We all need a go-to angel food cake that doesn’t come out of a box. Here’s yours. You will need attention to the details, an angel food pan, and a wine bottle (yes, a wine bottle) for this cake. The Details Preheat your oven. Use fresh egg whites not the ones from a carton. Left […]
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 […]
Baked Spice Cake Doughnuts are the perfect fall treat. Just add glaze and enjoy with coffee, tea, or me. Baked Spice Cake Doughnuts Makes about 18 regular-size cake doughnuts. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1/2 cup (or one stick) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup buttermilk […]
Everyone deserves to know how to make Chocolate Pudding without the box. Chocolate Pudding This pudding is best if made a day before enjoying. Makes 8 servings. 1 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 cups whole milk 1 tablespoon vanilla 6 egg yolks, room temperature 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 6 […]
Graham Cracker Crust
Learn how to make Graham Cracker Crust instead of buying it pre-made from the grocery store. It’s easy as, well, pie. Graham Cracker Crust 18 whole graham crackers 6 tablespoons sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted Crush graham crackers in a food processor. Add sugar, salt, and melted butter. […]
Peach Pie
Does anything surpass a peach pie in the summer? Perhaps only peach pie a la mode. So, let’s get started with this delightful classic. Peach Pie 1 recipe Basic Pie Crust 4 pounds frozen, defrosted or firm fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon […]
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) […]
Everyone needs a delightful, buttery Shortbread Cookies recipe. Shortbread Cookies Makes about 60 cookies. 1 cup + 6 tablespoons high-quality unsalted butter, softened (European butter is best) 2 teaspoons salt 1 1/3 cup of powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 cups flour Place the butter, salt, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixer. Cream together […]
Apple Pie. Please let me introduce you to the perfect apple pie. Why This Pie Works We follow all the finicky rules that make a buttery, flakey pie crust like using high-quality butter, keeping it cold, not over-processing the butter & flour, not playing with it too much, and letting it rest. We use Honeycrisp […]
Julia Child’s Souffle Au Chocolat is all the rage since HBO Max has introduced us to the most enduring side of Julia we’ve ever seen. I’m in love with her all over again… and it’s so nice to see Niles and Lilith again too. Here is how to make Julia’s chocolate souffle. I’ve made a […]
Hamburger Cupcakes. I mean, who doesn’t love hamburgers? Who doesn’t love cupcakes? Mini Hamburger Cupcakes You can watch the video here. 1 box yellow cake mix 3 tablespoons sesame seeds 1 box brownie mix 1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting Prepare cake mix according to box instructions. Divide cake mix into muffin pans sprayed with non-stick […]
Berry Pancakes With Cream Cheese Filling. I cannot help myself. I have declared this summer the summer of drunken berry everything. It will be a very good summer. Enter stage left… or stage right… or does it even really matter which side of the stage they enter from? The drunken-berry-topped cream-cheese-filled pancakes. Berry Pancakes With […]
How to Make Homemade Vegetable Broth How to Make Homemade Vegetable Broth When I’m running low on broth, I save all my vegetable scraps in a large baggy and then make broth at the end of the week. It’s so easy to do, you can make this a habit too. Vegetable scraps 5-6 quarts of […]
Here’s a list of tips for buying pots and pans I have gathered from learning the hard way. Pass this list on to your favorite newly-engaged friends and family so they can buy (or add to their registry) wisely. Tips for Buying Pots and Pans Don’t ask me how I know. I just do. Don’t […]
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 […]
Let’s make some Small-Batch Strawberry Jelly with those strawberries you didn’t use this week! This is an easy, Laura Ingalls Wilder-style recipe. It’s simple and delicious. No apples or pectin are needed. Small-Batch Strawberry Jelly 1 pound strawberries, rinsed, hulled, & stemmed 1 2/3 cups sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice Place a small plate in […]
This little shortening baking tip is handy for recipes that include shortening in them. Shortening Baking Tip When baking a recipe that includes shortening, here are a couple of ways to make things easier. Crack the egg or eggs for the recipe into the shortening measuring cups first. Swirls them around to coat the measuring […]
Tips for Making Perfect Boiled Eggs Tips for Making Perfect Boiled Eggs Place your eggs in a pot and cover with lukewarm water. Turn the heat onto high and place the pot of eggs on the burner. Eggsamples: 7 minutes, 9 minutes, and 13 minutes Bring the water to a boil and then immediately turn […]
