Tag Archives: dinner

Campbells Best Stuffed Peppers

This recipe for Campbells Stuffed Peppers is from their 1976 cookbook, Campbell’s 100 Best Recipes. It’s known for being very flavorful and is a dish I enjoy making often. I sometimes add diced mushrooms or tomatoes to enhance the flavor. You can also use different types of rice or substitute farro for variety. The recipe is versatile, but the key ingredients—condensed soup, Worcestershire sauce, and Swiss cheese—create a distinctive retro taste. These flavors blend well and give the dish its classic style, making it a favorite for those who appreciate nostalgic, hearty meals.

Pre-boiling peppers help them cook faster and become softer. It also reduces bitterness, especially in green peppers. After filling the peppers, they only need about 25 minutes in the oven instead of 45 minutes, which prevents the filling from drying out.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium green peppers
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 1 can condensed tomato or tomato bisque soup
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 slices mild Swiss cheese cut in strips

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
  2. Remove tops and seeds from peppers
  3. Cook in boiling salted water for 5 minutes, drain.
  4. In a skillet, brown beef and cook onion until tender.
  5. Stir in 1 cup soup, rice, and seasonings.
  6. Spoon meat mixture into peppers and place in a casserole dish.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Top with remaining soup and cheese.
  9. Bake for 5 minutes longer. Serve.

Homemade Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Gnocchi pronounced NYOW-kee are Italian dumplings made with flour, eggs, and potatoes. Gnocchi can be served in tomato sauce, tossed with pesto, or sautéed with butter and herbs. Homemade gnocchi are soft and pillowy inside and are far superior to store bought dried gnocchi. Give homemade a try and serve with your favorite sauce.

Recipe for Brown Butter Sage sauce is below, this can be made in advance.

Ingredients

  • 1-3/4 to 2 pounds of potatoes, (about 5 medium). Do not peel potatoes. Use starchy potatoes, such as russets or Yukon Gold
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg (fresh if possible)
  • 1 large egg yolk, beat with a fork (save white for another recipe)
  • 1 cup (or more) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons of butter for sautéing

Process

  1. Cover potatoes with at least 1″ of salted water and boil potatoes whole for about 20 – 25 minutes or longer. Potatoes should be fork tender. Transfer to a large bowl. Cool slightly about 10 minutes.
  2. When cool enough to handle, peel potatoes and cut into chunks.
  3. Mash potatoes until smooth.
  4. Mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  5. Add egg yolk and mix until it is blended.
  6. Gradually mix in 1 cup of flour. Knead for about 2 minutes until blended and smooth adding more flour by tablespoons if very moist.
  7. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  8. Set a large pot of salted water on stove to boil.
  9. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces.  Roll 1 piece on lightly floured surface into a 24-inch-long rope.
  10. Cut ropes into ¾ inch (2 cm) pieces, then slide each piece on a fork and squeeze a little (but not too hard) to create the traditional ridges. Sprinkle with a little bit of flour and toss, so they don’t stick together. Repeat with remaining dough. Let the gnocchi rest for 20 minutes before boiling. 
  11. Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Set aside until gnocchi are ready to be sautéed.
  12. Spoon cut gnocchi in the large pot of boiling salted water until they float to the surface and cook for 1 minute longer.
  13. With a slotted spoon, transfer gnocchi to skillet with melted butter. Sauté all gnocchi over medium-low heat until they begin to brown, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.
  14. Cover with your favorite sauce and serve.

Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Ingredients

  • ½ cup of butter
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh sage leaves, see Tip below
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel

Process

  1. Cook butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat until butter begins to brown. About 4 minutes (do not walk away, this happens fast). Using a spatula, move butter so it browns evenly, should be golden brown. Do not burn the butter.
  2. Add sage leaves and lemon peel. Remove from heat.
  3. Season with salt and pepper. Set sauce aside until ready to use.

Tip

  1. Remove the stems by cutting away the leaves from the stem.
  2. Stack the leaves with the largest leaf at the bottom and the smallest at the top. Aligning the stems.
  3. Roll the leaves tightly to create a cylinder.
  4. Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled leaves into thin ribbons, ensuring even thickness for uniformity. Use immediately.

Cabbage Pancakes

These cabbage pancakes make an excellent appetizer or side dish, but they are also hearty enough to serve as a meatless main dish serve them with fried eggs for a delicious meatless meal. The spicy sauce is excellent. The pancakes are good on their own, but with the sauce, they taste even better.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of finely grated and chopped cabbage
  • 1 small onion grated, about ½ cup
  • 1 small carrot, finely shredded
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or ½ cup almond flour for gluten free)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic – minced
  • 2 tablespoons of oil for sautéing

Process

  1. Thinly slice the cabbage, if using pre-bagged coleslaw mix, finely chop it and place it into a mixing bowl.
  2. Grate small onion and carrot with box grater, add the eggs, salt, and dill to the bowl. Stir well to combine.
  3. Add the flour and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  5. Use a measuring cup to scoop half a cup and put it on the skillet.
  6. Cook the pancakes until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
  7. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Spicy Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons sour cream (or plain Greek Yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust for taste)

Notes

  • You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I reheat them in the microwave or eat them cold. You can also freeze them in freezer bags, separating layers with wax paper.

