All Recipes | Breakfast | Dinner (Mains) | Dessert | Side Dishes | Soups | Appetizers | Salads | Snacks | Beverages | Breads
These are incredibly easy to make, mashed full of deliciousness (like cheese and bacon, hence the title), and while they’re not going to trim your waistline any time soon, they’re gonna taste god damn delicious. Serve em up with a grass fed flank steak slathered in chimichurri sauce, and some sweet roasted carrots with spiced greek yogurt and …
Shepherd’s pie is a wonderful, comfort food casserole. It features ground meat, such as lamb or beef, a tasty gravy, vegetables, and, of course, it is topped with mashed potatoes. Often, people toss a few handfuls of cheese on top of the casserole to add protein and a cheesy tang. Our soup recipe takes its …
If you love to make tasty treats for your family, it can sometimes be hard to make a decision about what to bake. Additionally, if you have opinionated family members who like different things, it can be difficult to figure out who to please. That is where kitchen creativity can come in. Recipes like this …
Biscuits are wonderful quick breads that are quite popular in the Southern United States. They are often made of a simple white flour dough and feature plenty of butter and buttermilk. However, once you have mastered the basic biscuit recipe, there is no reason to stop there in your culinary adventures. What tastes more like …
In fact, the average American consumes about 20 pounds of ice cream every year. This works out to about 4 gallons of ice cream per person, per year! Unfortunately, many commercially made brands of ice cream feature a long list of unpronounceable ingredients. High fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and artificial colors are probably on the …
Do you need a delicious, creamy, tropical tasting dessert for your next family dinner? This recipe for Pineapple Dream Cheesecake is all of the above. Featuring layers of cream cheese, whipped topping, and coconut all encased in a crunchy graham cracker crust, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds. Everyone loves eating a homemade …
With the flavor of classic fall spices and the texture of healthy oatmeal, this recipe for Sweet Potato Muffins takes one of your favorite root veggies and turns it into a muffin recipe that is perfect for brunch or for afternoon tea. The fragrance of this recipe will fill your kitchen with a welcoming, delicious …
The official state cuisine of the state of Louisiana, gumbo features the goodness of meat, seafood, chicken and veggies. Every good cook in the state has their own version of this delicious dish, but we are certain that our recipe will be a great one to add to the soup file in your recipe box. …
These taquitos are absolutely perfect. The filling is a great combination and creamy and cheesy. You can choose whatever heat of salsa that you prefer. The magic of this recipe, however, occurs when you fry the taquitos. In the hot oil, the corn tortillas go from soft and flexible to crispy and crunchy. The final …
Pears are often delicious when eaten fresh out of hand, but did you know that pears are also delightful fruits to include in your baking? Whether you want to make a cobbler, pie, or fruit crisp, why not use pears? You can make a dessert that only features pears or you can add a pear …
Almost everyone acknowledges that baked goods made from scratch are the tastiest, highest quality treats. However, even expert cooks have busy days when baking from scratch is just not going to happen. Things go wrong, schedules fill up, and all of the sudden, time is short and a treat from scratch is out of the …
Chicken pot pie is one of those classic comfort foods that everyone craves about the time that the weather turns cold and wet. When you come into the house and you smell the delicious fragrance of chicken and pastry baking together in the oven, you will be so glad to be home and so excited …
Loaded with the flavor and texture of cheese and the classic Italian seasonings that you love, this recipe for Cheesy Tortellini Sauce is rich and satisfying. You do not have to wait to go to your favorite Italian restaurant to get the flavors and textures that you love. You can make this sauce as the …
When most people picture mashed potatoes, they think of mounds of creamy, fluffy, pale white potatoes. Mashed potatoes pair well with all kinds of dinner entrees. Whether you are having a roast chicken, beef roast, pork tenderloin, or turkey, mashed potatoes are a wonderful side dish. This dish takes cooked potatoes and mashes them together …
Many people are so rushed in the mornings before leaving for work, that they feel that they don’t have time to sit down and eat breakfast. And, with getting the kids up and out the door, gathering lunches, letting the dog out, and making sure that everyone has all that they need, of course, sitting …
Brandy Cocktails Brandy is a term that most commonly refers to a liquor made from distilled wine, the most famous of which are the iconic Cognac and Armagnac from France. Related: Kahlúa Cocktail | Tequila Cocktails | Whiskey Cocktails | Gin Cocktails | Rum Cocktails | Vodka Cocktail | Amaretto Cocktail | Cognac Cocktail | Mezcal Cocktail | Frangelico Cocktails | Grand Marnier Cocktail | Peach Schnapps Cocktail | Vermouth Cocktail | Sherry Cocktail | Triple Sec Cocktail 1. Brandy Cocktail Subtle, …
Triple sec is a French orange liqueur that is closely tied to cocktail history and the evolution of mixed drinks. It is an infusion of orange peels with a neutral spirit and sweetener to create a delicious liqueur that is present in all different families of cocktails, deeply versatile and elevating any drink it’s found …
One of the greatest things about summer is that the produce in your local store or farmer’s market is at its peak. You can enjoy the best and freshest flavors of fresh herbs, vegetables, berries, and fruits and usually, these things are much less expensive than at other times of the year. One of the …
Who doesn’t love the flavor of cinnamon rolls? This recipe for Cinnamon Roll Cookies gives you all the cinnamon sweetness of the classic breakfast bread and turns it into a pretty, swirled cookie. With a touch of a sweet icing glaze, Cinnamon Roll Cookies look great on a holiday cookie plate and they taste just …
Most people know that marinating meat can increase the flavor and tenderness of most meats. However, most folks use marinades that contain juice, vinegar, and other acidic ingredients when they marinate chicken, pork, or beef. The acids in the meat help to tenderize the meat and the flavors of the seasonings add to the taste …
Homemade biscuits are delicious. A soft, tender quick bread that comes together in just a few minutes, a biscuit is a staple of southern cooking. When made by an expert, biscuits can steal the show from the main dish as the bread basket is passed again and again. Whether one smothers them in butter, drips …
All Recipes | Breakfast | Dinner (Mains) | Dessert | Side Dishes | Soups | Appetizers | Salads | Snacks | Beverages | Breads
So many recipes and so little time to cook them all; however, knowing the many types of recipes will help you add to your repertoire of culinary talents.