5 Tips for Buying the Best Measuring Spoons & Cups 5 Tips for Buying the Best Measuring Spoons & Cups Don’t buy cheap because you want accurate measurements. Don’t buy cute because they’re often not easy to use. Don’t buy plastic because they can melt. And, don’t buy ceramic because they can easily break. Stainless […]
Black Forest Cupcakes Black Forest Cupcakes Makes 24 cupcakes. 1 recipe Chocolate Cupcakes 1 thirty-ounce cherry pie filling Whipped Cream Make the Chocolate Cupcakes and allow them to cool completely. Use a cookie scoop to scoop out the middle of the cupcakes. Set each of the scoops you remove from the cupcakes aside to use […]
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the fanciest cake in all of the cake kingdom. As pretty as it is delicious. Just look at her, there, sitting upon her throne in all of her glory. Red Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Makes four 9-inch cakes for a lovely four-layer cake. Red Velvet […]
If you try these Red Velvet Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting, I’m pretty sure you will decide to eat dessert first. They are as pretty as they are delicious. Let’s get started right away. Red Velvet Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting Makes 24 cupcakes. 1 recipe Red Velvet Cake 1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting 2 […]
German Spaetzle
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 […]
Pork Schnitzel with Dill Sauce Pork Schnitzel with Dill Sauce Pork Schnitzel 6 boneless pork chop loins 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tablespoon sea salt + more for sprinkling after frying 1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper 3 eggs, well-beaten 1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs 3/4 cup peanut or vegetable oil Place one […]
Learn How to Make a Butter Turkey so you can dazzle your family this holiday season. How to Make a Butter Turkey 1 cup butter 1 turkey mold Remove the butter from the refrigerator and let it sit out so it can soften to room temperature. Press half a cup into one side of the […]
Garlic Aioli
This easy, dreamy Garlic Aioli can be used as a dip or a spread. Dress up your burgers, veggie trays, & fries! Addictively delicious. Garlic Aioli 1 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon dijon mustard 2 minced garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper Place all of […]
Learn How to Make a Checkerboard Cake How to Make a Checkerboard Cake Make one batch of each kind of cake and divide the batter for each one into two 8-inch pans. When they have cooled after baking, wrap each one in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, unwrap and trim across the […]
This Mongolian Beef Udon is a lovely, comforting dish full of saucy goodness, fresh, crunchy cabbage, and bean sprouts. Mongolian Beef Udon Beef and Marinade 1 pound stir fry beef 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 2 tablespoons sesame oil Place the beef and all the marinade ingredients in a […]
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are, perhaps, the very best way to welcome fall. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls Makes 12 large pumpkin cinnamon rolls. You will need cooking twine to cut the rolls. 1/4 cup water at 110°F or lower 2 packages (or 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons) yeast 1/2 cup scalded milk (heat […]
Vanilla Ice Cream is the perfect recipe for creating beautiful ice cream sundaes or topping a fruit crisp or homemade pie. Vanilla Ice Cream Makes about 1 gallon. aAfter churching, freeze overnight for hard ice cream. 3 cups sugar 1 teaspoon salt 4 cups heavy whipping cream 5 cups whole milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract […]
Authentic Argentinean Chimichurri Authentic Argentinean Chimichurri 1 bunch (or about 2 cups) fresh flat parsley, minced Leaves from 6 fresh oregano springs, minced 2 red long hot peppers, minced 8 fresh garlic cloves, minced 1 shallot, minced (optional) 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 3/4 cups olive or grapeseed oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon […]
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Gravy Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Gravy 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons potato starch 2 cups vegetable broth 2 teaspoons of a gluten-free vegetable or chicken-flavored boullion (optional) Sea salt Pepper Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle in the potato starch; and, whisk and cook for a few minutes. Pour in the broth […]
Chuck Roast With Vegetables and Gravy is a classic must-know dish that will never disappoint. Chuck Roast With Vegetables and Gravy Preheat oven to 275°F. 6 tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil 3-5 chuck roast Sea salt Coarse ground pepper 1 large yellow onion, quartered 32-48 ounces beef, vegetable, mushroom, or chicken broth (or water) 2 […]
