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 […]
Today I shall show you how to make perfect fried chicken. And after that, I shall give you lots of side options, one of which involves kale in case you would like to balance out your deep-fried sins. Hallelujah. Fried Chicken Makes 4-6 servings. 2 cups dill pickle juice 1 cup buttermilk (plus more, if needed, […]
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 artichoke is one of the snobbiest and beautiful veggies in all the vegetable kingdom, especially after this recipe… Artichoke Dip. Isn’t she gorgeous? Artichoke Dip Serves 8 for appetizers or 4 for dinner. 4 large artichokes 1/4 cup fresh lemon, juiced (divided) 4 ounces cubetti pancetta or pre-cooked large bacon bits (leave out for […]
Once you have a great basic pie crust recipe, instead of a nightmare, pie becomes something one dreams about. Well, wait no longer. I got you. It’s easy and once you read through the tips, you’ll have a lovely, flaky crust every time. Here are some pies you can make using this crust recipe. Tips […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
If you’ve been wanting to learn how to roast a whole chicken, you’re gonna dig this post. Roasting your own chicken isn’t only easier than getting a pre-roasted chicken home without leaking in the car, but it’s oh so yummy. Oh, baby, nothin’ like it. It only takes about an hour and a half of […]
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 […]
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 […]
Lemon Garlic Pasta With Fresh Salmon & Asparagus. Never buy farm-fed salmon again. Always look for wild salmon. Farm-fed salmon are mushy and have less flavor. Wild salmon are much happier and it shows. Stick with wild and your dinners will go swimmingly. Here’s a quick & simple dinner for those routine school nights when […]
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. […]
Hawaiian Barbecue Pizza. One of my very favorite things to make is pizza crust. It is easy to work with, opens the doors to so many flavors, and makes everyone oh so happy. This luau on a flatbread is so refreshing yet comforting – the best of both worlds with chicken, pineapple, melty mozzarella, and […]
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… […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to Cook Bacon For a Crowd is a great trick to know; but, this method of cooking it in the oven is great or even for a small crowd. While cooking breakfast for six people at a time at my inn plus a family of bacon snatchers, I was forced to figure out a […]
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 […]
I made Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Quiche again today. This may or may not have resulted in a Hobbit-like second breakfast. Sweet baby Jesus, this is good. It’s bad for you. it’s good for you. It confuses the mind and comforts the soul. It is BLT quiche. Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Quiche 1 Pillsbury pie […]
We all need more crowd-pleasing recipes like this Parmesan Chicken and Marinara Sauce. If one of your new year’s resolutions is to have more dinner parties, please allow me to entertain you. This recipe is winner, winner chicken dinner every time. Literally. It’s just too bad the chicken had to become dinner to win this […]
Yeast Biscuits and Country Gravy. When I am at my normal post, you will not see biscuits and gravy at the inn… until today. Today, the gravy was made with fresh herbs. Today, the biscuits were light and fluffy and moist. Today was lovely. Yeast Biscuits and Country Gravy Serves about 10 people with leftover […]
Sometimes seemingly simple things aren’t so simple like making perfect scrambled eggs – one of the most common and delicious dishes in all of the breakfast kingdom. Here’s an easy, gourmet twist on this breakfast comfort food just on time for your next breakfast. Perfect Scrambled Eggs With Fresh Herbs 3 tablespoons olive oil 12 […]
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 […]
Dear Seared Scallops With Pan Sauce, Sizzling hot and topped with glorious sauce… a buttery wine sauce. I love you dearly, our relationship is short-lived for you are far too delicious to stick around for very long. Sin-sear-ly, Deanna Seared Scallops With Pan Sauce Makes 2 servings or appetizers for 4. 1 pound scallops 2 […]
Done with your hot turkey sandwich, turkey noodle soup, turkey fajita, and turkey pot pie? If you don’t want to freeze the leftover turkey, maybe something a little lighter and refreshing is in order. Da da da daaaaa I present thee with turkey salad on, well, a salad. Use dressing if you must but it may […]
