Category: Recipes
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Fresh Summer Cherry Vinaigrette
It’s easy to speed through the Central Valley of California or roll along the farm-bounded country roads less traveled, and find some great fresh fruits, nuts and delicious vegetables, especially during summer. If you find yourself in the heart of some of the world’s most productive farmland, grab yourself…
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Chilled Green Bean and Grilled Nectarine Salad with a Warm Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette
If you have never grilled fruit before, you are in for a great treat! listed are the top five tried and true tips for grilled fruit success — followed by a delicious recipe to make for your next smoke out! 1- Timing.The most important task to begin with is choosing…
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5 Steps to Korean Kimchi Heaven
Korean culture is a master of preserving foods. Kimchi is the best known example of a food preserving technique that has been around since ancient times. You can remove the refined sugar and add a sliced pear. Sugar is necessary to feed the bacteria to produce carbon dioxide aiding to…
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Pane di Pasqua – Italian Easter Bread
This is a bread from my childhood. Easter marks new beginning. In many cultures, traditions are deeply rooted and celebrations are surrounding food this time of year. Growing up, ending the fast of Lent, was a big deal in my home. Most fasting included obtaining from sweets. Easter breads are…
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Panzanella Salad with Champagne Citrus Vinaigrette
Traditionally made with red wine vinegar during the summer months, I like to use winter citrus and additional veggies during colder months in my Panzanella salad. Panzanella has traditionally been a way to use up the hardened ends of leftover bread. If you don’t have time, just toast the cubes in…
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Spring has Sprung in California! Try my Recipe for Oven Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Lemon & Crunchy Toasted Almonds
LOVE.. LOVE… LOVE…. Asparagus. Spring time is right around the corner, and asparagus season is closer than we think. Best measure is to always source young fresh stalks of asparagus but if you are using very thick stalks of asparagus, peel away the tough outer layers. The easiest way is to grasp…
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Egg Treasure Muffins
These muffins are great for grab and go days. A little bit of work, but the outcome is worth the work. When you bite into this delicious savory muffin, a treasure is revealed. Kids love seeing a whole cooked egg inside. This recipe must be made with a jumbo size…
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Toasted Banana Bread Sammie
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 cup cold butter cut into chunks 2 cups sugar 2 cups ripe mashed bananas (about 6 bananas) 3 eggs, slightly beaten 2 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional) Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease…
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Skinny Garlic Pommes Frites
In the production of a really good ‘French Fry” the type of fat used to fry with can make all the difference. Not to mention the type of potato and the potatoes sugar content will make a difference as well. Seriously, this subject for scholarly debate! Many establishments that place “Pommes Frites”…
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Think Outside the Sauce. What to do with this Summer’s Tomato Harvest.
Tis’ the season. If your garden is abundant with beautiful sun kissed tomatoes— you have plans. Fresh, homegrown garden tomatoes are so delicious, and carry a depth of flavor. If you grow your own, most-likely, you are busy making sauce or canning whole, gift giving your neighbors, and of course—…
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Jarring Summertime! Smoked Nectarine Jam.
I love Summer-time. I love grilled foods. I love Summer’s sweet gifts of locally grown stone fruit. Today, I decided to make a recipe to combine both of my family favs ( just in case I want to relive this very day in upcoming fall- around Thanksgiving.) So I am…
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10 Minutes to Creamy! Chocolate Avocado Mousse!
Chocolate Mousse has never been healthier or faster! When choosing Avocados, use Haas variety- they tend to have a rich, smooth finish. Make sure to avoid any granulated sweeteners for a creamy mouthfeel. You’ll Need: 4-5 ripe avocados 3 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or optional liquid sweetener. ( do not…
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Stromboli- Dinner in 30!
Unlike a calzone, a stromboli does not contain sauce. Invented in the 1950’s on the east coast in Pennsylvania. An Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria claims to be the first to have used the name, Stromboli. Rumor has it the pizzeria owner had experimented with “pizza imbottito”, or “stuffed pizza”, and…
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Empanadas- Savory Hand Pies
So many cultures have a recipe for meat wrapped in pastry. – I just love bold flavored, slow cooked juicy meats and veggies wrapped up in flakey pie crust served piping hot. Mmmmmm. Comfort food. I also love pasta sauce and Italian sausage or yellow curry and potatoes, but that’s…
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High Protein, Low Carb Almond Crepes- Have your Crepe, & Eat it too!
