An apple pie like no other. This is the ultimate upgrade to your standard apple pie. Vanilla custard makes this layered apple pie extra irresistible, and the lattice crust topping is a real showstopper. TL;DR Paul had the grand idea to add vanilla custard to the filling of an apple pie. The concept sounded amazing to me, and I was up for the challenge! Our first … [Read more...]
Search Results for: does
Dutch Oven Roast Beef for Sandwich
Flavor-packed and sliceable cooked Dutch oven roasted beef cuts for your sandwich. It can be meal-prepped for the week. With oven or stovetop cooking instructions. TL;DR Paul makes this outstanding Dutch oven roast beef for sandwiches with a special marination. The recipe is inspired by his mother's roast beef, and he usually likes to cook the meat over the stovetop in … [Read more...]
Salt-Free Chili Seasoning Recipe
A homemade chili seasoning to make the best chili at home, but without the added salt. No salt equals less sodium, which is suitable for a sodium-free diet/ low-salt diet. TL;DR I never understood why some seasoning blends contained added salt or even oil. Sure, oil at least helps in blooming spices when heated, and it's a flavor enhancer, but salt isn't a necessary … [Read more...]
Shredded Beef Salad
A refreshing salad with cooked and seasoned shredded beef and vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, and sweet corn. This salad can be a satisfying lunch meal or a salad served at a BBQ or grill event. TL;DR Paul had the idea to add shredded beef to a salad, and I thought it sounded fantastic! We prepared some BBQ-flavored shredded beef at home, which is super … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Mango (Refrigerator)
A simple and effortless recipe to prepare pickled mangoes at home from scratch. You will need only a handful of pantry ingredients with your fresh mangoes. This recipe is a water-based mango pickle that requires no water-bath canning or special skills. TL;DR We have been busy preparing pickles all summer long, and a mango pickle couldn't be missing from the bucket … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Red Onions (Refrigerator)
In just a few minutes, you can effortlessly prepare fresh red onion slices using this straightforward recipe. Water bath canning is not necessary for this vinegar-based, no-boil, refrigerator recipe. This will save you time, and the pickled onion can be consumed within a few days. TL;DR We have been loving homemade pickled vegetables lately, and the red onion pickle … [Read more...]
Jostaberry Jam Recipe
This jostaberry jam is made with 2 ingredients, and it's all natural, without the addition of artificial ingredients. You will love this jam if you have fresh-harvested jostaberries at home or if you have a frozen batch that needs to be used up. TL;DR The jostaberries are cooked down with sugar to a jam as per our French method at home. Jostaberries are tart and a … [Read more...]
Tomato Tuna Tart Recipe
Tuna and Tomato come together in this savory French tart recipe. My mother has been making this for lunch in the summer months and everybody has been enjoying this family recipe. TL;DR Savory tarts are common all over France, just like the Quiche from the Lorraine region. I don't really know where the tomato tuna tart originated, but I have always seen my family … [Read more...]
10 Minute Pickled Cucumber Slices (Refrigerator)
A simple recipe to prepare fresh pickled cucumber slices in ease within minutes. This is a vinegar-based, no boil, refrigerator recipe which doesn't require water bath canning. It will save you time and the cool cucumber slices can be enjoyed within days. TL;DR We came across the most delightful sliced jarred cucumbers on a grocery shopping trip in Budapest, Hungary, … [Read more...]
Small Batch Passion Fruit Jam Recipe
Passion Fruits are fantastic tropical fruits that deserve to be turned into a sweet and tangy jam. Here is how I prepare my passion fruit jam at home with our homegrown passion fruits. TL;DR Passion fruits are tart, pulpy, super fruity, fragrant, tropical fruits. It's also known as Maracuja in some languages. We grow them in our garden in Goa, we have 2 varieties, … [Read more...]
Dehydrated Cherries in the Dehydrator
Dehydrated cherries are a great way to preserve a fresh home-grown harvest or a bunch of cherries which you found on sale at the grocery store. I provide a comprehensive guide on how to dry cherries at home, including specific instructions, tips, and other valuable information. TL;DR Dehydrated cherries are basically dried fruits, that are left to dry over a period … [Read more...]
Poultry Seasoning (Salt Free)
A salt-free poultry seasoning to add flavors to your chicken, duck, and turkey meat cuts. I have designed this spice blend with flavor, practicality, health (sodium reduced) and availability of spice pantry ingredients in mind. TL;DR I find commercially available poultry seasonings often lacking flavor and quality ingredients. Many include salt and oils. Salt to … [Read more...]
Ground Chicken Nuggets with Herbs
Juicy and flavore-packed, homemade ground chicken nuggets, that are then golden fried in a skillet. I have simplified this recipe so that anybody can prepare these fun and tasty family favorite nuggets at home. TL;DR I prefer ground chicken nuggets for two reasons to nuggets made with chicken breasts or thighs. A major plus point is that you can season the chicken … [Read more...]
