Tag: recipes

Fun and Easy Recipes to Explore New Flavors

We all have our go-to recipes that make frequent appearances in our weekly menus. These tried-and-true dishes are comforting and reliable, but let’s face it—sometimes, the routine can become a bit monotonous. When you find yourself in a culinary rut, it’s time to shake things up and explore new and exciting ways to enjoy your time in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a creative spark to bring life back into your cooking, this roundup of fun recipes from Martha Stewart’s recipe blog  is just what you need. From breakfast to dinner, these recipes offer a delightful mix of flavors and experiences that are sure to reignite your passion for cooking.

Grilled Whole Fish: A Fresh Take on Seafood

If seafood is a regular part of your meal plan, but you’re tired of the same old preparations, why not take on the challenge of grilling a whole fish? This method is not only visually impressive but also allows you to experiment with flavors in a way that fillets don’t. For instance, delicate white fish like branzino or trout are perfect for grilling whole. You can enhance the natural flavors of the fish by stuffing the cavities with aromatic ingredients such as lemon and dill for a bright, refreshing taste, or go for a more vibrant kick with a combination of lime, basil, and serrano chiles. Serve the fish alongside a light couscous salad or grilled vegetables to complement the flavors.

Chicken Schnitzel With Dill and Sesame: A Fun Family Activity

Chicken Schnitzel is not just a dish; it’s an experience, especially when you turn it into a family cooking activity. Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to a thin, even consistency—a task that’s sure to relieve some stress. Once the chicken is ready, set up a breading station where everyone can take part in the assembly line. The cutlets are first dredged in flour, followed by a dip in beaten eggs, and finally coated in panko breadcrumbs mixed with dill and sesame seeds. The result is a crispy, flavorful chicken dish that pairs beautifully with a side of potato salad or roasted asparagus.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups: An Elegant Dinner Party Dish

Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight to make. Begin by flattening the chicken breasts and layering them with slices of ham and Swiss cheese. Roll them up tightly, secure with toothpicks, and coat them in a buttery cornflake mixture before baking. The result is a golden, crispy exterior with a gooey, flavorful center. Serve these roll-ups with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a meal that’s sure to impress your guests.

Pull-Apart Sliders: Bite-Sized Fun

Miniature foods always add an element of fun to any meal, and these Pull-Apart Sliders are no exception. Start by assembling mini burger patties and slices of American cheese on a slab of Hawaiian sweet rolls. Once baked, these sliders are ready to be pulled apart and enjoyed individually. Serve them with a side of crispy fries or a tangy coleslaw for a complete meal.

When you’re feeling uninspired in the kitchen, these recipes are just the remedy. Each one offers a unique experience that’s sure to break up the monotony and bring some joy back to your cooking routine. Whether you’re trying your hand at grilling a whole fish or simply enjoying the meditative process of rolling egg rolls, these dishes are sure to reignite your passion for cooking. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to join in, and have fun exploring these culinary adventures.

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A Glazed Duck Recipe Fit for Any Cajun

Indulge in the flavors of Cajun cuisine with this delectable recipe for Cane Syrup-Glazed Duck Breast. Bursting with a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy notes, this recipe from Louisiana Cookin is perfect for a refreshing spring dinner. The delicious duck breasts, glazed with rich cane syrup, will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Paired with fragrant long-grain rice, sautéed mustard greens, and a sprinkle of sliced green onion, this recipe is a true culinary delight.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Begin by patting the duck breasts dry using paper towels. With a sharp knife, create a crosshatch pattern on the skin without cutting into the meat. Sprinkle the breasts with kosher salt.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine 1 tablespoon of cane syrup, olive oil, cane vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, lime zest, and ground black pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
  3. Place the duck breasts, skin side up, in the marinade dish, ensuring that the skin is not submerged. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together. If your air fryer manual recommends preheating, preheat the fryer to 300°F. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  4. Remove the duck breasts from the marinade and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange them skin side down in the prepared basket. Set the fryer temperature to 300°F and cook until the fat starts to render, approximately 10 minutes.
  5. While the duck is cooking, whisk together the lime juice, remaining 2 tablespoons of cane syrup, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
  6. Carefully turn the duck pieces and brush them with the cane syrup mixture. Increase the fryer temperature to 400°F and continue cooking until the duck skin becomes crispy and beautifully browned, around 10 minutes. Allow the duck breasts to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  7. Serve the succulent Cane Syrup-Glazed Duck Breast alongside fluffy long-grain rice, sautéed mustard greens, and a garnish of sliced green onion. Drizzle the remaining cane syrup brushing mixture over the duck for an extra burst of flavor.

