Easy Country Gourmet Recipes
Hi Everybody! I’m happy to announce that my new cookbook, Randi’s Country Kitchen Cookbook is now available online at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Lulu, eBay, and the Martha Stewart Shop. It’s my first book and if it goes over well I will write another book on simple sides. The cookbook is designed to…
For lovers of peppers and onions, this is the dish that hits the spot. Fresh shrimp, garden fresh bell peppers and onions are tossed in olive oil with sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of melted butter. The mixture is then roasted on a sheet pan and finished with a touch of red…
This beautiful and light leek pie was a recipe that I received from a dear friend many years ago. There was never an exact recipe but through the years I made some modifications to make it more consistent. There are many Greek and Albanian versions of this pie but they are very similar. The crust…
There are many versions of the Monte Cristo sandwich; however, it is basically a ham and cheese sandwich dipped in egg batter and fried on both sides like French toast. In my version of the Monte Cristo, I used smoked Black Forest ham, Asiago cheese, and a mixture of real mayonnaise and mustard as a…
Brown rice pasta is a great alternative to white pasta and it has a lower impact on blood sugar and has more fiber. Brown rice pasta does not have to be boring just because it’s good for you and adding freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest truly brightens this dish. The key to cooking…
Even though I love to cook, sometimes I just need to get dinner on the table in a hurry and Pacific Wild-Caught Salmon Burgers are just the trick for this quick meal idea. Salmon burgers are high in protein and cook up quickly and I often make a quick sauce like my sweet sesame ginger…
I keep a variety of different beans in the pantry because running to the store often is not an option. A few other things that I always have on hand are scallions and cilantro because I use them often in other recipes. This recipe comes together quickly, is quite hardy, and will satisfy the meat…
Baked flakey white cod topped with Korean style Gochujang sauce, cilantro, and fresh lime makes this dish not only delicious and healthy but low in calories as well. Atlantic cod is a healthy and deliciously mild white fish that goes well with practically any side dish. Topping this mild fish with spicy Korean style Gochujang…
Bone broth has been used for centuries around the world and is touted for its many health benefits. It is said that bone broth is good for inflammation, weight loss, and healthy skin because it contains collagen. Bone broth has made a comeback and making it homemade is easy, inexpensive, and far better than the…
We love snacks at our house, especially when watching our favorite TV shows, football, or motocross racing. Many snacks are fried, high in calories, sugar, or sodium so these Baked Eggplant Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce are a healthy snack that can be enjoyed anytime without the guilt. Here’s how to make them: Start by…
My family loves chocolate and desserts but too much unhealthy fats and sugar are not good for our health or our waistlines. This chocolate mousse is made from creamy avocados, real unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla, instant coffee, a pinch of salt, and sweetener which could be made with Swerve or Sevia both sugar alternatives, or…
Fresh shrimp enveloped in a creamy coconut sauce and warm spices are combined with green beans and chickpeas in this flavorful recipe. The dish is perfect for a family-style dinner served in a large bowl or pan at the table and goes well over rice or noodles and is served with fresh lime wedges. Here’s…
This recipe makes a great side dish; however, lima beans contain a good deal of protein which makes it suitable for the main meal as well. The warm spices and depth of flavor can change the minds of those who claim they are not fans of lima beans. A touch of sweetness makes this recipe…
A delicious meal that is great for serving family style, especially if some members are gluten intolerant. Everyone can enjoy this pasta dish, no separate meals necessary! Brown rice pasta is gluten-free, and lean sweet Italian turkey sausage is low in fat, a win-win. This recipe is very easy to prepare with some fresh and some pantry…
Coq Au Vin is a delicious braised chicken dish using red wine which adds a luscious depth of flavor to this hearty dish. Plus, the red wine is nice to drink while you’re cooking. While it sounds fancy, it is actually quite easy to make and rather economical especially when chicken goes on sale. A…
Stir-frying is a great way to get food on the table fast and using frozen vegetables can save even more time and money by not having to buy individual items and then prep them. A sweet and spicy sauce finishes this beautiful dish and is great served over jasmine rice or by itself. To make…
Cabbage is one of those vegetables that often gets a bad rap but that’s only because most people only know cabbage as boiled or in coleslaw. When I was stationed in Korea while serving in the Army I was fortunate enough to have fried cabbage served in the mess hall. I could not believe how…
Growing up in Northern California, Mexican food has always been a favorite and I continue to make my favorite South of the border recipes. My Yucatecan Style Grilled Pork Cutlets (Poc Chuc), is a Mexican style citrus marinated pork cutlets recipe that originated in the Yucatan. They cook up quickly, are moist, juicy, and loaded…
Homemade mushroom soup is easy to make and much healthier than the salt-laden canned varieties. This recipe is loaded with mushrooms and the creaminess comes from unsweetened almond milk and then thickened with a little arrowroot powder. Even if you like dairy, this soup is a healthy alternative to traditional mushroom soup and sure to…
