Broccoli Salad is so colorful, delicious, and even healthy for you. If you like, you can add some cooked and diced chicken to your salad too. Broccoli Salad 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped 4 ounces red cabbage, chopped 2 carrots, grated 1 cup dried cranberries (replace with raspberries for Keto or Paleo option) 3/4 cup […]
Boiled and Fried Red Potatoes is a simple side dish that always pleases Boiled and Fried Red Potatoes 1.5 pounds small red potatoes (or potatoes of your choice) 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water) 1 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter (replace with more olive oil for vegan option) Fresh […]
Everyone should know How to Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes are great in so many things… in homemade bread, pasta dishes, salads, or just to snack on. These are a summer must-have! How to Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes Preheat oven to 200°F. 12-16 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes on the vine (homegrown are best) Salt (optional) […]
How to Properly Cook Store-Bought Pasta Here are the basic steps for cooking great noods for pasta salads or hot dishes. How to Properly Cook Store-Bought Pasta Fill a large pot with about 4 quarts of water. Add 4-5 teaspoons of salt Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil. After the […]
German Spaetzle are delightful little dumplings that go well with any dish or sauce you like. Have your way with them today. German Spaetzle 2 ½ cups flour 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt 5 eggs 1 1/2 cups milk 1/4 cup butter, melted 2 sprigs fresh dill, chopped Place the flour and salt in […]
Sautéed Asparagus is so simple but so delicious – a must-have summer dish. Sautéed Asparagus 1 bunch fresh asparagus 1/4 cup butter Sea salt Coarse ground pepper Juice from 1 fresh lemon 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (optional but highly recommended) 3 tablespoons Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, shaved or grated 1 recipe Dijon Cheddar Sauce (optional […]
Corn Salad… or as I like to call it Cornfetti Salad is one of the most festive salads you can make. Corn Salad 1 15-ounce can black beans 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 ears of fresh sweet yellow corn off the cob (or 2 pounds of frozen) 1/2 orange bell pepper, diced […]
Saffron Rice is always a stunning dish with its golden hues and the perfect side dish to go with your favorite Indian dishes. Saffron Rice 1/4 teaspoon saffron, crushed 1/2 cup boiling hot water 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan option) 1/2 yellow onion, diced (optional) 2 bay leaves (optional) 1 1/2 […]
Kale & Brussel Sprout Salad Kale & Brussel Sprout Salad 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Zest from one lemon 1/4 cup tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup honey, optional (omit for vegan) 8 ounces cubetti pancetta, optional […]
French-Cut Green Beans – a side dish worthy of a pretty plate… even though the plate won’t be needed for long. Here’s how you can make your own French-cut green beans at home. French-Cut Green Beans Makes 4-6 servings. 1 pound fresh green beans 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided 4 – 8 oz diced pancetta […]
Spice up your typical dinner with these Thai Coconut Curry Noodles. Pair with this Thai Chicken Satay and be extra happy today. Saucy, garlicky, and curryful. Try this yumminess and you will not be mad. Thai Coconut Curry Noodles 14 ounces fresh egg noodles (usually sold near the prepackaged lettuce) 8 fresh garlic cloves, minced […]
Thai Marinated Cucumbers These refreshing cucumbers are a wonderful snack and pair perfectly with Thai Satay Chicken Wraps. Thai Marinated Cucumbers 1/3 cup rice vinegar 1/3 cup sugar 1/3 cup water 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper 1 English cucumber, cut into about 4″ long sticks Combine all of the ingredients except […]
These homemade refried beans are so delicious and oh-so-satisfying to make. They’re perfect for taco night or as a dip to go with nachos. How to Make Refried Beans Make sure to purchase fresh dried beans. Sadly, old beans will never get soft no matter how long you cook them. Don’t ask me how I […]
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 […]
These Loaded Potato Pancakes are made from mashed potatoes. This is the perfect day after Thanksgiving breakfast. It’s simple yet fancy. Plain yet flavorful. Loaded Potato Pancakes 2 cup mashed potatoes 2 eggs 1⁄2 cup flour (plus more for breading) 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced garlic 2 green […]
This fresh & crispy Christmas Broccoli Salad is a great way to enjoy fruits & veggies that aren’t from a can, drenched in heavy sauces, or overcooked this Christmas. What a gorgeous addition to your Christmas dinner table. Christmas Broccoli Salad 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped 4 ounces pomegranate (replace with raspberries or another Keto-friendly option […]