Side Dishes:

Fluffy long-grain rice: Prepare a pot of fragrant long-grain rice to accompany the duck. Its neutral flavor complements the rich glaze of the duck breasts perfectly.

Sautéed Mustard Greens: Heat some olive oil in a skillet and add mustard greens. Sauté until wilted and tender, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. These greens provide a pleasant bitterness that balances the sweetness of the duck.

Spicy Cornbread: Bake a batch of spicy cornbread to add a touch of Southern comfort to your meal. The crumbly texture and spicy kick will harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the duck.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them with olive oil, salt, and Cajun seasoning, and roast until caramelized. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the savory duck and adds a delightful contrast of textures.

With its irresistible blend of sweet and spicy flavors, this Cane Syrup-Glazed Duck Breast recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. The tender meat, crispy skin, and luscious glaze create a symphony of tastes that celebrate the essence of Cajun cuisine. Serve it alongside fluffy long-grain rice, sautéed mustard greens, and a sprinkle of sliced green onion for a complete dining experience. Elevate your cooking skills and treat your loved ones to this Cajun delight. Enjoy the rich flavors and savor every bite!

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Sunday Chili Recipe

This perfect “Sunday Chili” recipe from Pinch of Yum that’s designed to be quickly prepped, set on the stove on low, and essentially forgotten about until it’s time to serve is the perfect addition to any Sunday menu.

Chili is such a versatile dish that is guaranteed to satisfy the hungriest of appetites. While it’s a great dish served fresh, a proper pot of chili almost lives a longer second life as a week of leftovers due to the flavors becoming stronger and more distinct in a tight container in your fridge. Similarly, if you have a Sunday afternoon free, be sure to set up this recipe around lunchtime and expect to have that pot simmering all afternoon long for a truly impressive dinner.

Sunday Chili Ingredients: 

2 teaspoons of salt

1 ½ pound of ground beef

6 slices of bacon, (cut into small pieces)

Half of an onion (diced)

4 cloves garlic (minced)

1 jalapeno (minced)

4 carrots (minced), optional

2 ½ tablespoons of chili powder

2 tablespoons of cumin

1 tablespoon of oregano

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste

1 28-ounce can of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes

2 14-ounce cans of black, red, or pinto beans (rinsed and drained)

2 ¼ cups of beef or chicken broth

Suggested Toppings for Sunday Chili:

Avocado (carved)

Cheddar cheese (shredded)

Sour Cream

Tortilla Chips

Red Onion (sliced)

Fresh cilantro

Sunday Chili Recipe:

  1. Begin your chili as you always should, by seasoning your ground beef with salt. If you like spice, sprinkle some black and cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix as well. Using a wooden spoon or gloved hands, mix the seasoning into the beef and set it aside while you prep the other ingredients. Slice your uncooked bacon strips into quarter to half-inch pieces, and place them in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crispy. Take out the pieces with your spoon, and drain the excess oil on a folded paper towel, leaving 1-2 tablespoons in the oven for sautéing.
  2. Add your diced onion, minced garlic, and minced carrots into the oil, and brown them in the bacon oil, sautéing them until they are soft and fragrant. After they’re properly browned, add your ground beef and measured spices, mixing it all together. Continue to stir it all together until the beef is fully cooked, and add your tablespoons of tomato paste. Sauté the chili for two to three minutes.
  3. Next, add your fire-roasted tomatoes, preferred beans, and bacon pieces to the pot, mixing it all together. Bring the heat on your dutch oven down to a low simmer, and cover it. Keep it cooking on low heat for at least 30-45 minutes, though it’s always preferred to cook it for two hours or more. After all, this is called a “Sunday Chili” for a reason, and that reason is to have the pot simmering on low all afternoon to develop a fine-tuned flavor. When the chili begins to thicken, you can thin it out with water or any additional broth until the consistency is to your liking. Additionally, you can alternate between the pot resting over low heat or merely resting in the hot dutch oven.
  4. Once it’s done or it’s dinner time after the chili has been cooking in the background all day, it’s time to serve the chili into bowls and top it with you and your guest’s preferred toppings.