Gluten-free dishes are becoming more popular these days and I like including as many as possible in my reportoire. Fluffy light quinoa takes the place of bulgur in this tabbouleh recipe and is a great salad alone or as a side dish. Here’s how to make it: Start by placing cooked and cooled quinoa in…
A few times a week we like to eat vegetarian meals but with these black bean burgers and almond cheese, you won’t miss the meat. Almond cheese is a cheese alternative and we use the cheddar flavor and it can be found in most health food stores. Almond cheese is healthy and a great alternative…
Pork loin is typically a lean cut of meat with very little marbling and therefore can become dry when cooked. By brining the pork, butterflying it, stuffing it with onions, garlic, and apples, rolling it up, and cooking it on a rotisserie, the result is a juicy flavorful roast. In addition, basting the roast toward…
When it’s cold here in the North country, I like to make hearty meals like stews, and top them with delicious fluffy dumplings. In another one of my chicken and dumplings recipes, I made rolled dumplings; however, these dumplings are just dropped by the spoonful on top of your favorite stew. They are super easy…
Beautiful bell-like flower shaped pasta is the star of this show. Beef, spinach, and fire roasted tomato sauce are enhanced with lemon zest and basil. The fresh flavors of this dish will be sure to please and may become a favorite to add to your recipe file. Here’s how it comes together: Start by chopping…
Sometimes we like to have some meatless additions to our menus and this Portobello, Emmental, & English Cucumber on Rye is a great one. Portobello mushrooms are very hearty and meat-like and are a great alternative to a burger. Emmental cheese is a medium-hard Swiss cheese with a savory and nutty flavor that originates from…
We try to have fish at least twice a week at our house and boneless skinless fish has no waste and is a good bang for the buck. For this recipe, I was able to find Icelandic cod reasonably priced at our warehouse membership store; however, any fish or seafood can be topped with this…
Typically when we think of pesto, we think of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. Wikipedia describes that pesto derived from the Italian word pestare meaning to pound (Wikipedia, 2019). Which means, that pesto can take many forms and in this recipe the pesto is made with browned butter, parsley, celery, walnuts, and lemon…
Marinades are a great way to bump up the flavor of meats, fish, and even vegetables. While I like my steak to taste like steak, every now and then I like to try different marinades to change things up. When I made this bourbon marinade, my family loved it and requested it many times for…
We use a lot of ketchup at our house and several years ago, I began thinking about all the high fructose corn syrup contained in commercial ketchup. That’s when I decided to start making my own, which is super easy. Stevia replaces the high fructose corn syrup found in store-bought brands. The key; however, is…
Whenever I make cookies, I like to add nuts and cut back on the sugar to make them a little healthier. These Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Maple Walnut Drop Cookies also contain fiber from the oatmeal and protein from the walnuts. Because they are drop cookies, the are super easy to mix up in a stand mixer…
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best ones to make like these Rosemary & Garlic Country Style Spare Ribs. Who knew an inexpensive cut of pork could taste so fabulous? This recipe is so simple because all you do is season the country style spare ribs on both sides and roast them in the oven…
When you have a craving for pizza but not a lot of time, this pizza comes together quickly. The puff pastry makes this pizza so light and tasty and the turkey pepperoni adds flavor but with fewer calories. I like to use a blend of cheeses to add more interest and visual appeal and a…
Many people struggle with trying to add more healthy fiber to their diet because many forms of fiber are like eating cardboard. These Spicy Chickpea and Prune Fritters are full of flavor and fiber and a cinch to make. It’s hardly noticeable that the prunes are in there, but they add a hint of sweetness…
This recipe is super easy, all you have to do is pick your favorite boneless skinless fish such as cod, pollock, haddock, or any firm white fish. Next, cut it into 1-2 inch chunks, dip it in batter, and fry it in vegetable oil at 375 degrees until golden brown for about 3-5 minutes turning…
Salmon is such a healthy fish full of protein, Vitamin D, and heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Fish cooks up quickly and this recipe is super easy. The pan seared salmon can be served over quinoa, rice, couscous, along side some steamed vegetables and you have a complete meal. I served mine over quinoa with…
A frittata is an Italian style egg dish that is similar to an omelet, quiche, or scramble that can include vegetables, meat, cheese and herbs. This recipe starts on the stove top and is finished in the oven making it a great dish for breakfast or brunch. This frittata is also low carb and can…
There are times when I like to make meatless dishes that are hearty and filling and this Eggplant Lasagna is just the ticket. Passing off meatless dishes for my meat loving family isn’t easy but when I make this dish, they don’t even miss the meat. I often serve it with some crusty garlic bread…
When I’m not smoking pork on the outdoor smoker, this is my go to recipe when I want that smokey taste. I have had a few requests for a pulled pork recipe so I am sharing this one that can be made in the oven as not everyone has a smoker. The pulled pork is…
This German Style Blueberry Pudding Pancake is similar to a “Dutch Baby” because it is a batter that is baked in the oven. The pancake can also be made with grated apples, with peaches, or other types of berries. The recipe is easy to make and the batter can also be made in a blender….
