What is on this site
This site is a collection of recipes for salads, sides, mains, and drinks—both the classics you know and love and fresh twists you might not have tried. The focus is on approachable dishes that work for everyday meals or special occasions.
Everything is organized by type, technique, or ingredient, so you can find what you need quickly. The recipes are tested for clarity, taste, and practicality, with step-by-step instructions and tips to help you avoid common mistakes.
| Where | What is there | Go here if |
|---|---|---|
| The homepage | Latest recipes and featured collections | You want to browse new ideas |
| Recipes by category | Salads, dressings, sides, mains, desserts, and drinks | You’re looking for a specific type of dish |
| Technique guides | How to make the perfect vinaigrette or fold a salad like a pro | You need a skill refreshed or explained |
| About and contact | How the site works and how to reach us | You have questions or feedback |
How to read a page here
Every recipe page starts with a title, a brief description, and the total time needed. Ingredients are listed first, grouped by type (vegetables, proteins, pantry staples) with quantities in standard US measurements. If a metric conversion is needed, it’s included in parentheses.
The instructions are numbered step by step, with notes or tips in smaller text to clarify techniques. Some recipes include variations or substitutions for dietary preferences, and photos show key stages or the finished dish.
Skip to the ingredients and instructions if you’re familiar with the format. Ignore the ‘Why this works’ section on your first read—it’s for troubleshooting or deeper understanding later. Serving suggestions appear at the end, along with storage tips if relevant.
When it does not work
Recipes sometimes fail because of small details: a missed step, incorrect timing, or a substitution that didn’t account for moisture or texture. If a dish doesn’t turn out, check the original source of the recipe (if adapted) or revisit the ‘Why this works’ section for clues.
Before you give up
- Did you measure ingredients by weight instead of volume where specified?
- Did you follow the exact order of steps, especially for dressings or cooking proteins?
- Did you let the salad rest after dressing, or did you serve it immediately?
- Are you using seasonal or fresh ingredients, or have they been stored improperly?
Who we are
Meet the person behind the recipes.
| The colophon | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Trisha Whitaker, who tests every recipe in her home kitchen and writes them with an eye for simplicity and flavor. |
| Tested in | A cluttered but functional kitchen in a small house, where the oven is the oldest appliance and the salad spinner is held together with hope. |
| Written with | A notebook, a scale that’s seen better days, and a digital camera that refuses to focus properly half the time. |
| Learned from | Her mother, who taught her that salt is the secret ingredient in almost everything, and a high school chemistry teacher who made measuring matter. |
| Still getting wrong | The art of folding a Caesar salad without it turning into a soggy mess—every attempt is a lesson. |
Food is how we remember the people we love, the moments we share, and the small joys that make life taste better. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch or a recipe to impress, we’re glad you stopped by.
If you need something that is not here
If you’re looking for a recipe that isn’t listed, a technique you can’t find explained, or feedback on a dish you’ve tried, let us know. We can’t promise every request will be answered immediately, but your input helps us improve. Visit the contact page to share your thoughts or suggestions.
The recipes are grouped by category: Appetizers, Beverages, Breakfast & Brunch, Desserts, Main Courses and Reviews.