What's perfectly cooked crispy golden chicken tenders without a creamy dipping sauce? I can't get enough of trying different types of chicken tender sauces, the more the merrier. If you can relate to that or if you are just bored with the conventional Ketchup and Mayonnaise, you'll most certainly enjoy this collection of handpicked must-try chicken tender dipping … [Read more...]
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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...]
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 prep time. Chopping vegetables can be such a time killer! I wanted to avoid this, so if a … [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...]
29 Irresistible Asian Rice Dishes from Sweet to Savory
Rice takes center stage in Asia, with flavors that range from bold and savory to rich and sweet. It’s the kind of food that comforts, surprises, and sticks with you. We prepare Asian rice dishes multiple times in a week at home because most recipes are flavore-packed, easy to prepare, budget-friendly meals that do not require special equipment. My focus in this … [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...]
18 Fun Food Names You Can Make at Home!
You might have noticed that I love funny food names. I have been sharing a few recipes with out-of-the-norm names for a while now, but I thought you'd appreciate them all in one place. I'll be, of course, working on extending this list in the near future. My grandfather passed away, at the age of 98, a few months ago and the 1st April was his birthday. He also loved … [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...]
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 … [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...]
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, which 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 as 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 … [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 … [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 marinade and pan-fried golden brown. This is a Goan, 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 marinade, and … [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 altogether. 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...]