Since the start of the new year I've been focusing on cutting back on calories in an effort to shed the final few pounds I put on during the holidays. Rather than go on an extreme diet, I've just been taking small, simple steps on a daily basis, swapping out high calorie … Continue reading →
How To Make Candied Orange and Lemon Peel
Thank you to New Seasons Market for sponsoring this post! January celebrates the ushering in of citrus season! I always get excited to see the fresh crops pour into the produce section of my local grocery stores and roadside fruit stands. I LOVE practically anything … Continue reading →
Cherry Dessert Sauce
This quick and easy cherry sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your dessert - everything from pound cake to waffles, pudding and ice cream! Here is a quick, easy and delicious cherry dessert sauce for pouring over everything from pound cake to waffles, shortcake, … Continue reading →
Classic English Custard (Crème Anglaise)
Custard serves two basic culinary purposes: Either as a thick pastry cream (crème pâtissière) or a thin dessert sauce for pouring (crème anglaise, French for "English cream" because of its popularity in English desserts). The difference between the two is its thickness and … Continue reading →
BEST Classic Cranberry Sauce
The holidays simple aren't complete without cranberry sauce - every dining table needs a bowl of it. Right? If you're like me I know what you're thinking: "Eww, cranberry sauce. That jelly-like gelatinous stuff that makes an unpleasant suction sound as it oozes its way … Continue reading →
Cranberry Ginger Mustard Sauce
Cranberry sauce. Whether you love it or hate it, Thanksgiving and Christmas simply aren't the same without it. As a kid and teenager I used to avoid the stuff. You know, that thick gelatinous stuff that retains the shape of the can after it's unceremoniously dumped onto … Continue reading →
Traditional Bavarian Sweet Mustard (Bayerischer Süßer Senf)
My mom is from Bavaria from a small town south of Munich on the Austrian border, and though I grew up in Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart, I equally consider Bavaria my home. I could spend multiple posts praising the beauty of this stunning region of southern Germany, but … Continue reading →
Kitchen Basics: How To Roast Red Peppers
Jarred roasted red peppers are one of those things I often don't have on hand when I need them. Can you relate? It's the same story with several other things, which is why I developed the very best recipes for items like tahini paste, marzipan/almond paste, teriyaki sauce, … Continue reading →
Plum Butter (Pflaumenmus)
Plum Butter brings back memories of the time I spent with my Oma and Opa growing up in southern Germany. There it's called Pflaumenmus and you can readily find it in any grocery store next to the jams and marmalades. My Oma used to make Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) … Continue reading →
Pickled Turnips
Pickling is a method of preservation that dates back to Neolithic times around 7000 BC. During this anaerobic fermentation process strange and wonderful things happen that transform the original product into something quite different. And very healthy with all those … Continue reading →
Grilled Sweet & Sour Meatball Kabobs
This post is in partnership with Veal Made Easy. I love food. All kinds of food. From north, south, east and west, exploring flavors from near and far is my passion. And I'm always looking for ways to incorporate more healthy vegetables in a way that makes them … Continue reading →
Sicilian-style Grilled Tuna Steaks
A special thank you to Lindsay for sponsoring this post and to our readers for supporting the brands that help make The Daring Gourmet possible! From my early childhood trips to Italy's beaches to my farewell trip to Tuscany as an adult before leaving Europe for the … Continue reading →
BEST Authentic Homemade Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a central ingredient in many Chinese dishes, but it's one of those things you may not always have on hand. Fortunately, not only is it easy to make yourself, this hoisin sauce recipe is also very authentic and tastes WAY better than store-bought. Quite … Continue reading →
Roasted Sweet Potato Fettuccine Alfredo
Even though the holidays are long over, our consumption of sweet potatoes doesn't have to be - nor should it be! Find out more about the U.S.history of sweet potato consumption and why you should be eating them throughout the year in my post on Curried Sweet Potato Soup … Continue reading →
BEST Homemade Black Bean Sauce (aka Black Bean Garlic Sauce or Black Bean Paste)
With this black bean sauce in hand, you've now discovered the grand secret to making some of the best Chinese food on the planet! For those of you who know what this is, you already know the wonders it does for your Asian-inspired dishes. You'll also be happy to know … Continue reading →
Greek Meatballs
Thank you to Lindsay for sponsoring this post! Our family loves meatballs. And really, who doesn't? For many of us they're linked to childhood memories of comfort food around the family dinner table or a favorite Italian restaurant. My mom made the best Swedish … Continue reading →
How To Make a Bouquet Garni
If you like French food and you want to cook like the French, you have to become acquainted with the Bouquet Garni. An indispensable part of French cuisine, the bouquet garni is quick and simple to put together and will do wonders for your food. Plus, I've got some great … Continue reading →
How To Make The Best Homemade Vanilla Extract
You know a good vanilla extract when you unscrew the bottle and inhale. Lower quality extracts just lack the same depth and combination of fruity and earthy notes in their aroma. Nothing beats quality vanilla. But top quality vanilla extracts are expensive. And even many … Continue reading →
Authentic Lebkuchengewürz (German Gingerbread Spice)
THE essential ingredient to authentic tasting Lebkuchen, Pfeffernüsee and more, absolutely NOTHING compares to the bold and vibrant flavors of homemade Lebkuchengewürz! This German gingerbread spice mix will make you think you're walking the streets of one of Germany's … Continue reading →
Fettuccine Alfredo + A Case for Tradition: Musso & Frank Grill
Thank you to Bon Appetit for sponsoring this post! The best Fettuccine Alfredo I've had was at Hollywood's oldest restaurant, the Musso and Frank Grill. Not coincidentally there's a reason for this and it goes back nearly 100 years. But first let me take you back … Continue reading →
Pumpkin Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
How did you guess I like sausage gravy and biscuits? Oh, because this is the third version I published?? Well, you're right! It's just really terrific comfort food, do you agree? I first shared my classic Southern-style Sausage Gravy and Biscuits and that was followed by … Continue reading →
Roasted Pumpkin Hummus
Thank you to Food Should Taste Good for sponsoring this post! This hummus simply ROCKS! I didn't get to eat as much of it as I would have liked, but I did try enough to know it's delicious. Here's what happened: Yesterday I prepared a healthy lunch for my 3 and … Continue reading →
Spiced Pumpkin Vinaigrette
This Spiced Pumpkin vinaigrette is super quick and simple to make and will positively transform a bed of greens or a piece of grilled squash into something truly irresistible! The robust flavors of pumpkin, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves are combined with … Continue reading →
French Entertaining “Country Style” + Alexian/Le Creuset Giveaway!
