Recent Posts

Orange and Candied Walnut Salad
April 13, 2024

Orange and Candied Walnut Salad

Orange and Candied Walnut Salad is one of our favorite late winter salads. I start this salad by making the candied walnuts. Then, I make a sweet Orange Marmalade Vinaigrette. Finally, I toss them all together with blood and navel oranges, pomegranates, orange zest, red onions, and honey goat cheese. …

Uncategorized
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by Sharon
Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta
April 12, 2024

Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta is one of our favorite seafood dinners. I start this dish by cooking linguini pasta. While the linguini boils, I cook shrimp and garlic in lots of butter. Finally, I toss the shrimp, peas  and linguini with red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese. We like this dish for …

seafood
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by Sharon
Steak Kabobs with Cilantro Rice
April 9, 2024

Steak Kabobs with Cilantro Rice

Steak Kabobs with Cilantro Rice are one of our favorite warm weather steak dinners. I start this easy and healthy steak dinner by cooking some tender and delicious Rastelli’s Black Angus Beef filet mignon tips that I put on skewers along with mango and tomato. Then, I make a buttery Lime and Cilantro Rice. Finally, I top the rice with the steak kabobs and with my Citrus and Cilantro Sauce. We like this meal for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this entire steak supper in just thirty minutes. Secondly, I like that this dinner is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight, but fancy enough to serve to guests. And, lastly, we all love the tender filet tips and buttery rice.

THE EQUIPMENT I USED

  • A grill pan- I like to cook my steaks in a cast iron grill pan. But you can also grill them outdoors.
  • An Instant Read Meat Thermometer- I highly recommend using this to check the temperature of your meat.

THE INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR STEAK KABOBS WITH CILANTRO RICE

  • Filet Mignon Tips- I used filet mignon tips. You could also cut filet mignon steaks into cubes. I bought my steak tips at Rastelli’s.
  • Chipotles in Adobo Sauce- You can find this in the Hispanic food section of your market.
  • Limes- Be sure to use fresh lime juice for this recipe.
  • Cilantro- Wash your cilantro well as it can often be sandy.
  • Orange Juice- Use freshly squeezed orange juice.

HOW I MADE MY STEAK KABOBS AND RICE

  • First, I cooked my steak kabobs.
  • Then, while the steak cooked, I made the rice and sauce.
  • Finally, I topped the rice with the steak and the sauce.

If you like steak, you need to try these tender and tasty Steak Kabobs with Cilantro Rice.

Steak Kabobs with Cilantro Rice
Steak Kabobs with Cilantro Rice

Steak Kabobs with Cilantro Rice

Filet Mignon Tips, mango, and tomatoes on skewers with a Citrus and Cilantro Sauce over Cilantro Lime Rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cuban
Servings 4
Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

  • a grill pan
  • 4 wooden or metal skewers

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tsp. each paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 pound Rastelli's Black Angus Beef Filet Mignon Tips
  • 2 mangoes, cut in 1½ inch chunks
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup minced cilantro
  • 2 tsp. lime zest
  • ¼ cup each lime juice and orange juice
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. each honey and soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp. minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 minced jalapeno

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp. each unsalted butter and lime juice
  • 2 tbsp. minced cilantro
  • 1 tsp. lime zest

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Cilantro Lime Rice: In a three-quart saucepan, on medium heat, bring half a cup of water to a boil. Add the rice and salt. Cover and simmer 16 minutes. Then, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for ten minutes. Then, stir in the rest of the ingredients.
  • Season the filet tips with the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and salt and pepper. Place them on the skewers with the mango and tomatoes.
  • Stir together the rest of the ingredients to make a sauce to drizzle on the cooked kabobs.
  • Heat a grill pan on medium heat, brush it with oil, and cook the kabobs on all sides until the meat is cooked to 145 degrees for medium rare. Drizzle with the sauce and serve over rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcal
Keyword beef
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
beef
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by Sharon
Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls
April 5, 2024

Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls

Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls are one of our favorite salmon dinners. I like this salmon dish for several reasons. First of all, I like how light and healthy these fish bowls are. Secondly, I like that I can make this entire rice-based meal in less …

seafood
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by Sharon
Salmon with Mushroom and Rice Pilaf
April 1, 2024

