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  • Easy Orange Creamsicle Truffles

    Easy Orange Creamsicle Truffles


    Ingredients
    1 cup white chocolate chips
    4 oz cream cheese, softened
    1 teaspoon orange zest
    1 teaspoon orange extract (or 2–3 drops orange oil)
    1 cup powdered sugar
    Optional: a drop of orange food coloring
    For coating: additional melted white chocolate OR powdered sugar
    Instructions
    Make the Base
    In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20–30 second intervals, stirring until completely smooth.
    Blend the Flavors
    In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add orange zest, orange extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until creamy and well combined.
    Combine
    Pour the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly. If you want a light orange color, add a tiny drop of food coloring.
    Chill the Mixture
    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
    Shape the Truffles
    Scoop small portions using a teaspoon or mini cookie scoop. Roll into smooth balls with your hands.
    Coat
    Dip the truffles into melted white chocolate for a smooth shell, or simply roll them in powdered sugar for a softer finish.
    Chill Again
    Place the truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
    Storage
    Keep truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for 2 months.

  • Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber 🥦🍚

    Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber 🥦🍚

    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories per serving: ~500 kcal

    📝 Ingredients:

    2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗

    1 cup jasmine or sushi rice 🍚

    1 ½ cups broccoli florets 🥦

    ½ cucumber, thinly sliced 🥒

    For the Teriyaki Sauce:

    3 tbsp soy sauce 🧂

    1 tbsp honey 🍯

    1 tbsp brown sugar

    1 tbsp rice vinegar

    1 tsp sesame oil

    1 clove garlic, minced 🧄

    1 tsp fresh grated ginger

    1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (for slurry)

    👨‍🍳 Instructions:

    Cook rice according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.

    Steam broccoli for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Season lightly with salt.

    Prepare the sauce: Combine soy sauce, honey, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer.

    Thicken with slurry: Mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes until thick and glossy. Set aside.

    Cook chicken: Sear chicken breasts in a pan over medium heat with a little oil, about 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temp 75°C/165°F).

    Slice the chicken and brush or drizzle generously with teriyaki sauce.

    Assemble bowls: Divide rice between two bowls. Top with sliced teriyaki chicken, steamed broccoli, and cucumber slices.

    💡 Notes & Variations:

    Swap chicken for tofu or salmon.

    Add sesame seeds or scallions for garnish.

    Use pre-made teriyaki sauce if short on time.

  • GREAT NORTHERN BEANS, PINTO & RED BEANS WITH CABBAGE, SMOKED TURKEY & ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE

    GREAT NORTHERN BEANS, PINTO & RED BEANS WITH CABBAGE, SMOKED TURKEY & ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE

    1 lb assorted beans, sorted and not precooked
    (I used small red beans, great northern beans and pinto beans)
    1 cup onion, diced
    1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
    1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
    1.5 cups chopped cabbage
    1 smoked turkey leg
    1 lb andouille sausage, 1/2 inch pieces
    1 tsp garlic powder
    1 tsp onion powder
    1 tsp fresh thyme
    1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
    1 tsp salt
    1 tsp pepper
    1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
    6 cups chicken broth (I use better than bouillon)
    3 tbsp olive oil

    Put instapot on high saute mode, add olive oil and bell peppers & onions. Stir in herbs and seasoning. Cook approximately 5 minutes, until veggies are softened. Add broth, cabbage, beans and smoked turkey leg.
    Pressure cook on high 1 hour and 20 minutes and natural release 15 minutes . Release remaining pressure. While the pot is doing the natural release, brown up your andouille sausages.

    Remove turkey leg and shred meat. Add back to pot. If you want creamier beans, remove approximately 1.5 cup of the beans and blend and return to pot. Add in smoked sausages. Enjoy!

