Author name: The Food Charlatan

Lemon Almond Green Beans

These green beans are super easy and have tons of flavor! How can you go wrong with butter (and maybe browning it a little?) and lemon and Dijon? You can even make this ahead of time if you plan to serve it for Thanksgiving dinner. Originally published October 29, 2018. My best friend Sarah’s little boy…

Carol’s Legendary 7 Layer Bean Dip

Nobody says no to 7 Layer Dip, right? I mean how could you?? Spicy bean dip on the bottom, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes and cheese, you just can’t beat it. I have a few tips to take your 7 layer dip to the next level, read on! Originally posted September 11, 2018. Have you ever…

Easy Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna

This easy ravioli lasagna bake is a hearty no-brainer dinner to make on busy back-to-school nights. You don’t even have to cook the ravioli, just throw it in frozen. It’s a total crowd-pleaser! And a great make-ahead meal too. Originally published August 13, 2015. Today I went to Charlotte’s preschool registration. The teacher had emailed…

Better Than Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

I have tried several recipes for Cilantro Lime Rice–they all tasted the same as regular rice, with maybe some vague limey notions. I don’t ever want the lime in my life to be vague. This recipe, also known as Arroz Verde (Green Rice) brings the zip! We start with aromatic basmati rice, add a couple…

Easy BLT Pasta Salad

This 30-minute no-brainer side dish is perfect to throw together right before the potluck! Bacon, lettuce, and tomato have never been so right together. Add some grilled or rotisserie chicken to make it a quick dinner.  Originally published July 30, 2015. I’ve never claimed to be the most attentive driver, but lately it’s getting out of hand. My…

Sausage and Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana)

Zuppa Toscana is a rich and creamy, soul-satisfying soup made with Italian sausage, potatoes, and hearty kale. It’s a copycat recipe of the famous soup at Olive Garden. I could eat this stuff for days! Originally posted December 14, 2011. Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Have you ever tried the Zuppa Toscana soup at Olive…

Creamy Zucchini Soup with Popcorn Garnish

This soup is basically blended up zucchini. It has no cream in it (other than to garnish) yet it’s so smooth and rich. A summer time solution for all those garden veggies! WAIT I forgot about the popcorn to go on top! Guys, it’s so good! Originally published July 13, 2017. We just got home…

Cajun Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Have you ever had traditional Red Beans and Rice? It’s a southern staple! I tried Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice for the first time a while back, but these beans are even better. They are so creamy and flavorful, with the perfect smoky Cajun spice!  Originally posted August 31, 2018. I took the kids off…

Chicken Tikka Masala Slow Cooker Recipe

I’ve been making this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe for years, but recently adapted it for the slow cooker. It is SO GOOD. I may never go back! Tikka Masala is the one dish that I never get tired of ordering at Indian restaurants and this version is super easy and tastes restaurant quality. Originally posted…

My Favorite Green Goddess Salad

Listen, I have a rough history with salad in general. I’m a meat-and-potatoes-girl at heart. But this Green Goddess Salad makes my heart sing in a way I didn’t even know was possible! It’s packed with fresh herbs, crunchy greens, and an unbelievably creamy (and vividly green) dressing. It’s especially transcendent when you add crushed…

Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe

This traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich will blow your mind! A mini soft baguette, smeared with sriracha mayo, topped with thinly sliced marinated pork, pickled vegetables, and tons of cilantro. It’s heaven! Originally published July 19, 2018. This is the Best Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe This morning I went to Safeway at 6:45am. Never in my…

30 Minute Korean Beef Recipe

Guys, there’s easy, and then there’s this recipe. Korean beef is unbelievably good for how little effort it takes. A pound of ground beef and some Asian pantry ingredients turn into a magical dinner in just a few minutes. Dress it up as much or as little as you want. Rice is a go-to, but…

Truly The Best Crepes I’ve Ever Had

The best crepes of your life…and I’ve been to France, guys. Homemade is best! This crepe recipe is truly my favorite! Crepes are kind of like a pancake in that they are flat and you put toppings on them, but really the comparison ends there. They are impossibly thin but not at all crispy. The…

Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Did your grandma make you Chicken and Rice Casserole? It was my Grandma Georgia’s signature dish, pure comfort food. She called it “Chicken Continental.” She used Minute Rice and canned soup. I’ve updated the recipe to be completely from scratch, with a homemade sauce and white rice (which is more nutritious.) It’s still really easy,…

Easy BBQ Sauce

Everyone needs their own easy BBQ sauce recipe! I love this one because it is super fast to throw together (10 minutes!) and it’s got the perfect level of vinegary-acidic kick to it. Black pepper and chili powder bring in a little heat, and molasses brings balance without making it overly sweet. Homemade barbecue sauce…

Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a quick and easy weeknight meal! No drive thru needed for the satisfying cheeseburger flavors you’re craving. The pickles and bacon on top are the perfect garnish. Make this for game day, a chilly night, or anytime you want dinner done in 45 minutes. It’s easy to throw together, and…

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