If you are watching your macros, and counting carbs while increasing fats – this is definitely the crepe recipe for you! These are so yummy! I usually double the recipe. Ingredients: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature 4 large eggs 3/4 cup almond flour 2 tbsp granulated coconut…
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Ropa Vieja Stew, Non-Traditional
( ROH-pah VYAY-hah) translates something like, “old clothes” in Spanish, but don’t be fooled. This traditional warm weather dish will wrap around you like a nice cozy brand new shawl. You’ll even wanna eat this on a spring or summer evening when the night breeze picks up. I serve my…
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Cloud Eggs – An Eventful Mothers Day Breakfast Even a Kid Could Make!
Cloud Eggs- A culinary staple in egg cookery but are all the rage right now. So fun to make, and eat! Perfect for a surprise breakfast treat! Ingredients: 4 large eggs Pink Himalayan or Kosher salt Fresh ground black pepper 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese.( Fine grate ) 3…
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30 Minutes to Fancy! Halibut, En Paupiette!
In the culinary arts, the term en papillote refers to a moist-heat cooking method where the food is enclosed in a packet of parchment paper or foil – and then cooked in the oven. Seriously though- cooking anything in a pouch will create a delicious infused meal. In this case,…
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Authentic Fried Israeli Falafel
Here I am, an Italian-American trying to grasp the depths of an authentic Israeli Falafel recipe. Here is how I did it. I’ve turn to my favorite Falafel expert, and adapted from Joan Nathan’s book The Foods of Israel Today. Amazing book ! Read what Joan has to say about…
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Flatbread Made Three ways. Grilled, Baked or on the Stove Top
I love making fresh Flatbread, from Fry Bread, Naan, and Pitas. The list goes on. Just about every country has a type of prized flatbread recipe. I can’t decide if I like it made better in my cast iron pan on the stovetop, or my pizza stone baked in the…
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Low Sugar, Scratch- Cashew Milk Base Pancake Recipe
This is a base Pancake mix. Just in time for any morning! Add any flavors you like! You’ll Need: 2 cups whole wheat flour or all purpose 1 Tablespoon monk-fruit sugar granules or organic cane sugar 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt 1 heaping tablespoon baking powder 2 large eggs, beaten well…
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No Artificial Color- Empress Red Sugar Beet Cupcakes !
Ingredients: 1 cup puréed fresh red sugar-beets, (fresh cooked not canned) 1/3 cup coconut oil, slightly heated to pourable state 1 1/4 cup granulated organic sugar 2 teaspoons Madagascar vanilla extract 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons natural cocoa powder ( do not use Dutch…
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Spicy Turkey Zucchini Boats! Like a Taco without a Shell. Whatever Floats Your Boat, Right?
Ingredients: 8 medium zucchini 1 cup chicken stick 1 pound ground turkey, chicken, beef or Italian sausage 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, peeled and chopped small dice 1 cup mushrooms, quartered ( optional) 2-3 cloves garlic, minced fine 3 cups pasta sauce 1 Tablespoon oregano, minced fine 1 Tablespoon…
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Soft HomeMade Pretzels
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (105°F) 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast Vegetable oil 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour 1 tablespoon organic cane sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus Maldon or Large grain salt for garnish 8 -10 cups water 1/8 cup baking soda Method: With the vegetable oil,…
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Buttered Baba Ganoush
Buttered Baba Ganoush -(Moutabal aka, baba ganoush) is made with aubergines, tahini, pine nuts and plenty of garlic. Beautiful and exotic — these are two words that best describe a delicate, aubergine. They come in so many varieties. Most commonly seen are the lavender to purple varieties, but what many of us didn’t know,…
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How to Make a 10 Minute Dashi Broth
What is Dashi? Dashi is a very simple broth that is one of the cornerstones of Japanese cooking. It is made with kombu (dried kelp), and bonito fish flakes. The results produce an amazing flavorful clear broth. One that has the taste and smell of a fresh salty ocean.…
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10 Minute Umami Fried Rice
During the week families need meals that are fast, cheap and easy. If I make rice I ALWAYS make additional and set some aside just for this recipe. My family loves this fried rice and I do too because it is practically a meal-in-itself. Add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken…
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30 Minute Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons!
