The key to a perfect panna cotta is the right ratio of gelatin to dairy. Lisa Donovan uses just enough to set each dessert while maintaining a creamy, luscious texture. Using vanilla bean paste adds beautiful flecks to each panna cotta, but vanilla extract will work well, too. Ingredients: 1 3/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin 3 […]
Author: CookDiaries
Corn and Black Bean Salad
“If you like ‘southwest cuisine’ you will love this.” Ingredients: 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon white sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (8.75 ounce) […]
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Amanda Johnson uses leftover chicken or turkey, and wild rice harvested nearby, to make this lovely soup. INGREDIENTS: 4 tbsp. unsalted butter 3 celery ribs 2 carrots 1 medium onion 2 clove garlic 1 1/2 tsp. thyme salt pepper 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 c. wild rice 2 qt. chicken stock or low-sodium broth 2 […]
SHEET PAN STEAK AND FRIES
The classic steak and fries easily made right on a sheet pan on ONE PAN! Bake your fries first, then add the steaks! EASY! INGREDIENTS: 4 (1-inch-thick) top sirloin steak, patted dry Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste FOR THE GARLIC PARMESAN FRIES 2 russet potatoes, cut into 8 long wedges 2 tablespoons […]
Chocolate Covered Oreos
This easy dessert takes no time and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Wondering about the coconut oil? It serves two functions. 1. It thins the chocolate slightly, making it easier to dip the Oreos. 2. It helps the chocolate set much more quickly in the fridge. It’s a win/win! We left it […]
Southern-Style Chocolate Gravy
“Oh yes, you can have chocolate for breakfast! Excellent served on top of hot flaky biscuits or homemade drop biscuits. Everyone will be cheering for more.” Ingredients: 1/4 cup cocoa 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 cup white sugar 2 cups milk 1 tablespoon butter, softened 2 teaspoons vanilla Directions: Whisk the cocoa, flour, and sugar […]
Baked Mostaccioli
Mostaccioli is a hearty baked pasta that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Essentially an easier lasagna made with penne. Top it with plenty of cheese and you’ll soon have a new favorite to add to the rotation. INGREDIENTS : 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 lb. sweet italian sausage, remove from casing 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/8 tsp. crushed […]
Bacon, Cheddar and Spinach Strata
“Even with just one layer of filling in the middle of this strata, you’ll be looking at a gorgeous casserole which should thoroughly impress your brunch guests . . . bottomless Mimosas or no.” Ingredients: 1 tablespoon bacon grease 1 (1 pound) loaf day-old bread, cubed1 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon […]
Chicken and Red Plum Salad
Charred plums make this nutty salad a summer standout. Ingredients: 4 6-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 tbsp. plus 1 tsp olive oil 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 4 red plums, cut into 1-inch wedges) 2 scallions, thinly sliced 6 c. baby arugula 1/2 c. fresh dill, very roughly chopped 1/4 c. roasted almonds, chopped […]
Brown Sugar Smokies
“Bacon-wrapped yummies! You can make these little smokies on skewers or toothpick them to secure.” Ingredients: 1 pound bacon 1 (16 ounce) package little smokie sausages 1 cup brown sugar, or to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cut bacon into thirds and wrap each strip around a little sausage. […]