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Cranberry White Chocolate Scones

Cranberry White Chocolate Scones

Cranberry White Chocolate Scones are my new favorite flavor of scones. Sometimes, I find cranberries to be too tart. But, in theses scones, the cranberries are a burst of fresh flavor, that are sweetened by the sweet scone dough. Also, sometimes I find white chocolate …

Avocado Egg Rolls with Chipotle Sauce

Avocado Egg Rolls with Chipotle Sauce

Avocado Egg Rolls with Chipotle Sauce are one of my family’s favorite appetizers. They are full of so much great, fresh flavor. And, the entire recipe can be made in less than a hour. I had some errands to run this afternoon, and wasn’t sure …

Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Mushrooms

Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Mushrooms

Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Mushrooms is beef braised with red wine and mushrooms. It is a rich, filling, and delicious classic French recipe. It is the perfect warm and cozy meal for cold December nights!

The Equipment Needed

  • A Dutch Oven- Use a four quart Dutch oven for this recipe. I used my Staub Dutch oven.
  • A Skillet- You’ll need a large skillet to cook the pearl onions and mushrooms.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Mushrooms

  • Beef- Use a beef chuck roast, and cut it into two inch cubes. Do not buy precut beef cubes, because the quality of precut beef tends to be low. Cut off any fat and gristle. Use the best quality beef chuck roast you can find. If you use inferior beef, your stew will be bad, no matter what you do.
  • Bacon- A nice, thick cut bacon is good for this recipe. I like Niman Ranch apple wood smoked bacon.
  • Red Wine- A Pinot Noir would be nice for this dish. Please use a good quality wine for this dish. For extra wine flavor, marinate your beef overnight in the wine.
  • Chicken Stock- I always use homemade stock. My recipe is below.
  • Pearl Onions- If you don’t have these, just use regular onions in their place.
  • Carrots- I always buy the carrots with the greens still on them.
  • Mushrooms- I like to cook these apart from the meat and wine, so they don’t get all soggy.

How I Made my Beef Bourguignon

  • First, I marinated my beef briefly.
  • Next, I browned the bacon and then the beef. It’s very important to not let the beef burn.
  • Then, I briefly cooked the carrots, onions, and garlic.
  • Next, I added the beef back to the pot along with the red wine and chicken stock.
  • Then, while the beef cooked in the oven, I cooked the pearl onions and mushrooms.
  • Finally, I stirred the mushrooms and onions into the Dutch oven and served the Beef Bourguignon. I served it on top of some egg noodles.

One of the things I love about this Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Mushrooms is that it is a great make ahead dish. It only improves in taste, if you wish to make it the day before you wish to serve it.

Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Mushrooms
Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Mushrooms
Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Mushrooms

Beef Bourguignon with Carrots and Mushrooms

Oven braised beef Bourguignon with carrots, pearl onions, and red wine.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut in two inch cubes
  • 1 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
  • 2½ cups red wine
  • ¼ pound chopped bacon
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cups carrots, cut in one inch chunks
  • ¼ cup peeled garlic cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 6 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 cup halved and peeled pearl onions
  • ½ pound sliced mushrooms

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the beef in one cup of the red wine, while you cook the bacon.
  • Heat a Dutch oven on low heat and cook the bacon until it's crispy. Remove the bacon.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  • Drain the beef and pat it dry. Season the cubes with a quarter teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Dredge the beef in the flour and cook six pieces at a time in the bacon fat. Brown the meat on all sides, on medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, if the bacon grease gets absorbed. Remove the cooked meat to a plate.
  • When all the meat is browned, and removed to a plate, add the diced onion, carrots, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Cook for five minutes.
  • Add the beef and bacon back to the pot, along with a cup and a half of the red wine, the brandy, and the chicken stock. Bring it to a simmer, and then cover tightly and bake for two and a half hours, or until the meat is very tender.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet. Cook the pearl onions for ten minutes on medium heat. Then add the mushrooms, and a half teaspoon of the salt and a quarter teaspoon on the pepper. Cook for thirty minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. Set aside until the beef is done.
  • Remove the beef from the oven, and add the mushrooms and pearl onions. Remove the bay leaf and serve.
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!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Ganache Topping