Light and Traditional Coleslaw

Eating cabbage regularly can improve your health. It helps boost your immune system, aids digestion, and supports overall wellness. Cabbage also benefits your heart by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress thanks to its antioxidants. Besides health benefits, cabbage is versatile in cooking. You can use it on tostadas, sandwiches, fish tacos, or in dishes like Egg Roll in a Bowl. Using pre-shredded coleslaw mix makes it easy to prepare quick cabbage soup or cabbage pancakes. I like the Light Coleslaw recipe during the week. It tastes good and stays fresh for a few days.

LIGHT COLESLAW DRESSING

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons of reduced calorie mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar (substitutes: rice or white vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon of dill seeds (substitute: caraway seeds, or none)
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 bag of pre-grated coleslaw mix
  • 1 small, sweet onion, grated on a box grater

Process

  1. Mix dressing ingredients together in a larger bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, dill seeds, sugar, and pepper.
  2. Grate onion.
  3. Stir in the pre-grated bag of coleslaw mix and onion until blended.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Stir before serving.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 65kcal | 3 g Total Fat | 1 g Saturated Fat | 3 mg Cholesterol | 74 mg Sodium | 10 g Total Carbohydrate | 2 g Dietary Fiber | 2 g Protein | 48 mg Calcium

TRADITIONAL COLESLAW DRESSING

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1-1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp celery seed optional

Process

  1. Whisk together in a large bowl: mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, pepper and celery seed.
  2. Stir in the bag of pre-grated coleslaw until well blended.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  4. Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates 7g | Protein 1g | Fat 11g | Saturated Fat 2g| Polyunsaturated fat 6g | Monounsaturated Fat 2 g | Trans Fat 6g | Cholesterol 6mg | Sodium 416mg | Potassium 158mg | Fiber 2g | Sugar 5 g

Notes: Note that coleslaw reduces in volume as it sits and the cabbage releases its moisture. Don’t be tempted to add more mayo even if it appears dry at first: it will become saucier quickly as it stands (even more so the next day!).

Optional Seasoning add-ins:

  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Celery seed
  • Dry mustard or Dijon mustard
  • Cilantro

Optional Mix-ins:

You can also add other mix-ins to the coleslaw things like:

  • Apples – diced
  • Dried cranberries
  • Sliced almonds
  • Bleu cheese or cheddar cheese
  • Pineapple
  • Poppyseeds
  • Fresh strawberries

Single Serve Cheese Soufflés

This was my first time attempting to make a cheese souffle, I’ve had the recipe for about 20 years and decided to check out other recipes online to compare ingredients and methods. I decided to use this one with a few ingredient additions because it was simple. I honestly didn’t think it would turn out. But I have to say, even though my 8-ounce ramekins were filled to the top with the egg mixture, they were beautifully puffed, golden, crispy crust and light as air inside. The taste was incredible and I devoured both.

Great for brunch, a light supper or as a versatile side dish, these melt-in-your-mouth souffles are flavorful, fluffy and fun. Served hot, egg soufflés can be accompanied by a fresh salad or a side of toasted bread, making them a wholesome and refined light meal option.

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup milk, or cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, or Gruyère cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon of cream of tarter
  • 2 eggs, separated

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray two 8-ounce ramekins with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Crack eggs and separate yolks from whites.
  3. Beat egg yolks with a fork and set aside.
  4. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter.
  5. Stir in the flour until smooth; gradually add milk.
  6. Bring to boil and cook stirring for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
  7. Reduce heat, stir in cheese until melted. Remove pan from heat.
  8. Gradually add a small amount of hot cheese mixture to the beaten egg yolks, stirring constantly to prevent cooking. Then, pour the mixture back into the pan, stirring continuously until fully incorporated. Set aside to allow it to cool slightly.
  9. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
  10. Fold a third of the whites into the egg yolk mixture to loosen then fold in the remaining whites, streaky whites are okay, do not overmix. Pour into prepared ramekins. Wipe rims of ramekins clean.
  11. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. *Note: do not open the oven door while cooking.
  12. Serve immediately.  They will deflate as they cool, but will still be delicious!

