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Quick and Easy Barbecue Shrimp

Quick and Easy Barbecue Shrimp

Quick and Easy Barbecue Shrimp is one of our favorite seafood recipes. I like this dish for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can prepare it in less than an hour. That means I can easily prepare it at the end of 

Raspberry White Chocolate Challah

Raspberry White Chocolate Challah

Raspberry White Chocolate Challah is one of our favorite breads. We love this bread for several reasons. First of all, challah is my very favorite bread to make. And, I like making different flavored challahs for all the Jewish holidays. Secondly, I make the dough 

Smoked Salmon Topped Latkes

Smoked Salmon Topped Latkes

Smoked Salmon Topped Latkes are one of our favorite holiday appetizers. I love these latkes for several reasons. First of all, I love serving these when I’m entertaining. I like to serve these for brunches and as dinner appetizers. I especially like making these for Hanukah parties and for New Year’s Eve. Secondly, I like that these pancakes can be made ahead of time and are easily reheated. Since, there’s nothing worse than standing over a hot pot of oil while you’re trying to mingle with your guests. Thirdly, I love how absolutely delicious these pancakes are. And, my family and guests love them, too.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Grater- You’ll need a good grater to grate the potatoes and onions. You could also use the grater attachment on your food processor.
  • A Cast Iron Skillet- I like to fry my potato pancakes in a cast iron skillet, but you can use any large skillet.

The Ingredients Needed for Smoked Salmon Topped Latkes

  • Potatoes- Be sure to use russet potatoes.
  • Onions- I usually use yellow onions. But, if you hate having your eyes tear up, use a sweet Vidalia onion.
  • Matzo Meal- You can find this in the Kosher section of your market. If you can’t find matzo meal, you can use all purpose flour.
  • Salt- I use Diamond Kosher salt.
  • Oil-Use vegetable oil or peanut oil. Do not use olive oil.
  • Sour Cream- I like Breakstone’s full fat sour cream.
  • Horseradish- I like to use beet horseradish.
  • Smoked Salmon- Use a good quality smoked salmon.

How I Made my Potato Pancakes

  • First, I made the pancake batter. It’s important to squeeze all the liquid out of the potatoes and onions.
  • Next, I fried my potatoes. It’s important to cook the potatoes so that they get golden brown, and cooked all the way through.
  • Then, I added all the toppings and served them up.

If you like potato pancakes, you need to try these absolutely delicious Smoked Salmon Topped Latkes.

Smoked Salmon Topped Latkes
Smoked Salmon Topped Latkes
Smoked Salmon Topped Latkes

Smoked Salmon Topped Latkes

Fried potato pancakes topped with smoked salmon, beet horseradish, and sour cream.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Jewish
Servings 12 pancakes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups peeled and shredded russet potatoes
  • 1 cup grated yellow onions
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup matzo meal, or all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable oil

For the Latke Toppings:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup beet horseradish
  • â…› pound smoked salmon

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the latkes: Place the shredded onions and potatoes in a dish cloth and wring out all the liquid. Then, place them in a large bowl. Add the matzo meal, egg, salt, and pepper, and stir until combined.
  • In a large cast iron skillet, heat a quarter inch of oil on medium heat. The oil is hot enough when a teaspoon of the mixture starts to sizzle right away.
  • Form the potatoes into little patties, using about three tablespoons of potatoes for each one. Place about six in the pan at once. Flatten them out with a spatula, so they cook more evenly. Cook them on both sides until they are dark golden brown and crispy. Do not turn them more than once. If they start to brown more quickly, turn down the heat.
  • Drain the cooked latkes on a wire rack over a sheet pan. If you wish to reheat these later, reheat them on a rack at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.
  • Serve the latkes topped with some smoked salmon, some horseradish, and some sour cream.
Keyword appetizers
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Chocolate Coconut Brownie Cookies

Chocolate Coconut Brownie Cookies

Chocolate Coconut Brownie Cookies are one of our favorite quick and easy desserts. I love these cookies for several reasons. First of all, I like how quickly I can make these cookies. It takes just about ten minutes to stir together these cookies. Secondly, I 

