Nana’s Pepper Steak

This was a childhood favorite and is till this very day. I make it throughout the year but it’s an absolute MUST HAVE on my birthday every year. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Chicken (Veal) Piccata

I won’t touch veal because I know where it comes from. Any time a recipe calls for veal, I use chicken. Chicken is also a much less expensive cut of meat.

Portuguese Sopas

This can be found at Holy Ghost Fiestas. It’s a common Portuguese favorite. It’s ugly food but damn good. Below you’ll find instructions for stove top, crock pot and instant pot. I tend to serve this with macaroni or potato salad. It comes with a beautiful tale, if you’d like to know, ask.

Portuguese Pork Roast

This recipe is all about the marinade. Instructions are given for oven, crockpot, and instant pot. The marinade can be thickened to use as gravy as well. This comes out so moist though that gravy isn’t needed, it’s just there for more flavor. Here this roast is pictured with Potato Love Letters

Puff Pastry

Puff pastry has so many uses for many baked goods. A few of the many things you can do with this are Beef Wellington, Parmesan Twists, Stuffed Hand Pies, Cinnamon Rolls, Croissants, Pot Pies, and the list goes on. One of the things I do often with it is these Apple Roses, which I also switch up and make Peach Roses It can be a long and tedious process to make but I much prefer to make my own so I know what’s in it, I’m not a fan of preservatives. I used baker’s measures so you’ll need a scale.

Rigatoni

This was a concoction that Mom came up when she realized we were out of spaghetti sauce. It’s a little Italian Mexican fusion

Lemon Pepper Chicken

Super quick 10min recipe……. Not incl marinade time. You can match this with just about any side dish, you can also slice it up thinly after it’s cooked for a salad topper.

Chicken (Veal) Marsala

I don’t eat veal so I turn all veal recipes because I know where veal comes from and it breaks my heart. I turn all veal recipes into chicken because of this and also chicken is a healthier and less expensive option.

Chicken (Veal) Saltimbocca

I don’t eat veal so I turn all veal recipes because I know where veal comes from and it breaks my heart. I turn all veal recipes into chicken because of this and also chicken is a healthier and less expensive option.

Japanese Curry

At the end of my culinary studies I did a brief externship with Melinda’s Heaven. The owner asked for an article on the curries of Asia and for an original recipe. I so loved the variances that I came up with 3. This is one of those recipes. The article can be found at https://goodeatsgreatmemories.com/2019/09/15/curry-of-the-asian-continent/

Thai Red Chicken Curry

At the end of my culinary studies I did a brief externship with Melinda’s Heaven. The owner asked for an article on the curries of Asia and for an original recipe. I so loved the variances that I came up with 3. This is one of those recipes. The article can be found at https://goodeatsgreatmemories.com/2019/09/15/curry-of-the-asian-continent/

Murgh Kari (Indian Chicken Curry)

At the end of my culinary studies I did a brief externship with Melinda’s Heaven. The owner asked for an article on the curries of Asia and for an original recipe. I so loved the variances that I came up with 3. This is one of those recipes. The article can be found at https://goodeatsgreatmemories.com/2019/09/15/curry-of-the-asian-continent/

Louisiana Chicken

A cousin-in-law is from Louisiana, this is one of her family’s recipes but I edited it years ago to make it my own, there wasn’t enough kick for me and it was way too high in salt and calories 🙂 I’ve also never heard of or seen frozen artichoke hearts

Green Enchiladas

This is my absolute favorite type of enchilada!!! I have found in my moves around the U.S. that tomatillos (7 states) entero can be difficult to find so I’ve given you the option of how to use fresh tomatillos. Here they are pictured with my Jazzed Up Refried Beans

Pesto

When you want pasta but the tomato-based sauce just doesn’t sound good 🙂 Fresh basil can be hard to find so this gives you the option of spinach, some people will also use kale. The base you use will obviously change the flavor but don’t be afraid to mix and match greens, play with this, see what you wind up with. Pesto is a thing you can truly make your own. Set a little extra aside and mix it with a little bit of mayonnaise for a pesto aioli for a salami sandwich. Also, if you can’t find fresh basil …

Chicken Noodle Casserole

This one was in the book but was never made. This was an interesting experience for me. The crunch of the nuts and the thin crispy chow mein noodles along with those that softened upon getting into the soup mixture was a bit of a mind game when they hit the tongue. It was really good even though it’s SUPER different. I hope that you enjoy.

