Month: September 2021

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas are one of our favorite cool weather dinners. I start this dish by braising chicken with tomatoes and cilantro until it’s fall apart tender. Next, I make a rich and creamy Green Chile Sauce. One thing I like about this meal, 

Miso Pork Noodle Bowls

Miso Pork Noodle Bowls

Miso Pork Noodle Bowls are one of our favorite fall dinners. I love these bowls for several reasons. First of all, I love that this is a one dish dinner. So, I don’t have to worry about making any side dishes. Secondly, I like that 

Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce

Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce

Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce is one of our favorite pasta toppings. I love this sauce for several reasons. First of all, I like that this recipe makes enough for four dinners for my family. Secondly, I like that I can store this sauce in the freezer. That way, I can easily defrost it for a quick dinner. And, lastly, I love how warm and comforting this sauce is. On a cool night, this is the perfect sauce to add to any pasta.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Dutch Oven- I cooked my sauce in my six quart Le Creuset enameled cast iron Dutch oven. But, you can use any large pot.
  • A Food Processor- This isn’t essential, but I used my food processor to dice up the celery, onions, carrots, and garlic.

The Ingredients Needed for Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce

  • Oil- Use extra virgin olive oil. It adds great flavor to this sauce. I like California Olive Ranch brand.
  • Bacon- This also adds great flavor to the sauce. I like Niman Ranch brand.
  • Carrots- Be sure to peel your carrot before chopping it. I prefer organic carrots.
  • Celery- Use some of the celery leaves, too.
  • Garlic- I like to buy the peeled cloves and keep them in my freezer.
  • Ground Beef- Use ground chuck.
  • Tomatoes and Tomato Paste- I like the Muir Glen brand.
  • Wine- Use a good red wine. I prefer Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Nutmeg- Grate whole nutmeg into your sauce.
  • Chicken Stock- I always use homemade stock. My recipe is attached below.
  • Milk- Be sure to use whole milk.

How I Made my Sauce

  • First, I slowly browned all the veggies. Take care to not burn the veggies.
  • Next, I added the meat and cooked it until it was no longer pink.
  • Then, I added the rest of the ingredients and simmered it for an hour and a half. Stir often.

If you’re a pasta lover, you need to try this rich and hearty Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce.

Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce
Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce
Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce

Easy Homemade Bolognese Sauce

A rich Italian tomato sauce filled with ground beef, tomatoes, and vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup each chopped bacon and onions
  • ¾ cup each diced carrots and celery
  • 2 tbsp. minced garlic
  • pounds ground chuck meat
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon or other red wine
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese rinds
  • ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ¼ tsp. nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large Dutch oven on low heat. Add the oil, onions, bacon, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about ten minutes, until all the vegetables are nice and soft, and the bacon is starting to brown. Stir frequently.
  • Add the beef, and cook for about five minutes, just until it's no longer pink. Add the tomato paste, salt, and pepper and cook for three minutes. Add the wine and cook for five minutes.
  • Add the chicken stock, milk, tomatoes, Parmesan rinds, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Simmer for an hour and a half, stirring frequently, and scraping down the sides of the pot.
  • Remove the bay leaves and cheese rinds. Add the nutmeg and thyme.
  • To serve with pasta, just stir about a quarter of the sauce into a pound of cooked pasta. Add extra Parmesan and fresh basil and serve. Freeze the rest of the sauce in three separate containers. Use for three more dinners.
Keyword beef
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Chicken Stock

Chicken Stock

Homemade chicken stock
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups

Ingredients
  

  • lbs. chicken breasts and wings with skin and bones
  • 10 cups water
  • 2 peeled onions
  • 2 peeled carrots
  • 3 peeled parsley roots
  • 1 tbsp. kosher salt
  • 4 stalks celery
  • 1 peeled parsnip
  • 2 tbsp. garlic cloves
  • 1 cup fresh parsley and fresh dill

Instructions
 

  • Put the chicken and the salt in a large, tall pot and cover with ten cups of cold water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes, skimming any scum that forms.
  • Add all the vegetables and herbs and simmer for two and a half hours. Pour the soup through a strainer to remove everything but the broth.
Keyword chicken soup, chicken stock, stock
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Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream Cake

Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream Cake

Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream Cake is one of our favorite ice cream desserts. I love this cake because it has three delicious layers. In the bottom layer, I put vanilla ice cream. I stir a chopped- up milk chocolate hazelnut bar into that. Then, I 

