Tag Archives: Quick and Easy

Smoky Pumpkin Pasta

Smoky Pumpkin Pasta by Alison's AllspiceI love pasta, and therefore, it is hard to believe that I have not tried this smoky pumpkin pasta before now.  The creamy sauce clings to the pasta in a way that is reminiscent of mac and cheese, but the flavors are more sophisticated.

The pumpkin really elevates the other savory flavors in the dish without getting lost itself.  Its creamy earthy tones are balanced by the smokiness of the paprika, which also brings the smallest touch of heat. Continue reading

Black Bean Taco Dip

Black Bean Taco Dip by Alison's AllspiceI can’t believe that December is in full swing already. This fall has flown by so quickly and now it is practically winter. During the fall, I don’t dive into pumpkin spice season so much. I do, however, love football food season. This black bean taco dip is one that I made repeatedly this year. 

The base for this dip is black beans, seasoned with onion and taco seasoning (garlic, cumin, chili powder and paprika). Then I add salsa to give the dip some more body, and of course flavor.  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

Clam Linguine alla Vodka

Clam Linguine alla Vodka by Alison's AllspiceFor this clam linguine alla vodka recipe, I decided to mash together two classic recipes, clam linguine and pasta alla vodka.  The results are delicious.  The sweet seafood-y clams are elevated by the rich, acidic vodka sauce.

I prefer chopped clams to whole clams for this recipe because they are packed in flavorful clam juice that you can use to thin the sauce.  I also found whole clams to be gritty in comparison, requiring a rinse that takes away some flavor.  As always, use what you like. Continue reading

Seared Artichoke and White Bean Pasta

Seared Artichoke and White Bean Pasta by Alison's AllspiceThis recipe is a classic example of how good canned vegetables can be.  I have tried this seared artichoke and white bean pasta recipe with frozen artichoke hearts as well and found it to be a little too dry.  The artichokes that are canned in brine are better suited for searing because they don’t dry out as much while they caramelize.

The searing process adds not only a pop of color, but also bring out the sweetness of the artichokes beautifully.  It takes a little time, so be patient.  The end result is a delicious yet simple pasta dinner. Continue reading

Smoky Trout Tacos with Lemon Garlic Aioli

Smoky Trout Tacos with Lemon Garlic Aioli by Alison's AllspiceI don’t think there is such a thing as a perfect fish taco.  It can’t be because there are just so many good ways to do it, no one recipe could ever be the best.  Nevertheless, I am always in the pursuit of perfecting recipes and fish tacos are easily a food group in my house, so here is another variation for you to try: smoky trout tacos with lemon garlic aioli.

Can we talk about aioli for a minute, please?  Does anyone actually use eggs to make their aioli?  Maybe I’m the only one that is totally hooked on the ease of using mayo, but what can I say?  It’s delicious, easy to make, and I don’t have to fuss with raw eggs.  Win-win in my book. Continue reading

Lemon and Green Olive Pasta

Lemon and Green Olive Pasta by Alison's AllspiceThis simple bright lemon and green olive pasta is for those dreary winter days when you need a fresh pick-me-up.  Think of it like a trip to the beach.  The lemon represents the bright sunshine, and the briny olives represent the scent of the ocean. Continue reading

Strawberry Habanero Glazed Salmon Burgers

Strawberry Habanero Glazed Salmon Burgers by Alison's AllspiceThis salmon burger is good all on its own, but to make a great salmon burger, you need some sauce to lock in a little moisture.  I went with a classic sweet-heat glaze on these strawberry habanero glazed salmon burgers!

Fire Up Jellies and Jams have numerous great products in their line, but I know I wanted to use their Strawberry Habanero Jelly to glaze these burgers.  It has the best sweet heat flavor that works universally with many ingredients, such as the fishy flavor of salmon. Continue reading

Healthy-ish Stove Top Mac and Cheese

Healthy-ish Stove Top Mac and Cheese by Alison's AllspiceFall is finally in full swing, and that always puts me in the mood for comfort food like mac and cheese.  I didn’t want to compromise when I made my version, so you won’t find extra things like squash in this healthy-ish stove top mac and cheese.

Don’t get me wrong.  I love a good butternut squash cheese sauce, but when you want the real deal, nothing else will do. Continue reading

Radish Carrot and Arugula Chickpea Salad

Radish Carrot and Arugula Chickpea Salad by Alison's AllspiceI whipped up this radish carrot and arugula chickpea salad on a whim one day, just using up what was in the fridge.  It was so good that I had to make it again to and share it with you all!

Chickpea salads are so simple and easy to make, they are a favorite go-to for me. I often make salads in advance for workday lunches.  If you want to prep this salad in advance, don’t mix in the arugula until you are ready to serve.  Continue reading