Fennel Pork Chops

If you’ve never had fennel, note that it has a distinctive anise, licorice type flavor.  Here it is paired with garlic and the pair work very well together.

My Lasagna

In the book, there were 2 different lasagnas that were nearly identical from someone my mom worked with and a cousin-in-law. I took their ideas and doinked around to make one all my own with more flavor and a little kick.

Heavenly Hamburger

In the book, this particular recipe was in my Nana’s handwriting. I have no idea how she came up with it. I can only guess that she grabbed whatever she had on hand and threw it together. It’s actually super tasty and I always enjoy making it. It’s absolute comfort food.

Taco Meat

Who doesn’t love tacos !!! This meat is super good and whenever I make tacos everyone mows down SOOOO many LOL

Lamb and Fruit Kabobs

These are a wonderfully fresh supper for hot summer nights. Low calorie turkey and lots of fruit cooked on the grill with a curry sauce made from  butter, pineapple juice, brown sugar and curry powder.

Beef Fiesta

This is a super quick 15 min make. Grab some left over London broil, steak, roast, etc slice it thin and your 15 minutes from a delicious meal.

California Beef Salad

This is a great salad that’s a meal in itself. I enjoy serving it with a loaf of nice French bread or baguette lightly toasted. I often make this in the summer when the last thing I want to do is turn on the stove. I’ll grill up a London broil then slice it super thin for salads such as this one. The prep time on this doesn’t include the marinading time.

Mexican Lasagna

This was something my Nana came up with. It’s different but really tasty. My Nana put Pace© Picante Sauce on almost everything. As a kid, I nicknamed her hot sauce Hazel 🙂

Grilled Beef Polynesian Style

A little grilled taste of the islands on a summer’s day. I love this because it’s quick, easy and the pineapple is refreshing. I serve it over a bed of rice and use the remaining marinade as a sauce to pour over the top.

Italian Style Country Pork Ribs

These ribs use Italian Sauce which can be found on this site. These ribs are melt in your mouth tender and have a lovely kick of spice from the sauce they’re paired with. I tend to serve them with pasta and garlic bread

Italian Sausage

Italian sausage has so many uses and I much prefer to make it at home rather than buy it in the store because then I have complete control over the spices in it, the heat level, everything. I use Italian sausage in spaghetti sauce, I’ll mix it 50/50 with beef for one of the most flavorful burgers you’ve ever sunk your teeth into, I’ll also do the same with meatloaf. It’s great fried up with eggs for a morning omelet. Its uses are pretty much endless. Just think outside the box and figure out where you could put this.

Stuffed Pork Roast

I love stuffing chicken breasts, roasts, most anything. Not only does it add a layer of flavor but it looks really pretty on a plate. Here spinach, onion, eggs, ricotta cheese and, Italian sausage come together to make simple pork roasts truly divine.

Plated Green Bean Salad

Green Bean Salad

Have you ever wondered what a new and innovative way is to have green beans?  Today I am going to share with you a new, fun, and healthier way of having green beans.  There are so many ways that you can take this simple, humble ingredient to the next level in flavor and texture. To make this vegan, switch out the feta cheese for a vegan cheese of your choosing. You can use any style and cut of green beans that you prefer.  I like to experiment with different textures and flavors of food.  A salad can be anything that …

Jeanie’s Pasta Salad

This came from a cousin of mine. What’s funny is it’s written in my handwriting but I don’t recall doing it so it must’ve been when I was young 🙂 OOPS This is a favorite of mine. I make it often and have it as a meal, it’s filling and super tasty. I play with the ingredients a lot on this one. Make it your own, have fun with it. This is one you can definitely go hog wild with.

