How to Prepare a Mojito Pitcher: A Guided Recipe

Alex & Sonja: Culinary Innovators and Cookbook Writers

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair behind the acclaimed culinary platform, A Couple Cooks. As writers of two bestselling cookbooks, they have significantly influenced the realm of home cooking. Their adventure commenced in 2010 when they established their site to express their enthusiasm for simple, seasonal dishes and the pleasure of cooking as a team.

Alex and Sonja’s cooking philosophy is based on the idea that meal preparation should be a fun and accessible venture for all. Their recipes are crafted to be uncomplicated yet delicious, making them ideal for busy families and individuals aiming to include more homemade meals in their routines. The couple’s commitment to this ideal is showcased in the thousands of unique recipes they have created over time.

Every recipe featured on A Couple Cooks is carefully developed and tested by Alex and Sonja, ensuring that each dish is both tasty and feasible. Their culinary offerings are not only indicative of their skill but also demonstrate their dedication to quality and authenticity. The couple’s children also participate in the testing phase, providing an additional layer of confidence that their recipes are suitable for families.

In addition to recipes, Alex and Sonja provide a plethora of cooking advice and meal planning concepts, enabling their followers to gain more confidence in the kitchen. Their website functions as a comprehensive hub for anyone wishing to improve their cooking abilities and adopt a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Through their efforts, Alex and Sonja have nurtured a community of culinary enthusiasts who share their passion for great cooking and dining. Their transformation from busy parents to key culinary innovators is a motivating tale of passion, creativity, and the ability of cooking to unite people.

Stuffed Fajita Salad with Vegetable or Chicken Choices

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Alex and Sonja Overhiser form the vibrant pair behind the well-known culinary website, A Couple Cooks. As authors of two popular cookbooks and busy parents, they excel at balancing family life with their love for cooking. Their adventure began in 2010 when they created A Couple Cooks to express their passion for straightforward, seasonal dishes and the joy that cooking can add to daily existence.

The Overhisers have devoted themselves to assembling a broad array of original recipes that appeal to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Their site serves as a rich source of culinary ideas, featuring thousands of recipes that are both easy to make and tasty. From speedy weeknight meals to sophisticated weekend banquets, Alex and Sonja offer choices for every event.

Beyond recipes, A Couple Cooks serves as a helpful resource for cooking tips and meal preparation suggestions. The Overhisers recognize the difficulties of feeding a family and have designed their content to assist others in maneuvering the kitchen with assurance. Their practical guidance and step-by-step instructions make cooking accessible for both novices and experienced home cooks.

What distinguishes Alex and Sonja is their pledge to authenticity. Every recipe on their platform is authored and photographed by the couple, ensuring a personal touch that resonates with their followers. They trial each meal on their own family, verifying that the recipes are not only delightful but also child-approved.

Through A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have cultivated a community of food lovers who share their enthusiasm for cooking and healthy eating. Their website transcends being a mere collection of recipes; it is a tribute to the happiness derived from preparing and enjoying meals with those we care about. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just beginning your journey, Alex and Sonja’s friendly approach and genuine passion for food make A Couple Cooks a preferred spot for culinary inspiration.

How to Grill Onions to Perfection

Here’s the ultimate recipe for grilled onions that turn out sweet, smoky, and beautifully charred! With just three ingredients and 15 minutes, you can whip up the simplest grilled side dish of the summer.

Introducing one of the finest summer side dishes: grilled onions! The grilling process transforms this layered vegetable from spicy to sweet with a hint of smokiness. It becomes a tender, charred delight, and its bright pink hue is truly stunning!

When Alex and I fire up the grill, we always toss in red onions alongside a medley of other grilled vegetables, as they provide fantastic flavor. They are a perfect accompaniment to grilled shrimp or burgers, and even make for a delightful burger topping!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Onions and the grill are a match made in heaven! Since they are ideally suited for grilling, they require minimal seasoning. When Alex first took these off the grill, I kept asking, “What did you add to these?” No need for much seasoning; onions taste incredible as is. Below are the three ingredients needed for grilled onions:

Red onions: My favorite choice for grilling is red onions because they retain their shape and boast a lovely color. However, yellow or sweet onions (like Vidalia) are fantastic options too! You can even mix different onions for a beautiful presentation.

Olive oil: I prefer using extra-virgin olive oil for all of my grilling needs.

Kosher salt: This enhances the onion’s natural sweetness as the sugars caramelize.