Pozole is a spicy Mexican style pork stew that features hominy made from dried maize kernels. It can take hours to make some pozole recipes; however, my version is very easy and takes less time. Fry bread, also known as Native American or Navajo fry bread, can be made of flour, corn, or both. Fry…
Plain old burgers can become boring; however, changing things up and adding some Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms can make for an exciting and indulgent meal. Here’s how to make them: Start by slicing up 2-10 oz. packages of cremini or white mushrooms in 1/4 slices. Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat…
There are hundreds of recipes for red beans and rice, many of which take hours to cook. My Red Beans and Rice is easy to make and does not require hours of cooking but has all the delicious flavor as if it cooked all day. Here’s how to make it: Start by cooking the rice…
Chicken breast is a healthy alternative to red meat; however, it can become boring if it’s always baked or pan seared. My Crispy Chicken Schnitzel can add some variety to every day chicken meals. Schnitzel in German basically means “cutlet” and can be made with pork, veal, or in this case, chicken. Pair it with…
Even though many chefs love to cook, they still want recipes that are healthy but do not require a lot of time to prepare. This sheet pan supper is just such a recipe, an all-in-one complete meal that can be ready in under an hour. In this dish it calls for boneless, skinless, chicken thighs;…
Homemade snacks couldn’t be easier with my Chipotle Cheddar Jack Cheese Sticks. They are mildly spicy and made with a combination of Cheddar and Jack cheeses with a hint of chipotle pepper. These cheese sticks are great for game day, with salads, or anytime. My recipe was adapted from a Taste of Home recipe that…
Some classics like tuna melts for example, never go out of style. I like brining back classic dishes and giving them a twist or an upgrade and in some cases, a healthier version. My Tuna Melt with Provolone and Mustard has Dijon dressed buttery bread, solid white tuna salad, topped with provolone cheese, and popped…
Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money and with five children, our mom had to come up with budget-friendly meals to feed the family. Being the great cook that she was, mom could take inexpensive items and put them together to make them taste like a restaurant meal. One such dish in particular,…
It was during a snow storm that my family decided they wanted pizza. Living in the country especially during a snow storm, it’s not easy to run to the store for supplies. Searching through my pantry and refrigerator, it was simple to put together this sausage and tomato pizza. Making homemade dough, pizza sauce, and…
There are many meals that some people only enjoy when they go out to a restaurant because they feel it is too complicated to prepare themselves. The key to having great-tasting shrimp linguine is using the freshest ingredients you can find. This Easy Shrimp Linguine recipe uses fresh ingredients such as fresh raw shrimp, fresh…
Stuffed shells are a nice change from my regular pasta dishes and this recipe has a nice contrast between the creamy white ricotta filled shells and the deep red fire roasted red tomato sauce. The dish is beautiful, delicious, easy to prepare, and makes 10 jumbo stuffed shells. Here’s how to make it: Start by…
This recipe like many of mine, were inspired by something and in this case, it was the government shutdown of 2019. Having to tighten our belts, I looked for cheaper cuts of meat that were on sale such as beef shoulder which is a less tender cut of meat; however, when braised slowly in liquid…
Our parents were both German and our mother was born in Straubing, a small town in Bavaria. German meals were often served at our house and my brothers, sister, and me, loved our mom’s German cooking. My brother and me were both stationed in Germany while in the Army. One of our favorites is Bavarian…
This recipe has been adapted from an original 1950’s recipe from an old Betty Crocker cookbook and to it, I have added blueberries, aluminum free baking powder, fresh buttermilk, butter, and real Vermont maple syrup. The recipe makes 8-10 pancakes. These delicious pancakes are easy to make and are sure to become a family favorite….