Light as Air Pancakes with Strawberry Syrup

Pancakes for dinner? Why yes! When my kids were young, we often ate breakfast for dinner once a week, usually on Friday. We also had a special night called Taco Tuesday, which they enjoyed. Having a plan where you have one breakfast and one dinner each week can make meal planning easier and healthier. It helps organize meals better, reduces the stress of deciding what to eat, and allows trying new recipes or cuisines. This method also simplifies shopping and helps control portion sizes. As the children grew into teenagers, I encouraged them to plan and cook a family meal on a designated night, which helped them learn cooking skills and become more independent.

Initially, this plan did not provide much relief from the kitchen work. However, as they gained confidence in their skills, planning meals became easier and less tiring. Watching them become more independent turned mealtime into an enjoyable experience.

Light as Air Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs, separated
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Strawberry syrup, to serve (see below

Process

  1. Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a bowl.
  2. Put egg yolks and milk into another bowl and gently beat in the sifted dry ingredients.
  3. Put the egg whites into a clean mixer bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Using a spatula, fold whites into the batter.
  4. Heat the prepared griddle over medium-low heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and cook in batches over low heat until small bubbles begin to appear on the surface and the underside is golden brown. Flip the pancakes over and cook the other side for 1 more minute.
  5. Spread with whipped butter (recipe below) and maple syrup, strawberry syrup, blueberry syrup, or fresh fruit.

Whipped Butter

  • ½ cup of softened butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of whipping cream, milk or water
  • Whip the butter and liquid of your choice until light and fluffy.

Variations

  • Add a teaspoon of honey for honey butter or
  • ½ teaspoon of Cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a sweet topping

Fruit Syrup Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1-1/2 cups mashed unsweetened strawberries, raspberries or blueberries

Process

  1. Bring sugar and water to a boil.
  2. Gradually add fruit of choice, return to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Strain fruit if desired.
  5. Serve with pancakes, waffles or ice cream.

Roasted Garlic Chicken





There are many reasons to love garlic chicken thighs, especially for their flavor. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and garlic sauce combine to create a rich, satisfying experience. Each bite offers a mix of textures, from the golden, seared exterior to the tender, flavorful interior. This recipe is reliable and versatile, suitable for a cozy home meal or a special gathering. It’s a dish that feels rustic yet impressive enough for a picnic or dinner party. For the best results, marinate the chicken for 24 to 36 hours before roasting. Dark meat cuts like chicken thighs and legs work best because they stay moist and tender during cooking. Overall, this garlic chicken recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make option that appeals to many tastes and occasions.

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1 cup of olive oil
  • 8 garlic cloves, flattened
  • ½ cup minced fresh parsley
  • 2 – 3 pounds of chicken thighs and legs, skin on and bone in

Process

  1. Prep chicken by cutting off any extra fat or extra skin, pat it completely dry before adding it to the marinade.
  2. Peel garlic cloves and flatten them with a knife.
  3. Chop fresh parsley finely.
  4. Mix olive oil, garlic, and parsley and pour into a gallon plastic bag.
  5. Add the chicken and marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, up to 36 hours.
  6. Place in the refrigerator, flipping every few hours to ensure even coverage of the marinade.

Sauce Ingredients

  • 6 garlic cloves, pressed or grated
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tablespoon of dried, crumbled
  • 2-1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons of dried
  • 1 teaspoon of coarse Kosher salt
  • Ground Pepper

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a raised edge sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy clean up.
  2. Take the chicken out of the marinade, keeping any garlic or parsley stuck to it. Place the chicken skin side up on a shallow roasting pan or sheet pan with raised edges. Save one-third of the marinade in a large bowl for later use.
  3. Stir the pressed garlic cloves, rosemary, and thyme into the reserved marinade.
  4. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the roasting pan.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and cook skin side up until cooked through for about 50 minutes.

Käsespätzle

Käsespätzle

Comfort Food Spoiler! 

This German Käsespätzle is a tasty homemade pasta tossed with onion and Emmentaler cheese. It’s a German version of macaroni and cheese. Made with Spätzle a type of egg noodle that originated in the Swabian region of Germany. The name “Spätzle” translates to “little sparrows” in English, reflecting the small, irregular shapes of the noodles. They are made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk, resulting in a chewy, dumpling-like texture.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, if possible
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk more as needed (milk produces a richer Spaetzle) (**add more flour if the dough is too runny, add more milk if it’s too stiff)
  • 3 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Emmentaler cheese (See note for substitute)
  • 1 onion, sliced thin