You’ll Need: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large yellow onion, sliced 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped in 1/2 inch pieces 1-2 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves 1/2 cup fresh flat leaf Italian parsley leaves 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 (28 oz ) cans good quality peeled and chopped organic tomatoes…
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BBQ Pork Buns Sliders with Sweet Cabbage Slaw
Nothing says yum like good food and great friends. Try my adaption of a BBQ Pork Bun. This make-ahead recipe was a crowd pleaser at my house. You can make the steamed buns or order out from your favorite Asian bakery. Everything else can be made ahead and assembled the day…
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Fresh Basil and Kale Pesto Zoodles
Some think I’ve lost my noodle, because I put kale in my zoodles. I’ll let you be the judge. This recipe is a variation of the classic basil pesto. It’s fresh, flavorful, easy and healthy. Kale is really good for you. Contains a high concentration of vitamins K, A, C, and…
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Zoodles with Spicy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp
I love, love, love shrimp scampi over pasta with lots of lemon and garlic, but I need a fast alternative from pasta. Here’s my swing on the ol’ classic! Ingredients: 2-3 teaspoons olive oil or extra virgin coconut oil 1/2 medium sized yellow onion, cleaned and Julianne sliced 1…
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Zuccetti with Marinara Sauce
I have been eating a plethora of zucchini noodles lately. They are really satisfying and lots of fun. So easy too- I don’t even cook mine. I pop on top a ten minute steamy hot pan sauce. Zoodles save me from being in the kitchen for a few hours. As much as I…
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Chocolate Cake Day! No Flour? No Problem!
Oooooh La Lahhhhh! It’s National Chocolate Cake Day here in America, why not celebrate with … well,…. A CHOCOLATE CAKE! I’m craving a chocolate flourless cake so here it is! Chocolate Flourless Cake with Chocolate Ganache You’ll Need 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet good quality chocolate chips such as Guittard 1/2…
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Lemon and Matcha Tea Cookies with Macadamia Nuts!
Yesterday, I attended the West Coast Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, California. My home town. Wow- I was so excited to see Matcha represent throughout. There was even a section dedicated to the glorious foods of Japan. Matcha is a beautiful vivid green color powder that comes from tea…
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Soft, Squeezable Buns- Homemade Hokkaido Milk Bread.
You know- those comforting, mouth watering snow white, billowey little loaves and rolls that are the foundation of respectable Asian bakeries. Mmmm- those soft, squeezable buns. Those pull apart, feather like layers that gently pull away like the wind blew them apart. Ahhhh, the ones just melt in your mouth…
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Popcorn Crusted Fish Filets
It’s National Popcorn Day, so I thought I’d celebrate with an old favorite of mine. Why not! The kids will love them! Ingredients: 8 pieces of wild-caught Dover sole, cut into thick strips- lengthwise Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 3-4 cups freshly popped buttered and salted popcorn 2…
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New Year…. New You! Loose the Crock Pot & meet me in the 21st Century!
New Year… New You. Right? Well, that’s what I’m saying. And, this time I mean it. It’s that season once again. The re-boot we all seem to simultaneously love… and hate. For me, there’s something about the new year I adore. That fresh feeling of renewal aligned with new challenge. Who doesn’t love…
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Homemade Lebkuchengewürz. The Original German Gingerbread Spice Blend!
“When in Rome”….But what if you’re not? DYI Lebkuchen Gewürz the Ultimate German Gingerbread Spice Blend – it’s not Holiday without it!’ Many people outside Germany will have no idea what this is. Lebkuchen Gewürz is a German gingerbread spice blend with an exceptionally beautiful depth and complexity of…
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Bourbon Maple Meatballs for Cocktail Time! Oooohh yeah!
