I love cooking with a variety of grains and quinoa is one that I particularly enjoy experimenting with. Â Not because it's my favorite tasting grain, but because it's the healthiest grain on the planet, the only grain that is a complete protein. Â I like to use quinoa in … Continue reading →
10-Minute Margherita Flatbread Pizzas
Thank you to La Brea Bakery for sponsoring this post! Pizza is pure bliss, don't you think? Â There's just something about that crispy-chewy bread crust topped with sauce, oozing cheese and any variety of toppings that speaks universal comfort. I enjoy all kinds of … Continue reading →
Asian-style Grilled Fish Tacos
Thank you to NAKANO for sponsoring this post! Our Summer here has been a hot one! Â It's been a record low for rain with a grueling consistent 85-95 degree weather (for us Washingtonians that's grueling). Â But it sure has done absolute wonders for our garden! In … 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 →
French Connection Sandwich (Two Ways)
Partnering with Castello for a Summer of Blue Cheese has a way of reconnecting me to my original home of Europe. Â Every time I sample some European cheese my mind is taken back to the lands and regions I spent my childhood through young … Continue reading →
Chicken Meatballs
Italian Chicken Meatballs This Italian Chicken Meatballs recipe features deliciously seasoned ground chicken enveloped a simple but dazzlingly vibrant and flavorful tomato sauce! If you prefer, you can use ground beef instead. Â I'll make it both ways depending on … Continue reading →
Greek Lemon Chicken
Capers are one of those ingredients you come across occasionally but may have never cooked with or even tried. Â But they're an integral part of Mediterranean cuisine. Â Their use dates way back to ancient Greece. Â They come from a perennial plant that bears edible flower buds … Continue reading →
Spaghetti with Leek Alfredo
I had 15 minutes to get dinner on the table before our family had to take off to run an errand. Â I didn't have time to thaw any meat or chicken, so that meant it would need to be something meatless. Â What are some of your favorite go-to, ready-in-15-minutes meatless dishes? … Continue reading →
Roasted Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)
This is a dish even fervent meat lovers will enjoy. Â This Roasted Chickpea Curry, or Chana Masala, has such a delicious depth of flavor and a great texture that you won't even miss the meat! The other day as I was boiling the chickpeas that had soaked overnight, I was … Continue reading →
Beef Stir-fry with Snow Peas and Mushrooms
Who doesn't enjoy a good stir-fry? One of the things I about Chinese food, aside from the fact that it's delicious, is that it's generally so doggone quick to make. Â Really the only time involved is the prep work - the chopping. Â The actual cooking takes less than 5 … Continue reading →
Szegedin Goulash (Székely Gulyás)
One of my most favorite Hungarian dishes, this Szegedin Goulash recipe features slow-simmered, succulent meat, onions and sauerkraut in a wonderfully rich paprika-infused broth. It's incredibly delicious! The weather is slowly warming but I figure there's still time … Continue reading →
Chicken & Couscous Chili
Thank you to Sargento for sponsoring this post! This post is sponsored by Sargento® You already know I enjoy challenges. I have a Make a Request! feature on my blog and I've had many readers issue me challenges to make or recreate certain dishes. Executing those … Continue reading →
Swabian Lentils with Spaetzle (Schwäbische Linsen mit Spätzle)
If the national dish of Swabia were put up for vote, Schwäbische Linsen mit Spätzle would certainly be one of the finalists.  This was always one of my favorite dishes growing up and any time I make it now it's a nostalgic experience.  If you've lived in southern Germany and … Continue reading →
Mushroom, Ham and Wild Rice soup
Typically made with chicken, this wild rice soup really benefits from the flavor of smoked ham. Â Quite frankly, it's better than chicken. Â This Mushroom, Ham and Wild Rice Soup is super easy to put together and the end result is pure comfort-in-a-bowl. Â The flavors blend … Continue reading →
Spanish Steaks
This is the recipe that had my husband's work staff clamoring at his office door because of the aroma flooding the clinic at lunchtime. It's always rewarding when you can prepare a meal that smells amazing, tastes as good as it smells, and is visually appealing. Because … Continue reading →
Roasted Tomato Risotto
Incorporating the fresh and vibrant flavor of roasted tomatoes and garlic with the wonderful texture and flavor of melted mozzarella, Parmesan and herbs, this Roasted Tomato Risotto is absolutely delicious! Roasted Tomato Risotto Recipe Risotto is a culinary art of its … Continue reading →
Kusksu (Libyan Couscous with Spicy Beef and Vegetables)
The national dish of Libya is couscous, commonly prepared like this, with stewed beef, sweet potatoes, carrots and garbanzo beans in a spicy hararat tomato sauce. Â It's a warming, hearty, comfort dish featuring a delicious blend of Middle Eastern spices. Couscous is … Continue reading →
Sausage, Fennel & Butternut Squash Lasagna
Here's a delicious variation of lasagna that will "wow" everyone who has the good fortune to eat it! … Continue reading →
Blonde French Onion Soup
Sponsored Post - The Art of Cheese with Castello Aged Havarti This all-original Blonde French Onion Soup is a deliciously creamy twist on the classic version. Â You'll love it! French onion soup is rather sentimental to me. Â It played a special part in the dating years … Continue reading →
Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Jambalaya is such great comfort food, full of flavor and healthy ingredients.  Here is a thoroughly "no-fuss" version of this Southern classic dish. (You can also check out our traditional Jambalaya.) Just throw everything in the slow cooker, add in the last two … Continue reading →
