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...]
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Homemade Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning
I'm a gigantic fan of Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning, and I use it beyond the classic chicken dish. I love it sprinkled over my meals and as a general food flavoring. That is why I have come up with my fiery version, that contains a selection of spices. Add this seasoning to your collection of hot spice blends. Ingredient Notes Process Overview Step 1 Place … [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...]
Garlic Sautéed Spinach and Tomatoes
Fresh spinach is sautéed with garlic and fresh cherry tomatoes. This is a simple, flavor-packed, minimal effort, side dish that you can prepare in a skillet within minutes. TL;DR Occasionally, a simple side dish is all that you need to complete a weekend dinner meal. This is the case with this skillet spinach and tomatoes. The ingredients are freshly prepared and … [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...]
18 Desserts Prepared in Ramekins
A ramekin is a useful dish for individual small dessert portions. I would go so far to say that the most lavish desserts are baked, molded and served in little ramekins. Either treat yourself or surprise your guests at your next dinner party, you can't go wrong with a collection of stunning desserts prepared in Ramekins. I made sure to pick recipes for this collection … [Read more...]
11 European Seasoning Blends to Transform Your Cooking
Seasoning blends are not that common in Europe compared to Asia or the American continent, but we do have a few flavor-packed herb and spice mixes that we like to add to our food. Here you will find a handful of traditional and modern seasoning blends from across the continents, and therefore from various countries, that you can use to flavor your food. I have only … [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...]
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
A tangy, refreshing, crisp and spicy cucumber salad that comes together within minutes. Serve it as a salad side dish with other main course meals. Ingredient Notes Process Overview Step 1 Slice Cucumbers fine. Step 2 Prepare the dressing by combining finely grated ginger with lime juice and oil. Step 3 Pour dressing over sliced cucumbers in a bowl, top with … [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...]
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...]
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...]
25 Dipping Sauces for Asian Dumplings
My selection of dipping sauces for your Asian dumplings. I have added classic Asian dips, as well as modern creamy Western style dumplings dips to the assortment. The dips are suitable for steamed, boiled and fried Asian dumplings. Try mixing up things by using, for example, a Thai dip with a Chinese dumpling. Asian flavored oils and vinegars are usually drizzled over … [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...]
Fried Egg Tomato Panini
A simple panini idea with fried eggs, tomatoes, and onions. Inspired by Italian road side panini. Make a batch for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or as a snack when you feel hungry. TL;DR This fried egg panini can be enjoyed all day long. No matter if for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack. It was inspired by the Italian panini sold in those food carts in … [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...]
17 Genius Ways to Use Tomato Sauce in Your Cooking
Tomato Sauce is an underestimated ingredient in our kitchen, and you surely have taken it for granted at this point. Yet, the humble tomato sauce has saved me countless times when I didn't know what to prepare for dinner. Therefore, I thought you might want to access this pool of recipes prepared with tomato sauce. Each one stands apart, ensuring your inspiration … [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...]
19 Homemade American Spice Blends That Make Every Meal Better
North American spice blends, seasonings, and rubs improve every meal. Don't you agree? Here are some of my current 19 favorites from the US and Canada, that you can make straightaway in your kitchen! Please let me know if I missed your favorite seasoning blend, and I shall add it to my trial bucket list. … [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 soup to feel better once more. I'm certainly not alone, and I know that a bowl of 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 prepare, … [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...]
16 Asian Spice Blend Seasoning Ideas
Big flavors, simple blends. These Asian seasoning ideas bring a punch to any meal, adding bold, spicy, or aromatic notes. A little sprinkle goes a long way in making everyday dishes taste way better. From South, East, Central to Western Asia, here are 16 seasoning spice blends to ignite your creativity in the kitchen. There is something from all over and a few are … [Read more...]
17 Sausage and Beans or Lentils Dinner Meal Combo Ideas
Sausage with beans or lentils is my ultimate comfort meal. Hearty, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor, you can’t go wrong with a dinner that’s rich, satisfying, and so easy to make. Most of these one-pot dishes are simple, filling, and bring back the best childhood memories. I’m always on the lookout for the best ideas, and these are the recipes every food … [Read more...]
17 Sauerkraut Dinners You Haven’t Tried Yet
Sauerkraut isn't just a side. It brings bold flavor to hearty, comforting meals that are easy to make and perfect for dinner. Go for a classic dish or try something different. Either way, these sauerkraut meals won’t disappoint. I'm sharing these recipes, which you can add to your weekly meal rotation for a simple, flavorful change. By the way, If you are into … [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...]
12 One-Pan Egg Dinners That'll Change Your Weeknights
Eggs make the perfect base for quick, satisfying dinners, and these one-pan recipes prove just how versatile they can be. I could eat eggs every day, and therefore I introduce you to these eggs-as-a-dinner collection of meals. In Central Europe, we generally do not consider eggs breakfast material, instead eggs are valued as a great dinner addition. As it turns out, … [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...]
Gourmet Beanie Weenies
Beanie Weenies is a true comfort food meal, and it brings back the 80s and 90s in my kitchen. Prepare this effortless one-pot, 20 minute dinner that comes with an upgraded, hard-to-resist, flavoring profile. TL;DR I grew up eating beanie weenies, and it was always one of my favorite meals. You might also know this dish as beans and franks or frankfurter and beans … [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...]
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...]
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...]
40 Pantry Dinners to Get You Through a Snowstorm
When the snow piles up and stepping outside isn’t an option, it’s time to get creative with what you have on hand. From hearty pasta and rice dishes to protein-packed beans, lentils, eggs, and ground chicken or beef, these 40 pantry-friendly meals are both comforting and surprisingly delicious. … [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...]
Cream Cheese Bell Pepper Dip
A velvety cream cheese party dip enriched with sweet bell peppers and a few complimenting spices. Our guests couldn't get enough of it, that I had to share it with everyone. TL;DR Originally, I would prepare my jalapeño pepper cream cheese dip, but some of my friends are simply not into hot foods. In fact, they love red and yellow sweet peppers (aka bell pepper or … [Read more...]