Baked Brie with Starlino Cherries

Baked Brie with Starlino Cherries

Baked Brie with Starlino Cherries is one of our favorite December appetizers. I love this appetizer for several reasons. First of all, I like serving this dish for holiday parties. This hot melted brie is a real crowd pleaser. And, the sweet Starlino cherries are 

Bacon and Jalapeno Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Bacon and Jalapeno Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Bacon and Jalapeno Cheesesteak Sandwiches are one of our favorite fall dinners. I love this sandwich for several reasons. First of all, I like that this meal can be made in only forty minutes. Secondly, I like that the filling for this sandwich can be made in advance. Believe it or not, this tender steak can be reheated in the microwave. And, it still tastes great. And, lastly, we all love the tender steak, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapenos in this sandwich.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Meat Pounder- You’ll need this to pound the steak so it’s nice and thin.
  • A Cast Iron Skillet- I use this to cook my steak, but you could use any large skillet.

The Ingredients Needed for Bacon and Jalapeno Cheesesteak Sandwiches

  • Jalapenos-Be sure to seed your jalapenos, to cut down on the spice.
  • Mushrooms- Rinse your mushrooms, and then wipe off all the brown specks.
  • Steak- I use either boneless strip steak or filet mignon.
  • Cheese- I use Monterey Pepper Jack cheese, but plain Monterey Jack cheese would also be good.
  • Bacon- Cook and crumble the bacon right before you make these sandwiches.

How I Made my Sandwiches

  • First, I cooked my onions and peppers. You want the peppers and onions to be tender, but not mushy. I like to cook these in my largest skillet.
  • Next, I added the mushrooms. I like my mushrooms very well done, so I cook them for 15 minutes.
  • Then, I pound the meat thin. Take your time, and get the meat nice and thin.
  • Next, I cook the meat. Try not to overcook the steak. Cook it until it’s just no longer red.
  • Finally, I add the meat to the veggies and melt the cheese on top.

If you like steak, you need to try these rich and delicious Bacon and Jalapeno Cheesesteak Sandwiches.

Bacon and Jalapeno Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Bacon and Jalapeno Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Bacon and Jalapeno Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Bacon and Jalapeno Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Tender steak, jalapenos, bacon, mushrooms, onions, and pepper Jack cheese on hoagie rolls.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 cup each sliced red peppers and onions
  • ½ cup each seeded and sliced jalapenos
  • 3 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1½ tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • 1½ pounds boneless strip steak or filet mignon
  • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 cups Monterey pepper Jack cheese, shredded
  • 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 hoagie rolls, lightly toasted

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, melt the butter on medium heat. Add the onions, peppers, and jalapenos and cook them for ten minutes.
  • Add the mushrooms, salt, and pepper and cook for 15 minutes. Cover and keep warm.
  • While the mushrooms cook, cut the steak horizontally, in two inch slices. Using a meat pounder, flatten each slice, until it's as thin as possible. Season the meat with a little bit more salt and pepper.
  • Heat a cast iron skillet on high heat, and add the oil. Stir fry the meat in three batches, for about two minutes each. When the meat is done, add it to the vegetables. Sprinkle the cheese on top and cover the pan for a minute so that the cheese melts. Divide the mixture between four buns and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal
Keyword beef
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Fried Chicken and Pimento Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches

Fried Chicken and Pimento Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches

Fried Chicken and Pimento Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches are one of our favorite fall dinners. This delicious sandwich features crispy chicken, pimento cheese, bacon, tomato, and pickles on homemade cheddar biscuits. We love this dinner for several reasons. First of all, I like that this recipe 

Easy Chocolate Cream Pie

Easy Chocolate Cream Pie

Easy Chocolate Cream Pie is one our favorite Thanksgiving pies. I love this pie for several reasons. First of all, I love that this pie can be made a day or two before Thanksgiving. Secondly, I like that this dish is quite inexpensive to prepare. 

