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Boiled Butternut Squash

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Boiled butternut squash is the fastest way to cook it: it comes out with fork-tender cubes in about 5 minutes on the stovetop! Here’s my method, and the best ways to season it. Want a fast way to cook butternut squash? Roasted butternut squash is one of the tastiest ways to cook this popular vegetable, but it can take up to 45 minutes with preheat time. As a cookbook author, I always dread doing it (though it is delicious). So I’ve found the fastest way to cook squash: boiled! This boiled butternut squash recipe takes just 5 minutes to cook: combine that with chopping and boiling the water and it’s just about 20 minutes total. Eat it as a tasty healthy side dish , or use it in recipes like enchiladas, risotto, or lasagna. Boiled Versus Roasted Butternut Squash Which method is better, boiled versus roasted butternut squash? It really depends on how you’re using it. Here are some pros and cons: Roasted squash: I love roasted butternu...
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Healthy Chicken Salad

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This healthy chicken salad recipe is creamy without the heaviness using both Greek yogurt and mayo. It’s ready in 25 minutes and full of fresh dill, celery, and pickles! There’s something about chicken salad that is satisfying to me every time, and it’s a meal I never get tired of. With my expertise in the Mediterranean diet, I recently decided to create a healthy chicken salad recipe: a little less mayo, but still big flavor! To me, a healthy chicken salad has a little Greek yogurt for creaminess, balanced with less mayo than the standard version of this recipe. It’s also got fresh herbs to carry the flavor, and makes a fun healthy dinner idea served over greens in a bowl with fresh veggies! Why This Healthy Chicken Salad Works I’ve made a lot of versions of chicken salad over the years: this tarragon chicken salad is one of my favorites. But here’s why I love this one: It’s super creamy but lighter. The yogurt...
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Hot Toddy

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Here’s how to make a classic hot toddy with whiskey, rum, or brandy, plus honey and lemon. This cozy drink comes together in 5 minutes! There’s not much better to lift one’s spirits on a gray day than a steaming hot beverage. Here’s one that’s been around for centuries: the classic Hot Toddy! This historic drink used to be prescribed as a cure for the common cold, and with one sip you’ll know why. A burst of warm bourbon, rum or brandy melds seamlessly into the lemon and honey. Even just the light steam on your face as you take in the aroma makes this drink worth making. Here’s how to make a hot toddy! 5 Star Reader Review “I haven’t made it in a few years, so had to revisit the base recipe, and yours is great! Honey, squeeze of lemon and the whole spices mentioned, and perfect for this cold day by the fire. Thanks for the recipe!” -J What Is a Hot Toddy? The hot toddy is a mixed drink made of li...
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Cayenne Pepper Substitute

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Don’t have cayenne, or realized you’re all out while you’re making a recipe? Here’s the best substitute for cayenne pepper in recipes. Making a recipe that calls for cayenne and don’t have it? There are few options that are perfectly suited as a substitution. Cayenne is a spice that’s made of ground cayenne peppers, a moderately hot red chili pepper (though some cayenne pepper blends contain other peppers). Just a pinch adds just the right amount of heat to meat or fish, curries, stews, and more. You’re most likely to encounter the ground cayenne powder in recipes. Don’t have it handy? Here are a few ground cayenne pepper substitutes. Best Ground Cayenne Pepper Substitute 1. Red pepper flakes The best cayenne pepper substitute? Red pepper flakes. They have a chunkier texture than ground cayenne pepper, but they add quite a bit of heat. If you’re looking for the same level of spice as the cayenne, you may need to add a bit more. Sta...
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Grilled Cheese in the Oven

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Grilled cheese in the oven is the easiest way to make a batch of sandwiches at once, with no skillet babysitting required. Bake them up on a sheet pan until melty and golden brown! Here’s a hack for how to cook up many grilled cheese sandwiches at once: my method for grilled cheese in the oven! It’s never fun to babysit a skillet while you make grilled cheese to order: especially if you’re entertaining a bunch of people. Want to serve tomato soup and grilled cheese for a crowd? Fire up your oven! Baked grilled cheese comes out melty and golden brown. To me, it also feels more like a fun “meal” than the standard method. Here’s how it’s done! 5 Star Reader Review “Works great! Highly adaptable for types of cheeses and additions. So much better then using a skillet. I will use this method from now on even if making one or two sandwiches. They reheat well in the oven too!” -Francis How to Make Grilled Chee...
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