Sweet and Spicy Cornish Game Hens With Cornbread Stuffing. When I was single, I used to go for long drives in my pumpkin-orange, ’76 Chevette. I would drive until I got lost and then find my way back, making stops along the way to experience new stores and new restaurants. In losing myself, I would […]
Make Beer Battered Cod Fish & Chips just like the ones from the pub at home. Beer Battered Cod Fish & Chips 4 cups canola, peanut, or vegetable oil (for frying) 1 cup flour 1/3 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt plus more for sprinkling 1o ounces of your favorite pilsner beer […]
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 […]
Ham and Cheese Quiche. Amen. They say Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche, but real men like this ham and cheese quiche. It’s simple, delicious, and surprisingly manly. Ham and Cheese Quiche Serves 6-8. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 Pillsbury pie crust (or 1/2 this homemade recipe) 10 large eggs 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup flour 8 ounces […]
Meet Smoked Salmon Flatbread. She’s light, refreshing, and a little smokey. Smoked Salmon Flatbread You can use two 12-inch Boboli pizza crusts or make this easy homemade flatbread. Preheat oven to 425°F. Flatbread 3/4 cup warm water (no hotter than 110°F degrees) 2 teaspoons yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt […]
My love for people with accents (since I, of course, do not have one) began when I would travel around the country to camps. My friends and I would sit and listen to our newly acquired friends from different states for hours. We’d all laugh together about how different we sounded. North Dakota was one […]
Roasted chicken is the perfect dinner. This perfectly browned bird covered in Mexican spices and rice loaded with fresh confetti touches is a nice change from the typical herbed chicken. A cozy and easy-to-make combination. So easy, in fact, you can cook it while taking a much-needed nap. Not that I would know this first […]
Meat Roll With Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy. Dear Vegetarians and Vegans, Please avert your eyes for we are about to embark upon the meatiest recipe I’ve ever made. I’m sorry. Love, Deanna And all the men said, “Meat and meat and meat and meat and potatoes? Amen.” Meat Roll With Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy Preheat […]
Mushroom Risotto. She is not always familiar, for she is foreign. She is not basic rice, for she is fancy. She is not pasta, for she is temperamental. Mushroom Risotto 1/4 cup olive oil 1 cup sliced or diced fresh mushrooms 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice […]
Perhaps this should be called Indulgent Chicken Marsala. But I can’t help it. I love a breaded piece of chicken. And I love a gravy sauce. One would probably never guess I was born as far away as one can get from the south while still in America. Well, there was that one thing – […]
I introduce to you the longest route to a Reuben sandwich… but you can call her Ruby. A Reuben sandwich can be very simple. When made traditionally, it is a lovely stack of dark rye bread, corned beef, thousand island dressing, mustard, and sauerkraut. As you can see, I have broken a few rules and […]
How to Cook Corned Beef. Corned beef is incredibly easy to make. This post is simply to advertise the fact that everyone can feel confident that they can make it. You’re welcome, corned beef industry. You’re welcome. How to Cook Corned Beef Preheat oven to 325°F. One 2.5 pound corned beef One seasoning packet that […]
If you could use a little zip and zing in your life, I have the gift of Santa Fe Burgers for you. She is spicy and zesty. She is sauce-y and sweet. She doesn’t care about long walks on the beach or sunsets. She wants to party and sit by the grill with an electric […]
This Balsamic Red Onion and Sausage Tart is guest approved. It is savory with a touch of sweetness. It is the Balsamic Red Onion and Sausage Tart… With Fresh Herbs and Le Gruyère Cheese Perfectly Melted On Top. But, you know, I had to stop the name somewhere. Balsamic Red Onion and Sausage Tart Makes […]
Fajita Pizza is the best of Italy & the best of Mexico all in one dinner. Fajita Pizza 1 recipe pizza dough 1 1/2 cups Mexican crema 2 cups jack & white cheddar cheese, grated 1 recipe Fajita chicken (below) 1 recipe Pico de Gallo Salsa 1 can black olives, sliced (optional) 1 bunch fresh […]
