My Mom’s Chicken Lasagna, in a Loaf Pan

I would like to tell you I made this out of pure sentiment. The truth is I had too many olives in the refrigerator. But it was my birthday, and I was missing my mom, and those two facts were sitting in the same room whether I admitted it or not. This was the one…

Lemony Asparagus Risotto: My Instant Pot Debut

My sorority sister gifted us an Instant Pot, and since we are in a small space, the smaller pot is a welcome addition that will replace the larger slow cooker for our mini-meals. Risotto seemed like the perfect first recipe since the whole point of the pot is to skip the constant stirring. I had…

Earthy Asparagus & Mushroom Fettuccine: When a Sale is Too Good to Pass

The post describes a creative pasta recipe utilizing a buy-two-get-one-free asparagus deal. The dish features chicken, cremini, and porcini mushrooms, combined in a creamy, earthy sauce without actual cream. The recipe emphasizes cooking techniques and ingredient preparation, resulting in a flavorful meal for two with the option of leftovers.

Forest Bounty: Golden Chanterelles with Pappardelle

As fridge divers and pantry raiders, we never say “no” to leftovers and castoffs. Our friend forages mushrooms in the Carmel woodlands for local restaurants . In early January, when he offered up some of the smaller and less “complete” chanterelles, our answer was “Yes, please!” And we came away with a beautiful haul. My…

Lighten up a Classic: Chicken Bolognese

A sale in the meat aisle led to a chicken bolognese creation, which surpassed my expectations. Simple to make with ground chicken, tomato, and aromatic herbs, this recipe provides a hearty but light dish. Happy Eating!

Fridge Diving: Brie Pasta with Duck Confit & Yuzu Marmalade

A delightful evening in Sonoma led to the creation of a decadent pasta dish using duck leg confit and creamy brie. Rehydrate the duck confit, cook the pasta, prepare the brie, combine, and plate to create this indulgent recipe. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, and parsley for a perfect finish.

Dutch-Oven Goodness: Stovetop Golden Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered pork chops are not a food of my partner’s culture, but they are definitely part of my Midwestern childhood. When I first served baked smothered pork chops from the oven with the layers of chops and onions and creamy white mushroom sauce, it blew my partner’s mind. Two weeks ago, he began mentioning that…

Comfort Food: Old School Chicken and Dumplings (soup style)

December 2023 called for comfort food. Plus, we needed to use our new Lodge Dutch oven. I had been thinking about the dumplings of my childhood and thought this fit the bill. We were very happy with the results, and it has that soothing old-fashioned flavor. It tastes even better the second day when the…