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...]
Search Results for: homemade
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...]
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...]
Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Sauce
A stir-fry sauce specifically created for your Asian flavored chicken meals. The sauce is simple to prepare and has multiple uses. You will love this sauce if you prepare a lot of Asian quick meals at home or if you are into spicy world food. TL;DR I came up with this Asian-style chicken stir-fry sauce as I was looking to add more flavors into the stir-fry to … [Read more...]
Italian Salad Pizza
A Salad Pizza has been trending in Europe and if you have visited Italy lately, you will have come across this pizza in a takeaway place. Here is how you can create this refreshing and aesthetically pleasing pizza at home! TL;DR Salad Pizza (or Pizza Salad) is a pizza crust baked and topped with fresh ingredients just before it's served. The pizza is enjoyed at … [Read more...]
Pineapple Cardamom Ginger Juice
Fresh pineapple and ginger juice, flavored with a hint of aromatic green cardamom. A trio of fruity fresh and warm flavors in the shape of a homemade juice. You don't need a juicer to make this juice at home. The juice making method involves a blender. TL;DR I think I discovered this juice flavoring combo in India as we were traveling the Himalayas. One of the … [Read more...]
Italian-American Food Favs That Took Over the US
I LOVE Italian-American foods because it's comfort food at its best. Authentic Italian food is spectacular, but Italian-American food just screams homemade comfort food. I have compiled a list of my top favorite Italian-American meals. The one that didn't make it is the Hawaii Pizza because it's Canadian. … [Read more...]
Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
A quick stir-fried Thai basil chicken to add to your Asian dinner rotation. Perfect if you love ground chicken meals, Thai street food classics and effortless meals. This is my take on the popular Thai dish that I picked up from one of our visits to Thailand. TL;DR Thai basil chicken is known as a fragrant street food dish in Thailand. Locally, it's called Phat … [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...]
17 Fun Recipes to Use Pesto
Did you know that you can enhance any meal or savory treat with a jar of pesto or with a batch of homemade pesto? I'm thinking beyond pasta, fun and delicious foods that could probably also save meal time because a jar of pesto can cut down on prepping time. I have collected 17 recipes that can be prepared with the most classic Italian Basil pesto or any other pesto … [Read more...]
How to Make Guava Purée from Fresh Fruits
The making of homemade Guava Purée involves a process to extract the stone hard small seeds. I explain how to do that in ease. TL;DR Guava purée is made from fresh guava fruits, and it's the base of many drinks and desserts. The purée is also known as guava pulp. You will want to make guava purée if you find yourself with a surplus of fresh fruits, which need to be … [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...]
Alla Vodka Sauce Recipe
The Alla Vodka Sauce is a tomato cream-based pasta sauce. It's velvety and smooth, thanks to the vodka, which binds this fantastic tasting pasta sauce. Ingredient Notes Parmesan is used as a topping. Sprinkle some over your pasta and sauce. Process Overview Step 1 Sauté onion and garlic soft in olive oil and pour in your tomato sauce. Step 2 Stir in the … [Read more...]
Date Passion Fruit Chutney
My date and passion fruit chutney is a sweet and tangy blender chutney that comes together within minutes. It's a velvety fruit chutney that you can spread over your bread, or use as a dip. TL;DR Modern chutneys come in all forms and are originally derived from Indian chutneys, which are traditionally pounded and nowadays usually blended. (e.g., Cilantro Mint … [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...]
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...]
Shiitake Mushroom Dashi
This Dashi is a simple Japanese dashi broth that is prepared with dried shiitake mushrooms. Dashi is Japanese broth that is used as a base to prepare a clear soup. It's one of the many dashi types that people prepare at home in Japan and it's almost effortless. TL;DR I love this dashi with shiitake mushrooms because it's super simple, budget-friendly and completely … [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...]
Pan-Fried Spiced Eggplant Slices
Eggplant slices soaked in a spiced umami rich marination and pan-fried golden brown. This is a Goa, Indian recipe that my husband's family taught me, and I thought you guys would appreciate this fun dish. TL;DR Paul's family has been making these skillet fried eggplants (aubergines). They are special because the eggplant slices are left to infuse in a marination … [Read more...]
Black Bean and Corn Chili with Shredded Chicken
Hearty black beans and vibrant corn are left to simmer in a concoction of aromatic spices with shredded chicken. This is a one-pot, quick last minute I-don't-know-what-to-cook meal. You can adjust the heat or skip adding chili or hot sauce all together. TL;DR Add this dump and cook meal to your dinner rotation if you struggle coming up with effortless dishes that are … [Read more...]
Universal Indian Curry Paste Recipe
A universal Indian curry paste recipe to add to your precious homemade curry paste collection. I designed this quick to prepare Indian-style paste as a base to use with various vegetables and proteins. You can get creative in your kitchen and adjust your curries to your liking. TL;DR A curry paste is a kitchen hack that not many people are aware of, and it can help … [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...]