Notes:

  • You can certainly substitute canned diced tomatoes for the crushed-tomatoes, if you prefer the thicker consistency.
  • While it’s delicious, the bacon is (of course) optional, as you can also sauté your vegetables in reserved bacon fat.
  • If you need to save time, chop your vegetables in a food processor or add your ingredients into a pressure cooker after it’s all sufficiently browned and the meat is cooked.

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Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Whether you’re practicing for Thanksgiving dinner or complimenting a savory dinner in July, a green bean casserole that’s made from scratch is always treasured and respected, and this simple, yet savory, detailed recipe guide from Gimme Some Oven hits the homemade nail on the head.

Ingredients

Green Bean Casserole:

  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed, and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 batch of Mushroom Alfredo Sauce
    • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
    • 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, thinly-sliced
    • 4 cloves of garlic, pressed or minced
    • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup of vegetable stock
    • 1 cup milk
    • ½ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
    • ½ tsp fine sea salt
    • ¼ tsp freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1 batch Crispy Onion Topping
    • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil, divided
    • 1 medium red onion, peeled and thinly-sliced
    • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
    • 1/4th cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
    • ¼ teaspoon each fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

Recipe for Green Bean Casserole:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F
  2. Heat a large stockpot of water over high-heat until it’s boiling. Meanwhile, trim and cut your green beans, then add them to the boiling water. Cook them for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred level of crispiness, though it’s a good idea to undercook them, as they’ll cook more in the oven. Use a slotted spoon or strainer to transfer the beans immediately into a large bowl of ice water, and give them a quick stir, preventing them from cooking longer. Afterward, set aside.
  3. For the next step of this green bean casserole, melt ½ tablespoon butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring until the onion is partially cooked, still holding its shape. Transfer the onion to a clean bowl and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter to the sauté pan along with the panko and stir to combine. Cook this for 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring until the panko is lightly golden. Remove this from the heat and transfer the panko to the bowl with the onions. Add in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper, and toss the onion mixture until evenly combined, setting it aside.
  4. Briefly rinse and dry the sauté pan; then return it to the stove. Melt the butter over medium-high heath, and add the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring it occasionally until lightly browned and soft. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s Then, stir in the flour and sauté for an additional minute while stirring occasionally. Then, add in the vegetable stock and stir until the flour is evenly dissolved. Then, stir-in to combine the milk and Parmesan, and cook the sauce until it reaches a simmer and thickens. You can then remove it from heat and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine the green beans and mushroom alfredo sauce in the stockpot, and stir the green bean mixture until it’s all evenly combined. Transfer this to a 9 x 13 baking dish, and spread the green bean mixture out in an even layer, wherein you’ll sprinkle it evenly with the crispy onion topping mixture.
  6. Bake this dish for 25 minutes, or until the crispy onion topping is golden and crispy. You’ll want to watch this carefully so that it doesn’t burn, but if it begins to char, lay a piece of aluminum foil on top of the casserole.
  7. Remove from the oven and serve this side (or main dish) warm, by garnishing it with extra freshly-cracked black pepper and parsley while plating.

Once comfortable with the ingredients and procedure for green bean casserole , feel free to spice it up by adding extra cheese, cajun seasoning, bacon, or a little “kick” with crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeno slices. Customize this traditional side dish, and upgrade it to an unforgettable main dish.

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Delicious and Simple Desserts Requiring Few Ingredients

Just because you’re looking for something sweet to throw together doesn’t mean that you have to travel to the grocery store for an extensive list of long-lost ingredients. Broma Bakery offers a collection of several dessert ideas that can be made with minimal ingredients on hand, helping you clean out the back of your panty and satisfy a sweet tooth.

Healthyish Monster Cookies Simple Dessert Recipe

For those not in the know, monster cookies are one of the absolute best classic cookie recipes made with a hodgepodge of ingredients found in your pantry. Though, this recipe is more health-conscious, as they’re packed full of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s. Best of all, they require no mixer!

BetterBoxed Brownies

Boxed brownies are a simple dessert staple, but don’t let the box’s instruction be your only guide! Give that old brownie mix a little something extra with this semi-homemade recipe that doctors your brownie mix into some true gourmet brownies! With just a few additions these’ll taste bakery-perfect.

S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Whether you’re finding yourself unable to face the outdoors or just un-willing, this simple dessert recipe for s’mores rice krispie treats are the best substitute for the real deal. These delicious bites are loaded with graham cracker pieces, chocolate and finished off with a toasty, torched top.