When we were kids, we loved the store-bought cream filled chocolate cupcakes with the chocolate frosting and the swirl on top. Now, I have created a slightly healthier version of this retro classic for home cooks to make in their kitchens and to bring back the memories of one of the popular treats we enjoyed…
these ribs are sweet, tender, and spicy. The Fiesta Salad is a perfect cool accompaniment to the ribs.
Quiche is such a versatile pallet for creating an array of different flavor profiles such as ham and broccoli, spinach, tomato, and feta, or smoked salmon and bacon. You can literally make a quiche out of almost anything as long as the meat is cooked and the veggies have been cooked crisp tender and lightly…
It’s not necessary to cut out individual donuts or fry them in oil with these deliciously moist Muffin Tin Cider Donuts that are baked in muffin tins and then coated with butter and cinnamon sugar. With this recipe, you get the wonderful taste of cinnamon, sugar, spice, and cider in a donut that’s baked instead…
Not all of my recipes are edible for example, like my Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap. When you have a lot of kids, work outdoors, cook, clean, or all of the above and have to do multiple loads of laundry it can become expensive if you go through a lot of laundry soap. Making your own…
Growing up on the West coast, my family came to love Mexican, Tex mex, and pretty much all southwestern cuisine. Tacos are one of my family’s favorite quick meals but sometimes I like to change it up and make tostadas like my Simply Quick Bean Tostadas. They start with a crispy stone ground organic tortilla,…
Sometimes when you want a good homemade meal but don’t have a lot of time, you want something that won’t take hours to make. This Quick Ziti with Italian Sausage and Spinach is a great choice because it’s a delicious complete meal that can come together in under an hour. Here’s how to make it:…
This shrimp and vegetable bake is an easy meal to put together even as a busy weeknight meal if you use shrimp that is already peeled and deveined and vegetables and shrimp can defrost in the frig overnight or while you’re at work. The use of fresh ingredients and some pantry items makes this meal…
Turkey meatballs are a great lower calorie alternative when you’re craving meatballs.
Living in California during my younger years gave me an affinity for everything Mexican, especially corn tortillas. Moving to the Northeast made it difficult to find the type of corn tortillas I loved so much; however, much to my surprise, I found one of the best corn tortillas made right here in Vermont. Vermont Tortilla…
My mother was born and raised in Southern Bavaria in a little town called Straubing. She married my father who is also German/American and was in the Air Force stationed in Germany at the time. They came to the United States bringing with them, much of their German culture and traditions. One of the favorite…
This recipe is a delicious change from the typical red sauce for pasta, and comes together easily with little effort, but is so scrumptious and satisfying. Browned butter adds a nutty taste to the dish and lots of flavor, this recipe is a great way to change up your pasta routine. Fennel, tomatoes, and asparagus…
Even though my family enjoys eating meat, there are times when I take a break and make meals that are meat free. This meatless three bean chili is so full of flavor that you don’t even miss the meat, and it is a healthy one pot meal. It is optional; however, I top this delicious…
Living in the country is so quiet and therapeutic. People who live in the city seek the countryside in order to see some green space. It has been said that seeing green such as that of grass and trees is good for our health. The air is fresh and clean with the sound of birds…
Many different countries hold some variation of lamb stew and some recipes are centuries old. My recipe comes from the many different types of lamb stew that I have tasted while traveling across the globe while in the military. Not all recipes use beer; however, in this dish, I used a porter, which is very…
When I think of some of the budget friendly retro dishes that I found comforting growing up, tuna casserole comes to mind. I love to take the classic dishes I loved as a child and give them an upgrade like this Tuna Casserole 2.0 that is just as satisfying as always, but caters to the…
Very country, Smoked Ham & Buttermilk Biscuits.
Three different cheeses make this grilled cheese a more grown up version. It’s not my mama’s grilled cheese, let’s put it that way.