24 Nourishing Bowls for Cold & Flu Season
It is flu season again, and I just went through the motion of having to eat soups to feel better once more. I'm certainly not alone, and I know that a bowl of a homemade nourishing soup can be a gift. Therefore, I have compiled this handy list of 24 soups that are perfect to beat the chills anytime in the year. They are generally quick and straightforward to … [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...]
Japanese Curry Sauce Recipe
This rich and flavorful Japanese curry sauce is a game-changer for any meal. Perfect with rice, crispy katsu, or veggies, and so easy to make at home! I break it down step by step, showing you how to make this 5 ingredient curry sauce from scratch with Japanese curry roux. Filmed with Momoko in Goa, who was so gracious to share her home recipe with us. We have prepared … [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...]
Chicken Udon Noodle Soup Recipe
An udon noodle soup with Japanese shredded chicken, and a homemade dashi broth. I prepared this recipe with Momoko, our in-house Japanese food expert. TL;DR This soup is rather simple to put together, although the list of ingredients and the process suggest otherwise. You don't need to feel intimidated because once you have prepared this soup, you will understand … [Read more...]
Asian Salad Dressing Ideas That Will Transform Your Salads
Salads don’t have to be boring, especially when you can dress them up with bold, Asian-inspired flavors. These simple dressing ideas are packed with tangy, sweet, and savory notes that’ll have you craving your greens. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at plain salads the same way again! … [Read more...]
Awase Dashi: Japanese Bonito Kombu Stock
Homemade awase dashi is a Japanese stock made of bonito flakes and kombu kelp. Together with Momoko, our resident Japanese food expert, we prepared awase dashi so that you can use it to make your favorite Japanese soups. TL;DR Awase Dashi is one of the most common combinations of Japanese dashi preparations, and in Japanese, Awase, means to combine or to … [Read more...]
5 Layer Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce
5 Layers of pasta with a tomato meat and a béchamel sauce, a crunchy golden cheesy topping, all baked to perfection. This is how we make our gourmet lasagna, and you can do so as well with my recipe. TL;DR The lasagna contains 5 juicy layers of béchamel and tomato meat sauce, and everything is prepared from the base up. In the recipe I first show you how to make the … [Read more...]
5 Ingredient Tomato Pesto Panini
A crunchy Italian panini stuffed with green pesto and fresh tomato slices makes for a satisfying and effortless lunch. Make it in the panini press or over the stovetop, I show you how. TL;DR We have been enjoying a lot more Panini sandwiches for lunch since we traveled to northern Italy a while back. I guess, these Italians revamped our lunch habits for the better … [Read more...]
Nourishing Mung Bean Coconut Milk Dessert
A simple, wholesome dish with mung beans cooked in coconut milk. It's low in sugar and therefore suited as a fitness snack or dessert. TL;DR This recipe is one of Paul's (my husband's) favorite desserts, as it is wholesome and simple to prepare. The mung beans are soaked, boiled and then at the end cooked in coconut milk and some sweetener. It's not that sweet, … [Read more...]
Mayocue Recipe: BBQ Mayo Sauce (Copycat)
Mayocue is a dipping sauce combination of Mayonnaise and BBQ. It's great with fries, nuggets, hot dogs and the like. I was out of the Heinz version and made my own several times, experimenting with different BBQ and Mayonnaise variations. This is my ultimate Mayocue recipe favorite! Ingredient Notes Just 2 ingredients make this Mayocue, but the choice of sauces will … [Read more...]
Dutch Oven Beef Stroganoff Recipe
A homemade beef stroganoff recipe with mushrooms prepared in the Dutch Oven for maximum flavor and perfectly cooked meat. TL;DR Use a Dutch oven to make the most tender beef stroganoff in existence. It's an effortless recipe cooked in the Dutch oven, and you can't get it wrong if you follow my step-by-step instructions. The best part is the velvety smooth and creamy … [Read more...]
8 Seasonal Holiday Jam, Jelly and Marmalade Recipes
Homemade jam, jelly, and marmalade are the kind of gifts that show you care. They're simple to make, taste wonderful, and bring a little holiday joy to anyone who gets them. Here are 8 handpicked jam, jelly and marmalade recipe ideas that are prepared with seasonal ingredients. Make them now to gift to your loved ones! These fruit preserves are all French-style recipes. … [Read more...]
Tuna Ritz Cracker Appetizer
Paul has this nifty appetizer recipe that he likes to prepare to entertain our family and friends. Ritz crackers are topped with a tuna salad mix, and the result is a flavor packed masterpiece! TL;DR Technically, Paul didn't invent this recipe. Tuna cracker appetizers are part of his Asian heritage. They prepare these easy party bites during the holidays in his … [Read more...]
Spicy Mayochup Recipe
The Mayochup has many names, and it is the ultimate sauce combination that I grew up with. We call it a Cocktail Sauce in Europe and I have heard others also call it the Sexy Sauce, the Marie Rose Sauce or the Pink Sauce. Ingredient Notes If you don't want it spicy, or if you are making this for kids, skip the hot sauce. How to make it? Step 1 Place Ketchup, … [Read more...]