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Steak Fajitas with Corn Salsa and Onions and Peppers

Steak Fajitas with Corn Salsa and Onions and Peppers

Steak Fajitas with Corn Salsa and Onions and Peppers is filled with tender skirt steak, sweet bell peppers, and fresh corn salsa. All that gets folded into soft tortillas along with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and avocado. The Equipment You’ll Need An Instant Read Thermometer- 

Shrimp and Zucchini Flower Tacos

Shrimp and Zucchini Flower Tacos

Shrimp and Zucchini Flower Tacos are full of grilled shrimp, deep fried battered zucchini flowers, tomato, avocado, and queso fresco. The star of these tacos is definitely the zucchini flowers, but the shrimp complement them very well. Here in New York, we can only have 

Butter Pecan Sticky Buns with Bread Machine Dough

Butter Pecan Sticky Buns with Bread Machine Dough

Butter Pecan Sticky Buns with Bread Machine Dough are filled with cinnamon and butter and are topped with a sweet pecan glaze. Two things are unique about these buns. First of all, the dough is made in the bread machine. And, secondly, these sticky buns are topped with a pecan glaze, instead of baking in a gooey sauce, and therefore, have less sugar than other sticky buns.

The Equipment You’ll Need

  • A Bread Machine- You will need this to knead and rise your dough.
  • A 13×9 Non-stick metal Baking Dish- This is for baking your rolls.
  • A Food Scale- Weighing your flour is a must for accurate baking.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Butter Pecan Sticky Buns with Bread Machine Dough

  • Unsalted Butter- This recipe calls for lots of butter, some softened and some melted.
  • Brown Sugar- You must pack it into the cup, for accurate measuring. You may use either dark or light brown sugar, or a mixture.
  • Bread Flour- This recipe calls for bread flour, not all purpose flour.
  • Active Dry Yeast- Use active dry yeast, not quick rising yeast.
  • Light corn syrup- You could use dark as well.
  • Pecans- I like to keep them in the freezer so they stay fresh.

How I Made my Buns

  • First, I weighed my flour and sugar, and put all the dough ingredients into the bread machine.
  • Next, I rolled out my dough, and found out I’d added the incorrect amount of flour. So, it was messy, but I kneaded in more flour, and everything turned out fine.
  • Then, I put on the filling and rolled up the dough.
  • Next, I added the buns to the greased pan and set them aside to rise.
  • Finally, I baked the buns, made the glaze and toasted the pecans, and poured the glaze on the baked buns.

My family could hardly wait for me to take a picture of these Butter Pecan Sticky Buns with Bread Machine Dough, before attacking them. Needless to say, everyone loved my buns.

butter pecan sticky buns with bread machine dough
Butter Pecan Sticky Buns with Bread Machine Dough
Butter Pecan Sticky Buns with Bread Machine Dough
Butter Pecan Sticky Buns with Bread Machine Dough
Butter Pecan Sticky Buns with Bread Machine Dough

Butter Pecan Sticky Buns with Bread Machine Dough

Butter Pecan topped sticky buns, with a dough made in the bread machine.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 12 buns

Equipment

  • Bread Machine

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tbsp. butter, sliced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ cup white sugar (100g)
  • 4 cups bread flour (480 g)
  • 2½ tsp. active dry yeast
  • 4 tbsp. melted butter
  • â…” cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. cinnamon
  • 1½ cup chopped pecans
  • 6 tbsp. butter
  • â…” cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions
 

  • In a bread machine, add the following ingredients in the order suggested by your manufacturer: 6 tablespoons of sliced butter, flour, eggs, milk, salt, sugar, and yeast. Process on the dough cycle.
  • When the dough cycle is done, roll the dough into a 20 by 12 rectangle. Paint the dough with the melted butter and sprinkle on the cinnamon and 2/3 cup packed brown sugar. Roll up the twenty inch side, and then cut it into 12 equal slices. Place them in a greased (with butter) non-stick metal 13 by 9 baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Toast the pecans in a skillet on medium heat, until they're slightly toasted.
  • Bake the buns for twenty minutes. Make the glaze by melting together the six tablespoons of butter, the â…” cup packed brown sugar, the cream, and the corn syrup. Then add the pecans and vanilla and set the pot aside.
  • Remove the buns from the pan immediately, and pour the warm glaze over the buns.
Keyword butter pecan, sticky bun
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Chicken Schnitzel and Tomato Salad