Chili From Mexico

I haven’t a clue where this monstrosity came from. It’s typed out on what was obviously a typewriter so it’s definitely old. I will admit this is one of the ones in the books that I looked at with my head tilted and was scared to death to make but I am determined to add everything from the book to this website, scary or not so I made it. Thankfully it wasn’t as horrible as I feared it would be but gawd dog is it a hot mess to look at. If you have the gumption to make it, your …

Teriyaki Beef

Asian food of all kinds seemed to always be a staple in the house. This is Joni’s Teriyaki Beef. In the photo, I added green beans because I love veggies.

Moo Goo Gai Pan (Chicken)

Per Wikipedia – Moo goo gai pan is the Americanized version of a Cantonese dish, usually a simple stir-fried dish consisting of sliced or cubed chicken with white button mushrooms and other vegetables. Popular vegetable additions include bok choy, snow peas, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts and Chinese cabbage. This is my Nana’s version. Being Portuguese, it always struck me as odd that there was such a love of all things oriental from food to furnishings to decor. This is a really tasty dish. Please pardon that there are no mushrooms in the photographed version, the person I was cooking with …

Beef with Piquant Sauce

Typically Piquant sauce is a spicy, tomato base that is found in Cajun cookin, here Joni used chicken stock instead. The word Piquant comes from the French for “to prick or sting” and this zesty sauce just does that.

Chicken Marengo

Chicken Marengo is an updated version of chicken and gravy. It is an amazing dish to try. It’s excellent for leftovers or for lunch for your spouse or yourself as well. It heats up beautifully in the microwave.  I hope that you enjoy making this dish for you and your family.

Pepper Steak

Pepper steak was one of the dishes that I would often order at the local Chinese restaurants.  It was always one of my favorites as a child.  I can remember going out to eat and always ordering it.  I remember it coming with a side of brown rice, egg roll, and a fortune cookie.  I am so excited to be able to make this recipe.  Although the version I remember growing up as a child had carrots, onions, peppers, and mushrooms.  I believe that this dish should showcase the peppers.

Pizza Mexicana

Pizza is something that everyone loves to enjoy from time to time.  This recipe is one of the best pizza recipes that I have ever made.  The pizza dough can be intimidating to make, but this recipe makes it simple and it has an amazing taste to it.  We love thin crust pizza so that is what I made.  You can make this as spicy as you want or as mild as you want.  There are endless possibilities when you are adding toppings as well. So get creative and get the kids involved in making this fun dish.

Zucchini Squash

In my family I can remember growing summer yellow squash and the zucchini squash.  I was excited to try this version of zucchini.  I think that this is  a very versatile vegetable and can be used in many ways. This is a wonderful side dish to go along with either your lunch or dinner.  It’s great for a potluck and easy to fix.  I hope you give this wonderful side dish a try.  You can make it vegetarian, or vegan.

Kale, Beef and Potato Soup

An interesting combination for a nice hearty soup. Something to enjoy on a cold day or to share with family. A hearty flavored soup. This dish is originally a Portuguese dish, but instead of using Linguica (Portuguese sausage), it became a more American dish using beef tips(beef tenderloin chunks). CandiAnne’s note: My Aunt Carrie grew Kale in her yard so she made this all the time. It was a favorite at her house and across the street at ours. LOL being Portuguese, we obviously used the Linguica

Spaghetti and Clams

I haven’t ever had clams before.  So this was a bit scary for me to make and to try.  I loved the idea of trying something new and seeing how well I liked it.  It was amazing.   CandiAnne’s Note: This was a favorite growing up and still is to this day. My uncle would get up at dark and he and his buddies would head out to the bay to go clammin while the tide was out. Having fresh clams was soooo yummy. We’d boil em up and eat them right out of the shell. This would also be …

Turkish Lamb Pilaf

Pilaf in general is a wonderful dish.  When you mix the lamb and the seasonings in with it, it is absolutely amazing.  I did some research to see what other dried fruits that they used in this region.  I found that cherries, figs, and apricots were used quite a bit in this style of cuisine.  This dish was something like I have never made before, and it is something that my family has already requested again. I made a Turkish Yogurt Dip to go over it, and homemade Naan Bread.  We made a full meal out of it.