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 […]
I’ll settle for its real name of Corn Succotash if I must… but why this is not named Corn Confetti, I’ll never know. Corn Succotash 6 ears fresh sweet corn, husked and rinsed 1/2 red bell pepper. diced 1/2 orange bell pepper, diced 6 slices bacon 1/2 sweet onion, diced 1/4 cup water 3 cloves […]
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 […]
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 […]
Roasted Rainbow Carrots… Some foods are so colorful, so glorious, so flavorful they can be tossed into the oven with just a smidge of prep and come out looking like a glorious dish from a top-rated restaurant. Enter rainbow carrots… Roasted Rainbow Carrots Ingredients 6-8 rainbow carrots 3 tablespoons garlic oil (or olive oil and minced […]
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 […]
Perhaps instead of “Roasted Brussel Sprouts” I should’ve called this “How to Fall in Love With Brussel Sprouts.” Bacon. Onions. Garlic. Cheese. The end. Preheat oven to 400°F. Roasted Brussel Sprouts 1 pound Brussel sprouts (or about 1/2 stalk) 1/2 pound extra thick-cut, hickory-smoked bacon (can buy at local grocery store butcher) 1/2 sweet onion, cut […]
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 […]
Kale Salad. Kale doesn’t try to fit in with everyone. The flavor is a bit stronger than your average lettuce so some snub kale; but, the health benefits make her worth getting along with. A light, lovely dressing is the answer. Coat salad with this healthy dressing as you would a Caesar, and you will be pleasantly […]
Sweet potatoes have grown up in the Great Northwest. Fondant Sweet Potatoes With Balsamic Reduction 3 large sweet potatoes 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 4 cloves garlic, minced Sea salt Fresh ground pepper 3/4 cup chicken broth 2 cups balsamic vinegar Preheat oven to 425°F. Place balsamic vinegar in a saute pan. Bring […]
Have you signed up for your free “Turkey for Twelve” eBook yet? It’s the perfect Thanksgiving guide for the new holiday host. –> In it, you will learn: How long it takes to defrost & cook your turkey How to make stuffing & gravy without harming packaged mixes How to make sure your mashed potatoes […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
I’ve always disliked squashed squash. Pumpkin ravioli? Meh. Soup? Even more meh. Overcooked? There are not enough mehs in the world. But I’ve wanted to like it. I’ve tried with my whole heart. I’ve even ordered it at fancy restaurants to be sure I wasn’t judging my squash over a bad recipe. But, I’m not […]
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 […]
Black Bean Salad. If I were voted president, the world would be less consumed with guarding wetlands and more focused on saving cilantro fields for I have never met a cilantro dish I have not loved. Of course, if I were voted into office, Nutella crepes would be on the food pyramid, every ladies’ restroom […]
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 […]
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 […]
Chicken and Spinach Lasagna With White Wine Alfredo Sauce. Does spinach get lost in the back of your refrigerator? Perhaps it’s time to just give in and make it cheesy and buttery and try for salads again next week. Chicken and Spinach Lasagna With White Wine Alfredo Sauce Makes about 8 servings. Preheat oven to […]
As our family has steered farther and farther away from fast food, one of our favorite take-outs has become Teriyaki Chicken and Basmati Rice. If you’ve been to enough teriyaki restaurants or store delis, you know that not all teriyakis are created equal. It’s such a treat to be able to create our favorite take-out […]
It’s a snow day here in the Seattle area & that calls for homemade Spaghetti Sauce. I’m thinking about hopping onto a sled later. Or maybe I’ll just write about food. Or maybe I’ll open the B&B for snacks & coffee to the people waiting on the side of the freeway for Snoqualmie Pass to […]
Hasselback Potatoes. If nothing else, they are ready for a dinner party – and a delicious one at that. The beauty of potato dishes is that they are easy to make, comforting, and yet can be quite impressive at the same time. These Hasselback potatoes often get plenty of ooooos and ahhhhhs. Surely, they will […]
Today we’re making Creamy Mashed Potatoes – the traditional holiday potato. Creamy Mashed Potatoes 5 pounds russet potatoes 16 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 2 teaspoons sea salt 2 teaspoons pepper or white pepper 4 cloves fresh garlic cloves, minced or smashed (optional) 1/4 cup butter, sliced (for the top) Do […]
One amazing Buttered Herb Potatoes recipe and one colorful platter. Herb Potatoes Makes about 6 servings. Preheat oven to 400°F. 3 pounds fingerling potatoes (or baby reds) 1/4 cup olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 5 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon coarse ground […]