Chicken Schnitzel and Tomato Salad

Chicken Schnitzel and Tomato Salad is a big main course salad full of fried chicken schnitzel, tomatoes, cucumbers, red pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette. Everyone loves this salad because it is so full of crispy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a bright 

Baked Chocolate Doughnuts Glazed with Chocolate

Baked Chocolate Doughnuts Glazed with Chocolate

Baked Chocolate Doughnuts Glazed with Chocolate are cakey chocolate doughnuts that are baked in the oven and then topped with a thick chocolate glaze and colored sprinkles. I decorated these for a back to school celebration, but I like to customize the decorations for different 

Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls and Noodles

Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls and Noodles

Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls and Noodles is a hearty bowl of chicken stock, noodles, chicken, and carrots and celery. Once you’ve made this soup base, you can keep it in the freezer and use it for all recipes that call for chicken stock. After trying this homemade chicken stock, you will never want to use a canned stock again!

The Equipment You’ll Need

  • A tall and large soup pot- You will need a large pot to make this soup.
  • A Strainer- You will need this to get the little bone pieces out of your soup.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls and Noodles

  • The Chicken- While you can use dark meat chicken, I prefer the taste of white meat chicken. You can also use skin and bone scraps for part of the chicken this recipe calls for. Whatever you do, don’t let any liver pieces slip in there. If you use chicken legs or a whole chicken, you may find some small pieces of liver attached to the bones. Get rid of any liver, as it imparts a bitter flavor to the soup.
  • The Parsley Root- If you can’t find this, leave it out. You can also omit the parsnip, parsley, and dill.
  • The Carrots- I think carrots give great flavor to this soup and often use about eight of them.
  • The Matzo Meal- You can find this with the Jewish aisle of your market. Forget using ground up matzo; it’s not nearly fine enough.
  • The Chicken Fat- The best way to get this is by letting the stock sit overnight in your refrigerator and then skimming it off the next morning. I usually keep it in the freezer until I need it.
  • The Noodles- Our favorite is the thin Italian noodle, fideos, made by Barilla.

How I Made My Soup

  • First, I was careful to not use more than the ten cups of water, so I could make a rich stock.
  • Next, I had to keep a close watch on my soup. You don’t want it to boil, just simmer, or it will be cloudy.
  • Then, I carefully rolled my balls, and made sure that water just simmered too. If you boil the water too violently, your balls will explode.
  • Finally, I strained the soup carefully. I wouldn’t want someone to choke on a bone particle.

My Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls and Noodles is Jewish comfort food at it’s best. But, it’s also a great source of chicken stock for all your cooking needs. This stock is far superior to anything you can buy, and will add an incredible depth of flavor to all your soups, stews, and sauces. I’ve been making this stock for almost thirty years, and it is the basis for almost everything I cook in my kitchen. I hope you’ll try it soon!

chicken soup with matzo balls and noodles
Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls and Noodles
chicken soup with matzo balls and noodles
Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls and Noodles
chicken soup with matzo balls and noodles

Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls and Noodles

Chicken soup with carrots, celery, chicken and matzo balls.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Jewish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 4½ pounds 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
  • 1 cup fresh parsley and dill
  • 4 eggs
  • â…“ cup melted chicken fat
  • â…“ cup chicken stock
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 cup matzo meal
  • 3 cups cooked egg noodles

Instructions
 

  • Put the chicken and the salt in a large tall pot and cover with 10 cups of water. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 30 minutes, skimming any scum that forms.
  • Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a bowl. Add the chicken fat, chicken broth, pepper, and a teaspoon of salt. Slowly stir in the matzo meal with a fork. Refrigerate for two hours, uncovered.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a slow boil. Add a tablespoon of salt. Wet your hands and form golf ball sized balls of the matzo mixture and drop into the water. Cover and simmer for thirty minutes without peeking. Drain the balls, and add to the soup when it's served.
  • 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. Reserve any vegetables or chicken meat you want to serve with the soup.
  • Serve the soup with the matzo balls, noodles, chicken, carrots, and celery.
Keyword chicken soup, matzo balls
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Honey Almond Skillet Cake with Bourbon