These little appetizer meatballs are a delicious start to kick off your party ! Ingredients: 1 pound ground meatloaf mix, (ground beef, pork and veal) 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs 1 large egg 2 clove garlic, minced fine 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon…
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Making Fresh Pasta at Home
Sixteen years ago I designed a cooking school for kids with my then, 6 and 8-year-old daughters. They named it: Kids Culinary Adventures- where math, reading, science and art mix with kids. Although I’ve retired from teaching hands-on to children- and both my kids grew up and onto college. I do continue…
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Classic French Profiteroles with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce
A profiterole is a classic tiny filled ball made from the French Pâte à choux dough. ( the only dough cooked twice) typically sweet, but can also be savory. This pastry is used to also make, croquenbouches, éclairs French crullers, beignets, St. Honoré cake, Parisian gnocchi, and gougères to name a few of my favorites. Dessert profiteroles are usually filled with whipped cream, custard, pastry cream, or as in the USA,…
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Lucious Parsnip Purée with Truffle Oil !
Parsnips are my all time favorite root vegetable to purée or mash ! They are so naturally sweet and not too starchy, which makes for an ultra-silky side dish! Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh parsnips, peeled, thinly sliced- tough cores should be removed on larger parsnips but not necessary on small…
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2016 Post Election, Red Wine and Chocolate Popsicles !
I know it’s 5 o’clock somewhere ! Here is a fun pick-me-up after a long stressful election year. Try my frozen popsicle recipe strictly for adults. Cause, sometimes we need a break too! Not only will these take the edge off the 2016 Election, it will also turn your lips and…
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Smash Fit’s -Slow and Smokey Lemon Mustard Chicken in Under 30 Minutes!
Hard to believe you can get smokey, lemony, mustard chicken in under thirty minutes- but, you can. Chef Gigi knows you are way too busy to stand in the kitchen all day and…you’re hungry! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a fantastic protein option for anyone focused living a healthy lifestyle. Lean,…
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Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Fried Sage and a Chestnut Cream. Oh yeah!
‘Tis the season! Old world Gnocchi made from sweet potatoes, paired with the crunchness of fried chestnut and sage. Delicious. I’ve also bumped up the flavor profile by serving it in a pool of brown butter chestnut cream sauce made with wholesome nut milk — this recipe is heartwarming belly…
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Green Monster Muffins!
My stance on getting sneaky in the kitchen is very simple. I don’t like to lie about food, especially to children. I also know how hard it can be to get little ones to eat green. Fun holidays like, Halloween or St. Patricks Day and year end holiday are a…
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Butternut Squash with Penne Pasta & Brown Butter
No time to make pumpkin raviolis? Who does when you’re juggling family life. That’s why I heart this recipe. Not only is it perfect for a cold evening– it has all the decadence of fall flavors without all the work!! Ingredients: 1 ( 2- 2 1/2 lb) long neck butternut…
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Loaded – Jalapeno Popper Potato Skins!
Ingredients: 3-4 jalapeños 2 pounds small round baby potatoes, about 2 inches in size. 2 Tablespoons organic canola or vegetable oil, divided 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 pound pancetta or center cut strip bacon, cooked crisp, drained of excess…
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Broccoli Cheese Bombs. Fun to Make and Eat! A Healthy Alternative to Family Mealtimes.
These are delicious and fun to make with the kids. Serve with my homemade ketchup recipe found here. I’ve also included a cooking variation at the bottom of this recipe to help busy parents with a mid-week, on-the-go breakfast idea. Ingredients: 2 cups steamed broccoli, crowns only 1 large egg…
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Fun P B & J Sushi Rolls The Littles Can Make Themselves!
Kids should be in the kitchen as little as 2-3 years old with supervision! Teaching them and getting them get tactile is so important in so many ways. Here is a good introductory lunchtime activity to get them involved. Keep in mind, kids are more likely to eat what they…
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Pumpkin Spiced FlapJacks with Bacon Maple Butter
This recipe is best when made with fresh pumpkin puree. Pancakes won’t be so orange and the batter will result in a lighter, fluffier pancake. If pumpkins are not in season, or you are rushed for time– it’s fine to use canned pumpkin. Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour…
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Boeuf Bourguignon. A must have cold-weather food classic. My adaption from Julia Child’s recipe in, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”
A wonderful dish, raising simple “old world ” peasants stew- to a complex, full body depth; capable of transcending you to your comfortable warm happy place! A bit time consuming– but worth every moment and hopefully, it won’t take you as long to cook it, as long as it took…
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#HolidayBaking. Chef Gigi’s Recipe for Those Delicate, Flakey, Round Cookies all Covered with Powered Sugar. You know the ones!
