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Vegetable Filled Antipasto Salad

Vegetable Filled Antipasto Salad

Vegetable Filled Antipasto Salad is one of my favorite salads to serve with Italian meals. I start this salad by roasting peppers. Next, I make a Red Wine Vinaigrette and toss it with lots of romaine lettuce. Then, I top the lettuce with rows of 

Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Puttanesca Sauce

Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Puttanesca Sauce

Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Puttanesca Sauce is one of our favorite meatless meals. I start this dish by cooking fresh tomatoes into a luscious sauce. Then, I add capers, anchovies, herbs, and kalamata olives. Finally, I toss the sauce with spaghetti and top it with 

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad is one of our favorite winter salads. It is full of candied pecans, Anjou pears, blue cheese, red onions, and dried cherries. And, then I toss this all together with a delicious Red Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette. We like this salad for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this salad ahead of time. So, I often make it early in the day. Secondly, I like how hearty this salad is. It is filling and delicious enough to be a main course. And, lastly, we all love how yummy this salad is. Truly, all the ingredients just taste terrific together.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Salad Spinner- Use this to dry your arugula. If your arugula is wet, the dressing won’t cling to it.
  • A Large Bowl- Toss your ingredients in a big bowl, so that the dressing can reach every item.
  • A Small Jar- Use this to shake up the vinaigrette.

The Ingredients Needed for Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

  • Pears- I used Anjou Pears, but you can use any pears you that you like.
  • Dried Cherries- You can also use the cherry flavored dried cranberries.
  • Balsamic Vinegar- I used a Red Apple Balsamic vinegar, but you can use any balsamic vinegar.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Use a good quality olive oil. I like the California Olive Ranch brand.
  • Pecans- Be sure to check your pecans for shells.

How I Made my Salad

  • Frist, I made the candied pecans. Be sure to keep a close eye on your pecans so that they don’t burn.
  • Next, I mixed up the vinaigrette. Use measuring spoons and cups. Accurate measurements are important.
  • Then, I tossed all the ingredients together in a big bowl.

If you like pears, you need to try this filling and delicious Pear and Blue Cheese Salad.

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

A tossed salad full of fresh pears, blue cheese, candied pecans, dried cherries, red onion, and a Red Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Pear and Blue Cheese Salad:

  • 4 cups baby arugula
  • 2 Anjou pears, sliced
  • 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup dried cherries
  • ½ cup red onion, sliced

For the Candied Pecans:

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp. brown sugar

For the Red Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup Red Apple Balsamic Vinegar, or regular balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp. honey

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Candied Pecans: Heat a medium skillet on low heat and melt the butter and brown sugar together. Add the pecans and stir them until all the pecans are toasty and coated with the sugar. Let them cool on a wax paper lined plate.
  • Next, make the Red Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small jar, shake together all the ingredients.
  • Then, in a large bowl, toss together all the salad ingredients. Toss in as much dressing as you like.
Keyword Side Dish
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Cranberry Apple Oatmeal Bowls

Cranberry Apple Oatmeal Bowls

Cranberry Apple Oatmeal Bowls are one of our favorite winter breakfasts. This breakfast features creamy oatmeal swirled with a sweet cinnamon Apple Compote. Then, I top the bowls with creamy yogurt, honey, pecans, cranberries, and more apples. GoodMix sent me some of their yummy nut 

Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting

Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting

Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting is one of our favorite cakes. This cake features three layers of chocolate cake and a fudgy chocolate frosting. I love this cake for several reasons. First of all, I like that this cake is fairly easy to make. I 

Quick and Easy Lava Cakes

Quick and Easy Lava Cakes

Quick and Easy Lava Cakes are one of our favorite desserts. This dessert features warm chocolate cakes with a molten chocolate center. I serve them warm with freshly whipped cream and strawberries. We like this dessert for several reasons. First of all, I love that I can make this dessert in under thirty minutes. Secondly, I like that I can mix these cakes up all in one bowl. And, lastly, we all love the rich and fudgy flavor of these cakes. On a cold winter night, nothing tastes better than warm chocolate cake.

The Equipment I Used

  • Ramekins- You’ll need 6 ramekins that hold one cup of liquid each.
  • An Electric Mixer- Use this if you want to make the whipped cream.
  • A Microwave- I melted my chocolate and butter in the microwave. But you could also do this in a double boiler, or very gently in a saucepan.

The Ingredients Needed for Quick and Easy Lava Cakes

  • Baking Spray- I used this to keep my cake from sticking to my ramekins.
  • Semisweet Chocolate- I used Ghiradelli brand.
  • Extra Bittersweet Chocolate- You could also use bittersweet chocolate. I used Ghiradelli brand.
  • Powdered Sugar- Use powdered sugar, not granulated sugar.
  • Butter- Use unsalted butter.
  • Eggs- You’ll need 3 eggs and 3 egg yolks.
  • Cake Flour- Use regular cake flour, not self -rising flour.
  • Brewed Coffee- Just save some of your morning coffee. This takes away some of the sweetness of the cakes.
  • Heavy Cream- Use this to make your whipped cream.

How I Made my Lava Cakes

  • First, I carefully melted my chocolate and butter. You need to take care to not burn the chocolate.
  • Next, I added the rest of the ingredients, taking care not to over mix anything.
  • Then, I whipped the cream. Take care to not overmix your cream.
  • Finally, I baked my cakes. If you over cook them, they won’t be runny inside. But they’ll still be delicious.

If you’re a chocolate lover, you need to try these rich and decadent Quick and Easy Lava Cakes.