Honey Almond Skillet Cake with Bourbon

Honey Almond Skillet Cake with Bourbon is a quick and easy dessert that can be made in less than one hour. I like to serve it with ice cream, because I think cake is always better with ice cream. Tonight we had the cake with 

Baked Phyllo Spring Rolls with Pork and Vegetable Filling

Baked Phyllo Spring Rolls with Pork and Vegetable Filling

Baked Phyllo Spring Rolls with Pork and Vegetable Filling are filled with carrots, cabbage, onions, garlic, ginger, ground pork, and oyster sauce. Since they’re baked and not fried, they’re not greasy like traditional spring rolls. Therefore, they can easily be reheated by baking them at 

Black Bean and Corn Chili with Fresh Tomatoes

Black Bean and Corn Chili with Fresh Tomatoes

Black Bean and Corn Chili with Fresh Tomatoes is a meatless chili filled with fresh corn and tomatoes, and chipotle peppers. And, it’s topped with fresh cilantro and avocado, red onion, and sour cream. It contains no meat, but I do use chicken stock. That can be replaced with vegetable broth if you prefer.

The Equipment You’ll Need

  • A Three Quart Saucepan- You’ll need this for cooking the beans.
  • A Dutch Oven- I think this does the best job of cooking chili.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Black Bean and Corn Chili with Fresh Tomatoes

  • Dried Black Beans- I always use dried beans, because canned beans look so icky to me. If you like canned beans, just use four cups of them for this recipe.
  • Fresh Oregano and Cilantro- The fresh herbs really make this chili taste more flavorful.
  • Fresh Tomatoes and Corn- Again, these fresh ingredients really impart a nice fresh flavor to the chili.
  • Chicken Stock- I always use homemade because it gives dishes so much flavor and richness.
  • Sour Cream- This gives the chili a really nice creamy element.

How I Made My Chili

  • First, I cooked the dried beans. The important thing here is not to let the beans boil over. I spend a lot of time guarding the pot. I know if I leave the kitchen I’ll forget all about my beans.
  • Then, I cooked my onion and garlic, taking care not to burn the onion.
  • Next, I added all the other chili ingredients, and for the next thirty minutes it just simmered away.
  • Then, I microwaved the corn and got all my toppings ready.
  • Finally, I ladled out the chili and put on the toppings. I served it with guacamole and chips.

My family really loves this Black Bean and Corn Chili with Fresh Tomatoes. I don’t make soups in the summer, so I’ve been waiting awhile to make this family favorite. If you’re looking for a great meatless chili, I highly recommend you try this one!

black bean and corn chili
Black Bean and Corn Chili with Fresh Tomatoes
black
Black Bean and Corn Chili

Black Bean and Corn Chili with Fresh Tomatoes

Thick and rich black bean chili, full of fresh corn, fresh tomatoes and topped with sour cream, avocados, and cilantro.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dried black beans (or 4 cups canned beans)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp. cumin
  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 tbsp. fresh oregano
  • 1 tbsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 1 tbsp. chipotles in adobo sauce
  • 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • 3 ears corn on the cob
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 cubed avocado

Instructions
 

  • Put the dried beans in a three quart saucepan covered with three inches of water. Bring to a boil and cook for ten minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let sit for thirty minutes.
  • Drain the beans and cover with fresh water and add the bay leaf, and simmer for 45 minutes or until the beans are tender. Drain the beans and set aside.
  • In a Dutch oven, heat the oil, and cook the onion and garlic until softened. Add the beans back to the pot, along with all the spices, the tomatoes, the stock, and the chipotles. Simmer for thirty minutes.
  • Meanwhile, microwave the corn on the cob for six minutes. Remove the kernels and add them to the pot. Serve the chili in bowls topped with the sour cream, cilantro, red onion, and avocado.
Keyword chili
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Three Cheese Classic Lasagna with Beef

Three Cheese Classic Lasagna with Beef

Three Cheese Classic Beef Lasagna is filled with tender noodles, rich beefy tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. It is one of my family’s favorite dinners, and a meal I really enjoy cooking. There’s just something about building all the layers, that