Cacik (Turkish Yogurt Dip)

This dip or sauce depending on how thick you make it, is a quick and easy little something to throw together to set off any Turkish Dish you are making.  I served this on top of the Turkish Lamb Pilaf dish that I made and to go along with the Naan Bread that I served to make this meal more rounded out.  I hope you enjoy this.  It was a huge hit here at our house.  Especially with a house full of picky eaters.

Garlic Naan Bread

When I was making the Turkish Lamb Pilaf dish, I wanted to make it a full meal.  So I wanted to make some bread that was native to the area.  This bread is a really good bread recipe that is amazing with flavor.  I enjoy making bread so that is another reason I decided to do this.  It is a slow process but well worth it.

Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken teriyaki is a Japanese dish made with sake and mirin. I decided to add a little Hawaiian influence and make this a little more family friendly. This dish is savory with just a touch of sweetness. I served with white rice. It can also be served with riced cauliflower for a low carb substitute. This was a huge hit with my family!

Baked BBQ Pork Chops

This was a very exciting recipe for me to explore.  I really cannot remember the last time I made BBQ Pork Chops or if I’ve even tried it before.  Much of the required ingredients were already on hand.

Shrimp Creole

This is a dish that hits home on so many levels.  I am from Louisiana and love all the different styles of food that our state has to offer.  Shrimp creole is a dish that my mom and aunt used to make quite often when I was a child growing up.  We grew up eating various dishes but this is for sure one of my favorite dishes.  You can make this dish as spicy as you want.  You can use crawfish if you want instead of shrimp or any other kind of seafood that you want to use, just be …

Italian Bacon Burger

Although the title calls this recipe a burger, I have taken the liberty of giving this my take of an open faced BLT. The oregano and parmesan cheese give this an Italian feel and was a big hit with my family. Of course, you can always add a mixture of chicken, pork, or beef patty for a heartier meal.

Eggplant and Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This recipe is a combination of two of our favorite foods.  Chicken parmesan and eggplant parmesan.  I served it with noodles for lunch and dinner. I wanted to showcase Eggplant Parmesan as a casserole and added the Chicken Parmesan to it. This made an amazingly tasty dish.  I do hope you will give it a try.

Cabbage Bell Pepper Rolls & Deconstructed Version

I grew up eating cabbage rolls.  It was something I always loved when my momma would make them.  I decided to put my own twist where I combined stuffed bell peppers in with the cabbage rolls.  I also took the extra cabbage and with the remaining meat mixture decided to make a deconstructed cabbage roll casserole.  Which is really easy to make and it will finish off the leftover cabbage that you have.

Cottage Cheese Egg Omelet

I have never heard of having cottage cheese with scrambled eggs before.  This dish was from the 60’s or 70’s time frame.  I decided to make it into something totally different.  I made this into an egg omelet.  It was delicious.

Tuna Wild Rice Bake

The idea of having warm tuna wasn’t something I looked forward to, but…MY GOODNESS! I wanted to add some freshness to this recipe with the addition of herbs and some fresh lemon zest . This recipe is one that can help stretch a dollar, but is definitely not lacking in flavor. A must try!

Rump Roast with Roasted Celery, Carrot and Acorn Squash Soup

This dish was fun, but a little challenging when it came to presentation.  I wanted the traditional flavors but needed, in my opinion, to stay away from the traditional plating.  I will admit, it’s been some time since I made a roast, but it sure reminded me of family, friends and was fit for the season.  Enjoy!

Maple Mustard Salmon

This simple and very easy salmon recipe is very flavorful and a must have for summer lunches or a light dinner. The mustard adds a little tanginess that is complimented with the slightly sweet maple syrup. For a healthy option this salmon can be served hot along side your favorite steamed vegetable or on top of a salad.   CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed at Fort Drum, NY for 4 1/2 years and maple weekend is huge thing there, You can visit numerous producers, taste their wares, and grab some syrup or other goodies on your way out. In 2007 …

Maple Shrimp, Chicken, and Vegetables

Although I am familiar with stir fry, I have never been introduced to the addition of maple syrup.  I must admit there was a slight hesitation, but it turned out wonderful.  Definitely, a dish my family enjoyed and I will be sure to keep it in my book of recipes. I decided to serve this over yellow rice and that recipe is included here but you can serve this over white rice, basmati, brown rice, noodles, etc.   CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed at Fort Drum, NY for 4 1/2 years and maple weekend is a huge thing there. You …

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

I’ve never really been a fan of beef stroganoff until I played with this recipe. Making it without the use of the onion soup mix was probably the very reason I fell in love with this recipe. It is now a family favorite. You can make this in the slow cooker or a pressure cooker. Adjust time to the equipment you choose.

Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Sauce

The term “scallopini” means thinly sliced meat dredged in flour and fried. I love a crispy texture so I decided to add panko to make pan-fried chicken extra crispy. The lemon caper sauce helps to cut the rich fried flavor of the chicken. Great to serve as a light lunch with some lightly dressed salad greens or dinner with pasta and white sauce such as alfredo.

Hearty Lamb Stew

This recipe was a bit challenging as I am not a big fan of what the original protein (Veal) in the recipe called for.  I improvised a bit with lamb, but this recipe can also be made with Veal, Chicken, or Beef.  I really enjoy the uniqueness of the lamb throughout this dish as it introduces a different mouth feel in texture and taste from the veal. This dish was served with Mashed Potatoes   The recipe this was based on came from a little pamphlet from Provimi Veal from a year I won’t even take a guess at 🙂

Oven Baked Stew

When I think of beef stew, I think of low and slow in a crockpot for many hours. This recipe gives the same tender and savory comfort meal without the long hours. Of course, if you would like to make this in a crockpot, you absolutely can. Just add the meat, flour, stock, or water, and the seasonings to the crockpot for the first several hours. Then add the vegetables in for at least the last hour. The original recipe for this came off the back of a box of Lipton mix. Those packages are so full of salt and …

Mexican Meatballs

I really enjoyed this recipe as it allowed me to explore other ingredients using meatballs.  Traditionally, I have only used them for a typical Italian dish, so this recipe definitely takes me a little out of my comfort zone.  Nevertheless, a wonderful surprise.

Sweet and Spicy Caribbean Slaw

Add some flair to this American classic with a hint of spice and some tropical fruit. This is a very simple recipe with amazing flavors!  Pairs well with any grilled protein or served on top of a burger or hot dog.  Give it a try.  It will change the way you think about coleslaw!

Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Turkey Meatloaf with Garlic Herb Mashed Potato Frosting

There is nothing better than a plate of homemade comfort food and meatloaf with potatoes is just that! This is a spin-off of the retro igloo meatloaf from the 70s. Making the change from traditional ground beef to a ground turkey helps lower the saturated fats that beef has but this recipe can be made with any kind of ground meat. The switch of sun-dried tomatoes adds in vitamins and antitoxins plus is healthier and better for you than the classic ketchup found on most meatloaves. Meatloaf can be found in different shapes and how you do yours is up …

Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups

This recipe is great because you can adjust it to any dietary need. You can replace the chicken with tofu or a good hearty mushroom. You can use liquid aminos instead of soy sauce to cut back on your sodium and it doesn’t contain gluten. The lettuce cups make for a fun hands on eating experience and aesthetically look great on a plate. If lettuce cups aren’t your thing, try chopping the lettuce up and make it into a salad. This recipe is a good balance of salt and savory with a touch of sweet and crunch.

Jackie’s Spiced Tomato Pork Chops

If you like pork chops and tomatoes this recipe is a must-try!  It’s bursting with flavor and like most simmered, tomato-based recipe tastes even better as a leftover.  The pork is falling off the bone tender.  In the photo, it is served with parmesan roasted cauliflower and pearl couscous cooked with wine and smoked pork broth.  Enjoy!!

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

This recipe is a wonderful comfort food with a fun twist on classic sausage and peppers. Any ground meat or tofu can be used in place of the sausage meat which allows you to fit the recipe into your dietary needs. Traditional stuffed peppers use rice but for this I wanted to tie in the idea of a classic fair sausage and peppers on a roll by using the stuffing. This recipe can be adjusted to using mini peppers sliced vertically and filled to be used as an appetizer option or stick to full sized peppers for an entree.

