This Thanksgiving, are you looking for a side dish that will impress but its prep is straightforward and has a delicious finish? You have found it here! This dish originally caught my eye when I was looking for regional recipes after a late summer trip to Provence, France. Food in Provence is simple, fresh and delicious. Provençal Vegetable Gratin represents the region and its flavor well. Enjoy! This recipe was inspired by Saveur. Provencal Vegetable Gratin (serves 6-8 s

Your family will be together for the upcoming holidays and you are stressed about the meal you are hosting. Aunt Susie is newly gluten free. You also think your brother’s girlfriend is a vegan. What should you do to accommodate these dietary restrictions? Most importantly, how can you be a good host while managing the menu and keeping your sanity? Try approaching this meal with three simple steps: 1. Understand your guest’s dietary restrictions. 2. Work out the base menu.

Flan is one of my all-time favorite desserts. I first learned to make flan when visiting my daughter who was studying in Argentina. The original recipe calls for whole milk but I have made it successfully and deliciously with low fat milk. Either way, you’ll get 1/2 cup of milk in each serving! It’s easier than you’d think to make this dessert. And it serves 8… so have a dinner party or save the extras in the fridge just for you! Flan Casero (Homemade Flan) serves 8 ©mypl

French toast is always a morning treat! And if you are making breakfast for a small crowd, this recipe makes 10 servings and can be prepped the night before and placed in the fridge. You’ll just need to bake it for an hour the next morning and get ready to fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. The result? A yummy, healthy breakfast. Enjoy! Baked Apple French Toast (serves 10) ©myplate2yours 3 cups nonfat milk 10 large eggs, slightly beaten 1/4 cup honey 1-1/2 teaspoons

These nuts spice up any party! They also make great gifts around the holidays. So, Go NUTS, literally, and make these delicious Spicy Citrus Party Cashews- originally inspired by a Martha Stewart recipe. Spicy Citrus Party Cashews (makes 12, 1/4 cup servings) ©myplate2yours 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 egg white 3 cups raw (unsalted) cashews Preheat oven to 325°F. Place cashew

It is often difficult to find tasty, pre-packaged, whole grain crackers. That’s why I am excited to share this recipe with you! It is amazingly easy (trust me!) and there are so many variations to try: cheese, herbs, spices, nuts and seeds. These will be a perfect addition to any favorite dips or spreads you may be bringing to parties this season. Be ready to impress your friends! I have also provided a gluten-free version of this recipe (see parenthesis) that my friend S

This is a fun recipe for Halloween that is sure to put a smile on your kids’ faces. All you need are whole grain tortillas, beans and shredded cheddar; they bake in the oven for just 10 minutes. You can serve them with your favorite salsa or with the recipe I provided, ‘Midnight Salsa’. Enjoy! Jack O’ Lantern Quesadillas (makes 4) ©myplate2yours 8 small whole grain soft tortillas 1 cup canned re-fried beans (fat-free) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 350 degree

Valentine’s Day is a day I love to celebrate. When my girls were little, we would have their friends over for crafts and everything pink. Of course, I would treat them to a pink smoothie. Here is a newer recipe my son John created for us made with simple ingredients: milk, yogurt and strawberries. What’s not to love about this pink smoothie? It’s rich in dairy which delivers nine essential vitamins and minerals in each glass, including calcium, potassium and vitamin D.

These Party Meatballs are a crowd pleaser! The recipe came from my sister-in-law in Atlanta. She certainly knows how to throw a party!! Have fun! Party Meatballs ©myplate2yours 2-3 pounds small meatballs 1 can cranberry sauce 1, 12 ounce jar of chili sauce 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice Mix all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Cover. Heat on high in the microwave for 4 minutes. Stir and return for another 4 minutes. Continue process until

Looking for a quick appetizer to bring to a party? Fill Belgian endive ends with goat cheese, top them with some pomegranate seeds and finish with a drizzle of honey and a grind of fresh black pepper. My insider’s tip is that Trader Joe’s sells already seeded pomegranates (and Belgian endive, goat cheese, and honey). That’s all you need for this recipe in one stop. It’s that easy! These were featured on NBC5 Chicago “No Fuss Appetizers”. Click here to check it out! Endiv

Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. Sharing a meal of thanks with family and friends is a cherished tradition that keeps our nation truly special. In the tradition of sharing, I’ve got a recipe for you! What makes Sweet and Savory Wild Rice Bake unique is that it satisfies many different needs at your holiday table: it’s vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and very tasty! It’s the dish I’m bringing to my family’s feast. Happy Thanksgiving! Sweet

This is a recipe I make once a year on St. Patrick’s Day. I was relieved when I first discovered it in the Chicago Tribune over 20 years ago to make for my new Irish husband. It isn’t a typical Myplate2yours recipe, but for St. Patrick’s Day, I had to share this annual treat with you (thanks to the encouragement of some Irish friends!). You’ll find that as soon as it comes out of the oven, this sweet, tender bread is irresistible and you may not wait a whole year to make i

When this adorable turkey appetizer showed up on our Thanksgiving table, I had to share it with you! For the prep, you can recruit your kids could help skewer the cheese and veggies. Assemble the turkey right before the party or make it ahead of time to keep in the fridge until ready to serve. It’ll be a hit with kids and adults alike! Cousin Kerry’s Veggie & Cheese Appetizer Turkey (serves 8-10) ©myplate2yours 1 Russet potato 1 small melon 1 head broccoli, cleaned and cut

Eggplants come in different sizes, shapes and colors. I never peel my eggplant so I prefer the smaller purple varieties. Smaller eggplants tend to have a softer skin. Purple eggplants have more phytonutrients compared to the white or lighter varieties. Roasted Vegetables with Eggplant is a deliciously easy side for a holiday table. Not only did I make this recipe for our Thanksgiving dinner, our family enjoyed it for dinner this past week. And we can’t wait to have it ag