Eggplant Balls and Pappardelle Pasta

Eggplant Balls and Pappardelle Pasta

Eggplant Balls and Pappardelle Pasta is one of our favorite meatless meals. I love this dish for several reasons. First of all, this is a totally meatless meal. I like making this for our guests who don’t eat meat. Because, even though it’s meatless, this 

Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Strawberries and Cream French Toast is one of our favorite breakfast recipes. I love this dish for several reasons. First of all, this is the easiest French toast, because it bakes in the oven. Secondly, I like that it makes enough to feed the whole family. Thirdly, I like that it’s not overly sweet or heavy. And, lastly, I adore the fresh strawberries and whipped cream topping on this toast. Truly, this is the best French toast to enjoy whenever strawberries are in season.

The Equipment Needed

  • A Casserole- I used a nine inch long oval Le Creuset stoneware casserole. You could also use a 9×5 rectangular casserole. Just be sure to butter it very well.
  • An Electric Mixer- Use this to beat your whipped cream. Use the whisk attachment and for best results, chill the bowl and whisk before you start cooking.

The Ingredients Needed for Strawberries and Cream French Toast

  • Butter- Be sure and use unsalted butter.
  • Eggs- Use large eggs.
  • Half and Half- Don’t substitute milk.
  • Bread- Use a French baguette.
  • Nutmeg- I like to grate my own nutmeg.
  • Heavy Cream- Use this to make your whipped cream.
  • Strawberries- In my opinion, organic strawberries taste the best.
  • Maple Syrup- You may want to add some of this to your French toast.

How I Made my French Toast

  • First, I arranged all my bread slices in the casserole.
  • Next, I mixed the eggs and half and half together and then poured it all over the bread. It’s important to make sure the bread is coated on both sides with the egg mixture.
  • Then, I sprinkled cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar all over the bread.
  • Next, I added melted butter and then baked the casserole.
  • Then, while the toast baked, I whipped my cream. Take care to not overbeat your cream.
  • Finally, I served my toast with powdered sugar, strawberries, and whipped cream.

If you like strawberries, you need to try this easy and delicious Strawberries and Cream French Toast.

Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Strawberries and Cream French Toast

A baked French toast casserole topped with strawberries and whipped cream.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • A small, shallow oval casserole (9 inches long)
  • An electric mixer ( for whipping the cream)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp. unsalted butter ( for greasing the pan)
  • 6 ounces French bread, cut in 9 one inch slices
  • 3 large beaten eggs
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp. grated nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp. melted unsalted butter
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 2 cups halved strawberries
  • 2 tbsp. powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the casserole very well with the butter. You can also chill your mixer bowl and whisk attachment.
  • Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in your casserole. Squeeze them in so that there are no spaces between the slices.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, vanilla, and salt.
  • Pour the egg mixture over the bread, and then turn each slice of bread over so that both sides are coated.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this all over the top of the bread slices.
  • Drizzle the melted butter all over the bread slices. Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, or until a knife comes out dry when inserted in the bread.
  • While the casserole bakes, place the whipped cream and granualted sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. With the whisk attachment beat on high until swirls appear at the top of the cream. Lift the whisk. If a peak of cream hangs off the whisk, you've whipped it enough. Chill until serving.
  • When the toast is done, dust it with powdered sugar and serve it with strawberries and cream.
Keyword breakfast
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Cinnamon Apple Topped Pancakes

Cinnamon Apple Topped Pancakes

Cinnamon Apple Topped Pancakes are one of our favorite fall breakfasts. Here in New York, we have a few apple orchards very close to our house. So, on the weekends we love visiting to pick apples. Not only are the apples delicious, but the apple 

Lobster Tacos with Chipotle Aioli

Lobster Tacos with Chipotle Aioli

Lobster Tacos with Chipotle Aioli are one of our favorite summer dinners. I love these tacos for several reasons. First of all, I like that most of this taco dish can be made well ahead of time. Since the lobster salad filling just gets better 

Shrimp and Smoked Gouda Grits

Shrimp and Smoked Gouda Grits

Shrimp and Smoked Gouda Grits is one of our favorite shrimp dinners. Recently, we took a road trip from New York to Mississippi. Along the way, from Virginia to Mississippi, we sampled so many great versions of shrimp and grits. So, ever since we returned to New York, I’ve been inspired to make shrimp and grits all different ways. I start this dish by making creamy, cheesy grits, filled with smoked gouda cheese. Next, I make a rich roux, and then add peppers and onions. Finally, I cook the shrimp in this wonderful sauce. All together, this makes a truly fantastic meal.