How to make Cashew Fruit Juice
Instructions to make Cashew fruit juice at home. Cashew seeds are attached to the fruit, and the cashew fruit apple is tender and tastes delightful when turned into a refreshing juice. Fruit Info Cashew fruits are the fruits of the famed cashew nuts that you get in stores. The seed pod grows and hangs at the bottom of the fruit. The “nut” is extracted from the seed … [Read more...]
Tuna Cucumber Sushi Roll
A Japanese tuna sushi roll, aka makizushi or maki sushi, that you can prepare at home with cooked and seasoned sushi rice. This is the only true Japanese sushi recipe that I'm sharing. All our other inside-out sushi rolls are Japanese inspired and technically very Western. TL;DR Tuna sushi is prepared with raw tuna (not the canned stuff!). Because it's raw fish, I … [Read more...]
2 Ingredient Fry Sauce Recipe
The fry sauce is everyone's favorite at home because it takes only 2 ingredients, and it tastes great with french fries, wedges, chicken tenders and more. In Europe, this sauce is known as a Cocktail sauce (which is not related to the American cocktail sauce) or red white sauce. Ingredient Notes You will need two ingredients that every sauce lover keeps in the … [Read more...]
No-Oil Lemon Rice Egg Drop Soup
Citrus flavors make this wholesome rice egg drop soup lately a highlight in my kitchen. I created this soup with simplicity, sustainability, and ease of preparation in mind and therefore this soup doesn't contain any oil. TL;DR The broth is first infused with freshly grated lemon zest, squeezed lemon juice and seasoning. Eggs are then dropped in with the already … [Read more...]
Garlic Herb Seasoning (Salt Free)
A salt-free garlic herb seasoning that you can easily mix together within minutes at home. Make this homemade herb seasoning blend just the way you need and like it! TL;DR This Mediterranean influenced herb and garlic seasoning doesn't include salt because you don't need salt in a seasoning blend. Salt can always be added and adjusted in a dish at a later time. I … [Read more...]
Creamy Chicken with Bell Pepper, Mushroom Wine Sauce
A one-pan skillet meal with smaller chicken strips, sliced bell pepper, mushrooms in a creamy spiced wine sauce. The spices are mild and compliment the flavors. TL;DR This dish was inspired by central European meals, including the Swiss chicken Geschnetzeltes, the Hungarian chicken paprikash and the chicken version of an Austrian beef goulash. Warm spices, combined … [Read more...]
Grapefruit Infused Water
Water infused with grapefruit is a fruit flavored water that will help you to stay hydrated all day long. Flavor infused waters are also known as spa waters or detox waters. TL;DR I love eating grapefruits and when bottled grapefruit water was popularized in Europe, I couldn't stop drinking this instead of plain water. Flavored waters are super common in Europe and … [Read more...]
Super Lazy Dinner Ideas for Rock-Bottom Energy Days
We have all been there! When cooking feels too much, and we want to avoid another cereal night, and we crave delicious food after a long day at work. This is when these super lazy dinner ideas save the day! The recipes below are low effort, that means most have a low and simple prepping time. Chopping vegetables can be such a time killer! I wanted to avoid this, so if a … [Read more...]
10-Minute Garlic Spinach Skillet
A simple garlic spinach dish prepared in the skillet within minutes. This is a side dish that pairs well with most main course meals. The garlic and olive oil accentuate the beautiful green earthy spinach flavors, and it's one of our all-time favorite side dishes at home. Ingredient Notes Process Overview Step 1 Prep fresh ingredients. Rinse and pat dry spinach, … [Read more...]
Cheesy Baked Polenta and Egg with Bacon
Cheesy polenta with crunchy fried bacon, baked with an egg into a bubbling comforting meal. Polenta is like grits and it's a nutritious budget-friendly ingredient. This recipe is super simple and this is all yours if you love all polenta or grit meals. TL;DR I came across this baked polenta dish as we visited Sinaia back in July 2024, a town in Romania known as the … [Read more...]
16 Salt-Free Seasoning Blends
Skip sodium packed salty herb and spice mixes with this collection of homemade salt-free seasoning recipes. I generally try to avoid adding salt to my seasoning blends because you can always add salt if needed. Salt is technically only a seasoning requirement if it's a rub, but commercial brands like to add salt because it's a cheap ingredient, and it adds umami, … [Read more...]
Baked 3 Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
A loaded Mac and Cheese that is prepared with 3 different cheeses instead of just one. This Mac and Cheese is a baked comfort meal for all pasta and cheese lovers. TL;DR I used three different cheeses in this sauce because each cheese has a purpose. The cream cheese makes it extra creamy, the mozzarella makes it cheesy and the parmesan adds deep cheese … [Read more...]
Asian Tofu Vegetable Soup Recipe
A vibrant clear, oil-free, one-pot, Asian tofu vegetable soup that you can prepare when you are short on time or tired of your day. You will love this soup if you like tofu. It's loaded with fresh vegetables and simple, balanced Asian flavors. TL;DR This soup is somewhat based on my bok choy soup, but it doesn't include oil. It's a dump and cook soup. I usually like … [Read more...]
How to Blanch Almonds to Peel
Blanching Almonds means using a cooking method to loosen the skin to peel the almonds. Here is how it's done at home. Two Methods to Blanch You can blanch your almonds two ways, and both are valid methods. I recommend using the soaking overnight method to soften your almonds. As they soak in the water for hours, they will, ultimately, turn soft. This can be handy … [Read more...]
