Foodie's Nest

This classic ratatouille recipe is a cozy French vegetable stew of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes. Serve it with crusty bread and pistou for a satisfying meal! You’ve heard of the Ratatouille movie: but do you know what ratatouille actually is? This dish is actually pretty different from the movie version of thinly sliced vegetables served in a swirled stack. Instead, it’s a classic French dish of stewed late summer vegetables that’s anything but fancy, but it’s a wonderful way to use seasonal produce! I love making it when tomatoes and eggplant are in season. You can serve it as a side dish with fish or chicken, or as a main dish with white beans and crusty bread! What Is Ratatouille? Ratatouille is a classic dish from Southern France of stewed vegetables. There’s no formalized recipe or method, but it typically includes eggplant, tomato, zucchini, onion, and bell pepper. It’s a humble stew and surprise: not anyth...

Boiled butternut squash is the fastest way to cook it: it comes out with fork-tender cubes in about 5 minutes on the stovetop! Here’s my method, and the best ways to season it. Want a fast way to cook butternut squash? Roasted butternut squash is one of the tastiest ways to cook this popular vegetable, but it can take up to 45 minutes with preheat time. As a cookbook author, I always dread doing it (though it is delicious). So I’ve found the fastest way to cook squash: boiled! This boiled butternut squash recipe takes just 5 minutes to cook: combine that with chopping and boiling the water and it’s just about 20 minutes total. Eat it as a tasty healthy side dish , or use it in recipes like enchiladas, risotto, or lasagna. Boiled Versus Roasted Butternut Squash Which method is better, boiled versus roasted butternut squash? It really depends on how you’re using it. Here are some pros and cons: Roasted squash: I love roasted butternu...

This healthy chicken salad recipe is creamy without the heaviness using both Greek yogurt and mayo. It’s ready in 25 minutes and full of fresh dill, celery, and pickles! There’s something about chicken salad that is satisfying to me every time, and it’s a meal I never get tired of. With my expertise in the Mediterranean diet, I recently decided to create a healthy chicken salad recipe: a little less mayo, but still big flavor! To me, a healthy chicken salad has a little Greek yogurt for creaminess, balanced with less mayo than the standard version of this recipe. It’s also got fresh herbs to carry the flavor, and makes a fun healthy dinner idea served over greens in a bowl with fresh veggies! Why This Healthy Chicken Salad Works I’ve made a lot of versions of chicken salad over the years: this tarragon chicken salad is one of my favorites. But here’s why I love this one: It’s super creamy but lighter. The yogurt...

Here’s how to make a classic hot toddy with whiskey, rum, or brandy, plus honey and lemon. This cozy drink comes together in 5 minutes! There’s not much better to lift one’s spirits on a gray day than a steaming hot beverage. Here’s one that’s been around for centuries: the classic Hot Toddy! This historic drink used to be prescribed as a cure for the common cold, and with one sip you’ll know why. A burst of warm bourbon, rum or brandy melds seamlessly into the lemon and honey. Even just the light steam on your face as you take in the aroma makes this drink worth making. Here’s how to make a hot toddy! 5 Star Reader Review “I haven’t made it in a few years, so had to revisit the base recipe, and yours is great! Honey, squeeze of lemon and the whole spices mentioned, and perfect for this cold day by the fire. Thanks for the recipe!” -J What Is a Hot Toddy? The hot toddy is a mixed drink made of li...