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Lemon Basil Lobster Linguini

Lemon Basil Lobster Linguini

Lemon Basil Lobster Linguini is one of our favorite lobster dishes. I start this dish by steaming the lobsters. Then, I steam asparagus and boil linguini. Then I toss it all together with a lemon butter sauce. We like this dish for several reasons. First 

Chicken Ramen with Spring Vegetables

Chicken Ramen with Spring Vegetables

Chicken Ramen with Spring Vegetables is one of our favorite springtime soups. Actually, this soup is so hearty that it can be a complete dinner. I start this soup by simmering up a ginger chicken filled broth. Then, I fill each bowl with this broth, 

Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Bolognese Sauce

Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Bolognese Sauce

Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Bolognese Sauce is one of our favorite pasta dinners. I start this dish by making my rich and delicious Bolognese Sauce. My recipe makes a lot. So, I always have some tucked away in my freezer. Then, I make my homemade ricotta and Parmesan ravioli. We like this dish for several reasons. First of all, I like that both the Bolognese and ravioli can be made ahead of time. Then, I just reheat both in the microwave. Secondly, I really like that this is all homemade. And, so much better than their processed counterparts. And, finally, we all love the rich Bolognese and delectable ravioli.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Food Scale- For perfect ravioli results be sure to weigh your flour.
  • A Ravioli Form- You’ll need this to form the ravioli.
  • A Rolling Pin- Use this to roll out your dough.

The Ingredients Needed for Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Bolognese Sauce

  • Flour- Use all purpose flour for the ravioli. I like King Arthur brand.
  • Ricotta Cheese- I recommend fresh ricotta cheese, if you can find it. For sure, though, use whole milk ricotta.
  • Parmesan Cheese- A good imported Parmesan cheese is called for here.
  • Beef- I like to use ground chuck for the Bolognese, because it’s nice and rich.
  • Tomatoes- Use a good quality canned tomato. I like the Muir Glen brand.
  • Oil-You should use extra virgin olive oil. I like the California Olive Ranch brand.
  • Bacon- Use a good quality bacon. I like the Niman Ranch brand.
  • Wine- You’ll need a good quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Chicken Stock- I always use my homemade stock the recipe is below.
  • Milk- Be sure to use whole milk.

How I Made my Pasta

  • First, I made my Bolognese Sauce. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn.
  • Next, I made the ravioli. Be sure to let your dough rest. This makes it easier to work with.
  • Finally, I topped the sauce with the ravioli. And, remember, this recipe makes enough sauce for a few meals.

If you like meat sauce, you need to try this rich and delicious Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Bolognese Sauce.

Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Bolognese Sauce
Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Bolognese Sauce
Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Vodka Sauce

Homemade Cheese Ravioli

Homemade ravioli dough pressed into a ravioli form, filled with a ricotta and Parmesan filling.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 36 ravioli
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • a ravioli form
  • a rolling pin

Ingredients
  

For the Ravioli Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 2 tbsp. melted chicken fat or vegetable oil
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup whole milk

For the Ravioli Filling:

  • 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Ravioli Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. In a second smaller bowl, mix together the chicken fat or oil, yolks, egg and milk. Stir these liquids into the flour with a fork. Then, knead it on a floured board for 12 minutes. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for one hour.
  • Next, make the Ravioli Filling: Just mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
  • Cut the dough in thirds. Roll out the first third of the dough on a floured board until it's an â…› of an inch thick, into somewhat of a rectangular shape. Flour your ravioli form. Drape the dough loosely over the form. Use your finger to press the dough lightly into each cavity. Fill each cavity with about a teaspoon of cheese filling. Fold more dough on top of the filling. Dust the dough with flour and use the rolling pin to seal the edges. Invert the form to release the ravioli. Cut away any dough scraps. Repeat with the other two thirds of the dough. Place the ravioli on a flour dusted sheet pan. Cover loosely with plastic.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil, and add a teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook six ravioli at a time for about five minutes, or until they float to the top. Drain well and repeat with the rest of the ravioli.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ravioliCalories: 250kcal
Keyword meatless
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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
Calories 300 kcal

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
  • 1½ pounds ground chuck meat
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1½ 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcal
Keyword beef
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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
  

  • 4½ 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 Butter Ravioli with Asparagus