There are many types of curry dishes out there, but this one is one of my easy favorites. This recipe uses boneless, skinless, chicken thighs because they remain juicy during cooking; however, you can use boneless, skinless, chicken breast if desired. I used whole milk Greek yogurt but you can use regular yogurt but it…
Elderberry syrup has been used for centuries as a country home remedy to treat and prevent colds and flu. Elderberries must be cooked before consuming and are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and bioflavonoids that boost and strengthen the immune system. Elderberries hold antibiotic compounds that help to treat many types of illnesses. …
There are many different recipes for lasagna, some more complicated than others. This recipe was inspired by the fact that we were snowed in one day and I had to come up with something for dinner. With the use of some pantry items and some fresh ingredients, the Easy Peasy Lasagna was born and has…
This salad is simple to make when you’re in a hurry to get dinner on the table. The only thing you need to plan ahead for is to be sure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and defrosted; the rest is a cinch. Also, make sure you have a grill basket for cooking the shrimp on…
There are many versions of meat pies that are traditionally served around Christmas time. My version of the French-Canadian Meat Pie has been a favorite in my family since moving to Vermont.
Most people do not think of their rice cooker as a vessel for creating a complete meal in one pot; however, it can produce wonderful results. The key I found is not to use more than two cups of rice because overloading the cooker can result in soggy rice. Using two cups of rice with…
A country favorite!
Most of the time when you see hand pies, they are typically fried. With this recipe, the pies are baked, which helps to reduce some calories, and gives them a lighter taste. You can use regular sugar, I used Swerve, which is a natural sweetener that does not impact blood sugar and measures cup for…
So simple yet so delicious!
Warm & Comforting
Turkey meatloaf is a great alternative to beef meatloaf but because it is lean, it is often very dry and boring. This recipes has onions, mushrooms, and herbs blended into the meatloaf, which keeps it moist while it cooks. If you don’t like mushrooms, you can substitute red bell peppers for example. I have also…
Rice bowls are a convenient way of combining rice with a delicious topping in one bowl, and this Korean Style Gochujang Shrimp Rice Bowl fits the bill. Gochujang sauce is a Korean hot & sweet sauce that adds wonderful flavor and a kick to any dish. Seaweed wrappers are sold as snacks and can be…
Mildly spicy but tremendously delicious!
When I have a busy day, I like to use my slow cooker to do most of the work so that when I come home, dinner is pretty much done. This turkey meatball slow cooker recipe has a wonderful sauce of maple syrup, cranberries, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rosemary that add a delicious flavor…
So hearty and delicious!
Easy snack for game, tailgating, or the Super Bowl!
Sometimes when I get a hankering for something sweet but, I don’t want anything that has too much sugar. This raspberry cream cheese Danish uses an all fruit raspberry filling, and Swerve or Stevia to sweeten the cream cheese, which does not have a huge impact on raising blood sugar. You can certainly use regular…
So much better homemade!
So Comforting
A healthy meal ready in 20 minutes!
There have been a number of people who have asked if the meals that I post are ones that I am actually preparing? The answer, is yes. The recipes that I post are those that I am actually preparing that day, or have made the night before. The photos are taken during the preparation stages…
Super fast super healthy
Low & Slow
This recipe makes a lot of chicken that is great to have for lunches, the next day, or another meal during the week. I like to save energy by cooking extra to use for our lunches the following day because it also saves time, something we could all use more of. The flavor is fabulous…
Fall is finally here and although it was about 78 degrees today it still smelled like fall with a hint of maple in the air from all the maple trees on our property. I love this time of year because the nights are cool and the days are warm and there are not as many…
Gourmet on a budget has never been easier, especially when you have to feed a family. Pork loin roast often goes on sale and can be purchased as a whole loin that you can slice yourself. If slicing a pork loin is too much work, you can purchase thinly sliced center cut pork chops instead. …
Hi Everyone, Planning on adding some awesome recipes as soon as I get my site up and running!
Book Signings on Hold Unfortunately, due to the past two years of restrictions from COVID, I have been unable to do any in-person book signings. Although my cookbook, Randi’s Country Kitchen Cookbook, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Martha Stewart Shop, eBay, and other online venues, I still plan to have an in-person book…
Moist, Delicious, and Lower in Carbs.
This recipe was developed as a way to reduce our intake of carbs while still being able to enjoy a delicious dessert. The use of 100% sprouted wheat flour can significantly reduce the impact on blood sugar (Groves. 2018). Birch Xylitol also has a lower affect on spiking blood sugar. This coffee cake is moist…
Chocolate covered maraschino cherries are easy and fun to make and they make wonderful homemade gifts. Beautiful maraschino cherries with stems are dipped in silky special dark chocolate for that special touch. Maraschino cherries with stems can be found in most grocery stores and are sometimes found near the alcohol mixer isle or near the…