How to Cut Onions for the Grill (the Most Important Step)

The key to making perfect grilled onions lies in cutting them so that the root end remains whole. Here’s why:

Keeping the root intact allows the layers to stay together while grilling. If not, the onion will fall apart into layers, and they may slip through the grates. If this happens, no worries! Just use a grill basket or a piece of foil laid over the grates.

Slice the onion in half, then create wedges by cutting just below the root. This keeps the layers connected to the root end. Check the photos for clarification!

How to Grill Onions Step-by-Step

Using the right cutting technique (as described above), you can grill the onions directly on the grates! It’s quick and simple: cook them until charred and tender. Here are the basic steps (or skip to the recipe):

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375 to 450 degrees.

Cut the onions into wedges, maintaining the root end. This helps keep the layers together while grilling.

Toss with olive oil and salt. That’s all you need.

Grill on the grates for 8 to 10 minutes. Cook until charred and tender, flipping once.

Ways To Serve Them

Grilled onions make an excellent side for any summer grilled meal! Here are several main dishes that complement the sweet, tender goodness of red onions:

Grilled Sides That Pair Well with Onions

If you’re already igniting the grill, take full advantage of it. Here are the vegetables I like to cook alongside red onions when entertaining:

Grilled Peppers

Grilled Squash or Grilled Zucchini

Grilled Portobellos or Grilled Mushrooms

Perfect Potatoes, Potatoes in Foil or Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Grilled Carrots

Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans

Cabbage Wedges or Bok Choy

BBQ Grilled Cauliflower or Grilled Broccoli

How to Store Grilled Onions

Grilled onions taste best the day they’re grilled, but leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. They’re incredibly tasty on a sandwich (like a burrata sandwich) or in tacos (such as black bean tacos)!

Dietary Notes

This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grill onions in foil instead of directly on the grates? Absolutely! Wrap the wedges in a foil packet with oil and salt, and grill for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll achieve tender, jammy onions without heavy charring, making it a suitable option if your grates are crowded with proteins.

Why are my grilled onions falling apart? The root end of the onion keeps the layers together; if you cut it off or slice through it completely, the wedges will fall apart. Ensure the root stays fully attached, and cut towards it, not through it.

Can I use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the grill? Yes, and this works wonderfully if your grates are spaced wide apart. Heat the pan on the grill.

How to BBQ Ideal Green Beans

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Partners Behind A Couple Cooks

In the vibrant realm of food blogging, Alex and Sonja Overhiser shine as a remarkable pair who have transformed their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As the creators of two celebrated cookbooks and the founders of the well-known site A Couple Cooks, they have been motivating home cooks with their straightforward, seasonal recipes since 2010.

The couple’s exploration into the culinary arts started as a personal mission to discover the pleasures of cooking together. As busy parents, they recognize the hurdles of whipping up healthy and appetizing meals while juggling the demands of everyday life. This insight is evident in their method of recipe creation, which prioritizes simplicity, seasonality, and ease of access.

Their platform, A Couple Cooks, is a goldmine of culinary ideas, featuring thousands of unique recipes that appeal to a diverse range of tastes and dietary needs. From hearty breakfast options to fulfilling dinners and everything in between, each recipe is carefully developed and tested by Alex and Sonja themselves, frequently with assistance from their children. This hands-on technique guarantees that every dish is not only flavorful but also suitable for families.

Alongside recipes, Alex and Sonja offer insightful cooking advice and meal planning suggestions, enabling their audience to tackle cooking with assurance and inventiveness. Their captivating writing style and breathtaking photography bring each recipe to life, making the art of cooking both pleasurable and fulfilling.

Through their endeavors, Alex and Sonja have nurtured a community of food lovers who share their passion for cooking and enjoying good food. Their commitment to advocating for a balanced and joyful relationship with food has struck a chord with readers globally, securing their status as prominent voices in the culinary world.

Whether you are an experienced cook or embarking on your culinary adventure, Alex and Sonja’s A Couple Cooks provides an abundance of resources to ignite your next meal and infuse the joy of cooking into your home.

Pesto Sauce Recipe with Pistachios

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic husband-and-wife duo who have transformed their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As the creators of two celebrated cookbooks and the founders of the well-known website A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have committed themselves to spreading the joy of cooking among others. Their adventure began in 2010 when they established their website to provide simple, seasonal recipes that anyone could appreciate.

Throughout the years, A Couple Cooks has developed into a thorough resource for home cooks, featuring thousands of original recipes, valuable cooking advice, and practical meal planning suggestions. Each recipe is carefully crafted and photographed by Alex and Sonja, ensuring that every dish is not only tasty but also visually attractive. Their culinary inventions undergo rigorous testing by their toughest critics—their kids—before being presented to their audience.