Salmon with Mushroom and Rice Pilaf

Salmon with Mushroom and Rice Pilaf is one of our favorite easy salmon and rice dinners. I start this dish by cooking rice, mushrooms, and leeks together in chicken stock. Then, I steam both asparagus and peas. Finally, I cook the salmon with butter and …

seafood, Uncategorized
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by Sharon
Cookie Butter Banana Waffles
March 26, 2024

Cookie Butter Banana Waffles

Cookie Butter Banana Waffles are one of our favorite breakfasts. I start these waffles by making an easy banana waffle batter. Then, I top the waffles with homemade vanilla whipped cream, Cookie Butter spread, sliced bananas, walnuts, and strawberries. We like these banana waffles for several reasons. First of all, I like that these waffles can feed a small crowd. Each waffle easily feeds two people. Secondly, I like serving these waffles for breakfast for dinner. The whole family gets excited when I make these waffles for dinner. And, lastly, we all love the nutty waffles, the fluffy whipped cream, the sweet fruit, and the sweet cookie butter.

THE EQUIPMENT I USED

  • A Waffle Iron- You’ll need this to cook the waffles.
  • A Mixer- Use this to whip the cream.
  • Flour- Be sure to use all-purpose flour. I always use King Arthur brand flour.
  • Eggs- Use large eggs
  • Sour Cream- I always use full-fat sour cream.
  • Milk- I also use whole milk.
  • Bananas- Use any bananas. They don’t need to be especially ripe.
  • Butter- Use unsalted butter.
  • Cream- Be sure to use heavy cream to make the whipped cream.

HOW I MADE MY BANANA WAFFLES

  • First, I made the banana waffle batter. When making waffle batter, it’s important to not overmix the batter. You want to mix in each ingredient, until it’s just combined.
  • Next, I cooked the batter in the waffle iron.
  • Then, while the waffles cooked, I made the whipped cream. Take care to not overmix the cream, or it will stiffen into butter.
  • Finally, I topped each waffle with some cookie butter, some sliced strawberries, some finely chopped walnuts, some sliced bananas, and some whipped cream.

If you like banana bread, you need to try these scrumptious Cookie Butter Banana Waffles.

Cookie Butter Banana Waffles
Cookie Butter Topped Banana Bread Waffles

Cookie Butter Topped Banana Bread Waffles

Walnut-flecked banana waffles topped with strawberries, Cookie Butter, and whipped cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 425 kcal

Equipment

  • waffle maker
  • An electric mixer ( for whipping the cream)

Ingredients
  

For the Waffles:

  • 2 cups flour (240g)
  • 4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed bananas
  • ¼ cup minced walnuts
  • 4 tbsp. melted butter

For the Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp. powdered sugar

For the Toppings:

  • 2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1 cup cookie butter
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions
 

For the Banana Bread Waffles:

  • Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Stir in the sugar and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, and then mix in the sour cream, bananas, vanilla and milk. Add the walnuts and flour mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour appear. Try not to overmix. Stir in the butter.
  • Cook batter in your waffle iron, according to its directions.
  • Top the waffles with the cookie butter, whipped cream and fruit.

For the Whipped Cream:

  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, with the whisk attachment on, start beating the cream on low, gradually increasing the speed to high. When the cream starts to thicken, add the vanilla and sugar. Beat until the cream is fluffy.

For the Toppings:

  • Top the waffles with all the toppings and the whipped cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal
Keyword waffles
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
breakfast
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by Sharon
Shortcake Baskets with Coconut Cream
March 23, 2024

Shortcake Baskets with Coconut Cream

Shortcake Baskets with Coconut Cream are one of our favorite springtime desserts. I start these shortcake baskets by baking up a buttery coconut batter. Then, I top the cakes with coconut whipped cream and sweet berries. We like this dessert for several reasons. First of all, I like that …

dessert
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by Sharon
Filet Mignon with Chipotle Sauce
March 22, 2024

Filet Mignon with Chipotle Sauce

Filet Mignon with Chipotle-Lime Sauce is one of our favorite steak dinners. I start this easy and healthy steak dinner by cooking some tender and delicious filet mignon. Then, I make a buttery Lime and Cilantro Rice. Finally, I top the rice with the sliced steak and the rich Chipotle-Lime Sauce. We …

