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...]
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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...]
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...]
16 French Crêpes Recipes
Crêpes in France are thin, large delicate pancakes that are either filled with a sweet or savory filling. Many variations exist across the country, and the French traditionally prepare crêpes on fat Tuesday to mark the end of the Carnival season. If you ever get a change to wander around French towns, you will encounter a place known as a Crêperie. These food places, or … [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...]
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...]
11 Ground Beef and Potato Recipes
Ground beef and potatoes is probably one of the most underestimated budget-friendly food combinations out there. Besides, both compliment, each other so well that you will be adding these recipes to your weekly meal rotation in no-time. Most recipes taste better when the temperatures are dipping because potatoes and beef are comfort foods. Here you will find skillet … [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...]
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...]
French Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
A French Vinaigrette dressing that is prepared with fresh lemon juice. This recipe is based on the classic 4 ingredient Vinaigrette Dressing that we traditionally make at home. TL;DR The difference to the classic vinaigrette is that the lemon version is brighter and citrusy, which is perfect for all those who don't like overwhelming vinegar flavors. This … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Hoosier Stew Recipe
The Hoosier stew is a soul-warming dinner meal prepared with green beans, potatoes and smoked sausages. Simple and wholesome, it's a great dish to cook up when you seek food inspiration. TL;DR The Hoosier stew is a staple in Indiana, and it is mostly called that way by German descendants who settled there. Fun fact, the people of Indiana are nicknamed Hoosiers and … [Read more...]
Creamy Cheese Topped Crackers
Crackers topped with spreadable creamy cheese wedge and colorful sweet pepper, olive, and pickle. These are great as a snack or appetizer. Make it for yourself or to entertain your party guests. TL;DR Paul loves spreadable cheese wedges and Ritz crackers, so he combines them to make a quick snack. These can be served as a simple last-minute and budget-friendly … [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...]
Cocktail Sausage & Meatball Skewer Appetizers
I absolutely LOVE little meat party bites on skewers. I'm not alone, family and friends can't get enough of these sausage and meatball cocktail foods. Easy to prepare, irresistible and visually stunning, you get to pamper your guests by serving these fun appetizer skewers with a dipping sauce of your choice. Ingredient Notes Process Overview Step 1 Cut … [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...]
Thanksgiving Soup Ideas: 60+ Ways to Wow Your Guests
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring warmth and comfort to the table, and what better way than with a delicious bowl of soup? From creamy classics to hearty broths, these 60+ soup ideas are sure to impress your guests and set the tone for a memorable holiday feast. … [Read more...]