Alex and Sonja’s cooking philosophy highlights the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients, making their recipes both healthy and sustainable. They are firm believers that cooking should be a joyous experience, and their easy-to-follow recipes aim to inspire confidence in the kitchen. Whether you are an experienced chef or a beginner cook, A Couple Cooks has something for everyone.

The couple’s cookbooks have further solidified their status as reliable culinary authorities. Their publications are packed with delectable recipes and stunning photography, showcasing their dedication to quality and creativity. Through their efforts, Alex and Sonja have cultivated a community of food lovers who share their passion for cooking and the simple joys it brings.

Beyond their online presence, Alex and Sonja are busy parents who recognize the difficulties of juggling family life with a love for cooking. They frequently share personal stories and reflections on their lives, making their content relatable and compelling. Their authenticity and warmth have won the hearts of their followers, who value their sincere approach to food and family.

As A Couple Cooks continues to thrive, Alex and Sonja remain committed to their goal of uniting people through the influence of food. Their website is more than just a compilation of recipes; it celebrates the joy derived from cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. With their boundless passion and creativity, Alex and Sonja Overhiser are poised to inspire countless others to explore the delights of cooking.

Simple No-Cook Energy Bites Recipe

These no-bake energy bites are a nutritious treat that tastes like dessert and can be prepared in just 15 minutes! They consist of peanut butter, oats, honey, and a touch of chocolate.

There’s nothing quite like a snack that resembles a dessert, and this recipe achieves both! Give these no-bake energy bites a try! They taste like a sweet indulgence, yet they’re simply made with peanut butter, oats, and honey.

There’s also a slight hint of chocolate included! To me, they resemble store-bought energy bites but are far more delicious. The homemade variation is incredibly scrumptious! Here’s how you can whip up this delightful treat.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

– No oven necessary. Just mix, briefly freeze, and roll! They’re ready in just 15 minutes.
– Ingredients from the pantry. Oats, peanut butter, and honey are likely already available.
– Lasts for two weeks. Prepare a batch and enjoy snacking all week long.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Yum! I love these! Easy, storable, healthy, and simply finger-licking good! Thanks again you two!” -Monica

Ingredients You’ll Require

These no-bake energy bites come together quickly with just a few ingredients. In fact, you may already have these in your pantry! (Except for the mini chocolate chips, though you might have those as well.) Here’s what you will need:

– Old-fashioned rolled oats: Choose old-fashioned (not quick oats) for the ideal chewy texture.
– Cocoa powder: Adds a deep, chocolatey richness.
– Mini chocolate chips: Mini chips distribute better than regular-sized ones.
– Unsweetened shredded coconut: Contributes a subtle texture and a touch of tropical flavor.
– Creamy peanut butter: Opt for a no-sugar-added creamy brand for optimal results.
– Honey: Binds all the ingredients together. Use agave syrup for a vegan version.
– Cinnamon and kosher salt: These provide the perfect complexity in seasoning.

Looking for a variation without cocoa powder or coconut? Check out our Peanut Butter Energy Balls.

Tips for Creating No-Bake Energy Bites

The texture of the dough for these energy bites can differ based on the consistency of the peanut butter. It can also change depending on the type of rolled oats used. Here’s what to keep in mind:

– Use very creamy peanut butter. We don’t suggest using super thick peanut butter or even almond butter, which can be quite thick right from the jar. Creamy PB is ideal for this recipe!
– Start with slightly fewer oats. Follow the recipe below for measurements! If the dough feels firm, you can continue. If the dough feels overly sticky, add the complete quantity of oats.
– A #40 cookie scoop creates perfectly sized balls. This produces 1 1/2-inch balls that measure 1 ½ tablespoons.
– Freeze then adjust. Freezing the dough ensures it firms up and becomes rollable. If it’s not firm enough, add more oats; if it’s too crumbly, mix in a little more peanut butter and honey.

Peanut Butter Alternatives (Nut-Free Options)

Dealing with a peanut butter allergy? We’re aware that some schools and classrooms might prohibit it due to allergies. Here are a few substitutes for peanut butter that can work in this recipe:

– Sunflower butter: You can opt for sunflower butter, made from sunflower seeds. The flavor isn’t exactly like peanut butter in a sandwich, but masked by the other flavors, it can work well here.
– Tahini: Tahini serves as an excellent substitute for peanut butter and would be fantastic in these energy bites.