Scandinavian Salad Scandinavian Salad Dill Salad Dressing 1/2 cup sour cream 3/4 cup buttermilk Zest and 1 tablespoon of juice from one fresh lemon 1 package fresh dill, chopped or processed 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper Salad 5 ounces romaine lettuce, spring lettuce, or your favorite chopped salad greens 1 English […]
Breaded Pork Chops
These Breaded Pork Chops are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Breaded Pork Chops 6 pork chops Sea salt Coarse ground pepper 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tablespoon ground sage (optional) 3 eggs 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs 1/4 cup peanut, vegetable, or canola oil Sprinkle both sides of the pork […]
How to Make Gravy
How to make gravy is a skill every home cook needs to know and this Sage Gravy is a great way to learn how to make perfect homemade gravy every time. How to Make Gravy Sage Gravy 1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon butter or olive oil (roux is traditionally equal parts fat & flour but […]
This lemon cake recipe is wonderfully moist and lemony. Lemon Cake Preheat to 350°F. 3/4 cup water 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 cups (or 12 ounces) unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup sour cream 3 large eggs Zest from about 4 lemons (or 6 small lemons) 3 1/2 cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour) […]
How to Make Buttercream Frosting is a trick every baker needs to know. It’s a classic for a reason and so versatile! I’m a professional cake decorator’s daughter and it only took me 12 years to post the most basic frosting recipe of all time. Well, isn’t that just the icing on the cake? How […]
Lemon Curd is a delightfully refreshing treat that is so versatile. Lemon Curd About 8 lemon rinds. 1 cup fresh lemon juice (this will take about 2-3 juicy lemons to create) 1 cup sugar 8 large egg yolks 2 tablespoons arrowroot (or 3 if you’d like it to be firmer) 3/4 cup salted butter Using […]
Jalapeno Popper Brie Bread Bowl is a fun take on jalapeno poppers and is perfect for a game night snack or small dinner appetizer. Jalapeno Popper Brie Bread Bowl Preheat the oven to 350°F. 4 ounces diced pancetta 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 5-6 jalapeno peppers, roasted then minced 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced One […]
This Homemade Spaghetti Noodles recipe is super easy and reliable. These noodles are outta this world and lots of fun to make. Just be sure to review the whole recipe first and follow all the steps. Homemade Spaghetti Noodles 12.5 ounces 00 Flour 5 large eggs Place flour in a mixing bowl. Make a divot […]
Baked Meatballs are delightful on spaghetti, in red wine mushroom gravy, or on a meatball sub sandwich. Baked Meatballs This recipe makes about 35 balls. If you prefer your balls in pairs, you can make 36. Preheat oven to 350°F. 3/4 cup milk 2 teaspoons vinegar 5 eggs 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 cup […]
Oatmeal Streusel Oatmeal Streusel 3 cups oatmeal 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 cups butter, cut into small pieces Place the ingredients into a large food processor and press pulse just until the ingredients come together just enough to make a lovely, crumbly streusel. A food processor is easier: but, […]
Blackberry Ice Cream is a special treat in the summer but this recipe can also be changed up if you’d like to use a different berry. Blackberry Ice Cream Makes about three-fourths of a gallon of ice cream. 1 pound fresh blackberries or defrosted frozen blackberries 3 cups sugar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice […]
Peach Cobbler is a perfect summer treat. Top with high-quality vanilla ice cream for one of the best desserts of your life. Peach Cobbler Serves 10-12. Preheat oven to 350°. Peach Filling 3-4 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced or diced 1/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 […]
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 […]
Dijon Cheddar Sauce
Dijon Cheddar Sauce is velvety and dreamy – a perfect addition to Chicken Cordon Bleu, Sautéed Asparagus, even bratwurst, and so many other dishes. Dijon Cheddar Sauce 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup butter, unsalted 7 tablespoons flour 1 cup white wine 2 1/2 cups milk or half and half 1/2 cup dijon mustard 1 […]
Cherry Pie Bars are a lovely summer treat and will last for a long time in the refrigerator or, of course. freezer. Cherry Pie Bars See these links to Oatmeal Streusel crust or Sweet Cream Cheese Filling options. Makes twenty 2.5″ bars if cut 4 X 5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cherry Filling 6 cups sweet pitted […]
Vanilla Cake With Raspberry Filling and Cream Cheese Frosting is a sight to behold. Swirly goodness and mercy she is a delight! Vanilla Cake With Raspberry Filling and Cream Cheese Frosting Serves 8-12 people. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 recipe Raspberry Jam (or 13-16 ounces of store-bought is fine too) 2 3/4 cups cake flour […]