Category Archives: Side Dish

Roasted Rainbow Vegetables

Roasted Rainbow Vegetables by Alison's AllspiceI pack vegetables into my work day lunches every day.  Having a side serving of veggies at lunch makes it easy to know that I am getting all the vegetables that I want to have in my diet, regardless of what else gets packed.  I have been making these roasted rainbow vegetables all winter long, and they are too pretty not to share!

Honestly, I didn’t even think about sharing this as a recipe at first.  It was my husband that said, you should make this into a blog post.  Why didn’t I think of that?  Continue reading

Easy Whole Wheat Flatbread

Easy Whole Wheat Flatbread by Alison's AllspiceThis easy whole wheat flatbread recipe really takes me back to my roots as a recipe developer.  In my early days as a blogger, I was developing a lot of recipes to use whole wheat flour as a part of my journey towards eating whole foods.

My whole foods journey is an ongoing process.  I’m easier on myself now than I once was.  However, I still find that I feel better when I make baked goods with whole wheat vs processed flour. Continue reading

Grilled Okra with Hot Sauce Aioli

Grilled Okra with Hot Sauce Aioli by Alison's AllspiceA few years ago, I started growing okra in my garden.  It is a beautiful plant that grows very tall with large showy flowers.  My favorite way to use my homegrown okra is to make grilled okra with hot sauce aioli.

Grilled okra is amazing.  It gets tender and carries the smokey flavor of the grill well.  The spice mixture I season it with in this recipe pairs well with its natural earthy flavors as well as the smoky flavor from the grill. Continue reading

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad by Alison's AllspiceI have a secret to tell you.  I love making bread, and I have been making a lot of sourdough lately.  So much that I have to find inventive ways to use it to keep my supply fresh, like topping this lemon parmesan kale salad with toasted sourdough breadcrumbs.

Lemon parmesan is a classic pairing of flavors that cannot be beat.  Fresh lemon is bright and refreshing while parmesan is full of rich umami.  Adding toasted breadcrumbs takes this simple salad to the next level. Continue reading

Tomato and Fire Roasted Corn Salad

Tomato and Fire Roasted Corn Salad by Alison's AllspiceThis tomato and fire roasted corn salad is bursting with the fresh flavors of summer.  It is a very simple salad of fresh ingredients tossed in a light homemade sauce that brightens its flavors.

The recipe calls for heirloom tomatoes.  I keep this category broad because any fresh and super-flavorful tomato will do. Continue reading

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Peruvian Chile Sauce

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Peruvian Chile Sauce by Alison's AllspiceHave you tried crispy smashed potatoes yet? They have been an internet “thing” for a while now, but I think serving them with creamy Peruvian chile sauce makes them even better!

So, what’s in the sauce? The secret ingredient is aji amarillo paste, a spicy Peruvian yellow chile condiment. A little goes a long way, so I mix it into creamy mayo with lime juice and garlic to make an addictive dipping sauce that you will come back to again and again. Continue reading

Lemony Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Slaw

Lemony Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Slaw by Alison's AllspiceIs everyone ready for thanksgiving yet?  I have my menu planned, but none of the shopping done.  This lemony brussels sprouts and cranberry slaw is definitely worth adding to your menu if you need another good vegetable side dish!

One of the best things about this slaw during the busy holidays is that it really benefits from sitting in the dressing for at least 15 minutes before serving. Continue reading

Creamy Smoked Tofu and Olive Pasta Salad

Creamy Smoked Tofu and Olive Pasta Salad by Alison's AllspiceI am not the only one in my family that likes to cook.  Many, many moons ago, I shared a lemon caper dressing recipe with my family that was a hit.  Not long after, this creamy smoked tofu and olive pasta salad recipe, using my dressing, was shared with me.

I don’t believe I would have ever google searched for a pasta salad like this one; the mix of ingredients seams random, but I promise you it is not.  The combination of flavors is specific and on point. Continue reading

Caper Dill Potato Salad with Green Beans

Caper Dill Potato Salad with Green Beans by Alison's AllspiceOne of the things I love most about gardening is that it helps me be get creative in the kitchen.  The green beans in my garden have been growing well this season, and here I add them to an addicting potato salad, caper dill potato salad.

Bountiful produce tends to push you as a home cook.  For me, I love to find new ways to use familiar ingredients; it keeps things interesting at dinner time. Continue reading

Tomato Artichoke and Mushroom Rice Bake

Tomato Artichoke and Mushroom Rice Bake by Alison's AllspiceThis casserole-like tomato artichoke and mushroom rice bake recipe came about on Christmas day.   I was asked if I wanted to help cook, and of course the answer was yes.  I had been reading about some rice-based stuffing recipes somewhere and made this recipe on the fly with the ingredients we had on hand. Continue reading