Just~One~Donna

Summer's bountiful harvest brings an abundance of fresh produce, including one vegetable that often multiplies faster than we can keep up with – zucchini. When your garden or local market overflows with these green gems, turn to our Zucchini Gratin Casserole for a versatile and delightful vegetable side dish.  I look forward to the abundant supply of fresh produce that summer brings.  I also plant a small vegetable garden to ensure I will have plenty of my favorites like peas, beets, string beans, tomatoes, and zucchini. Delicious Zucchini Gratin: A Summer Bounty Delight The trouble with zucchini is that there can be too much of a good thing.  What do you make when you have too much zucchini? That's when recipes like this Zucchini Gratin Casserole come in very handy.  You can use up a lot of zucchini with this recipe. 

When it comes to cozy, family-friendly breakfast options that are perfect for any time of year but especially in the fall and winter, Cinnamon Quick Bread takes the cake.  This delicious treat is not only a delightful way to start your day but also a great option for snacks. Get ready to fall in love with this cinnamon-infused delight! It makes a perfect pairing with your morning coffee or a tasty snack cake.  I'm confident once you make it you'll bake it over and over again. Homemade Cinnamon Quick Bread Cinnamon Quick Bread is a warm and delightful breakfast or snack option for families. It's a perfect choice for a busy holiday morning or as part of a leisurely brunch with its comforting flavors and simplicity. Why You'll Love This Recipe I t's Family and Kid-Friendly: Cinnamon Quick Bread is a hit with both kids and adults. Its warm, comforting flavors and soft texture make it a crowd-pleaser for the entire family.     Perfect for Any Season: ...

The heat of summer and the increased opportunity for casual outdoor eating beg for a pasta salad. Most people I know have their go-to favorite. Mine is this Italian Pasta Salad made with tri-color pasta.  I love how colorful this pasta salad is to start. It is a feast for the eyes. Taste it and you'll realize your eyes did not deceive you. The flavors in this salad are a feast for your taste buds.  No boring salads are allowed on my table! My Italian Pasta Salad with Tri-Color Rotini This post contains affiliate links.  When you purchase through these links you help support the costs of publishing this blog. A Summer Pasta Salad Packed with Flavor I always make this Italian Pasta Salad with tri-color pasta because it adds to the visual appeal. You don't have to choose tri-color, but choose a pasta with some substance. I like rotini or bowtie pasta . You want a pasta with a surface that will absorb the flavor of the dressing. Choose colorful vegetables. ...

Store-bought potato salad is convenient, but let's be honest, it can be a little bland. The good news is that you can make deli potato salad taste homemade in about 10 minutes with a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.  My favorite additions are celery, red onion, fresh chives, and a splash of vinegar for extra flavor and crunch. Here's a potato salad time-saver for you, just in time for summer cookouts.  You'll love how easily you can transform grocery store potato salad, whether you are hosting a BBQ or bringing a side dish for a summer barbecue. How to Make Store-Bought Potato Salad Better When you need a quick potato salad and have no time to make one from scratch, that ordinary store-bought potato salad you have in your refrigerator can go from blah to amazing in just a few minutes with just a few ingredients. Yes, you can improve store-bought potato salad. I cook from scratch most of the time, but sometimes convenience wins. When I need a qu...

Pasta Puttanesca is one of those dishes that you either like or don't like. That's because the flavors are robust and in your face. I'm hoping you're a fan of big flavors.  For today's recipe, I'm making a pasta bowl with swordfish and green beans. This is a combination that is healthy and satisfying.  Swordfish Puttanesca Pasta Bowl A Robust Swordfish Puttanesca Pasta Bowl Do you love olives?  This recipe is for you. You'll want to use a mix of flavorful olives like you can get from the deli at your grocery store.  I love a mixture of robust green and kalamata olives Do you love capers? This recipe is for you. Do you love a little heat in your food?  It's in here.  If you don't like heat leave the crushed red pepper out, or add a little more if you want more heat. D o you love swordfish?   Yep, it's in here, but if not, add shrimp or chicken. Finally, I've added fresh, French green beans.  They are the skinny ones.  Just toss them into t...