Every food has a buddy, and learning food pairings is essential to becoming a competent cook. Some foods fight against each other when paired, while others have complementary flavors.
Building a collection of recipes for every occasion takes time and experimentation. However, the results of any cooking adventure are tasty as long as you do not burn the meal.
Appetizers can start a meal and are often for occasions where snacks are in order, like when serving cocktails.
Canapes — a canape comprises a small piece of bread, toast, puff pastry, or cracker. Toppings for canapes include
Hors D’oeuvres — you can make hors d’oeuvres with items from the meal you are preparing. However, you can serve hors d’oeuvres at events, holiday gatherings, and meetings; the assortment is endless.
Crudité — crudité can include fresh fruits, vegetables paired with sauces, and dips that accentuate the flavors of the food you serve. Pickled foods are often seen on crudité platters, including olives. Crudités are one of the quickest and easiest ways to put out finger foods unless you grab take-out chicken nuggets or fingers.
Cocktails — shrimp cocktails from restaurant menus are what we are most familiar with. However, appetizers that go with cocktails of the drinking variety include canapes, hors d’oeuvres, and crudité platters. You can serve these items for business or pleasure at cocktail, indoor, or outdoor gatherings. Because when people drink cocktails, a little protein and carbs help dampen the effects of alcohol.
One does not think of recipes for drinks and cocktails as they do for food unless they are a mixologist or Sommelier. However, there are beverages for when it is hot, ones for when it is cold, and others because it is brunch, dinner, or happy hour.
Cold beverages — lemonade, iced tea, and flavored teas are easy to make for meals and special occasions. Many recipes are available if you do not have one of your own.
Hot beverages — are more than coffee and hot tea. Hot drinks include hot chocolate, Irish coffee, and hot ciders. Like cold beverages, many recipes available will give you recipes that go well with what you are drinking.
Alcoholic beverages — like various foods, some alcoholic beverages will go better with certain meals than others. For example, grilling and cookouts call for beer and fruity drinks, while Mexican food goes well with Sangria or margaritas.
Dinners that are more formal call for wine, and if you want to get real fancy, serve a different wine with every dish.
The morning meal is the one I enjoy the most and can make the entire day go better. Preparing a brunch, however, often means guests and special recipes.
Every food we eat has an origin, and breakfast is no different. Brunch is the same. A brunch can be prepared to feed yourself or a large party of family or guests. After breakfast, brunch is my favorite meal of the day. It means special recipes and beverages and is often a gathering of friends.
The composition of an American breakfast is as varied as the country, and demographics play a significant role in which American breakfast items are the most common.
A continental breakfast is what more Americans eat, though, and can include
These are standard fare at business events, hotels, and motels. However, many Americans skip breakfast and either grab and go to a convenience store or get breakfast from a fast-food restaurant.
The American breakfast has evolved from classic English breakfasts, which are mildly different. English breakfast is typically comprised of the following.
This is my favorite meal to prepare if I am cooking for a crowd. The possibilities are endless, and brunch can include items like
I make one cake very, very well: an upside-down pineapple cake. This cake is easy, requires little thought, and goes with any meal. Everyone needs a cake recipe that is easy to prepare for guests or one you love so much that it comes out perfect, even when you don’t feel like cooking.
The four methods of making a cake are:
There are seven different ways to make cookie dough.
Pies, puddings, and fruit salads like ambrosia are all desserts that do not fit with cookies or cakes. Although pie is often categorized with cake and has a few similar ingredients, how it is prepared and cooked is different.
Cream pie filling is pudding. Whether it is cooked pudding or instant is up to you. A pie made from a pre-cooked crust, filled with pudding, and topped with whipped cream is fast and can save the day if you want something for dessert in a hurry.