Salted Caramel Brownie Pie

Semi-homemade at its best. Start with a store-bought pie crust, brownie mix, and a salted caramel sauce to make this delicious, decadent treat that’s as easy to make as it is to eat.

Scotcheroos Simple Dessert Recipe

These chewy, caramel, and chocolatey rice crispy treats are made possible with only 7 ingredients provide for a delicious escape.

Vegan Peanut Butter Squares

These health and ethically-conscious vegan peanut butter squares are seriously delicious at just a count of five ingredients. You get get more of a simple dessert recipe than that.  Give Reese’s a run for their money whenever you barely have anything in your cupboard.

Peanut Butter Oat Energy Bites

These energy bites pack a much-needed punch for any time of day with only seven ingredients necessary and being freezer friendly. Whip up a big batch of these peanut butter oat bites for a guilt-free, protein-packed treat!

Cinnamon Roll Blondies

Always delicious is the cinnamon roll, though for some the task of making a batch is a huge undertaking when you’re juggling all of the obstacles that come alongside family breakfast. Luckily with this simple dessert recipe, the flavors of a cinnamon roll are still enjoyable as an easy blondie.

Dark Chocolate Bark Simple Dessert 

This deliciously delectable salted pretzel dark chocolate bark is only made with four ingredients, and the toppings can be swapped out for whatever your prefer or have on hand!

Chocolate Cake

A classic, simple, dessert doesn’t have to be complicatedly prepared to be enjoyed. This recipe is extremely fudge, decadent, and extremely easy to make. While the cake itself uses a little more ingredients than the other listed receipts, they’re all pantry staples: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and oil. Top this off with a creamy chocolate frosting for the ultimate at home dessert!

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The Best French Recipes Anyone Can Try

Parlez-vous français? Whether your answer is yes or no, we’re certain the answer to whether or not you like French food will be a resounding YES!  We agree.  Whether it’s the bread, or pastries, or cheese, or wine, it’s really no surprise that French food is one of the few breakfast, lunch, dinner options that really anyone can agree on.  The contribution of French cuisine to various culinary masterpieces cannot be understated.

Believe it or not, French food can be fun and accessible to anyone (even English speakers), and there are various books, cookbooks, blogs, etc. that are available to assist you, debunking the general expectation that French cuisine is too unapproachable.  Anyone can embrace, master and enjoy French cuisine – you don’t need to be French, and you definitely don’t need to be living in France to replicate these delicious recipes – although we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to vacation there soon and shop at a local store vs. whatever options exist for you where you’re at.

Thanks to Delicious.com for this article revealing recipes as part of what could be considered the ultimate French recipe collection.  While there’s way too many scrumptious options for us to list here, we hope you’ll explore the depths of this comprehensive article and find something that speaks to you.  Here’s the ones we found eye-catching!

French apple tarts with Calvados cream

French apple tarts make for the best fall desserts, but don’t let that stop you from trying them anytime.  The base is thin and flaky and the spiced cinnamon/sugar/apple filling looks so good, we’re going to want to make extra to eat the leftovers.  And you know we’re wondering what else that might go good on!?

Crunchy Syrian french toast

As though we needed another reason for a delicious brunch recipe!  This recipe takes a crunchy baguette, honey, saffron and orange to tantalize your taste buds with a European flare.  Impress your brunchmates with how you can take an ordinary dish to an extraordinary dish!

French onion soup

If you’re like us, you’ve never met a French onion soup you could resist.  Full of rich oniony flavor, topped with cheesy toasted bread.  Good luck not having this one over and over!

Tartiflette (French-style cheese and potato bake)

If you’re looking for French comfort food, look no further.  Yes, we’re talking cheese! Tartiflette is a traditional dish from the Savoie and Haut Savoie region of France. It is a gratin dish made with sliced potatoes, onions, wine, and bacon.  You just can’t go wrong with that combination.

Carrot and ginger soup with French-style lentils

This one is a shout-out to our vegan friends, and non-vegan friends will love this one, too!  Carrot Ginger Soup is packed with protein with the use of lentils.  It’s healthy, warming, and super easy to make.  This recipe is good for making in huge batches and freezing, too.

French-style fish stew

This recipe is sure to have your kitchen smelling amazing.  This fish stew marries seafood and the full tomato flavours of France to create a perfect union for your family to enjoy.  Be sure you grab some French bread so you don’t let any of that delicious sauce go to waste.

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