For a very long time I have been pondering how I should call these majestic rarer European mountain berries. In the end, I decided to leave it at Lingonberry. You might ask yourself why? Well, I will just let you take a look at the picture below and most probably you will come to a common conclusion. Especially, if you are from the US or Canada, you might … [Read more...]
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How to pick wild Bilberries (European Blueberry)
This guide will show you how we collect bilberries in Europe in the wild. We call them blueberries or “moss” berries, so they are sometimes also known as European blueberries. Before we start, just to be clear: Only pick wild berries if you are certain that they are edible! I will be describing and sharing pictures further down that will help you to get around … [Read more...]
How to peel and devein fresh Shrimp
I show you how to deshell and devein raw and fresh shrimp. This applies to small and large ones. You won't need special kitchen tools for this. 🔪 Why clean shrimp? Shrimp need to be cleaned for food safety reasons and because the shell isn't edible. When someone says they are cleaning a shrimp (or prawn), they mean to say that they are removing the head, shell, … [Read more...]
Layered Apple Custard Pie
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...]
Spiced Plum Chutney Recipe
Fresh plums are turned into a silky smooth, spiced chutney. I created this recipe with a various selection of food combinations in mind. You can use it with your favorite meats, cheeses, breads, and vegetables as a dip, spread, or topping. TL;DR During plum season, I like to prepare a plum jam or plum chutney to retain the juicy fruit goodness of the late summer and … [Read more...]
Garlic Greek Yogurt Sauce Recipe
A universal garlic-flavored Greek yogurt sauce to enjoy with your meats and vegetables. TL;DR My sister made this simple garlic Greek yogurt sauce at a cookout, which she adapted from a sour cream Thermomix recipe. I thought it was a great all-rounder sauce. I adapted it from her version, she also adds curry powder (more version ideas after the recipe card). Use it as … [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...]
German Plum Sheet Cake
A simple plum sheet cake recipe that we prepare in the summer and fall months in Austria and Germany. It's a beginner-friendly and hassle-free cake commonly served during afternoon coffee time. TL;DR In Austria, Germany, and other neighboring regions, it is commonplace to serve a cake in the afternoon hours with coffee and whipped cream. This is when friends, … [Read more...]
Stuffed Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats
Italian sausage fills tender zucchini for a low-carb dinner bursting with flavor. The cheesy topping turns golden and irresistible as it bakes. Quick prep makes it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste. TL;DR Italian pork sausage is flavorful and perfect for stuffing vegetables such as Zucchini. These zucchini boats are well balanced in terms of … [Read more...]
Apricot Purée Recipe
A homemade apricot purée is very versatile. You can mix it into sweet and savory dishes. Here is how I make make a quick flavor-packed purée with fresh apricots. TL;DR I make a batch of this apricot puree when the fruits are in season or when we have a large harvest to process quickly. This particular recipe includes cinnamon and cardamom. These spices complement … [Read more...]
Butter Garlic Pan-Fried Calamari Rings (Squids)
Butter garlic pan-fried squid is a popular beach food in Goa. We love to prepare them at home whenever we get a bunch of fresh calamari. This recipe is great because it's simple, and you can serve the calamari the way it suits you. TL;DR Beach restaurants in Goa are renowned for their fresh seafood, and all our family and friends from Europe travel all the way to … [Read more...]
Lemon Balm Syrup Recipe
Lemon balm syrup is a fragrant and refreshing herbal infusion you can make at home with just a few ingredients. In this post you'll learn how to prepare and store it plus creative ways to use it in drinks, desserts, and more. TL;DR My mother has been making this infused lemon balm syrup, which she sells at the local farmer's market. It's a refreshing way to beat the … [Read more...]
Spiced Asian Cabbage Bacon Skillet
A one-pan Asian-inspired spiced skillet meal with cabbage and bacon as the star ingredients. This is a speedy dinner meal idea that is perfect all year long. I prepare it when I'm late, in a hurry, or starving. TL;DR This bacon and cabbage dish was initially inspired by my fast chicken and cabbage stir fry. Minimal ingredients, but it's a flavorful dish that won't … [Read more...]
Vegetable Casserole Recipes for Every Season
Vegetable casserole recipes that actually taste amazing and don't take hours to prep. These cozy ideas work for weeknights, potlucks, or when the fridge is full of produce that needs using. Find out how to turn simple vegetables into satisfying oven-ovenbaked meals. … [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...]
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...]
15 Fresh Ways to Pair Tomato and Mozzarella
Tomato and mozzarella make a perfect pair, and this roundup brings together 15 of the most mouthwatering ways to enjoy them. From simple classics to creative twists, these recipes highlight just how versatile and satisfying this combo can be. … [Read more...]
Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Dressing
A bright and vibrant vinaigrette dressing infused with fresh Italian basil and tangy lemon flavors. This recipe is based on the classic french vinaigrette. TL;DR A vinaigrette is a French salad dressing made of vinegar, oil, and seasoning. These are much lighter dressings that uplift your food palette and your homemade cooking game. At home, we prepare vinaigrette … [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...]
Instant Mayonnaise Aioli Dip
A shortcut garlic aioli prepared with mayonnaise to save time and effort in the kitchen. This is my lazy aioli recipe version, and you will appreciate this recipe if you don't want to go through the steps to whip up a classic garlic aioli. TL;DR A classic aioli is prepared with olive oil and garlic, and the combo activates a smooth, creamy emulsion when the garlic is … [Read more...]
Ham and Cheese Panini
Ham and cheese, with tomato slices and onion, make this panini an irresistible brunch or lunch meal. Simple but a classic for all panini fans. TL;DR Panini (Panino, when it's just one) in Italy are prepared with soft Italian Ciabatta breads. They are filled and pressed grilled sandwiches that are served hot from the griddle. On the outside, panini are crunchy and on … [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...]
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...]
Pan-Fried Quail Eggs
Quail eggs make for a great substitute for regular chicken eggs, and they are some of our favorite eggs to fry in a pan, besides duck eggs. But they are not built the same way as chicken eggs in fact, the shell is harder and the size makes it a challenge. I share how to break and cook quail eggs in a pan. TL;DR Quail eggs are the eggs from several mid-sized quail … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
14 Chicken and Cabbage Recipes
I like to turn chicken and cabbage into wholesome meals because both compliment each other well. This collection is all yours if you are looking for a way to use this ingredient combination, if you are looking for budget-friendly recipes, or nutritious tasty, last-minute food ideas. … [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...]
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...]
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...]
10 Salmon Pasta Recipes That Belong in Your Dinner Rotation
I don't know about you, but I absolutely adore salmon used in combination with pasta for dinner. The flavors rock, the textures are spot on and to top it all off, an easy way to prepare a comforting or sophisticated meal. It all depends on how you spin it. Here are 10 such pasta and salmon combinations that you can add to your weekly meal rotation. There is something to … [Read more...]