Quick and Easy Lava Cakes
Quick and Easy Lava Cakes
Quick and Easy Lava Cakes

Quick and Easy Lava Cakes

Individual chocolate cakes, filled with molten chocolate lava.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 6 one cup ramekins (they should hold one cup of water)
  • an electric mixer (just for the whipped cream topping)

Ingredients
  

  • baking spray
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 4 ounces bittersweet or extra bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 10 tbsp. unsalted butter, sliced (140g)
  • ½ cup cake flour (not self-rising) (56g)
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar (180g)
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 3 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp. brewed coffee

Toppings:

  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp. powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • halved strawberries
  • 1 quart strawberries, halved and cored
  • fresh mint

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Spray 6 one cup ramekins with baking spray.
  • In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate and the butter in the microwave in 20 second increments. Stir every 20 seconds and cook until just melted. You could also do this on top of a double boiler of simmering water, or in a pot on very low heat.
  • Stir in the flour and sugar and stir until just combined. Stir in the eggs, yolks, vanilla, and coffee. Stir until just combined.
  • Also, make the whipped cream: In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the heavy cream and beat until it starts to get fluffy. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat unitil soft peaks appear. Refrigerate until serving.
  • Divide the batter between the ramekins and bake on the middle rack for about 15 minutes. The edges should be set, and the middle should be a little unset. Invert on to plates and serve right away with whipped cream, strawberries, and mint.
Keyword Dessert
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Salmon with Pineapple Salsa and Coconut Rice

Salmon with Pineapple Salsa and Coconut Rice

Salmon with Pineapple Salsa and Coconut Rice is one of our favorite winter dinners. This dish features pan seared salmon topped with a pineapple salsa. It’s served with roasted carrots and asparagus and coconut rice. We love this dish for several reasons. First of all, 

Schnitzel and Spaetzle with Red Cabbage

Schnitzel and Spaetzle with Red Cabbage

Schnitzel and Spaetzle with Red Cabbage is one of our favorite winter dinners. This dish features crispy fried chicken schnitzels, tender spaetzle pasta, and sweet and sour cabbage. I love this dinner for several reasons. First of all, I like that this meal can be 

Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls

Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls

Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls are one of our favorite chicken dinners. Topped with Gochujang marinated chicken and warm and pickled veggies, these bowls are full of flavor. I love these bowls for several reasons. First of all, I like making these for my picky eaters. There are so many toppings, that kids get to pick and choose what they want. Secondly, I like that these can be made ahead. You can make everything ahead of time, except for the eggs. Just reheat the warm parts in the microwave. And, lastly, we all love the spicy and fresh flavors in this bowl. The marinated chicken and pickled veggies are just delicious.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Sheet Pan- You’ll need a big baking sheet, with low sides, to roast the chicken on.

The Ingredients Needed for Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls

  • Gochujang- You can find this Korean condiment in the Asian section of your market.
  • Soy Sauce- I like the Kikkoman brand.
  • Sesame Oil- Be sure to use pure sesame oil. You can find this in the either the oil or the Asian section of your market.
  • Garlic- I like to buy the peeled cloves and keep them in my freezer.
  • Sesame Seeds- You can find these in the spice section of your market.
  • Rice- I used Jasmine rice this time.
  • Cucumbers- Use the English cukes, that don’t need to be peeled.
  • Chicken- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

How I Made my Bowls

  • First, I marinated and baked my chicken.
  • Next, I cooked the rice.
  • Then, I pickled the radishes and cucumbers.
  • Next, I stir fried the carrots and spinach.
  • Then, I fried my eggs.
  • Finally, I put rice in each bowl and added some of each topping to every bowl.

If you like Asian flavors, you need to try these fresh and colorful Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls.

Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls
Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls
Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls

Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowls

Gochujang marinated chicken thighs, carrots, spinach, pickled radishes and cucumbers all on top of rice.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 376 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Gochujang Chicken:

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • â…“ cup Gochujang sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp. pure sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp. light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. sesame seeds

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1½ tsp. kosher salt

For the Pickled Vegetables:

  • 1 cup each radishes and cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp. sugar

For the Stir-Fried Vegetables:

  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 4 tsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 5 ounces baby spinach
  • 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp. sesame oil

For the Eggs:

  • 4 eggs

Instructions
 

  • Begin by marinating the chicken: In a large bowl mix together the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame seeds. Reserve two tablespoons of the marinade in a small bowl. Add the chicken to the big bowl of marinade and coat it all over with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for two hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spread the chicken out on a foil lined sheet and bake it for 30 minutes. Then, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade and broil for a few minutes.
  • While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice: In a three- quart saucepan bring a cup and a half of water to a boil. Add the rice and a half teaspoon of kosher salt. Cover and simmer for 16 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it sit covered for ten minutes.
  • Next, prepare the radishes and cucumbers. Sprinkle each with a quarter teaspoon of kosher salt and let sit ten minutes. Squeeze each dry. Stir in one tablespoon of rice vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar to each vegetable.
  • Stir fry the carrots in a small skillet with a teaspoon each of soy sauce and sugar, in a teaspoon of olive oil until crisp tender. Remove and keep warm.
  • Add the spinach to the pan along with the butter and cook until it's wilted. Add one teaspoon of sesame oil and a tablespoon of soy sauce.
  • Fry four eggs. Serve the eggs, chicken, and vegetables on top of the rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcal
Keyword Chicken
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Short Ribs with Boursin Potatoes

Short Ribs with Boursin Potatoes

Short Ribs with Boursin Potatoes are one of our very favorite winter dishes. Because, on a cold snowy day, what could be better than a rich and hearty short rib? And, served with a red wine gravy and Boursin mashed potatoes, this is just the