Process

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Mix flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Beat eggs in a medium bowl. Alternately mix in milk and flour mixture until smooth. Set aside for 30 minutes.
  4. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Press batter through a spaetzle press into the water. One can also use a rubber spatula to push the batter through the holes of a large-holed colander or a kitchen spoon with holes.
  5. Don’t overload the pot of water. Work in small batches. The spätzle batter will sink to the bottom of the pot of boiling water, then float to the top as it cooks. Cook the spätzle for approximately five minutes. Remove from boiling water with a slotted spoon to a clean colander to drain.
  6. Mix in 1 cup of cheese.
  7. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until golden. Stir in spaetzle and remaining 1/2 cup cheese until well blended. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes:

  1. Gruyère is the best substitute for Emmental cheese. It’s super easy to find in food stores and should be around the same price as a pack of Emmental. In terms of flavor, gruyere cheese is more complex. Along with the nutty notes it shares with Emmental, there’s also a salty and earthy undertone.
  2. Traditionally Spätzle batter is quite thick because it was cut into noodles using the board & knife method. Even if using a Spätzle press or other method, thicker batter yields a better consistency. If you’re using the Spätzle press yes, it will require some muscle strength – you don’t want the batter to be so runny that it squishes right through with ease. That said, if you’re straining way too hard to press the batter through, go ahead and add a bit more liquid to thin it out.

Mushroom & Chive Risotto

Creamy risotto is a classic Italian dish renowned for its rich, velvety texture and comforting flavor. Made with Arborio rice, which has a high starch content, risotto achieves its signature creaminess through slow cooking and gradual addition of broth. The process involves sautéing onions or shallots in butter or olive oil, then adding the rice to toast it lightly. Gradually, warm broth is added in small increments, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid slowly, releasing its starch and creating a smooth, creamy consistency. Preparing creamy risotto at home takes about 40 minutes, start to finish. Served as a main meal or side dish, it is so worth the effort.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of Vegetable Stock
  • 8 ounces of button mushrooms, sliced very thin
  • 1 medium onion, or shallots peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and grated or pressed
  • 1-1/2 cups of Arborio Rice
  • 8 ounces of grape tomatoes, quartered or sliced into thirds
  • ¼ ounce chives, snipped fine
  • 4 tablespoons of garlic butter
  • 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or substitute with Asiago, Sharp Cheddar, Gruyere, or Pecorino Romano)
  • 1 teaspoon Korean red chili flakes
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Process

  1. Heat vegetable stock in a medium pot, bring to a low simmer.
  2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms, spread out in a layer and cook until brown on underside, flip mushrooms and continue to cook until browned and slightly crispy., Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Turn off heat and transfer mushrooms to a plate. Set aside.
  4. In the same pot, drizzle olive oil over medium heat. Add onion or shallots, cook stirring until slightly softened and very lightly browned about 2 – 3 minutes.
  5. Add garlic, rice and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Cook, stirring for about 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and rice is translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Begin making Risotto by adding ½ cup vegetable stock to the pan with rice. Stir until liquid is mostly absorbed. Repeat with remaining stock, adding ½ cup at a time and stirring until liquid has mostly absorbed until the rice is “al dente” and risotto is creamy. This will take about 30 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Stir in mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic herb butter, half of the cheese and half of the chives.
  8. Cook until the tomatoes are softened for about 6 minutes.
  9. If risotto is too thick, stir in a little water or more vegetable stock. Risotto should be soft and creamy, not thick.
  10. Stir in red chili flakes.
  11. To serve, top bowl with remaining chives and remaining Parmesan.

Onion Jam

Onion jam is a versatile condiment crafted by slow-cooking onions with honey, vinegar, and spices until they reach a thick, sweet, and tangy consistency. This culinary creation offers a unique blend of flavors that can enhance a variety of dishes. Its rich, caramelized taste makes it an excellent accompaniment to meats, cheeses, and bread, adding depth and sweetness to savory dishes. Onion jam can be used as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, and grilled meats, providing a burst of flavor that elevates the overall dish. It also pairs well with cheese platters, serving as a sweet contrast to sharp cheese like cheddar or blue cheese. Whether spread on toast, dolloped on roasted vegetables, or used as a marinade component, onion jam is a flavorful addition that enhances a wide range of culinary creations.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • About 2 pounds of sweet onion (about 3 large)
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt and ground pepper
  • 1 cup of red wine
  • ¼ cup of honey
  • ¼ cup of red wine vinegar

Directions:

  1. Slice onions thin, a mandoline is a great tool for this task.
  2. Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-low heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  3. Add onions, thyme, salt and pepper, cover and cook until onions have wilted, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. You do NOT want to brown the onions, just sweat them
  4. Remove lid. You will not need the lid for the next steps.
  5. Add red wine, cook over medium-high heat until the wine is absorbed into the onions.
  6. Remove pan from high heat. Turn heat down to medium-low. Return the pan to medium-low heat.
  7. Add the honey and red wine vinegar and simmer gently until onions have a jam like consistency, about 15 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat, cool and use immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator.