France and Italy come together to create this dreamy, creamy Almond Tiramisu French Toast. Almond Tiramisu French Toast 1 recipe Almond syrup (make ahead, recipe below) 1/4 cup hot water 2 tablespoons instant coffee 8 eggs 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, divided 2 tablespoons almond extract, divided 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 4-6 tablespoons butter 8 slices […]
Baja Fresh Burger With Garden Veggie Relish. You’ll love the confetti on this burger. The Garden Veggie Relish is everything. Well, and the two kinds of spicy cheese. And the zesty Southwest Rub. And, well, I digress, you are gonna love this sassy burger. Baja Fresh Burger With Fresh Veggie Relish 16 ounces ground hamburger […]
Homemade Dutch Speculaaskruiden Spice Mix is perfect to have on hand during the holiday season. Dutch Speculaaskruiden Spice Mix 8 tablespoons ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons ground cloves 2 tablespoons ground mace 1 tablespoon ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground cardamom 1 tablespoon ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg 2 teaspoons ground anise seed 1 tablespoon ground […]
Dutch Gevulde Speculaas Bars are a sassy spicy cookie filled with tender almond paste. Perfect for the holidays or, you know, when you want to escape to Holland for the afternoon. Note: The speculaas dough needs to be refrigerated for 12-24 hours. The longer the better (that’s what she said) so be sure to fit the extra […]
This Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is light and flavorful salad dressing is so easy to make and great to keep on hand! Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing 1 cup olive oil 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper 1/2 cup honey (optional) 1 tablespoon mustard or […]
This easy-make version of Chipotle Lime Aioli will have you enjoying it with everything. It’s perfect with sweet potato fries, Baja Fish Tacos, and so much more. Chipotle Garlic Lime Aioli 1 cup mayonnaise 2 minced garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice 1-2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon coarse […]
Garlic Bread is a perfect addition to any meal. Garlic Bread Place oven on broil. 1 loaf French bread, cut in half lengthwise 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon salt 5 cloves of garlic, minced 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded 3 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped Place butter, salt, garlic, onion […]
While there are plenty of unhealthy Asian dishes here in America, this fresh & crispy Asian Broccoli Salad Recipe is a great way to enjoy Asian flavors without the high calories. Or, you know, alongside the high-calorie Chinese take-out. Asian Broccoli Salad 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped 4 ounces red cabbage, chopped 2 carrots, grated […]
Almond Crescent Cookies Almond Crescent Cookies 4 egg whites 18 ounces almond flour 18 ounces powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips Beat eggs well in a mixing bowl. Add almond flour and powdered sugar. Mix well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When the dough has chilled and you […]
Chicken Chow Mein or fried rice? For many years I chose fried rice as my main dish companion when eating out for Chinese food. I was a creature of habit and did not see the error of my ways. And then one day, I tried chow mein and my life changed for the better. And […]
Garlic Duchess Potatoes are the sexiest potatoes in all the potato kingdom. Just gorgeous. How to Make Duchess Potatoes Garlic Duchess Potatoes 1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes) 1 tablespoon sour cream 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced 2 ounces cream cheese 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons heavy cream 3 egg yolks 1/2 […]
Caramel-Filled Stroopwafels are fun to make and to eat. A perfect small fall-ish treat to go with coffee with friends… especially Dutch friends. Caramel-Filled Stroopwafels Makes 10 stroopwafels. Stroopwafels 1/4 cup lukewarm milk 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temp (or under 105°F) 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups flour 4 […]
Snowball Cookies are always a holiday hit. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best crowd-pleasers. Snowball Cookies Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup pecans, chopped fine Additional powdered sugar (for coating) Combine […]
I’ve never been a big fan of Spanish rice in a restaurant but homemade? Oh, baby. Braised Chicken With Spanish Rice Recipe 3-6 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 yellow onion, diced 6 pieces chicken thighs or legs (or 8 boneless chicken tenders if desired) 4 cups chicken broth 2 cups Jasmine rice 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 […]
The Norwegian Wedding Cake is such a special tradition for anyone Scandinavian. I remember them sitting upon many glorious catered tables of food for all types of celebrations. Norwegian Wedding Cake 4 egg whites 18 ounces almond flour 18 ounces powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Beat eggs well in a mixing bowl. Add almond […]
I love Owen Wilson, Jackie Chan, and Shanghai Steak & Asparagus. When Shanghai Noon came out way back in 2000, it didn’t matter how many action adventures I had ignored for decades. It was time to see one again. And then Shanghai Knights. The best. And now another great adventure, Shanghai Steak & Asparagus. You […]
