How to Make Beef Stroganoff This beef stroganoff is made fancy with beef tenderloin but can also be made with your favorite beef cut. Learn how to cook a tenderloin and how to make gravy with a flour roux. For a more casual version of this dish, you can certainly substitute the tenderloin for […]
Category: Condiments
How to Make Tahini
How to Make Tahini. We’re about to open sesame on this mystery ingredient! It’s often used in hummus but is actually a popular sauce in many dishes and now you can make it easily at home! How to Make Tahini 1 cup sesame seeds 1/2 cup olive oil Place sesame seeds in a […]
How to Make Pickled Radishes. Oh so easy and oh so yummy. These beautiful pickled radishes are dreamy on salads, deviled eggs, and more! How to Make Pickled Radishes 3 radishes, thinly sliced 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup hot water 3/4 teaspoon sea salt Place all ingredients in a small […]
Learning how to make pesto will make a huge impact on your dishes. It’s easy to make and goes great with almost everything! How to Make Pesto 6 garlic cloves, peeled 4-ounces pine nuts 4 ounces fresh basil 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (or Parmesan), grated 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 […]
This Asian-inspired Honey Garlic Pork Top Loin (not to be confused with pork tenderloin) is so tender and full of flavor. Once you try it, you’ll surely keep this recipe handy so you can enjoy it over and over again. Honey Garlic Pork Top Loin Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 recipe Spice Rub (below) […]
Don’t buy that container of sauce cuz I’m happy to show you how to make strawberry glaze homemade. You can make your own from scratch – no jams or jello mixes are needed! How to Make Strawberry Glaze 1 pound strawberries, rinsed, stemmed & cored, and cut into slices 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 3/4 […]
Lemon Salad Dressing
Lemon Salad Dressing 1/4 cup juice from a fresh lemon 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons sugar Sea salt Coarse ground pepper Simply shake the salad dressing ingredients together in a container with a lid & drizzle on your gorgeous salad. This recipe makes about a cup of dressing so you will have […]
Balsamic Glaze
If you enjoy balsamic vinegar, you’ll really enjoy this balsamic glaze. Try this sexy Roasted Acron Squash Salad with Balsamic Glaze Glaze can be used for savory foods and desserts. Once you’ve tried it, it’ll become a kitchen staple – just like vanilla. Use it on fresh fruit, salads, chicken, pizza… the possibilities are endless, […]
Learn how to make maple syrup from maple extract. Making it the night before you need it is optimal so it has time to thicken perfectly. Maple Syrup 1 cup water 2 cups sugar 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon pure maple extract Dash of sea salt Place water and, sugar in a pan. Whisk ingredients […]
How to Make Sour Cream. Yes, you can do it at home with just two ingredients! Sour Cream 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or whipping cream or half & half as long as the fat content is 18% or above ) 1 tablespoon & 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (or white vinegar) Place ingredients in […]
The meatloaf sandwich. She’s savory. She’s sweet. She’s tender. And this one is oh-so-saucy. Meatloaf Sandwich 1 recipe Meatloaf 1 recipe Meatloaf Glaze 1 loaf of French bread, cut into thick slices 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, thinly sliced 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped 1 red onion, thinly sliced (optional) Lettuce (optional) Leftover glaze […]
Stone Fruit & Berry Salad With Ginger Grapefruit Vinaigrette will be your new favorite. Comforting nectarines and plums paired with blackberries and blueberries are topped with a sweet & sassy grapefruit dressing to create this edible art. Stone Fruit & Berry Salad With Ginger Grapefruit Vinaigrette 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Zest and 3/4 […]
Sweet Balsamic Sauce is not only popular with Saucy Balls, but can be used with other dishes as well! Sweet Balsamic Sauce 2 cups brown sugar 4 tablespoons cornstarch 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar 2 cups chicken broth (use water for vegetarian or vegan option) Sea salt Coarse ground pepper Whisk together brown sugar and cornstarch […]
When the best of the Great Northwest sea pairs with the best in Seattle’s cheeses, heavenly melty things happen like Lobster Macaroni and Cheese. Top with ground garlic-y croutons and butter for the cherry on top. Uh, well, you know what I mean. Lobster Macaroni and Cheese Preheat oven to 350°F. 3/4 cup unsalted butter […]
Roasted Tomatillo Green Salsa Verde. Sure, you could buy it in the bottle at the grocery store, but it’s way more fun and satisfying to make your own. Plus, it is most impressive when your garden includes a tomatillo plant. I’m just gonna say it. Your friends are gonna see you as one bad hombre […]
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 […]
Homemade Steak Seasoning is handy to have on hand for a romantic steak dinner or those last-minute barbecues. Homemade Steak Seasoning 3 tablespoons sea salt 1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika (high-quality so it’s not too spicy or bitter) 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon […]
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 […]
Beautifulistic is the only way to describe this Roasted Acorn Squash Salad. It is a full-on summer rainbow on a plate. Roasted Acorn Squash Salad Makes two dinner salads or four side salads. Preheat oven or grill to 400°F. 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 acorn squash, sliced in 1/2-inch slices (outer skin is edible but […]
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 […]
This pan-roasted chicken wrap is a delightful, light lunch or dinner. Your taste buds will dance for joy and your waistline will simmer down… or, um, er… slimmer down. In the end, everybody is happy. Pan-Roasted Chicken Wrap Balsamic Glaze (recipe below) 4 tablespoons olive oil or grapeseed oil 3 large chicken breasts, butterfly cut Dash […]
This Thousand Island Salad Dressing recipe is perfect for salads, Rueben sandwiches, or burgers. Thousand Island Salad Dressing 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon white vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 1 tablespoon grated onion Dash of pepper Place all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Stir until well-combined.