Stuffed Pork Loin with Fig Sauce

Stuffed Pork Loin with Fig Sauce

Stuffed Pork Loin with Fig Sauce is one of our favorite fall dinners. I love this dish for several reasons. First of all, I like that this is an impressive dish to serve to company. Secondly, I like that this has lots of fall flavors, like apple and fig. Thirdly, I like that this dish can be made ahead of time. Believe it or not, this pork reheats in the microwave great. So, you can make it early in the day, or even the day before. Please don’t be intimidated by this dish. It’s truly easy to make. Especially with the right equipment.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Thermometer- You’ll need this to make sure your pork is cooked.
  • Kitchen Twine- Use this to tie up your pork.
  • A Meat Pounder and a Rolling Pin- You’ll need these to flatten the pork. Or, you could ask your butcher to do this for you.
  • A Baking Sheet- Bake your pork on this.
  • A Food Processor- You’ll need this to make your breadcrumbs.

The Ingredients Needed for Stuffed Pork Loin with Fig Sauce

  • A Pork Loin- You will need a pork loin for this dish. Not to be confused with a pork tenderloin.
  • Bacon- I used apple wood smoked bacon. I love the Niman Ranch brand.
  • Chicken Stock- I always use my homemade chicken stock. My recipe is below.
  • Fig Preserves- I used Stonewall Kitchen fig preserves.
  • Apple- Use any apple you like. I used green apples.

How I Made my Stuffed Pork

  • First, I made the Apple and Bacon Stuffing. Be sure to cook the vegetables until they’re soft but not mushy.
  • Next, I butterflied and flattened the pork. This will take a few minutes, but eventually your pounding will flatten the pork. Be sure to pound it evenly all over.
  • Then, I spread out the stuffing and rolled up the pork.
  • Finally, I roasted the pork, sliced it, and served it with the fig sauce.

If you like pork, you need to try this tender and delicious Stuffed Pork Loin with Fig Sauce.

Stuffed Po
Stuffed Pork Loin with Fig Sauce
Stuffed Pork Loin with Fig Sauce

Stuffed Pork Loin with Fig Sauce

Tender pork loin rolled around an apple and bacon bread stuffing. Topped with a sweet Fig Sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • cooking twine
  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 2½ pounds boneless pork loin
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

For the Apple and Bacon Bread Stuffing:

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 cup green apple, chopped
  • 1 cup celery and celery leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 cup French bread, processed into large crumbs
  • 1 tbsp. each fresh thyme and sage
  • ¼ cup chicken stock
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp. each garlic powder and paprika

For Fig Sauce:

  • 1 cup fig preserves
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. light soy sauce
  • the pork pan drippings

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  • Begin by making the Apple and Bacon Bread Stuffing: In a large skillet, cook the bacon on low heat until it's crisp. Drain the bacon and chop it into half inch pieces. To the bacon drippings, add the apple, celery, onions, and garlic and cook on medium heat until the onions are soft, for about 7 minutes.
  • Add the breadcrumbs, herbs, chicken stock, spices and bacon and set aside.
  • Place the pork vertically on your cutting board. Cut through the long end of the loin stopping a half inch from the other side, right in the middle, so that you can open the loin like a book. Cover the loin with plastic wrap and using a rolling pin and a meat pounder flatten the pork until it's about a half inch thick.
  • Spread the stuffing all over the loin, leaving a half inch border around the edges. Roll the pork up, the long way. Using the twine, tie the pork up at three inch intervals. Season the top with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and dot with slices of the butter. Roast for twenty minutes.
  • While the pork cooks make the Fig Sauce: Simply stir together all the ingredients, minus the pan drippings.
  • After the pork has roasted for twenty minutes, brush the pork top with a few tablespoons of the Fig Sauce. Roast for twenty minutes more or until a thermometer measures 155 degrees in the middle.
  • Let the pork rest on a cutting board for ten minutes. Heat up the Fig Sauce in a saucepan, stirring in the pan drippings. Remove the strings, slice, and serve topped with the Fig Sauce.
Keyword pork
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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
  

  • 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
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Creamy Broccoli and Prosciutto Penne

Creamy Broccoli and Prosciutto Penne

Creamy Broccoli and Prosciutto Penne is one of our favorite Italian dinners. I love this dish for several reasons. First of all, I love that I can make this dish in less than thirty minutes. In the time it takes the pasta to cook, I