Making a perfect crust is an art form, and many recipes exist. However, frozen and refrigerated shells and sheets of pastry dough work well and save time. Fruit pies are easier to make with pre-bought crust also. Therefore, a premade crust can save a lot of time when making a pie with fresh fruit.
Crème Brulee and cherries jubilee fit the category of a specialty dessert along with lava cake because, along with a fresh-made cheesecake, they are the king of desserts. If someone makes them for you, or you find them in a restaurant, indulge yourself because these delicacies have become hard to find and expensive.
The main ingredient that you build a meal around is your entrée. Whether it is a casserole with everything baked in or thick porterhouse steaks grilled to perfection, every meal has a star component.
Entrees come in every variety, from composed dishes to roasts, steaks, stews, and even soups. However, the entrée for most meals is the meat served or, in the case of a casserole, the main dish.
Beef — is one of the most versatile meats we consume, whether it’s steak, ground beef for hamburgers, meat for stew, or stir-fry. Beef recipes include roasting, braising, stewing, grilling, and smoking.
Poultry — poultry dishes include chicken, duck, goose, pheasant, game hen, and quail. You can cook chicken in hundreds of ways, and it is one of the least expensive meats you can buy. The others listed here, including turkey, are more challenging to prepare and cook and are more costly than chicken.
Pork — chops, pork steaks, Boston butt, pork tenderloin, bacon, sausage, and many other items are made from pork. Pork is often the entrée of a meal and can be pan-seared and cooked, roasted, smoked, or made into barbeque.
Fish/shellfish — like steak fish and shellfish are expensive. So, whatever you are doing with your seafood, take care not to overcook it. Of course, you want it done, but an overcooked shrimp or piece of fish loses its delicate flavor and becomes rubbery.
Casseroles and one-dish meals — you can add any of the above meats to a casserole. Throw in some rice, pasta, a few other ingredients, and a little time, and you get a hearty meal. These dishes are fast and can be combined with fresh veg or salad to round out your meal.
Most of the condiments, sauces, and dressings we use are premade. However, many recipes for sauces, dressings, and condiments are better than premade ones, with fewer ingredients to mess up the flavors.
You can make ranch dressing from a kit, and Thousand Island dressing combines mayo, ketchup, pickle relish, cheddar cheese, and other essential ingredients. Other salad dressings are also easy to make, and you can use yogurt as a base when sour cream is called for and come up with personal recipes.
Hollandaise sauce is necessary when making eggs benedict, and is good on cooked vegetables, as is cheese sauce. Fortunately, you can buy it in a packet, boil water, stir it in, and you are done.
So many salads, so little space, but there are only three types of salad.
Green salads — you make a green salad with a combination of lettuces, and they can be as individual as you are. Generally, green salads have tomatoes, onion, cucumber, shredded carrot, and croutons.
Composed salads — a basic green salad can quickly become a Greek, antipasto, or chef salad. These are called composed salads and use a base of salad greens on which you pile charcuterie meats, cheeses, olives, and several other ingredients, depending on the recipe.
Vegetable salads — potato salad, broccoli salad, carrot salad, and Cole slaw fit this type of salad.
Pasta salads — pasta makes a good base for a cold summer day as a side or a meal. Like green salads, you can add meat, cheese, and veggies for texture, vitamins, and an extra flavor.
Meat salads — tuna salad, ham salad, chicken salad, and salmon salad are packed with protein.
Fruit salads — you can make a fruit salad with any seasonal fruit. A platter of seasonal melons, grapes, and other fruits makes a light dessert, snack, or addition to a brunch.
Sandwiches — besides breakfast, sandwiches are easy to make, fast, and filling. You can make cold sandwiches, or hot sandwiches, for any meal of the day.
Breakfast wraps are easy and only require a small flour tortilla, a scrambled egg, cheese, and a cup of coffee, and your day will be well on its way.
Many sandwiches have cultural significance, such as the Cuban, which is made like a submarine and has a beautiful combination of flavors. The same goes for an Italian or meatball sub.
Corn beef and rye would not be the sandwich it could be without the bread and sauerkraut. However, a hamburger works well on grilled bread when turned into a patty melt as on a bun.
Soups and stews — these are the ultimate comfort food, and there are many types of recipes for soups and stews made with beef, chicken, pork, and other hearty ingredients.
Vegetables and side dishes — every meal needs its companion foods. Meatloaf screams for mashed potatoes and gravy. Stir-fry without rice is just a bowl of veggies, and pork roast and sweet potatoes have very compatible flavors.
Most recipes are created with specific ingredients. Some ingredients can be substituted while others cannot.
Some are especially for recipes from fresh, in-season fruits or vegetables.
Some of them are, and food producers can make some items cheaper than if you buy the ingredients and make them from scratch. Lasagna is a prime example because of its ingredients. Making a pan of lasagna is time-consuming, and frozen products are almost as good as a scratch recipe.