It's officially NOVEMBER! Can you believe it?! I heartily agree with Julia Child when she said, "Everything in moderation...including moderation." So with the season of overeating right around the corner, we're sharing some ideas for eating lighter in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. These recipes offer new and delicious ways to incorporated more nutrient-dense … Continue reading Chicken Alfredo with Brussels Sprouts
Italian
Marinara Sauce
Today's recommendation for restocking your freezer is incredibly versatile marinara sauce. The first recipe I ever learned to make as an adult, marinara sauce is much easier to make than expected! It's isn't a nuanced Bolognese or an Italian gravy with a laundry list of ingredients that cooks all day. Instead, it's a simple marinara … Continue reading Marinara Sauce
Creamy Chicken Sausage and Spinach Soup
Sometimes, you go to a restaurant and enjoy a dish. Other times, you go to a restaurant, and think of all the ways you would alter a dish if you made it at home. This is one of those for me, my version of Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi soup. In this version, I use more-flavorful … Continue reading Creamy Chicken Sausage and Spinach Soup
Pasta e Fagioli
Our next installment of Fall Soup Week is a classic Italian staple: Pasta e Fagioli. Perhaps you've tried an authentic recipe, or maybe it's your favorite soup to order at The Olive Garden. Either way, it's impossible to leave the table hungry after eating this soup loaded with sausage, veggies, beans, and pasta. TIP: Pasta … Continue reading Pasta e Fagioli
Mainstay Signature Chicken Sausage Lasagna
From-scratch lasagna was my first personal goal when I started learning to cook. It was the first intimidating dish I attempted, and I was thrilled when it turned out better than expected. Fast forward about a decade, and my homemade lasagna is the dish people request when I volunteer for meal trains. It's so popular, … Continue reading Mainstay Signature Chicken Sausage Lasagna
Chicken Fricassee
This might look like just some chicken and mushrooms on a plate, but believe me when I tell you, this particular plate of chicken and mushrooms is creamy and delicious and is considered one of the favorite splurge meals in our house. Even your hardest-to-impress family members will request these leftovers the next day! A … Continue reading Chicken Fricassee
Mushroom Ravioli in Rosemary Butter Sauce
Several years ago, a friend's mother-in-law offered to teach us an old Italian recipe for homemade pasta. We decided to make ravioli, and almost as an afterthought, I realized I'd need a filling. That lead me to this filling and sauce recipe by Tieghan Gerard at Half Baked Harvest, which turned out to be quite … Continue reading Mushroom Ravioli in Rosemary Butter Sauce
Parmesan Meatballs with Orzo in Basil Cream Sauce
In our house, pasta and red meat are considered splurges, so this meal is a treat for us! Cheesy meatballs, creamy orzo, and the freshness of the peas. YUM! Don't skimp on the basil or forget the lemon squeeze garnish; that freshness and acid make a huge difference to the flavor profile! Parmesan Meatballs with … Continue reading Parmesan Meatballs with Orzo in Basil Cream Sauce
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a classic recipe for a reason, and definitely a favorite around here! There's a bonus to our version, because we've found a way to lighten it up while keeping it delicious! We skip dredging the chicken in flour, using a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce instead. Yet, that balance of mushrooms, … Continue reading Chicken Marsala
Classic Tomato Bruschetta
This is one of the first recipes I learned to make over 20 years ago. A friend had recently returned from Italy and was eager to share the flavors she had enjoyed. One taste and I was hooked! We've been enjoying this traditional Italian mix ever since! In addition to this basic recipe, you can … Continue reading Classic Tomato Bruschetta
Mainstay Kitchen & Home 