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Ganache Topping

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Ganache Topping are delicious bar cookies that take less than an hour from start to finish. The base of the cookies is a chocolate chip bar cookie. I top the chocolate chip layer with a thick chocolate ganache. Then, I …

Struffoli Italian Honey Balls with Orange Blossom Honey

Struffoli Italian Honey Balls with Orange Blossom Honey

Struffoli Italian Honey Balls with Orange Blossom Honey are full of delicious orange and honey flavor. I like making struffoli for several reasons. First of all, my husband really loves eating them during the Christmas season. Secondly, they are very quick and easy to make. …

Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pistachios

Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pistachios

Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pistachios is one of my favorite holiday appetizers. The bright red cranberries make this appetizer feel so festive. And, the warm baked brie is so warm and cozy on a cold winter night! In fact, eating this piping hot appetizer feels like snuggling up under a warm blanket. This baked brie is topped with homemade cranberry sauce. I saved time by using leftover cranberry sauce that I had tucked away in my freezer. But, even if you’re making the cranberry sauce fresh for this dish, the actual hands on time for preparing this dish is quite short. Most of the time is spent waiting for the cranberry sauce to chill up.

The Equipment Needed

  • A Pie Plate- Use this, or any small baking dish, for baking the bries.
  • A Sheet Pan- This is for baking the bread slices.
  • A Saucepan- I used a three quart saucepan to simmer my cranberry sauce.

The Ingredients Needed for Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pistachios

  • Cranberries- Fresh or frozen work equally well in this recipe.
  • Pistachios- We like salted pistachios.
  • Honey- Use any honey you like. I like the orange blossom scented honey.
  • Thyme- Fresh thyme gives this dish great flavor.
  • Orange Zest- This also gives great flavor to the dish.
  • Bread- Use a nice crispy French or Italian bread.

How I Made My Baked Brie

  • First, I made my cranberry sauce. This is as simple as can be. You just want to make sure your cranberries don’t boil over.
  • Next, I put my brie in a pie dish and topped it with the cranberry sauce, pistachios, honey, and thyme.
  • Then, I baked it for 16 minutes. I also put my bread in the oven.
  • Next, I decided to add some more cranberries and some more honey.
  • Finally, I served the toasts with the cheese, and put out some additional cranberries and honey.

My Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pistachios is a simple and delicious appetizer that is perfect to serve at a holiday party. I hope you’ll try it soon!

Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pistachios
Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pistachios
Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pistachios

Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pistachios

A baked brie topped with homemade cranberry sauce and pistachios, served with toasted bread slices.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 26 minutes
Setting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 41 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • zest of one orange
  • 1 six inch round brie
  • ¼ cup coarsely chopped pistachios
  • 3 tbsp. honey
  • 1 tbsp. thyme leaves
  • 1 baugette, sliced in half inch pieces

Instructions
 

  • Make the Cranberry Sauce: In a three quart saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and a half cup of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for ten minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let set up for one hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Put the brie on a parchment lined pie plate. Top with a half cup of the cranberry sauce, the pistachios, honey, and thyme. Bake for 16 minutes, or until the cheese is soft.
  • Also, lay your bread slices out on a sheet pan and toast for six minutes.
  • Serve the brie with additional cranberries and toasts.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal
Keyword brie, cranberries
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Seared Scallops with Orzo and Rice Pilaf

Seared Scallops with Orzo and Rice Pilaf

Seared Scallops with Orzo and Rice Pilaf features golden brown and juicy sea scallops with a white wine and butter sauce. I serve the scallops with a orzo and rice pilaf. And, this whole recipe cooks in only thirty minutes. Sometimes, I serve this meal …

Blackened Salmon with Andouille Hash

Blackened Salmon with Andouille Hash

Blackened Salmon with Andouille Hash is a family favorite at my house. I blacken my salmon by coating it in spice and frying it in butter. And, to add even more flavor, I top the salmon with a roasted garlic aioli. Also, I serve the …

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups with Blue Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups with Blue Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups with Blue Cheese are a really fun and easy appetizer. I make the wonton cups by baking wonton wrappers in mini muffin cups in the oven. Then, I fill the wonton cups with spicy Buffalo chicken and a smooth cheddar cheese sauce. Finally, I serve the wonton cups with blue cheese dressing. To add color, I sprinkle my wonton cups with diced red pepper and scallions.