Osso Buco

“Osso buco” is an Italian dish. It means “bone with a hole” in Milan’s dialect, which fits since this is cooked with a shank of meat (typically veal, but I am anti-veal)

Seared Scallops with Maple Cream Sauce

Who doesn’t love a bacon-wrapped scallop? This dish was created to bring the saltiness of the bacon with the sweetness of the maple syrup to elevate the scallops. It’s a protein that pairs easily with any side dish to make a full meal and it’s rich enough to enjoy by itself. It is a balanced dish of textures and flavors that the whole family will enjoy.     CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed at Fort Drum, NY for 4 1/2 years and maple weekend is a huge thing there. You can visit numerous producers, taste their wares, and grab some …

Maple, Peach Whiskey Glazed Salmon

The glaze for this dish is sweet, smoky, tangy and screams southern!  I used it on a 1.5 lb piece of salmon but there was plenty left over.  It would also be delicious with other seafood, pork or chicken   CandiAnne’s Note: We were stationed at Fort Drum, NY for 4 1/2 years and maple weekend is a huge thing there. You can visit numerous producers, taste their wares, and grab some syrup or other goodies on your way out. In 2007 while visiting the various producers I picked up a bunch of recipe pages on all sorts of categories …

Creole Chicken

Creole Chicken is a spicy supper waiting to make your tastebuds dance. It’s fairly quick and very easy to make.

Tropical Caribbean Pork Chops

Kick back, put your sunglasses on and enjoy a taste of the islands!  This recipe is what we Floridians call Floribbean flavors.  It combines traditional fried pork chops with a strong island influence and hint of Asian flare. Tangy, sweet and salty with a hint of heat.  It’s all there!  Served here over a bed of coconut sticky rice and garnished with Thai basil and unsweetened shaved coconut.

Schnitzel Tacos

This recipe is a twist off of a Milanese veal steak. I switched to a more classic Schnitzel using pork chops but veal steak will also work making them Wiener Schnitzel Tacos.  Did you know Wiener Schnitzel has been dated all the way back to the 19th century and originates from Austria but was made famous in German cuisine. All of the best German flavors are here with the traditional roasted potatoes and lemon cream sauce with the well known red cabbage slaw to top it all off.

Mediterranean Green Bean Salad

A super flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with just about any sandwich or grilled protein. This dish is also chock-full of nutrients and probiotics. This recipe can easily be altered by adding in items such as artichoke hearts, olives or a cured meat to make it a one dish meal.

Southern Chow Chow

Chow chow is a relish made from green tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and bell peppers. It was started as a way to utilize those unripened tomatoes after frost started. Chow chow is sometimes confused with piccalilli which is another style of relish but with more of a variety of vegetables. It is suggested chow-chow originates from the French word Chou for cabbage. This relish is great on anything savory such as burgers, hot dogs, mixed into fried rice for a southern twist, or topped onto a southern corn salad.    

Beef Brisket with Buttered Noodles

My son and my neighbor were the first people to taste this meal.  My son told me that it was delicious. I know it was a hearty meal for him because he is a very healthy growing young man.  My neighbor told me that it was ok. He cooks as well so he was a bit critical about the dish.  I do know that I cooked a successful dish.

Chicken Kenoni

This was my first time making Chicken Kenoni. When my family goes to Zaxby’s or a wing restaurant we always order “Whimpy”. So I was a little concerned with some of the hot seasonings in this recipe. To my surprise this was amazing and so delicious. My dad even  took some to work to share. I will be making this more often especially for family events.

