Category Archives: Quick and Easy

Easy Southwest Chopped Salad

Easy Southwest Chopped Salad by Alison's AllspiceI started making this easy southwest chopped salad for lunches last summer and it is still a favorite.  Although this salad requires a little chopping, I still consider it easy because I almost always have all the ingredients on hand.

Having a well stocked pantry makes it easy to whip up a good lunch without much pre-thought.  I use canned black beans, frozen corn, jarred jalapenos, bagged tortilla chips, hot sauce and bottled ranch.  I always have cabbage and onions in the fridge.  Therefore the greens are ususally the only thing I need to put on the grocery list! Continue reading

Apple Cheddar Kale Salad

Apple Cheddar Kale Salad by Alison's AllspiceIt is finally here.  It’s salad season!  I love this time of year because my garden is bursting with fresh lettuce, kale, and arugula. I will eat salad after salad until I grow tired, but that is far from the goal. The goal is finding ways to keep salad interesting, so I share with you this apple cheddar kale salad.

Apple and cheddar are a classic combination of sweet and salty.   Pair that with an apple cider vinaigrette to keep things savory and some sunflower seeds for crunch, and you have a winner salad. Continue reading

Lemon Caper Bay Scallops with Asparagus

Lemon Caper Bay Scallops with Asparagus by Alison's AllspiceTo me, bay scallops seam to be underrated as a seafood option.  They are inexpensive but still have great seafood flavor.  If you haven’t had them in a while, give them a try again in this recipe, lemon caper bay scallops with asparagus.

My only comment about bay scallops is that they release a lot of moisture when cooked, so they are difficult to get a sear on them like you can larger scallops. Continue reading

Pan Seared Potato Gnocchi with Asparagus and Mushrooms

Pan Seared Potato Gnocchi with Asparagus and Mushrooms by Alison's AllspiceHave you ever tried pan seared potato gnocchi?  The soft, pillowy gnocchi get chewy and caramalized on the outside and stay tender on the inside.  I made mine with asparagus and mushrooms served with a miso sauce!

When I first tried this recipe, I tried making my own potato gnocchi.  The end result was delicious, but the process was a sticky gooey mess.  Needless to say, that recipe needs a touch more work before it comes to the blog. 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

Easy Garlic Roasted Salmon

Easy Garlic Roasted Salmon by Alison's AllspiceThis easy garlic roasted salmon recipe is so simple, and yet is my favorite way to make salmon.  It really lets the flavor of a quality salmon shine instead of overpowering it with seasonings and glazes.

That being said, you can mix it up by stirring in additional toppings.  Try ¼ tsp red pepper flake for a spicy version.  Try 1 tsp fresh minced rosemary for an herbed version. Mix in 1 tsp honey for a sweetened version. Continue reading

Sheet Pan Tofu and Broccoli with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Sheet Pan Tofu and Broccoli with Peanut Dipping Sauce by Alison's Allspice How often do you make sheet pan recipes?  I’ll be honest, I don’t use this fast and easy cooking method as often as I should!  This sheet pan tofu and broccoli recipe comes with peanut dipping sauce, and only requires one sheet pan to make!

Clean up is a breeze when it comes to sheet pan recipes.  I like using parchment paper as well, making clean up even easier. 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