CHICKEN WITH SAFFRON RICE

Creamy rice with mushrooms and chives

Recently, someone gave me a bag of saffron rice and I didn’t want it to go to waste. I thought it might be good in a one-pot chicken dish. Fortunately, it all came together nicely, although the saffron rice was a little subtle flavor wise. I added a pinch of saffron threads to goose it…

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STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and sauce

Now that it’s getting warmer and strawberries are at their peak, here’s a classic quick and easy recipe that tops off any meal. INGREDIENTS (Makes 8 shortcakes) 1 quart strawberries, sliced 8 tablespoons sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 pint heavy cream ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons +…

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DAN’S HOMEMADE BBQ SAUCE

Assorted sauces, chilies, and condiments on board

In honor of National Barbecue Month, I thought it only appropriate to include an old family recipe. This is one my husband came up with years ago. It’s got a nice kick and a great depth of flavor. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup molasses 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1…

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ROASTED ASPARAGUS AND TOMATOES WITH FETA

Roasted tomatoes, asparagus, basil, and crumbled cheese

Asparagus have been plentiful at my farmer’s market this year. Personally, I prefer the thin long asparagus, but today, I got up a bit late and all that was left were the thicker kind. No matter, this recipe works for both. You just need to adjust the roasting time down for the thinner spears. INGREDIENTS…

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DEVIL’S FOOD CAKE

Slice of layered chocolate cake on plate

In honor of the premiere of Devil Wears Prada 2, I thought it only fitting to make a Devil’s food cake. It took 20 years to make the movie sequel happen—that’s probably around the last time I made a chocolate cake. But, although my baking skills may be rusty, this cake turned out to be…

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OKONOMIYAKI

Okonomiyaki with drizzled mayonnaise and sauce

I am a huge fan of Japanese cuisine, but I find it one of the most daunting to make. The flavors and textures are so delicate and the techniques for dishes like sushi take years to master. But one of my favorite dishes is okonomiyaki—which is a cross between an omelet and a pancake—and it’s…

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GRILLED EGGPLANT PROSCIUTTO WRAPS

Two rice and seaweed rolls on white plate

I saw a version of this somewhere down the Instagram rabbit hole and I made a mental note of it. What I liked about it is how the eggplant replaces carb heavy sandwich bread. And I love eggplant, so it’s a win- win. Once you get the base done, you can really fill it with…

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EASY CHICKEN SCHNITZEL

Breaded chicken cutlets frying in oil

This is a classic dish that makes for a nice mid-week treat. I don’t fry much, but every now and then I get the urge for a good crunch. This dish certainly satisfies. You can serve it alongside a salad so you don’t feel quite as guilty. INGREDIENTS (serves 2) 2 boneless and skinless chicken…

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CREAMY TURKEY SAUSAGE SOUP

Creamy pasta soup with sausage and spinach

Here’s a treat for a chilly night. If you like hearty soups, this one is hard to beat. I like to make it with turkey sausage, but feel free to use chicken, pork or beef if that’s your preference. Also, if you’re a fan of homemade bone broths, use it because it really ups the…

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HASSELBACK POTATOES

Roasted hasselback potatoes on dark surface

I’ve always loved hasselback potatoes. I think they make for a fun presentation and people will think you fussed. They’re also a nice alternative to the classic go-to baked potato. I always thought they would be tricky to make, but as it turns out, it’s surprisingly easy. Give it a go. INGREDIENTS (serves 4) 4…

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Easy Rustic Pear Tart

Rectangular tart with sliced fruit and nuts

I’m not much of a dessert maker. I usually leave that to my husband who has a way with sugar and flour. But he’s not a fan of fruit desserts, so if I have a craving, I’m on my own. Although you can certainly use apples for this tart, I thought I’d give pears a…

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EASY CHICKEN POT PIE

Golden pie topped with cranberry sauce

I know this might not seem like the most romantic dish you can make for Valentine’s Day, but it is nice and cozy for a cold winter’s night. It’s also one of my hubby’s favorites, so why not? It’s a great dish for using all those leftover veggies and chicken you have in the fridge.…

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