And she made pickled red onions. And they were beautifully pink. And tart. And sweet, And zingy. And the angels sang. Pickled Red Onions 2 medium red onions 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup hot water 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, optional Cut onions in half and then […]
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 […]
This Northwest Salad is a crowd-pleaser. Sweet pecans, lovely spring lettuce, and berries galore topped with lemon dressing. It’s dressed to impress! Northwest Salad 5-6 ounces spring lettuce 1 cup fresh blackberries (use 1/2 cup of blackberries, raspberries, & strawberries for Paleo or Keto option) 1 cup fresh blueberries, stemmed (leave off salad for Paleo or […]
I present thee with Brown Sugar & Bourbon Glazed Ham No Easter is complete without a glazed ham. We’re adding a party today with a bit of bourbon whiskey. She is glorious. And sweet. And glorious. Brown Sugar & Bourbon Glazed Ham 10 pound smoked ham (approximate size will vary) 1 tablespoon whole cloves 1 […]
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 […]
Homemade Garlic Oil. A drip, a drizzle, a dunk… you will love this simple trick to making your own flavorful homemade garlic oil. This is your one-way ticket to becoming more gourmet than you were yesterday. Homemade Garlic Oil About 24 ounces grapeseed oil 8 garlic cloves (only use fresh!) Pour grapeseed oil into a […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to Cook Prime Rib with Red Wine Mushroom Gravy. This post could easily be entitled “How to Make Guests Happy” for this is what a great prime rib roast dinner does. With the holidays coming up, perhaps eating prime rib would be a lovely way to celebrate. How to Cook Prime Rib with Red […]
How to Make Bacon Jam. Your life is about to get much better. You’re welcome. Bacon Jam Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 pound thick-cut bacon 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium sweet onion, fine diced 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon maple extract 3 tablespoons molasses 1 1/3 cup brown sugar […]
Hot Fudge Sauce. One of the most popular searches that brings readers to this yard is “butterscotch milkshake“. It doesn’t matter that it’s November and the leaves are falling, people want their milkshakes. Here’s to you, butterscotch milkshake googler. I present thee with hot fudge sauce the day before Thanksgiving. Hot Fudge Sauce This makes […]
Crab Cakes With Garlic Aioli is the perfect recipe to go with the tailgate parties that have started. It is officially time to work on your appetizer game. These appys are the coziest in all the appetizer kingdom. Crab Cakes With Garlic Aioli Makes about one dozen crab cakes. Crab Cakes Preheat oven to 350°F. 2/3 cup […]
Plum Jam
Homemade Plum Jam. Nothing makes one feel more like an old-fashioned kid like balancing while walking across a log and picking fresh fruit from a tree. One of the most underrated fruits of all is the plum. How could we possibly overlook the colors, the smells and the taste of the gorgeous plum? Let us go […]
In this post, we will explore the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe and how to cook a perfect chicken breast. And, perhaps most importantly, we shall splurge and top it all off with this velvety dijon cheddar sauce that will change your life forever. Amen. Chicken Cordon Bleu Makes 4 servings. Preheat oven to 350°F. […]
Pulled Pork Sandwich AKA The Hot Mess. If you’re having a casual, little dinner party for about six people and want to go all out, let me introduce you. Have plenty of wet towels ready. And snobby beer. And bibs. Other recipes you will need if you choose to build this fabulous sammich from scratch… […]
Blue Cheese Dressing. Well-aged, savory, and a wee bit sassy. I present thee with the amazing (very grown-up) dressing for your summer salad. Blue Cheese Dressing 1/4 cup olive oil or grapeseed oil 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 3/4 cup sour cream 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/8 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon sea […]
Cobb Salad
Cobb Salad. It’s time for summer. It’s time for salads. With bacon. Because, well, bacon. One of the least snobby is the cobby. There are no candied pecans, or fresh berries, lemon dressing, or anything very hobnob. These things are loverly, but sometimes you just want easy-going, casual fixins and cobb is where it’s at. […]
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 […]
I’ve had a fantastic Southwest salad and I’ve had some horrible ones. One restaurant served theirs covered in a vinaigrette – heavy on the vinegar. I couldn’t eat it. I puckered up, pecked at it, cut my losses, and left the place $18 poorer and pretty darn hungry. So, because I love you, I present […]
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 […]
Sweet, humble, colorful, and healthy… Old-Fashioned Fresh Coleslaw is all that I strive to be. This dressing is also fantastic for other salads. One might consider making a couple of batches and keeping some in the fridge for BBQ nights on the deck. Old-Fashioned Fresh Coleslaw Slaw 1 cup green cabbage, sliced fine 1/2 cup purple […]
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 […]
Crispy Fried Sweet Onions. If you only thought they came in a can or at a restaurant, please allow me to change your life. These are perfect as a side treat, on a barbecue pork sandwich, on burgers, or if you enjoy tricking yourself to eat healthier… upon salads. Crispy Fried Onion Strips 2-3 cups […]
My first meeting with Honey Mustard Salad Dressing was at Scandia Bakery where I spent most of my teenage years. I sold doughnuts while listening to Scandinavian music by day and vacuumed floors while listening to Air Supply by night. We had a lunch counter which was very popular and one of the items I […]
How to Make Buttery Croutons
How to Make Croutons. I don’t mean to brag, but I made a couple of bad choices that led to a good choice this week. The Choices Choice 1: I’d purchased a really long, skinny loaf of French bread from the grocery store. I don’t remember what I bought it for now; but, whatever good […]