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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 …

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 for several reasons. First of all, I like that this dip can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving. Secondly, I like that this dip can be baked in the microwave. And, lastly, we all love the creamy and cheesy flavors in this dip.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Food Processor- I use this to chop up all my veggies. You could use just use a knife.
  • A Baking Dish- I used a one quart ceramic baking dish to bake my dip in.

The Ingredients Needed for Spinach Artichoke and Parmesan Dip

  • Artichokes- Use frozen artichoke hearts. They do not need to be defrosted.
  • Oil- Be sure to use extra virgin olive oil. I like the California Olive Ranch brand.
  • Garlic- I buy the peeled cloves and store them in my freezer.
  • Thyme- Fresh thyme adds great flavor to the artichokes.
  • Lemon Juice- Use freshly squeezed lemon.
  • Bay Leaf- Bay leaves add lots of flavor to this dish.
  • Creme Fraiche- You can find this with the gourmet cheeses.
  • Cream Cheese- Use very soft cream cheese.
  • Parmesan Cheese- Use a good quality imported Italian Parmesan cheese.

How I Made my Dip

  • First, I braised my artichokes.
  • Next, I cooked the spinach. Your spinach should be dry when you’re done cooking it.
  • Then, I processed the spinach and artichokes together in my food processor.
  • Next, I stirred in the cheeses.
  • Finally, I baked the dip in the oven until it was hot. I served mine with lots of veggies. But, it would also be great with toasted bread.

If you like artichokes, you need to try this creamy Spinach Artichoke and Parmesan Dip.

Spinach Artichoke and Parmesan dip
Spinach Artichoke and Parmesan Dip
Spinach Artichoke and Parmesan Dip

Spinach Artichoke and Parmesan Dip

A creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

For the Braised Artichokes:

  • 10 ounces frozen artichoke hearts
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves sliced garlic
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¼ tsp. kosher salt and black pepper

To Assemble the Dip:

  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 4 ounces creme fraiche
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by roasting the artichokes and peppers: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the peppers on a baking sheet and bake for one hour. Put the frozen artichokes in a Dutch oven along with the oil, garlic, the thyme, lemon juice, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Cover and bake for one hour.
  • While the artichokes bake, prepare the rest of the ingredients: In a large skillet on medium heat, add the oil and the spinach and cook the spinach until it's wilted and dry. Drain it in a colander and press out any water.
  • When they're done, remove just the artichokes from the pot and place them in the food processor along with the spinach. Process until they're chopped and blended. Empty them into a mixing bowl and stir in the creme fraiche, cream cheese, and a half cup of the Parmesan.
  • Spoon everything into a one quart baking dish and top with the rest of the Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or microwave it for a few minutes.
    Serve hot with veggies or sliced bread.
Keyword appetizers
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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 …

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 it all together with rice noodles. We like this dish for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this dish in just thirty minutes. Secondly, this dish reheats very well. That means I can make it early in the day, and then reheat it in the microwave. And, lastly, we all love the Thai inspired flavors in this dish. We recently had Thai takeout and the steak was terribly overcooked. And there weren’t enough vegetables. That’s what inspired me to make this dish at home.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Cast Iron Skillet- I used a cast iron skillet to make my steak and noodles. But you can use any large skillet.

The Ingredients Needed for Steak and Snap Pea Noodles

  • Sugar Snap Peas- You could also use snow peas. Cut them in half.
  • Red Bell Pepper- Slice them thinly.
  • Carrots- Peel and thinly slice them.
  • Garlic- I like to buy the peeled cloves and store them in my freezer.
  • Noodles- I used Annie Chun Pad Thai rice noodles.
  • Oyster Sauce- You can find this condiment in the Asian section of your market.
  • Sweet Soy Sauce- This can also be found in the Asian section.
  • Low Salt Soy Sauce- You can use full salt soy sauce if you prefer.
  • Rice Wine Vinegar- You can find this in the Asian section of your market, or the vinegar section.
  • Oil- Use vegetable oil to stir fry the steak. I prefer olive oil, but it’s not good for cooking on high heat.
  • Peanuts-I used Planter’s peanuts. Chop them up and use them as a garnish.
  • Basil- Fresh basil leaves add lots of flavor to this dish.
  • Steak- I used tender skirt steak. Be sure to slice it thinly, against the grain.

How I Made my Steak Stir Fry

  • First, I cooked the veggies. Don’t overcook them. They should be crisp tender.
  • Next, I cooked the steak. With a pot pan, the steak will cook quickly.
  • Then, I tossed the noodles and sauce together in the hot pan. And I added the veggies.
  • Finally, I garnished the dish with the peanuts and basil.