BBQ Beef Pot Roast

For this recipe I added a lot of carrots and potatoes because my family eats a lot of them, feel free to add more or less to suit your family’s needs. This roast is an easy one-pot meal that will feed your whole family. Growing up I ate a lot of pot roast as it was something easy for my mother to toss in the crockpot or on the stove to cook while she helped me and my sisters finish any schoolwork we had for the day. I remember the delicious smell wafting through the house as we sat doing …

Ham En Gelee Deconstructed

When making the ham, I fried the ham and used the grease to make the gravy for the Ham En Gelee. I’m from the South and I decided to serve it with ham & rice. The dinner turned out really well. I’m not usually a fan of gravy myself, but I enjoyed it. As did the rest of my family. This recipe began as a jello mold type dish circa 1970s so I was told to make it modern and bring it into the now. This is what the jellied version looks like and the recipe it came from. The …

Chilled Cucumber Soup

If you want something light, fresh, and healthy, then this soup is for you! Whether you eat it as is or use it as a base for another soup, this recipe will have you eating healthy and loving it. Though it is a chilled soup you can also eat this warm. If you are adding anything like diced vegetables or chicken, I would recommend heating it. Happy dining!

Beans

I am not a pinto bean fan but I really enjoyed this recipe. It reminds me of my mom’s chili, so I served it with saltines. You could also top with cheese or serve with some type of bread.

Roast in Cream Sauce

This roast is amazing for anyone who has a lot of things to get done around the house but still wants to prepare a homecooked meal. Even better than that though, is how it tastes! This tender roast in a deliciously creamy sauce will most certainly have you coming back for seconds.

Zippy Barbecue Franks

These franks are the perfect thing to serve for game day, dinner, or lunch! Easy to make and perfect to make ahead and keep warm in the sauce until it time to eat. I added cheese to mine but you can add any number of condiments and toppings to suit you and your family’s taste buds. Happy cooking, and happy eating!

Seafood casserole

I had a lot of fun with this one. I am from the south and never heard of shrimp in a can. I went and got fresh shrimp. I used imitation  crab meat but you could use fresh if desired. I used the tuna to make a tuna dip. Which turned out great. Add a hand full of cheese to milk mixture.

Green Beans and Celery

In this recipe I decided to make green bean casserole with a twist. I decided to use all the ingredients and add 2 cans of cream of mushroom and topped it of with 1/2 bag of dried onions. I make green bean casserole all the time it was nice to add a twist to it.

Veal Goulash

I love mushrooms and onions. So when I read this recipe I was excited to try it. I have never had veal before and I think it turned out delicious. I made beef flavored rice to go with my goulash. It can be served be itself with a side of bread or as a meat with side dishes like rice or noddles or mash potatoes. This recipe originated in Hungary but has been influenced in other countries.

Beet Borscht

This healthy, wholesome Beet Borscht is the perfect combination of sweet and sour with a slight tang!!  It’s bursting with color.  A bit of ginger and lemongrass boost the aromatics and makes it just as pleasing to your nose as it is to your taste buds!  Enjoy as a side or meal. Make, enjoy, love!

One-Pot Rice and Porkchops

If you’re anything like me, you love one-pot recipes, and why wouldn’t you? They are easy to cook, clean, and enjoy! And this recipe is no exception. Filled with flavor this tender meat and the perfectly cooked rice will be an easy meal to prepare for your family.

Fried Chicken

Whether you live in the South, love game day, or just flat-out love chicken, this recipe is for you. This fried chicken is the definition of GBD, golden-brown and delicious. It’s a classic, flavorful recipe that your family is sure to love, add your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes and coleslaw, and the meal is complete. Happy cooking.

Teriyaki Steak

This dish is definitely a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, this recipe will have your family coming back for seconds (I know mine sure did). I kept it simple with the meat and rice but you could easily add some vegetables like carrots or broccoli to make this dish fit your family’s tastebuds! This is something that I will be making again, and often. Most of your prep is done the day before which makes for quick cooking and flavorful meat. I hope you all love this as much as my family did, enjoy!

Marvelous Malfatti

This recipe was so much fun to make, the flavors go amazingly together and make this dish well balanced. The malfatti has a mild enough flavor that it pairs well with the robust sauce, but still flavorful enough that it doesn’t get lost in the sauce. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this dish as much as I did. Happy cooking!

Lamb and Zucchini

This is a little, well, BIG spin on the classic chicken and zucchini. I substituted chicken with lamb chops and added my twist on “Ratatouille” style zucchini. This dish looks complicated but is nothing of the sort.  I love the color, savoriness and ease of the dish.