Lemon Butter Ravioli with Asparagus

Lemon Butter Ravioli with Asparagus is one of our favorite springtime dinners. I start this dish by making homemade ravioli. Then, I make a lemon butter sauce. Finally, I toss it all together with steamed asparagus. We like this dish for several reasons. First of 

Lemony Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata

Lemony Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata

Lemony Fettuccini with Peas and Burrata is one of our favorite springtime meals. I start this dish by making a lemony, peppery, garlicky olive oil sauce. Then, I fill it with peas, prosciutto, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Finally, I toss it with egg fettuccini and 

Chicken and Mushroom Wonton Soup

Chicken and Mushroom Wonton Soup

Chicken and Mushroom Wonton Soup is one of our favorite spring soups. I start this soup by making homemade wonton wrappers. Then, I stuff the wontons with a ground pork and cabbage. Next, I make a quick chicken and vegetable soup, filled with lots of veggies. Finally, I put the wontons in the soup and top it with tasty garnishes. We like this soup for several reasons. First of all, I like that this soup can be made ahead of time. Then, I just reheat each bowl in the microwave. Secondly, I like that I can control the salt and spice in this soup, since it’s homemade. I often find restaurant versions of this soup to be too salty and too spicy. And, lastly, we all love the delicious Chinese-inspired flavors in this soup.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Food Processor- You will need this to make the filling for your wontons. If you don’t have a food processor, just mince up the cabbage and stir everything together in a bowl.
  • A Food Scale- For perfect wonton results, use a food scale to weigh your flour.

The Ingredients Needed for Chicken and Mushroom Wonton Soup

  • Mushrooms- I just used plain white mushrooms. But, you could use any mushrooms that you like.
  • Baby Squash- You could also use zucchini.
  • Carrots- Slice them thinly so they cook quickly.
  • Rice Wine Vinegar- You can find this in the Asian section or the vinegar section. You could also use white vinegar.
  • Ginger- You can use fresh or powdered ginger here.
  • Flour- Use all purpose flour for the dumpling wrappers.
  • Ground Pork- You can find this in the meat section of your market near the ground beef.
  • Sesame Oil- You can find this either in the oil section of your market or the Asian section.
  • Chicken Stock- I always use homemade stock. My recipe is below.

How I Made my Soup

  • First, I made my wonton dough. To save time you could always buy wonton wrappers.
  • Next, I stuffed and boiled my wontons.
  • Then, I made the soup.
  • Finally, I added the wontons to the soup and served it.

If you like wontons, you need to try this warm and comforting, Chicken and Mushroom Wonton Soup.

Chicken and Mushroom Wonton Soup
Chicken and Mushroom Wonton Soup
Chicken and Mushroom Wonton Soup

Chicken and Mushroom Wonton Soup

A chicken broth filled with pork and cabbage wontons and vegetables.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 6
Calories 376 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Wontons:

  • 1¼ cups all purpose flour (150g)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup chopped cabbage
  • 1 tbsp. grated ginger
  • 1 clove grated garlic
  • ¼ lb. ground pork
  • 2 tsp. white wine
  • 4 tsp. soy sauce
  • 1 chopped scallion
  • 1 tsp. sesame oil

For the Chicken Soup:

  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp. each rice wine vinegar and light soy sauce
  • ¼ tsp. each red pepper flakes, sugar, ground ginger
  • 1 cup each quartered baby squash and thinly sliced carrots

For the Garnishes:

  • ¼ cup sliced scallions
  • ¼ cup sliced fresno peppers
  • ¼ cup cilantro leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the wonton dough: In a large bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add the eggs and stir until a dough forms. Add one to two tablespoons of water if the dough is too dry. Dump the mixture on to a floured board and knead the dough for 10 minutes.
  • Cover the dough loosely with a floured cloth and let it rest for thirty minutes. Meanwhile, make the filling by combining in a food processor: the cabbage, 1 tsp. of ginger, the garlic, pork, wine, 1 tsp. of the soy sauce, the scallions, and the sesame oil. Pulse until everything is minced together.
  • Divide the dough in half, and roll each half out as thinly as possible. Use a three inch sharp cookie cutter to cut about 30 circles. On each dumpling, place a teaspoon of filling. Wet the edges with water, and fold the circle in half. Bring the two points together to form a wonton and seal with a dab of water. Repeat with rest of dumplings, placing them on a floured tray.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the dumplings for about 12 minutes on a low boil.
  • Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, heat the butter and cook the mushrooms until they're brown. Then add the rest of the soup ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Drain the wontons and serve with the soup. Top each bowl with the garnishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcal
Keyword chicken soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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
  

