Turkey is seldom eaten year round. It’s typically reserved for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Turkey breast is an inexpensive protein choice that can be made and then used in a lot of dishes. A bone-in turkey breast gives you all the glory of roasted turkey without the 20-pound commitment. By dry brining the turkey, you get…
Mashed potatoes are a sacred comfort food that is simple, nostalgic, and universally loved. But sometimes, even comfort needs a little intrigue. Black garlic mashed potatoes take that soft, buttery base and swirl in something unexpected: deep, caramelized sweetness with a whisper of umami. It’s a small twist with a big impact. It’s the kind…
Homemade hamburger buns are a game changer. Soft, buttery, and strong enough to hold every glorious topping, they make a homemade burger feel like something out of a restaurant kitchen. In this post, you’ll learn how to make both classic homemade hamburger buns and onion poppy seed buns—tender, golden, and rich with flavor. I’ll walk…
Oven-baked fries are proof that comfort food doesn’t need a deep fryer. Parboiling them in a touch of vinegar gives you that crisp-golden shell and tender, cloud-like center that most homemade fries can only dream of. If you’ve ever wanted to move away from freezer bags and cook from real ingredients, this recipe is your…
Guacamole is one of those recipes that can be made several different ways, from chunky and rustic to smooth and tangy. Avocados are a perfect base because, let’s face it, they’re kind of bland; but in their blandness, they can stand up to a lot of seasonings. My version leans creamy and savory; the bite…
A good burger can silence a room. The first bite—juicy, smoky, and just messy enough—reminds you why burgers are an American classic. This Guacamole Bacon Burger was born one Friday night when my husband and I decided to abandon the usual lettuce-tomato routine. The result? Creamy guacamole, salty bacon, caramelized onions, and melty Swiss layered…
Grinding your own beef transforms burgers from good to unforgettable. It’s the difference between “backyard barbecue” and “steakhouse at home.” When you control the blend, you control the flavor, texture, and juiciness of every bite. You’ll learn not just what cuts to use, but why they matter, and how temperature, fat content, and grind size…
Crispy oven roasted potatoes are a side dish that is welcome at any dinner as far as I’m concerned. Golden at the edges and soft at the center; they bring starchy magic to whatever is on the table. With just a handful of ingredients and spices, you get crispy, seasoned potatoes that work with a…
Peruvian Chicken (Pollo a la Brasa) is a dish that proves bold doesn’t have to mean complicated. In Peru, it’s served in bustling rotisserie shops with crispy fries and bright green sauce (ají verde). At home, all you need is a quick overnight marinade, a hot oven, and a food processor whirl to get those…
Cured salmon, or gravlax, is a classic Nordic preparation that turns fresh salmon into something silky, flavorful, and elegant. With nothing more than salt, sugar, dill, and time, you’ll create a dish that looks like it came from a restaurant; perfect for a bagel, a charcuterie board, or an appetizer that impresses without stress. Since…