  • Holiday Roast Beef

    Holiday Roast Beef

    (Budget-Friendly & Tender)
    This beautiful roast proves you can serve something impressive without spending a fortune. Cuts like top round, bottom round, or sirloin tip often cost under $15—especially if you grab one from the sale section and tuck it into the freezer until the holidays. When you treat these cuts right, they become incredibly flavorful and tender, especially sliced thin like this.
    Ingredients
    1 inexpensive beef roast (2.5–3 lbs: top round, bottom round, or sirloin tip)
    2 tbsp olive oil
    1 tbsp kosher salt
    1 tsp black pepper
    1 tbsp garlic powder
    2 tsp onion powder
    2 tsp dried thyme
    2 tsp dried rosemary
    1 tsp paprika
    1 tsp dried oregano
    Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    Instructions

    1. Prep the Roast
      Pat the roast dry with paper towels. If time allows, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it cooks more evenly.
    2. Make the Herb Rub
      Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and oregano. Rub the roast all over with olive oil (or a mix of olive oil + Dijon), then coat generously with the seasoning.
    3. Sear for Flavor
      Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear all sides of the roast until deeply browned. This step builds that savory crust seen in your photo.
    4. Roast Low & Slow
      Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
      Place the roast on a rack inside a roasting pan.
      Roast until it reaches:
      125°F (52°C) for medium-rare
      135°F (57°C) for medium
      Depending on the size, expect around 1½–2 hours.
    5. Rest
      Once out of the oven, tent loosely with foil and rest 15–20 minutes. This keeps the juices where they should be—inside the meat.
    6. Slice Very Thin
      Using a sharp knife, slice against the grain into thin, almost shaved pieces. This is the key to making lean roasts unbelievably tender and stretching the servings for a crowd.
      Serving Ideas
      A drizzle of warm pan drippings
      Horseradish cream or Dijon
      Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a festive salad
  • Chicken Pulao Recipe

    Chicken Pulao Recipe

    Ingredients
    For chicken marination (optional but recommended):
    Chicken – 500 g
    Curd – ¼ cup
    Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbsp
    Salt – ½ tsp
    Black pepper – ½ tsp
    Whole spices:
    Bay leaf – 1
    Cinnamon – 1 small piece
    Cloves – 4
    Green cardamom – 3
    Black cardamom – 1
    Star anise – 1
    Shahi jeera – ½ tsp
    Other ingredients:
    Basmati rice – 2 cups (soaked 20 mins)
    Onion – 2 medium, thin sliced
    Tomato – 1 medium (optional)
    Green chillies – 3–4 slit
    Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbsp
    Mint leaves – ½ cup
    Coriander leaves – ½ cup
    Oil – 3 tbsp
    Ghee – 1 tbsp
    Salt – to taste
    Water – 3½ cups (for 2 cups rice)
    Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

    🥘 Method

    1. Fry the onions
      Heat oil + ghee.
      Add sliced onions and fry until light golden.
      Remove a handful for garnishing (optional).
    2. Cook the chicken
      Add whole spices into the same oil.
      Add ginger garlic paste and sauté.
      Add marinated chicken (or raw chicken), green chillies, and sauté on high for 3–4 minutes.
      Add tomatoes (optional).
      Add mint + coriander.
      Cook until chicken releases oil and is 70% done.
    3. Add rice
      Add soaked & drained basmati rice.
      Mix gently without breaking rice.
    4. Add water & seasoning
      Add 3½ cups hot water.
      Add salt to taste (water should taste slightly salty).
      Add lemon juice.
    5. Dum cooking
      Cover and cook on medium heat until water reduces.
      Then lower the flame, place a tawa below, and cook on dum for 10 minutes.
    6. Rest
      Switch off and rest for 10 minutes before fluffing.
      🍽️ Serve with
      Onion raita
      Green chutney
      Salad
      Fried onions