5 Minute Everything Bagel Seasoning
Everything Bagel Seasoning is a multipurpose seasoning that you can use creatively to pep up your food. It's also one of my favorite seasoning blends if it's homemade. Here is how I make mine from scratch within minutes! Ingredient Notes Process Overview Step 1 Measure all your ingredients. Step 2 Mix them all together. Step 3 Place your homemade … [Read more...]
3 Ingredient Mămăligă Recipe (Romanian Polenta)
Mămăligă is Romania's cooked Polenta dish. We traveled across the country last summer and I highly recommend a visit to Romania! I tried Mămăligă all over the country in different regions and tweaked my recipe to the version I'm sharing here. TL;DR Polenta is omnipresent in Romania and fortunately, I'm a huge polenta fan. This recipe is for you if you love … [Read more...]
Canned Corned Beef and Vegetables
A hearty one-pot recipe idea to use canned corned beef combined with mixed vegetables. Clear up your fridge and use all fresh vegetable leftovers before they spoil with this dinner meal, or go all budget-friendly without compromising on flavor. TL;DR I designed this dish with clearing-out-your-fridge-vegetables in mind. Paul frequently prepares his canned corned beef … [Read more...]
37 Lent Recipes That Make Meatless Meals Exciting
I collected over 37 Lent recipes, that are perfect if you are looking to fast and abstain from meat and alcohol. Here, you will find a rich choice of meals from around the world. Ingredients such as vegetables, seafoods, and eggs are for once the star of the dish. You won't have to go hungry this Lent season! Get inspired with my selection of meatless recipes and save … [Read more...]
Cabbage Ground Chicken Stir Fry
I'm a fan of ultra-fast dinner meals that can be prepared in one pan within minutes, and stir-fried chicken meals are at the top of my list. This particular dish includes subtle Asian flavors and will satisfy even the fussiest eater. TL;DR If you are looking for a budget-friendly meal, this is it! Ground chicken is also rich in protein, and the cabbage will help you … [Read more...]
One Pan Ground Beef and Mixed Vegetables
A one pan, effortless ground beef skillet, or wok dish, with vegetables, that are sitting in your refrigerator, waiting to be used. The seasoning adds some tasty dinner elements to this dish, and you will be making this recipe on repeat. TL;DR We love this one-pan skillet/wok meal, which is packed with fresh vegetables, ground meat and a selection of warm flavorful … [Read more...]
Warm Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Vinaigrette
A warm flavor-packed simple broccoli salad with crispy fried bacon, topped with a vinaigrette. The vinaigrette is made with the bacon drippings, which adds depths of flavors to this salad. TL;DR I like the taste of broccoli and cauliflower lukewarm at room temperature with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. If you add a tiny amount of meat to that, such as in this … [Read more...]
2 Ingredient Puff Pastry Palmier Cookies
I'm not much of a cookie fan, but Palmier cookies are some of my personal favorites because the layers are flaky buttery light. These are French, all-year-round, 2 ingredient cookies that you can prepare at home in ease with a store-bought puff pastry sheet. It doesn't get easier than that! TL;DR To prepare the puff pastry cookies, you will need a full rectangular … [Read more...]
French Date Jam Recipe
French-style date jam is one of the easiest jams to make, and it only takes three ingredients. I follow my families classic French jam-making method, and it turns out perfect every time. TL;DR Dates are most commonly sold dried, and therefore they are dehydrated fruits. Therefore, unlike the conventional method to turning fruits into a jam, we leave the fruits to … [Read more...]
Chicken Puff Pastry Bites
Flaky, golden pastry filled with savory spiced ground chicken—these hand pie triangles are crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside. An easy, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a light meal! TL;DR Do you love savory puff pastry recipes? I surely do because I get to prepare my filling and the result is a golden baked puffy buttery … [Read more...]
20 Brilliant Chicken Noodle Soups
Who doesn't love a bowl of homemade, wholesome chicken noodle soup? I love all global variations of this soup, and therefore compiled a list of my recent favorites. Here you will find predominantly Western as well as Asian chicken noodle soups, and each is memorable in its own right. To create your own unique version, learn how to season your chicken noodle soup. … [Read more...]
Asian Chicken Seasoning Recipe
A homemade Asian flavored chicken seasoning can come handy if you want to cut your prepping time in the kitchen. This recipe is great with most chicken cuts and can be used creatively in your food preparation. TL;DR I came up with this seasoning blend when I needed a spice blend on hand whenever I was roasting chicken or preparing a simple chicken and rice a la Asian … [Read more...]
Prisoner's Pasta (Pasta alla Carcerata)
The prisoner's pasta is a Roman dish with a creamy tomato sausage brandy sauce. This is our latest comfort meal, and you can prepare it in a skillet at the last minute, making it a perfect weeknight dinner meal. TL;DR When in Rome, look out for a Pasta alla Carcerata, which literally translates to Prisoners pasta. If you would rather not wait that long, consider … [Read more...]