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by Sharon
Fettuccini Puttanesca with Whipped Ricotta
March 19, 2024

Fettuccini Puttanesca with Whipped Ricotta

Fettuccini Puttanesca with Whipped Ricotta is one of our favorite meatless meals. I start this fettucine puttanesca recipe by cooking fresh tomatoes into a luscious sauce. Then, I add capers, anchovies, herbs, and kalamata olives to my easy puttanesca pasta recipe. Finally, I toss the sauce with fettucine and top it with Parmesan, my homemade whipped ricotta cheese and fresh basil. We like this dish for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this dish in less than an hour. Secondly, I like that I can make this dish well ahead of time. Sometimes I make it the day before I want to serve it. You could even make it two days in advance. Finally, we all love the fresh tomato flavor in this dish.

THE EQUIPMENT I USED

  • A Large Pot- You’ll need a big pot to boil your pasta water.
  • A Dutch Oven- I use an enameled cast iron Dutch oven to make my sauce. But, you can use any medium sized pot to make your sauce.
  • A Food Processor- Use this to whip the ricotta.

THE INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR FETTUCCINI PUTTANESCA WITH WHIPPED RICOTTA

  • Plum Tomatoes- Use fresh plum tomatoes. Of course, you can also use canned whole tomatoes.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil- I like California Olive Ranch brand olive oil.
  • Garlic- The peeled cloves of garlic are my favorite. I store them in the freezer.
  • Chicken Stock-I always use my homemade chicken stock. The recipe is below.
  • Olives- Use kalamata olives. Just make sure there are no pits. I found a pit in my container of pitted olives today.
  • Fresh Basil- Fresh basil adds so much fresh flavor to this dish.
  • Ricotta cheese- Use fresh ricotta if possible.
  • Fettuccini-I really like the DeCecco egg fettuccini.

HOW I MADE MY PASTA AND SAUCE

  • First, I cooked my tomatoes, just long enough to remove the skins.
  • Then, I made the herbed whipped ricotta.
  • Next, I cooked the sauce. Cook it on low heat so that it doesn’t burn.
  • Finally, I tossed the sauce with the spaghetti and Parmesan cheese. And I topped it with the ricotta.

If you like tomato sauces, you need to try this delicious Fettuccini Puttanesca with Whipped Ricotta.

Fettuccini Puttanesca with Whipped Ricotta
Fettucine Puttanesca with whipped ricotta

Fettuccine Puttanesca with Whipped Ricotta

Fettucine with Puttanesca Sauce made with fresh plum tomatoes. It's filled with kalamata olives, anchovies, capers, and herbs. Topped with Herbed Whipped Ricotta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Fresh Tomato Puttanesca Sauce:

  • 6 plum tomatoes, with the stems cut out
  • 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 cup onion, minced
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 tbsp. capers, drained
  • 4 anchovies, rinsed and chopped
  • ¼ tsp. each dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp. fresh basil, sliced

To Assemble the Dish:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 tbsp. fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp. each fresh thyme and parsley
  • ¼ tsp. kosher salt
  • 9 ounces fettuccine
  • fresh basil for garnishing
  • Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the whipped ricotta: In a food processor, process the ricotta, basil, parsley, thyme, and kosher salt until it's all combined and whipped up. Set aside.
  • Next, make the sauce: In a three- quart saucepan, half filled with boiling water, simmer the tomatoes for three minutes, or until their peels loosen. Drain and peel the tomatoes and chop them in half inch pieces.
  • In a Dutch oven on low heat, melt the butter and oil and cook the onion and garlic until they're soft. Add the tomatoes and the rest of the sauce ingredients, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring frequently. While the sauce simmers cook the fettucine according to the package directions. Remove the bay leaf from the sauce and toss it with the drained spaghetti. Top with the fresh basil and the whipped ricotta, parmesan, and basil.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
Keyword meatless
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
meatless, meatless dinners
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by Sharon
Irish Soda Bread with Apricots
March 16, 2024

Irish Soda Bread with Apricots

Irish Soda Bread with Apricots is one of our favorite St. Patrick’s Day treats. I start this traditional Irish soda bread recipe by stirring up a sweet quick bread dough. Then, I bake the shaped dough in a buttered cast iron skillet. We like this bread …

breads
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by Sharon