The Equipment Needed

  • A Food Processor- This is helpful, but not essential for mixing up the blue cheese dressing.
  • A Mini Muffin Pan- I bake my wonton cups in a 24 cup mini muffin pan.

The Ingredients I Used for my Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups with Blue Cheese

  • Wonton Wrappers- I use packaged wonton wrappers. You can find them in the produce section of your market.
  • Chicken- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
  • Hot Sauce- I like Frank’s Hot Sauce.
  • Evaporated Milk- Use this to make the cheese sauce. It comes in a can and can be found in the baking section of the market.
  • Cheddar Cheese- I like Cracker Barrel extra sharp cheddar cheese.

How I Made my Wonton Cups

  • First, I baked my chicken.
  • Meanwhile, while the chicken baked, I made the rest of the components for the dish.
  • Next, I made the blue cheese dressing.
  • Then, I made the cheese sauce, and covered it to keep it warm.
  • Next, I shredded the chicken and added it to the Buffalo sauce.
  • Then, I buttered my wontons and baked the cups in the oven.
  • Next, I filled the cups with chicken and cheese sauce. And, I sprinkled them with scallions and red pepper.
  • Finally, I served them with the blue cheese dressing.

I like to serve these delicious Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups with Blue Cheese when we have appetizer parties. They are so much fun to make and eat, and I hope you will try them soon!

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups with Blue Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups with Blue Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups with Blue Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups with Blue Cheese

Baked wonton cups filled with buffalo chicken and cheddar cheese sauce. They're topped with blue cheese dressing and diced red pepper and scallions.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 8 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 24 wonton cups

Equipment

  • 24 cup mini muffin pan

Ingredients
  

For the Buffalo Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 7 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp. hot sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp. honey

For the Blue Cheese Dressing:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp. blue cheese
  • ¼ cup whipped cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp. buttermilk
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

For the Wontons:

  • 24 square wonton wrappers
  • 4 tbsp. melted butter
  • 1 thinly sliced scallion
  • ½ diced red pepper

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 3 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1½ tsp. cornstarch
  • 4 ounces evaporated milk

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the Buffalo chicken: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Place the breasts in a small baking dish and top them with three tablespoons of sliced butter. Cover with foil and bake for thirty minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt the rest of the butter, and then stir in the rest of the ingredients. Shred the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce. Cover to keep warm.
  • Next, make the Blue Cheese Dressing: process all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
  • Next, make the cheese sauce: In a small bowl, toss together the cheese and cornstarch. In a two quart saucepan, heat the milk and bring it to a simmer. Turn the heat to low and stir in the cheese. Whisk until the sauce thickens. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
  • For the Wonton cups: Brush 24 mini muffin cups with melted butter. Then, brush the top side of the wontons with melted butter, and gently place them in the muffin cups, buttered side down. Push the points down so that they lie flat. Then, brush the wontons with melted butter.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes, until the wontons are golden and crisp. Fill each cup with two teaspoons of buffalo chicken and a teaspoon of cheese sauce. Sprinkle with red pepper and scallion and serve with the blue cheese dressing.
Keyword buffalo chicken, wonton cups, wontons
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Chocolate Dipped Pumpkin Biscotti

Chocolate Dipped Pumpkin Biscotti

Chocolate Dipped Pumpkin Biscotti are pumpkin spice biscotti dotted with pecans, dipped in semisweet chocolate, and sprinkled with toasted pecans. I like baking these cookies all fall long, but I especially like baking them for Christmas . Also, these cookies are absolutely delicious, but not …