My years spent sleeping on bakery shelves before grade school are paying off for you once again. Today, I share with you the Almond Coffeecake. Almond Coffeecake 5 teaspoons yeast 1/2 cup lukewarm water (110°F or lower) 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup instant mashed potatoes stirred together with 3/4 cup lukewarm water 1/4 cup shortening […]
Sweet & Sour Pork Crispy tempura pork topped with this lovely sauce. Skip the take-out box and eat in tonight. Sweet & Sour Sauce 1 cup water 1/2 cup vinegar 1 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 – 6 ounce can tomato paste 1 teaspoon salt 5 cloves fresh garlic, grated (using Microplane […]
I’ll have the almond fried chicken, please… at home… and when I want it. Note: This recipe has been updated since the TikTok video. Please follow this recipe for the best results. Almond Fried Chicken Gravy 6 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons flour 2 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1-2 teaspoons Chicken Better Than […]
How to Make Fried Rice. This recipe can be altered to whichever kind of meat you like to use. Just cook the meat in some olive oil in a frying pan before you begin. Set it aside for a few minutes while you prep your rice, dice it, and add to your dish! your family […]
The pavlova is as fun to say as it is to make. You see, making a pavlova is an event. It is not difficult if you follow instructions well; but, like all good things in life, it does take some time. No drama, baby, just patience. Preheat oven to 250°F. Pavlova 6 egg whites 1 teaspoon […]
Authentic Pho Soup. I’m about to show you the pho-shizzle pho-sure. I mean, this recipe is pho-nomenal. You will keep this one handy pho-ever. Un-pho-gettable. Pho-real. No pho-king chicken broth here. I’m other words, this authentic Pho Soup is the real deal, baby. You will need cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to drain your broth, […]
Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo. If you’re going to break one’s new year’s resolution with pasta, you might as well add homemade alfredo sauce, right? Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo 4 teaspoons unsalted butter 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 cup (8 oz) fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated Sea salt to taste Freshly ground pepper or white pepper to […]
This homemade pasta recipe is super easy and reliable. Dangerous even… I mean, who needs the ability to make homemade noodles at their fingertips? If you have just started your new year’s resolutions, please avert your eyes, my friend. Homemade Pasta 12.5 ounces 00 Flour 5 large eggs Place flour in a mixing bowl. Make […]
Maybe looking for a fresh, new twist for your Taco Tuesdays? You will rather adore this flavorful Mexican Coleslaw since it’s so refreshing. And because it is so colorful. And since it is so happy. Basically, because it is a party on a plate. There probably won’t be a shred of evidence you even made […]
Baja Fish Tacos are very fresh & sassy to share with guests but are super easy to make. I do believe it is time for another game night with friends. Baja Fish Tacos Preheat oven to 350°F. Soft corn or flour tortillas, medium 1 recipe Baked Cod 1 recipe Mexican Coleslaw 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 2 […]
To ring in the new year, the Dutch make these Oliebollen Dutch New Year’s Day doughnuts… er dumplings and I love the way they don’t care about calories or fat grams right from the get-go. Nothing says, “Happy New Year!” like balls. Amitrite? Everyone knows I like my balls (insert hilarious but innocent link here). Growing […]
Today we’re cookin’ a Louisiana Jambalaya recipe or rice the dirty way. The way they do it in the south, baby. No shame and no beads shall be rewarded. Like many things, this recipe actually goes faster than you’d think and is pretty fun and comforting. Louisiana Jambalaya Just leave out all meat and fish […]
Indian Naan Bread is especially practical when eating Indian Butter Chicken. Yeah, that’s it. Practical. Spread garlic butter over naan, and it becomes a delight. Toss taco makin’s inside naan and you have a full-on rebellion that is completely worth the calorie consequences. The fun is, well… you know, naan-stop. Indian Naan Bread Makes 8 small […]
Homemade Minestrone Soup is a lovely fall soup that helps gardeners use up all their fresh veggies. Welcome back, soup season. Welcome back. When made with vegetable stock, it’s vegan-friendly but you would never know it. If you’re really missing the meat, you can brown some hamburger or ground chicken and add it to the […]
Cheesy Beef and Bean Burritos. Our pre-fourth of July weather has settled in this week. Sunshine doesn’t normally commit in Seattle until July 5th. After that, summer is perfect. But, for now, it is burrito weather. And that ain’t half bad. Things are looking brighter this week, though. I’m convinced it’s because I made a simmer-all-day […]
Is there anything that brings Americans and Mexicans together like Queso Cheese Sauce Recipe? And our love of siestas. And fiestas. Well, and margaritas. Yeah, margaritas trump them all. But I have to say, queso sauce has to be runner-up. Just start with a couple bricks of cheese and build from there… Queso Cheese Sauce 3/4 cup […]
How to cook basmati rice on the stovetop may seem like a plain post. And, you’re right. It is. But in a world where we are bombarded with gimmicky kitchen utensils every day, it is good, sometimes, to go back to the basics. How to Cook Basmati Rice 2 cups long-grain basmati or jasmine rice […]