Chili In A Pumpkin
Growing up my mom would make some fabulous meals inside of pumpkins during the Autumn season. Â It was always fun to lift off the lid and scoop the food out along with some of that beautiful orange pumpkin flesh. Â I've adopted the tradition in my own family and this year … Continue reading →
Beef and Pepper Stew
As much as I love the Summer I'm always ready for the Fall by the time it rolls around with its dip in temperature. Â That's in part because I can start cooking those wonderful cool weather comfort dishes, like hot stews. Â Here's a beef stew with a delicious depth of flavor … Continue reading →
Baked Endives with Ham and Bechamel
If you've never had endives before, let this be your first experience. Â And if you have had them before, be prepared to fall head over heels. This dish is very easy to prepare and you can serve it as a side dish or as a light entree with some crusty bread and a side … Continue reading →
Fiesta Meatballs
Mexican Fiesta Meatballs. Â Vibrantly colorful and boldly flavorful with a touch of kick...let's get this party started! Another impromptu creation. Â I seriously had about 8 bell peppers stuffed in my two crisper drawers in the fridge screaming to be used. Â That's what … Continue reading →
Pulled Pork Gyros
The Best Homemade Gyros recipe I posted a while ago has been a family favorite for several years. Â These Pulled Pork Gyros are an even easier take on that original recipe with identically flavorful results. … Continue reading →
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Nothing beats a sizzling hot skewer from the grill that's slathered down with a luscious, sticky finger-lickin' sauce. Â These Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are fast and easy to make and are a guaranteed hit at your dinner table! … Continue reading →
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad (Copycat)
One of my most favorite restaurant salads. Â Now you can make it at home for a fraction of the cost and it tastes as good, or better, as the "real thing"! … Continue reading →
Spicy Moroccan Veggie Burgers
The name doesn't begin to capture all the deliciousness that's in these burgers. Â Layers and layers of flavors and a great texture, these burgers are simply amazing! Â So good in fact that you'll never miss the meat! If you've never been much of a veggie burger fan (myself … Continue reading →
Stuffed Mexican Cornbread
Here's the perfect dish to take on your next family picnic or potluck! … Continue reading →
Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with Hawaiian Sauce
Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with a sweet and sticky Hawaiian sauce. Â The perfect Summer grilling recipe! … Continue reading →
Chicken & Asparagus Chowder with Bacon & Roasted Peppers
A creamy chowder packed with chicken, asparagus, bacon, roasted red peppers, potatoes and corn...chowder just doesn't get any better than this! Your next family favorite! … Continue reading →
Spiced Chicken Kabobs with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Juicy chicken breast is marinated in a potpourri of savory spices, grilled with a variety of vegetables, and then slathered with a mouthwatering yogurt tahini sauce that is accented with preserved lemon and mint. Â Heavenly! … Continue reading →
Mexican Wheat Berry Salad with Chipotles and Toasted Walnuts
A deliciously flavorful, vibrant and healthy whole grain salad laced with smoky chipotles, tangy cheese, and a sweet & savory vinaigrette! PLUS, a cookbook giveaway! … Continue reading →
Cider Pork Chops with Leek & Dried Fruit Compote
Sometimes flavors come together and make great combination. Â Other times they come together and form a match made in heaven. Such is the case here. Cider Pork Chops with Leek & Dried Fruit Compote. Â Pull up a chair, your taste buds are ready to party! … Continue reading →
Balsamic Glazed Steak Rolls
Here's a great dish for the grill that is low cal, low carb, low fat, paleo...and tastes incredible! Â And just wait till you've tried this rosemary-garlic balsamic glaze...you'll be making it to pour over everything else! Truly, the glaze is downright delicious. Â I'll be … Continue reading →
Balti Chicken with Tomatoes and Coconut
Here is an Indian dish I developed several years ago, have perfected over time, and it's been one of my favorite Indian dishes since.  My family loves it and it's always a hit with our dinner guests.  The flavor is out of this world delicious. Multiple layers of flavor … Continue reading →
Traditional German Senfbraten (Pork Roast with Mustard Gravy)
An authentic recipe for German pork roast, Senfbraten, made the traditional way with an irresistibly delicious mustard gravy! Another quintessential German dish, Senfbraten is a traditional and popular pork roast served throughout Germany. Â A deliciously rich gravy flavored … Continue reading →
Moroccan Chicken (Djej Makalli)
This famous and authentic Moroccan Chicken known as Djej Makalli is packed so full of amazing flavors, it will make your taste buds sing! How to Make Moroccan Chicken One of the most renowned and popular dishes in Morocco, Djej Makalli combines two staple ingredients … Continue reading →
Cajun Catfish & Chips with Tartar Sauce
Crispy, crunchy battered and fried catfish mixed with Cajun spices and served with a delicious homemade tartar sauce and fries. Â Fish & Chips the Southern way! Catfish have gotta be some of the ugliest fish to swim earth's waters. Â With broad, flat heads, long spindly … Continue reading →
Maple Spice Boston Baked Beans
Packed FULL of flavor and easy to make in your slow cooker! And a little history lesson about the day a molasses flash flood hit the streets of Boston. Â Seriously. … Continue reading →