

• Chicken spaghetti squash boats

  • LittleVikings on March 16, 2026

    Tastes a little like taco dip. It was really tasty and easy!

• Lemon-garlic green beans

  • krista_fcgy12 on March 25, 2026

    So fresh and easy. The lemon adds a fabulous touch.

• One-pot Hamburger Helper

  • colleen_lql0sc on May 14, 2026

    Recipe needs beef broth! Wasn’t on ingredient list here so had to go back to the store. Easy quick meal but leftovers were a little soggy