Storage & Make-Ahead Suggestions

These energy bites taste great right after making them, but they’re even better if refrigerated for about an hour for the texture to set. Here’s what to note:

– Homemade energy bites will keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. They likely last even longer. You could freeze them if you wish, but we haven’t tried this.
– Bites hold up well at room temperature in lunches. They become stickier when at room temperature, but they should be fine in brown bag lunches.
– When transporting, ensure to wrap them. If you’re taking them somewhere as a snack, wrap in plastic wrap. They’ll become stickier as they warm up, so consume them as soon as possible.

Dietary Notes

This no-bake energy bites recipe is vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free. For a vegan, plant-based option, use agave syrup. For nut allergies, opt for sunbutter or tahini.

Greek Pasta Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Feta, Inspired by Mediterranean Flavors

This Greek pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and quick lunches throughout the season. It’s packed with feta, olives, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon-oregano dressing!

Here’s my favorite when it comes to pasta salad: Greek pasta salad! As a recipe creator for over ten years, I’ve crafted nearly every pasta salad you can think of. And this one tops my list!

This recipe highlights Mediterranean flavors with chewy bowtie pasta: succulent cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, briny olives, and rich feta, along with generous amounts of fresh parsley and dill, plus a Greek-style vinaigrette dressing. I enjoy preparing this for picnics, cookouts, potlucks, barbecues, or even for wholesome lunches during the week.

5 Star Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is an amazing pasta salad. It’s great for summer, and I adore bow tie pasta. Thank you!” -Odile

Ingredients in Greek Pasta Salad
The idea of pasta salad is a creation from America, as you might surmise! One of the earliest print mentions is a macaroni salad recipe from 1914, though it gained significant popularity during the 1980s.

The most prevalent type of American pasta salad is Italian: the version with olives, mozzarella, and an Italian-style dressing. Greek pasta salad is again distinctly American, but includes Greek-style ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and dill. Here are the components you’ll need for a Greek pasta salad recipe:

Bowtie pasta (farfalle): My preferred shape for this dish: the little ruffles hold the dressing well and are enjoyable to eat.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved so every bite offers a juicy explosion.
English cucumber: Opt for an English cucumber as there’s no need to peel or seed: I also find they taste the best!
Red bell pepper: Chopped finely for color and crunch.
Shallot: Thinly sliced for a gentler, sweeter taste than red onion.
Fresh parsley AND fresh dill: Both are necessary, not just one. The dill contributes essential Greek-inspired flavor.
Kalamata olives: They provide the perfect burst of flavor, but feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.
Feta cheese crumbles: This brings the right salty, substantial essence.

For The Greek Dressing
The dressing for this Greek salad is quick and effortless to prepare, using lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried herbs, and olive oil. It’s a smaller amount than many pasta salads call for, but the flavor truly stands out! You can opt for a store-bought dressing if you’re short on time, but we recommend making the homemade version when possible.

Use both dried oregano and dried dill. You may be tempted to skip the dried dill since fresh is included in the salad, but it’s crucial for the flavor!
Substitute ½ cup of purchased Greek vinaigrette dressing if you’re in a hurry. Search for the highest quality dressing available: the flavor can vary widely by brand. Spending a little extra is worth it for better taste.

The Best Pasta Shape
This Greek pasta salad is best with bowtie pasta or farfalle, but other pasta shapes work too! We appreciate how farfalle melds with the ingredients and how this shape absorbs the dressing. Note: the surface area of each pasta shape differs. In our tests, we found that 1 pound of bowties seems to yield less pasta than 1 pound of spirals. That said: here are some pasta shapes that pair well in a Greek pasta salad recipe:

Bowties (farfalle): our top choice!
Spirals (fusilli)
Penne
Shells (conchiglie)
Orecchiette
Gemelli
Gigli

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Greek pasta salad is perfect for preparing in advance for a cookout or barbecue. In fact, we’ve made it up to 2 days ahead of a gathering and stored it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Here’s what to keep in mind about this salad:

Greek pasta salad can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. It’s great for preparing ahead or healthy lunches throughout the week.
After refrigeration, be sure to enhance the flavors. Allow the salad to come to room temperature. Then mix in a splash of olive oil and a bit more crumbled feta cheese. You might need to add an extra pinch of salt.

Tip on Serving Size
This Greek pasta salad yields a large amount: 10 to 12 side dish servings or roughly 8 lunch-sized servings. It stays fresh for 5 days when refrigerated. If you believe you won’t consume it all in that time, you may want to consider making a half batch. It’s simple to create half!

What to Serve with Greek Pasta Salad
This recipe complements just about anything: especially during the summer! Here are a few