  • 4½ 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!
Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dip

Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dip

Spinach Artichoke Parmesan Dip is one of our favorite springtime appetizers. I start this dish by braising convenient frozen artichoke hearts. Then, I cook some fresh baby spinach. Finally, I mix the veggies with cheeses and microwave it or bake it. We like this dip 

Maple Bourbon Shrimp and Salmon

Maple Bourbon Shrimp and Salmon

Maple Bourbon Shrimp and Salmon is one of our favorite springtime dinners. I begin this dinner by stir frying snow peas. Then, I quickly cook the salmon and shrimp on the stove top. Finally, I top everything with a delicious Maple Bourbon Sauce. We like 

Spaghetti Florentine with Chicken and Spinach

Spaghetti Florentine with Chicken and Spinach

Spaghetti Florentine with Chicken and Spinach is one of our favorite springtime meals. I start this dish by roasting some chicken breasts. While the chicken cooks, I make a light Alfredo sauce. Then, it all gets tossed together with fresh baby spinach, Parmesan, and lemon zest. We like this dish for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this dish in just thirty minutes. Secondly, I like that this dish can be made ahead of time. And, lastly, we all love this creamy, lemony spaghetti.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Large Skillet- Use your largest skillet to make this. That allows the spinach water to evaporate and the sauce to thicken properly.

The Ingredients Needed for Spaghetti Florentine with Chicken and Spinach

  • Spaghetti- I used spaghetti, but you can use any pasta shape that you like. Barilla pasta is my favorite.
  • Spinach- Use fresh baby spinach. I like the Earthbound Farms spinach.
  • Butter- Use unsalted butter. I always use Kerrygold Irish butter.
  • Garlic- I buy the peeled cloves and store them in my freezer.
  • Heavy Cream- Be sure to use heavy cream, not light cream or half and half.
  • Milk- Use whole milk.
  • Parmesan Cheese- Use this to make the sauce, and also to top the pasta.
  • Basil- Fresh basil lends lots of flavor to this dish.
  • Chicken- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I always buy Bell and Evans chicken. I find it the most tender.

How I Made my Spaghetti

  • First, I roasted my chicken. Check your chicken to make sure it’s cooked all the way through. It may need extra time, depending on the thickness of your breasts.
  • Next, I made the spinach. Make sure you cook it until it’s dry.
  • Finally, I made the Alfredo sauce and tossed it all together.

If you like spinach, you need to try this fresh and delicious Spaghetti Florentine with Chicken and Spinach.

Spaghetti Florentine with Chicken and Spinach
Spaghetti Florentine with Chicken and Spinach
Spaghetti Florentine with Chicken and Spinach

Spaghetti Florentine with Chicken and Spinach

Spaghetti tossed with spicy chicken, a light Alfredo sauce, and spinach.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 435 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 3 tbsp. kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 ounces baby spinach
  • ½ cup onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • ½ cup each heavy cream and whole milk
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest

For the Spicy Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp. each extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and paprika
  • â…› tsp. cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Spicy Chicken: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place the breasts in a small baking dish and top with the garlic, spices, butter and olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes. Cut the chicken in bite sized pieces and set aside.
  • Also, make the spaghetti: Bring a large pot with 6 quarts of water to a boil, add the salt and the spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti until it's just al dente. The time for this should be on the box of spaghetti. Drain well.
  • While the spaghetti cooks, make the spinach. In a large skillet on medium heat melt the olive oil. Add the spinach and cook until it's wilted. Drain it and set aside.
  • Also, make the Alfredo sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter on low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion softens, about ten minutes. Add the cream and milk and cook on medium heat, until the mixture thickens about 10 minutes. Stir in the spinach, parmesan, spaghetti and chicken. Serve topped with extra Parmesan, lemon zest and the basil leaves.

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcal
Keyword Chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Steak and Snap Pea Noodles

Steak and Snap Pea Noodles

Steak and Snap Pea Noodles is one of our favorite spring dinners. I start this dish by making a flavorful stir fry sauce. Then, I stir fry fresh sugar snap peas, carrots, and red peppers. Finally, I sear lots of yummy skirt steak and toss