  • Spicy Prawn Masala Curry Recipe

    Spicy Prawn Masala Curry Recipe

    Ingredients
    For marinating prawns:
    Large prawns – 500 g
    Turmeric – ¼ tsp
    Red chilli powder – ½ tsp
    Salt – ¼ tsp
    For the curry:
    Oil – 3 tbsp
    Ghee – 1 tbsp
    Onions – 2 medium (finely chopped)
    Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbsp
    Tomatoes – 2 medium (ground or finely chopped)
    Green chillies – 2 slit
    Curry leaves – 6–8
    Turmeric – ¼ tsp
    Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
    Coriander powder – 1 tsp
    Black pepper powder – ½–¾ tsp
    Cumin powder – ½ tsp
    Garam masala – ½ tsp
    Salt – to taste
    Water – as needed
    Optional:
    1 tbsp coconut milk or fresh cream (for richness)

    ⭐ Method
    Step 1: Marinate the prawns
    Clean prawns well.
    Mix turmeric, salt and red chilli powder.
    Marinate for 10 minutes.
    Step 2: Shallow fry the prawns
    Heat 2 tbsp oil.
    Fry prawns on medium flame for 1–2 minutes each side (do NOT overcook).
    Remove and keep aside.
    Step 3: Prepare the masala
    In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp ghee.
    Add curry leaves and green chillies — splutter them.
    Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
    Add ginger garlic paste; fry until raw smell disappears.
    Add tomatoes and cook until oil separates.
    Step 4: Add spices
    Add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder & black pepper.
    Sauté the masala until it looks thick and glossy.
    Step 5: Add prawns
    Return the fried prawns to the masala.
    Mix gently to coat them well.
    Add ¼–½ cup hot water depending on gravy thickness you want.
    Cover and cook on low flame for 5 minutes only.
    Add garam masala and optional coconut milk/cream.
    Simmer for 1 minute and switch off.

  • Cheesy Pizza-Style Beef Enchiladas

    Cheesy Pizza-Style Beef Enchiladas

    Ingredients

    For the filling

    • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
    • 1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp olive oil (or 1 tbsp beef fat from pan)
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • 1 tsp dried basil
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
    • ½ tsp salt, or to taste
    • ¼ tsp black pepper
    • 1 cup pizza-style tomato sauce (use a no-sugar variety if you avoid added sugar) — or passata
    • 1 tbsp tomato paste (for deeper flavor)

    For the enchiladas

    • 8 medium tortillas (corn or flour). See low-carb / no-flour note below.
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella (or a pizza-blend)
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional, for sharper bite)
    • 1 small jar (about 8 oz / 230 g) pizza-style marinara or enchilada sauce — again choose no-sugar if needed

    Toppings (optional)

    • Fresh basil or chopped cilantro
    • Sliced olives, pepperoni pieces, or sliced cherry tomatoes
    • Sour cream or crema
    • Red pepper flakes

    Directions

    1. Preheat & prep. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13” (23×33 cm) baking dish.
    2. Cook the beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté diced onion until soft, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and break up with a spoon; cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a tablespoon for flavor.
    3. Season & saucify. Stir in oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste and stir 1 minute, then pour in 1 cup pizza sauce/passata. Simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    4. Assemble enchiladas. Spread ½ cup of the pizza/enchilada sauce across the bottom of the prepared dish. Warm tortillas briefly (15–20 seconds in microwave or in a hot skillet) so they’re pliable. Spoon ~1/4 cup beef mixture along the center of each tortilla, sprinkle ~2 tbsp mozzarella, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat for all tortillas.
    5. Top & cheese. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, then top with the remaining shredded cheeses and grated Parmesan.
    6. Bake. Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling and edges begin to brown. For a golden top, broil 1–2 minutes — watch carefully to avoid burning.
    7. Finish & serve. Let rest 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or cilantro and any toppings you like (olive slices, pepperoni pieces for more pizza vibe). Serve with sour cream or a green salad.
  • Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

    Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

    Ingredients
    For the Peach Filling
    2 cups diced peaches (fresh or frozen, thawed)
    2 tbsp unsalted butter
    1/4 cup brown sugar
    1 tsp ground cinnamon
    1/4 tsp nutmeg
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    For the Pound Cake
    1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
    2 cups granulated sugar
    4 large eggs, room temperature
    1 tbsp vanilla extract
    3 cups all-purpose flour
    1 tsp baking powder
    1/2 tsp salt
    1 cup heavy cream OR whole milk
    For the Glaze (optional but amazing!)
    1 cup powdered sugar
    2–3 tbsp peach juice (from cooked peaches) or milk
    1/2 tsp vanilla
    👩‍🍳 Instructions

    1. Make the Peach Filling
      In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
      Add peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
      Cook for 5–7 minutes until the peaches soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
      Remove from heat and let cool.
    2. Prepare the Pound Cake Batter
      Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
      Grease and flour a Bundt pan well.
      In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy—about 4–5 minutes.
      Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
      Mix in vanilla.
      In a separate bowl: whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
      Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with heavy cream.
      Mix until smooth and thick.
    3. Assemble the Cake
      Spoon ½ of the batter into the Bundt pan.
      Add ½ of the peach mixture on top.
      Add the rest of the batter, then the remaining peaches.
      Lightly swirl with a knife—but do NOT overmix.
    4. Bake
      Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
      Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack.
    5. Glaze
      Whisk powdered sugar with peach juice or milk until smooth.
      Drizzle generously over the cooled cake.
      💛 Tips
      If using canned peaches, drain well before cooking.
      For extra peach flavor, add a few slices to the bottom of the Bundt pan before pouring the batter.
      This cake stays moist for 3–4 days covered.
  • Mounds Cake

    Mounds Cake

    Ingredients:

    • 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g), plus ingredients on package
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut (4.5 oz / 128 g)
    • 1 cup granulated sugar (7 oz / 200 g)
    • 1 cup whole milk (8 fl oz / 240 ml)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
    • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (9 oz / 255 g)
    • 1 cup heavy cream (8 fl oz / 240 ml)

    Directions:

    1. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions and bake in a greased 9×13 inch pan. Allow the cake to cool completely.
    2. In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded coconut, granulated sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes sticky, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
    3. Once the cake is cooled, evenly spread the coconut mixture over the top of the cake.
    4. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy to create the ganache.
    5. Pour the chocolate ganache over the coconut layer, spreading it evenly.
    6. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or until the ganache is set.
    7. Slice and serve chilled.

    Nutritional Information:
    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
    Kcal: 430 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings

    Tips:
    Use fine shredded coconut for a smoother texture in the coconut layer.
    Warm the ganache slightly before pouring to ensure it spreads evenly over the cake.

  • Muffins Moelleux à la Vanille

    Muffins Moelleux à la Vanille

    Ingrédients :

    • 2 œufs

    • 1 tasse de sucre (200 g)

    • ½ tasse d’huile (120 ml)

    • 1 tasse de lait (240 ml)

    • 2 tasses de farine (250 g)

    • 1 cuillère à soupe de levure chimique

    • 1 cuillère à café d’extrait de vanille

    • (Optionnel) une pincée de sel

    Préparation :

    1. Préparer la pâte :

    Dans un mixeur ou un grand bol, ajoutez les œufs, le sucre, le lait, l’huile et la vanille.

    Mixez (ou fouettez) jusqu’à obtenir un mélange homogène.

    1. Ajouter les ingrédients secs :

    Incorporez la farine, la levure et le sel.

    Mélangez doucement jusqu’à obtenir une pâte lisse et sans grumeaux.

    1. Cuisson :

    Versez la pâte dans des moules à muffins garnis de caissettes en papier ou en silicone (remplissez aux ¾).

    Faites cuire dans un four préchauffé à 180 °C pendant 20 à 25 minutes, jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient bien dorés.

    1. Refroidir :

    Laissez tiédir sur une grille avant de servir.