So delicious you can’t eat just one! Yeah… those! Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups walnuts 8 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out 2 cups powdered sugar 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt 2 cups all-purpose flour Method: Preheat the oven to 350°.Line 2 large cookie…
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French Onion Soup, from an Italian Nona’s Kitchen!
Ingredients: 4-6 Tablespoons unsalted cold butter, divided 12 yellow onions. Peeled and sliced in 1/4 inch rings 1 Tablespoons good quality olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 -1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 6-8 cups the best quality, low-sodium beef broth 1 large bay leave 4 sprigs of fresh thyme…
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Drunken Bacon for that “Grown-up” Sunday Brunch you’ve been longing for ! (This Bacon is Hot, Sweet and Sticky, so be prepared to have “Breakfast in Bed!” )
Clothing optional ! I’d serve these sexy bits of heaven with a side of warm melted chocolate – but that’s just me. #ParentsDayOff Ingredients: 1/4 cup good quality pure maple syrup 1/4 cup good quality Bourbon 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar 2 pounds,…
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Spiced White Drinking Chocolate with Coconut Cream and Homemade Marshmallows
This is one of the most alluring and luxurious drinking chocolate recipes on the planet! Ingredients 1- 14 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk 1 3/4 cups heavy cream 1 -1 1/2 cups whole milk 3 cups white chocolate chips 1 vanilla bean, split or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4-6…
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Individual Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pies, topped with Buttery Puff Pastry! Perfect Cold Weather Comfort Food!
Ingredients: 2 -3 Tablespoons flour, plus more for surface 1 pack frozen puff pastry, preferably all-butter, thawed 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 onion, diced 1 small carrot, peeled and thinly sliced into 1/4 inch pieces 1 large celery stalk, peeled and thinly sliced into 1/4 inch pieces 4 small Yukon…
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Coq au Vin – French Comfort Food- A Rich and Historical Culinary Masterpiece!!
This dish though! < Big Sigh,> Chicken cooked in a rich, velvety sauce, framed with smoky bacon & earthy flavors! Various legends trace coq au vin to ancient Julius Caesar, but the recipe was not documented until the early 20th century when Julia Child featured coq au vin 1961- on…
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Plain and Simple. Chicken Udon Noodle Soup. (If you have a noodle eater in your family, this is a recipe must have! )
This recipe is an adaption from Chef Gigi’s signature cooking class; for kids, “Have you Lost your Noodle”? A pasta & noodle making series. You can really add just about anything to your soup. It’s YOUR Soup! Experiment. Ingredients: 1/2-1 rotisserie chicken, deboned and skin removed- meat cut or torn…
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Meatballs are all the rage! Here is one of my fun recipes you can make at home. Sunday Italian Meatballs- in a Spicy Red Sauce with Basil and Burrata!
Burrata [boor-RAH-tuh] The name ‘burrata’ means ‘buttered’ in Italian. A delicious, rich, glossy-white, unripened cheese made by combining mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella – while the inside contains creamy texture! For the meatballs: 1 pound ground pork 1 pound ground beef or veal 2 large eggs …
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Cheddar Cheese Crackers (complete 100% total knock-offs) from my culinary class, “Cook Outside the Box” go ahead…get cheesy!
Originally posted on Chef Gigi Gaggero: Go ahead …. Cook outside the box and keep your family free of unessessary food additives, shelve stabilizers and artificial colors! Eat clean!? Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour? 1 cup good quality sharp cheddar cheese, grated ? 5 1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter? 3/4…
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Yay, Slow Cooking Season has Arrived! Try my Families Favorite, Slow Sunday Chicken Chile Verde!
There’s a bit of prep up front- but this makes the final flavors all worth the extra effort! Ingredients: 2 lbs. tomatillos, husked (paper skins, removed) and cut in half 4 lg. poblano or anaheim peppers, cut in have seeds and stem removed 1-2 jalapeños, (depending on your spice preference)…
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Cheddar Cheese Crackers (complete 100% total knock-offs) from my culinary class, “Cook Outside the Box” go ahead…get cheesy!