If you like steak, you need to try this tender and tasty, Steak and Snap Pea Noodles.

Steak and Snap Pea Noodles
Steak and Snap Pea Noodles
Steak and Snap Pea Noodles

Steak and Snap Pea Noodles

Tender skirt steak, snap peas, red peppers, and carrots mixed with rice noodles and a Thai inspired sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp. each oyster sauce and rice wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup sweet soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp. low salt soy sauce
  • 8 ounces wide rice noodles
  • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1½ cups each sugar snap peas (halved), thinly sliced carrots, and thinly sliced red peppers
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1 pound skirt steak, very thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 tbsp. peanuts, chopped
  • ¼ cup basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, vinegar, sweet soy sauce, and low salt soy sauce. Set aside. This will be your stir fry sauce.
  • Next cook the rice noodles. Boil them according to the package directions. Drain and rinse them.
  • While the noodles cook, heat a cast iron skillet on medium heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add more oil, if needed, as you cook this dish. Add the snap peas, carrots, peppers, and garlic and stir fry for 3 minutes. Remove to a plate.
  • Turn the heat to high and sear the steak slices in four batches. Brown them on both sides and then add them to the plate with the veggies.
  • Turn the heat back to medium and add the sauce and the noodles to the pan. Toss together until the noodles are fully coated and warmed through. Add the steak and vegetables and toss until combined.
  • Garnish the dish with the peanuts and basil.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal
Keyword beef
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese

Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese

Jalapeno Popper Macaroni and Cheese is one of our favorite cozy winter meals. Although it’s actually spring, our weather today is as cold as any winter day. So, I want to make a hot winter meal tonight to warm us up. I start this dish …

Salmon with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Salmon with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Salmon with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice is one of our favorite fish dinners. I start this dish by sprinkling my salmon with lots of spices. Then, I cook it in a skillet with a little butter. Next, I make some creamy coconut milk infused …

Tossed Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette

Tossed Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette

Tossed Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette is one of our favorite spring salads. I start this simple salad by tossing together lettuces, tomatoes, olives, red peppers, fresh mozzarella, and shaved Parmesan. Then, I added on my homemade Basil Pesto Vinaigrette. We like this salad for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this salad in only fifteen minutes. Secondly, I like that this salad is hearty enough to be a main course. I served it with some crusty Italian bread and it was a filling and delicious meal. Thirdly, I like that this is a meatless meal. Since, we don’t like to eat meat every day. And, lastly, we all love how delicious this salad is.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Food Processor- You’ll need this to make the Basil Pesto Vinaigrette.
  • A Salad Spinner- Use this to dry your salad greens. If your lettuce is wet the dressing will not cling to it.

The Ingredients Needed for Tossed Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette

  • Parmesan Cheese- Use a vegetable peeler to shave large pieces off your Parmesan block.
  • Mozzarella Cheese- If you can use a good quality fresh mozzarella cheese. It is the star of this salad.
  • Olives- I used green Italian olives, but you can use whatever olives that you like.
  • Lettuce- Use a mixture of romaine and baby lettuces.
  • Olive Oil- I always use California Olive Ranch extra virgin olive oil. I like its nice mild flavor.
  • Vinegar- Use a white balsamic vinegar.
  • Garlic- I buy the peeled cloves and store them in my freezer.
  • Basil-Fresh basil is a must here.

How I Made my Salad

  • First, I tossed together all the salad ingredients.
  • Then, I made the Basil Pesto Vinaigrette in my food processor. Be sure to taste it to see if it needs more cheese or a pinch of salt.
  • Finally, I tossed it all together in a big bowl.

If you like pesto you need to try this delicious and fresh Tossed Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette.

Tossed S
Tossed Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette
Tossed Salad with Ba

Tossed Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette

A Tossed Salad filled with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, red peppers, olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan. And, topped with a Basil Pesto Vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad, Vegetables
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups chopped romaine and baby lettuce
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • ½ cup olives
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cut in half inch cubes
  • 1 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup sliced red onion
  • ½ cup shaved Parmesan

For the Basil Pesto Vinaigrette:

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, toss together the lettuces, cheeses, tomatoes, red onions, red peppers, and olives.
  • In the food processor, process together all the Basil Pesto Vinaigrette ingredients. Add as much dressing as you like to the salad bowl and toss it all together.
Keyword meatless, salad, vegetables
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Broccoli Cheddar and Bacon Quiche

Broccoli Cheddar and Bacon Quiche

Broccoli Cheddar and Bacon Quiche is one of our favorite spring dinners. I start this quiche by making a homemade pie dough. Then I fill the crust with bacon, steamed broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, eggs and creme fraiche. We like this quiche for several reasons. …