Double batch of murgh makhani and cilantro basmati rice. The heart exaggerates. The soul listens. The brain shows the way. The body follows through. And the tastebuds dance. Hey, I just do what I’m told. Indian Butter Chicken 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 medium tomatoes, diced 1 tablespoon minced fresh […]
One of my favorite Scandinavian treats is the Raspberry Almond Mazarin Tart. It is rich and regal yet one of the easiest things one could make for friends… the perfect dessert. Raspberry Almond Mazarin Tart Makes six 4-inch tarts. Preheat oven to 350F. Crust 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 egg yolk 1 […]
Southwest Rub. One has not lived until one has entered into a simple shop at Pike Place Market in Seattle and asked an old Mexican woman which spices to buy if one were to want to cook authentic Mexican food. How she sold me a basket full of spices without speaking a single word of […]
Eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce. I’m on a kick lately. Back to basics… the traditional, if you will. The basics are good for the soul. Here are some others I’ve been in touch with lately: Take road trips. Be happy. Be kind. Be silly. Keep learning. There’s something about going back to the basics […]
How to Make Bolognese Sauce Once you accomplish the initial steps, it’s all about the simmer. Hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day so you had to know their sauce would take at least four hours to make. You have not tried spaghetti sauce until you’ve had rich, meaty Bolognese sauce. I promise you will […]
Here’s the answer to your prayers… Fresh Roasted Restaurant Salsa. I haven’t met a soul yet who can resist Mexican restaurant salsa and chips. We get full before our meal comes. Amirite? How spiffy would it be to make your own salsa at home and have the power of making your salsa as mild or […]
I’m going to be honest with you. I’m not a huge fan of eating mushrooms – it’s a texture thing. But, you absolutely cannot beat the flavor they add to dishes… especially saucy ones. If you can relate, please promise me you will chop some ‘shrooms up real fine and use them. I promise in return you […]
Money was tight. Sweet tooths were still alive and well. Potatoes were plentiful. The answer was potato candy. Depression Era Potato Candy 1 large russet potato A small pot-o-water 2 pound bag of powdered sugar 1 cup cocoa powder Yellow food coloring (optional) Peel and cut potato. Boil until soft enough to poke a fork through very […]
It’s authentic. It’s simple. It’s Apple Barley pudding. Irish Apple Barley Pudding 6 cups water 1/4 cup barley 4 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and sliced Juice of one lemon 1/4 cup sugar Vanilla whoop cream (omit for vegan option) Bring water to a boil. Add barley and apples. Simmer for about 30 minutes or […]
This Dessert Terrarium With Baileys Irish Cream Pudding is as creative as it is delicious. Dessert Terrarium With Baileys Irish Cream Pudding 1 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 1/4 cups whole milk 3/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream 4 large egg yolks 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 12 vanilla & chocolate sandwich […]
Leprechaun House Cake. Ever wonder where Leprechauns rest after a long day chasing the end of a rainbow? A little log house, of course. Leprechaun House Cake I say when you go big on decorations, there’s no shame in taking it easy on yourself and using a mix for your cake. Here’s a link to […]
Irish Lemon Pudding. Who doesn’t love a lemon dessert? Perfect in every way, this pudding is no exception. It’s called a pudding but starts out like a souffle and ends like a cake. Irish Lemon Pudding 1/4 cup butter 2/3 cup sugar 4 eggs, separated 1 cup flour 4 lemons, zest & juice 2 1/2 […]
Dotter’s owl-themed birthday party was such fun. It seems like just yesterday we celebrated Dotter’s 16th birthday. I told her and son they must never grow up but neither one of them listened to me. Son now towers over me and Dotter celebrated her 20th birthday this weekend. Cheese Fondue – Click here for the […]
Ground Turkey Tamales With Enchilada Sauce. Tamale. Tamale. I love ya’ tamale. Only, you know, today is tamale. And tamale is today. Oh, who am I tryin’ to kid? I love tamales today. And every day. And tomorrow. And you will too… especially making them at home. Ground Turkey Tamales With Enchilada Sauce Prep Soak […]
Shortbread Cookies With Pink Frosting are a special treat. A basic shortbread cookie requires no eggs. In fact, in the original Greek translation, “shortbread” means “no eggs”. Okay, not really, I just love to play Balderdash once in and a while off the game board. I also like to talk like Raj from Big Bang […]
Braised Chicken With Dried Cherry Compote is gorgeous and festive and scrumptious. She is sexy upon a plate of arugula and impressive for your guests. Doubled or tripled, she is perfect for a shindig – for she is a party on a plate and in your mouth. Braised Chicken With Dried Cherry Compote Braised Chicken […]
How does one deal with nervously wondering how one will come across on national television? How does one deal with helping one’s Dotter move out on the same weekend? Um. Well. One doesn’t. One organizes closets. One is extra chatty with guests. One makes comfort food. I feel better about the whole thing since my […]