Go ahead …. Cook outside the box and keep your family free of unessessary food additives, shelve stabilizers and artificial colors! Eat clean! Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup good quality sharp cheddar cheese, grated 5 1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon baking…
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How to Make Simple Syrup & Why You Need It in Your Life!
Simple syrup! Typically I use a 2 to 1 ratio (2 sugar, 1 water) to make my simple syrup. You’ll need: sugar filtered water Here’s how to make it: Bring mixture to a roaring boil. Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for at least 10 minutes to reduce and…
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Aphrodisiac Foods to Fire up Date Night!
There are foods that boost energy, fight fat and sharpen memory. Some ingredients can also spice up a romance, so here are some culinary suggestions for date night. For example, chilies are a great way to rev up the heat both inside and outside of the kitchen. The capsaicin – …
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How to Make Ice Cream Sammies Like a Professional Pastry Chef!
Do you find that ice cream sandwiches made with cookies then frozen are impossible to eat? Especially for the kids! Cookies that are not intentionally designed as an “ice cream sandwich cookie” will freeze solid and become impossible to bite through as softening ice cream oozes out the sides. Now…
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How to Make Savory Korean Pancakes in Less Than 30 Minutes!
Korean pancakes (pajeon) are crispy on the outside, soft and moist in the middle. Any vegetable can be used. You’ll need: 3/4 cup cake flour 1 egg 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1/2 cup cold club soda 6-8 scallions, cut lengthwise 1 fresh spicy…
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How to Make Fast & Easy Zucchini Fritters (Even the Kids Will Eat ‘Em)!
Not sure what to do with all of the end-of-summer zucchini? Make these easy zucchini fritters! You’ll need: 1 large zucchini 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup chopped chives 1/4 cup chopped fine oregano 1 tablespoon lemon zest 2 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup gluten-free flour 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon…
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Got Bananas? How to Make a DIY Skin Moisturizing Sugar Scrub!
Who has the time to be Betty homemaker and bake banana bread every few weeks with those fast-aging bananas? Why not treat yourself to a fast, 10-minute pick-me-up with my simple, inexpensive, spa treatment made right at home! Your skin won’t know the difference if the bananas have seen better days,…
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How to Make a Luscious (Grain-free) Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake!
Blueberry season is almost over. Finish it off with this moist blueberry lemon loaf cake! You’ll need: 1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour 1/4 cup coconut flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 eggs 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted 1/3 cup honey juice and zest of 2 lemons…
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Veggie Hack: How to Keep Your Vegetables Beautiful, Bright & Seal in Nutrition!
Blanching and shocking allows partially cook veggies to cool quickly. So, they stop cooking and retain the crunch, nutrition and a vibrant color sets in! You’ll need: slotted spoon bowl of ice water paper towels Here’s how to do it: Cut veggies to equal-sized pieces so they will cook at the…
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Egg Wash: The Who, What, Where, When, Why & How!
Want to bake like a pro? Here’s the who, what, where, when, why and how on egg wash! Who: A baker, anyone who wants a high or low shine with the addition of color on their finished baked product. What: Eggs, water or cream. Sometimes salt. Depends on the desired outcome. Where: Used…
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How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in 30 Minutes !
Sweet and succulent, these salted caramel apple hand pies are sure to hit that sweet spot! You’ll need: 1 package pre-made pie crust (2 to a package) 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped to small dice 3 tablespoons white sugar 3 tablespoons brown sugar (not packed) 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon…
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How to Make Flavor-Packed Infused Oils in 10 Minutes (or Less)!
Flavored oils are a must for your pantry! And they’re so easy to make! You’ll need: 1 cup of your favorite oil 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite herbs or spices 8 garlic cloves, crushed Here’s how to make it: Heat the oil in a saucepan. Crush the garlic cloves directly into…
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Salted Maple Caramel Sauce Is a Sticky Situation to Be Happy About!
Salted maple caramel sauce makes a great gift – or keep it for yourself and drizzle on baked winter fruit, oatmeal or ice cream! You’ll need: 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/2 cup maple sugar 1 cup heavy whipping cream (at room temp) 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon organic maple…
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How to Make Your Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Happier !