I've teamed up with Alexian to bring you this delicious post! I recently had the opportunity to try some amazing products from ALEXIAN. Let me tell you a little about them. Alexian is America's premier producer of the finest pâtés and mousses all made with the … Continue reading →
White Bean & Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Dip
I looooove a good dip. Growing up I always had my staple favorites: French onion, sour cream & onion, a variety of cheese dips, and bean dip. In recent years I've really enjoyed experimenting with a variety of flavors and mediums. Here is one we really enjoyed and … Continue reading →
Blueberry Lemon Apricot Jam
What says comfort like a slice of freshly baked bread slathered with butter and homemade jam? I've been experimenting with a few jams this Summer and this one has become a family favorite. The combination of blueberries-nectarines-lemons works beautifully and I'm sure … Continue reading →
Peter Piper’s Pickled Peppers
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, Where's the peck of pickled peppers that Peter Piper picked? (*scratching my head*) Have you ever stopped to really think … Continue reading →
Pulled Pork Burritos with Creamy Tomatillo Sauce
Few things can top meat that's been cooked for hours in the slow-cooker until fork-tender and saturated with flavor. This pulled pork is a prime example. And I can't even begin to describe how delectable it is once it's packed into a burrito shell with rice and black beans … Continue reading →
Homemade Sweet Corn Relish
One of the things I love about canning is that it enables you to enjoy the fresh flavors of Summer produce long after the growing season is over. It's also a great way to make use of sales when you can buy in bulk for a good price and especially if you have your own garden … Continue reading →
Homemade Lemon Lime Marmalade
Lemon lime marmalade is fabulous but it's difficult to find in stores. And when you do it's generally a little pricey. So why not make your own? It's not only cheaper, it's tastes a lot better too! The question on your lips may be, "And why would I even want to make … Continue reading →
Homemade Dry French Onion Dip Mix {Copycat Recipe}
I'll admit it. I actually like the Lipton onion mix stuff. You know, the stuff in the envelope that can be used to make soup or dip? I've never used it to make soup but as a dip it tastes pretty good. Tear open the envelope, pour the contents into a bowl of sour cream, … Continue reading →
How To Make Crystallized (Candied) Ginger
Have you ever come across a recipe calling for crystallized ginger but passed because you didn't have any, couldn't find any in the store, or just didn't want to bother trying to find it? Or have you thought about making it yourself but weren't sure how or figured it would … Continue reading →
Locomotion Barbecue Sauce (Weber Genesis EP-330 Gas Grill Review)
I've teamed up with Weber to bring you this post! I can't even tell you how done I am with rickety grills. We've gone through two of them in the last 5 years and it's one of those hard lessons learned: You end up paying more for cheap quality items because you have … Continue reading →
Homemade German Fleischsalat
Nothing remotely fancy - just a simple, traditional, homespun German favorite that takes all of 5 minutes to throw together. There isn't a German alive who isn't familiar with Fleischsalat. In Germany it's practically as common as peanut butter and jelly is here in the … Continue reading →
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
If you're a Brussels sprouts lover, then this recipe is a must-try. A simple, elegant, delicious side dish. If you're a Brussels sprouts hater...sorry, it's a hopeless cause and there's no converting you. Why? It's genetic. Yes, there's actually a gene that explains … Continue reading →
Gourmet Marinated Olives
Thank you to Lindsay for sponsoring this post! A special thanks to Lindsay Olives for sponsoring this post! These homemade marinated olives are a real show-stopper. Plump, juicy, and packed full of flavor, they're perfect for entertaining, snacking, including at the … Continue reading →
Italian Bolognese
Traditional Italian Bolognese uses three meats and pancetta (or bacon) to achieve the flavor that has made it so famous. The long, slow cooking time results in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a depth of flavor that will satisfy your tummy and your soul. Classic Italian … Continue reading →
Homemade Chili & Taco Seasoning Mix
Leave the store bought seasoning pouches on the shelf. Not only is this homemade version free of any fillers and MSG, it tastes better! Use this Homemade Chili and Taco Seasoning Mix exactly as you would the store bought stuff in any recipe that calls for it. It takes … Continue reading →
Béchamel Sauce with Parmesan
An easy, perfectly creamy béchamel sauce with Parmesan cheese for a wonderfully delicate flavor. Probably the most versatile of all sauces, you'll be making this again and again! … Continue reading →
Homemade Bread & Butter Pickles
Have you been noticing the sales on cucumbers lately? Well gather up the cukes and make yourself enough Bread and Butter Pickles to last you until next season! They're super easy to make, you'll be delighted with the results, and you'll experience that wonderful feeling of … Continue reading →
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