The Equipment I Used

  • Dutch ovens- I used two Dutch ovens, one for the shrimp, and the other for the grits. If you don’t have Dutch ovens, any four quart saucepans will do.
  • A Whisk- Use a whisk to stir your grits.
  • A Wooden Spoon- I use this to stir my roux and shrimp sauce.

The Ingredients Needed for Shrimp and Smoked Gouda Grits

  • Shrimp- If possible, please use Gulf shrimp. They really have the best flavor and are the most appropriate for this dish. I buy frozen shrimp, since I find them to taste fresher than some of the fresh shrimp. Since in New York, we are no where near the Gulf.
  • Grits- Use white corn grits, but not the instant or quick cooking grits. I always buy the Bob’s Red Mill brand.
  • Bacon- I like the Niman Ranch brand.
  • Cheese- I like the Yancey’s Fancy brand of smoked gouda cheese.
  • Chicken Stock- My homemade stock recipe is attached below.
  • Hot Sauce- I used Crystal hot sauce.

How I Made my Shrimp and Grits

  • First, I cooked the grits. These are very easy to make, and reheat wonderfully.
  • Next, I made the roux. You need to cook the roux until it turns the color of peanut butter. Then, to keep it from burning, add the vegetables.
  • Then, add the shrimp and seasonings. and cook this just until the shrimp are no longer pink, and are cooked through.
  • Finally, I serve the shrimp over the grits.

If you like shrimp, you need to try this delicious Shrimp and Smoked Gouda Grits.

Shrimp and Smoked Gouda Grits
Shrimp and Smoked Gouda Grits
Shrimp and Smoked Gouda Grits

Shrimp and Smoked Gouda Grits

Southern shrimp and grits, featuring smoked gouda grits.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chopped bacon
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp. all purpose flour
  • 1 cup each chopped onion and bell peppers
  • 2 tbsp. minced garlic
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp. each Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. each fresh parsley and thyme
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined Gulf shrimp

For the Smoked Gouda Grits:

  • 2 cups each whole milk and water
  • tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 cup white corn grits (not quick cooking grits)
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 cups smoked gouda cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Smoked Gouda Grits: In a four quart Dutch oven, bring the water, salt, and milk to an almost boil. Stir in the grits and cook over low heat for 15 minutes, whisking occasionally. Stir in the butter. Cover the pot and set aside until the shrimp are ready.
  • In a second Dutch oven, cook the bacon on medium heat until it's crispy. Remove the bacon and dry it on paper towels.
  • To the bacon grease add the butter. Cook on low heat until the butter melts, then add the flour and cook and stir until the roux is the color of peanut butter.
  • As soon as you achieve this color add the onion, peppers, garlic, and salt, and pepper. Cook on medium heat for about 12 minutes, until the veggies are soft and tender. Add the chicken stock and simmer for two minutes.
  • Add the shrimp, Worcestershire, hot sauce, paprika, lemon juice, paprika, parsley, thyme, and the cooked bacon. Cook on medium heat for about six minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Also, stir the cheese into the grits.
Keyword seafood
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Chicken Stock

Chicken Stock

Homemade chicken stock
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups

Ingredients
  

  • lbs. chicken breasts and wings with skin and bones
  • 10 cups water
  • 2 peeled onions
  • 2 peeled carrots
  • 3 peeled parsley roots
  • 1 tbsp. kosher salt
  • 4 stalks celery
  • 1 peeled parsnip
  • 2 tbsp. garlic cloves
  • 1 cup fresh parsley and fresh dill

Instructions
 

  • Put the chicken and the salt in a large, tall pot and cover with ten cups of cold water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes, skimming any scum that forms.
  • Add all the vegetables and herbs and simmer for two and a half hours. Pour the soup through a strainer to remove everything but the broth.
Keyword chicken soup, chicken stock, stock
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Lemon Glazed Blueberry Biscuits

Lemon Glazed Blueberry Biscuits

Lemon Glazed Blueberry Biscuits are one of our favorite tea time treats. To make these biscuits, I make a sweet buttermilk biscuit dough. Then, I fold in blueberries and lemon zest. After I bake the biscuits, I top them with an easy glaze of powdered