After all, Isn’t it time you reciprocate? Grill your peanut butter and jelly sandwich! If the warmth, the smell and the crunch isn’t enough to put you over the edge, I’ve added an enriched dough: delicious brioche. If you haven’t had a serious food crush lately, watch out! You’ll need: 2 slices of…
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Pro Chef Baking Hack: How to Get the Perfect Slice of Cheesecake!
For most of us who like to bake, kitchen knives are usually the go-to tool for all the fun magic tricks. But did you know that dental floss can do a more efficient job at cutting cheesecakes and slicing soft foods like cheese cakes, jelly roll cakes, moist, sweet baked…
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How to Make Homemade Soft Serve Ice Cream in Just 15 Minutes (Seriously)!
Chill out the toddlers fast on a hot day with this fun no-hassle activity – homemade soft serve ice cream! It’s fun and delicious! You’ll need: 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons chocolate sauce (optional) 4-6 cups crushed ice 1/4 cup salt…
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Make This Vegan Dragonfruit Smoothie Bowl Recipe & Slay Your Day!
This creamy vegan pinky dragonfruit smoothie bowl was created to honor my fellow 30SecondMom contributor, Stephen Dimmick, and GlossiGirl‘s PINKY! creme lipstick! You’ll need: 2 Pitaya Plus Organic Dragon Fruit Smoothie Packs (found at Whole Foods) 1 to 1 1/2 cups coconut water 1 cup cashew or sweetened almond milk 1/2 cup frozen mangos…
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How to Make Basil Peach Sorbet (Go Ahead, Buy the Ice Cream Maker you always wanted)!
Buy that ice cream maker you’ve always wanted! This fresh basil peach sorbet recipe is worth it! You’ll need: 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup water 1/4 cup packed, chopped fresh basil leaves 6 large ripe peaches 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice dash of salt Here’s how to make it: Combine…
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Ooooo La La, a French Classic: How to Make Chicken Dijonnaise!
Eat like a chef and make Chicken Drumsticks Dijonnaise! Uh, yum! You’ll need: 1-2 teaspoons ground cumin (it’s optimum to toast your own coriander and pulverize, but optional) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 8) salt and freshly ground pepper 1 onion, finely sliced 4 garlic cloves,…
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How to Make Your Own Vegan Nut Milk in 4 Easy Steps!
Making homemade vegan nut milk is easy. Really! Here’s how! Soak the nuts. Start with 1 cup of raw, unsalted nuts. In a large bowl, cover nuts with at least 1 inch of cool, filtered water. The nuts will plump, so make sure you have room in the bowl. Cover the bowl tightly…
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How to Make Homemade Butter in 10 Minutes or Less!
Want your kids to contribute to the family meal? Have them make butter! You’ll need: heavy cream clean marbles clean mason jar or baby food jar* salt Here’s how to do it: Add the cream and a marble or two to your mason jar. Cover the jar tightly and shake like…
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10 Yummy Plant-based Alternatives to Cow, Soy & Rice Milk!
Cow’s milk contains high levels of lactose and is 80 percent casein, which can cause bellyaches in kids with special needs and adults with belly sensitivities. Soy and rice milks are also considered foods that can worsen symptoms in people who are sensitive. Today, animals are pumped with growth hormones…
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How to Make Homemade Mayo in 10 Minutes Flat!
Have 10 minutes a few simple ingredients? You can make homemade mayo! You’ll need: 1 large egg 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1 cup light extra virgin olive oil or a neutral-tasting oil Here’s how to make it:…
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How to Make Homemade Ketchup (Trust me, It’s Easy)!
Stop buying that bottled stuff and try my DIY ketchup. It’s fast, fun and delicious! You’ll need: 1 large onion, chopped 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 2 garlic…
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My Homemade Chicken Nuggets Are Better Than You Know Who’s!
My chicken nuggets are better than theirs! (You know who I’m talking about!) Yep, I said it. Just say no to fast food and make these in 30 minutes or less! You’ll need: 2 cups plain Greek yogurt or 2 cups homemade ranch dressing 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon…
Chef Gigi Gaggero 