Chicken, Bacon, Mushroom Stew

This rich and satisfying soup hits all the comfort food notes. Hearty chicken and mushrooms help to satisfy hunger and leave your belly feeling warm and full. The addition of bacon and a splash of heavy cream add luxuriousness. This dish is a winner for the whole family.

Southern Fried Hot Chicken

Everyone loves fried chicken, but sometimes we want something a little different. It seems like everywhere you turn today someone is doing their own version of hot chicken.  I felt it was my turn to take a stab at it!  This recipe has the crispy, delicious fry that you love, but with a big kick!!   Note: If you don’t have a fryer you can use a pan to fry this chicken. Make sure you have enough oil for your specific fryer or to fill the pan just 1/3 full so you avoid splatter and burning yourself.

Don’t Peek California Beef Stew

This is a delicious, stick to your ribs stew that would be perfect on a cold winter night!  This recipe was very simple.  I wanted to jazz it up, so I added fresh ingredients.  I also wanted to make sure it wasn’t too rich, so I added carrots for the contrast.   Still a very easy preparation and cook. Hope you enjoy!

Musaka

This eggplant dish is hearty and comforting. It can easily be made as a vegan or vegetarian option. There are many variations of this dish, such as using potatoes in place of the eggplant.

Pozole

Now, this was a different take on a very classic recipe, and the sauce for them even with its heat makes an amazing meat marinade. This dish certainly has a feeling for every taste bud you can recognize. I took it just a step farther and made a one-pot dish very easily with this super easy recipe even on the hottest of days you can cook this dish knowing the only heat you need to worry about is the spice heat in the sauce. It’s too hot in my house this time of year (late summer) I had to figure …

Helen’s Italian Style Fried Chicken

This wonderful fried chicken cutlet makes for a great lunch when paired with a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette. When served with pasta for dinner, this chicken goes well with a creamy or tomato based sauce as well. You can’t go wrong with these zesty and herby flavors. Everyone in the family will enjoy!   CandiAnne’s Note: My cousin Helen was one of my favorite people. She was the daughter of my Nana’s oldest sibling so she and my Nana were fairly close in age. They spent a lot of time together. I never had a bad meal when …

Spinach Manicotti

My version of Spinach Manicotti. This dish is a quick, easy take on a classic, loved Italian dish. It’s flavourful, bright, and meant to fill after a long hard day of work. Hope you enjoy it!

Pierogi

I’ve never had the pleasure to have pierogi before. They are soft and tender dumpling-like envelopes filled with your choice of savory or sweet, pan-fried in butter to perfection. Here I’ve given you a few different fillings to think about, get creative and have fun making these. *This recipe is for a small batch*

Roast Pork Loin

This is a very simple yet very flavorful dish. The tender and savory meat can be served casually with corn and mashed potatoes as a hearty dinner for the family or as the main course in an extravagant dinner. My family enjoyed this meal and didn’t leave any leftovers!   *For best results, marinate over night.

Golbaki Cabbage Rolls

This recipe is a lot of fun to make. I changed up the filling to omit the rice, I used pork instead of beef and included many strong spices and herbs that paired well with the creamy and salty nature of the cheeses. It turned out amazing! The textures were fantastic together. Perhaps you would also like to try this as well: Take the remaining uneaten rolls that have cooled overnight and place them into a hot skillet and fry. It’s quite easy to create a sauce of parm, chicken stock, butter, and cream cheese. Pour over and allow it …

Cordeiro assada

This is a Portuguese lamb dish, with a mouth-watering braised leg of lamb served on a bed of roasted potatoes and sauteed fresh vegetables. To finish off the dish, it is topped off with a rich velvety lamb reduction perfectly spiced.  

Choppe Norma

I have found this recipe to be easy to make and a new family favorite.  I add orange bell peppers to mine to give it some color and it added a little sweetness and texture to it. Rice is a perfect accompaniment to it and gave it an Asian feel. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family and I did.     CandiAnne’s Note – Growing up my mother and cousin Jackie had friends from L.A. named Dave and Norma Abelar who would come up every so often to visit. I guess Norma was originally from our …

Italian Pot Roast

Over the weekend, I had such a tremendous cooking experience in my unit’s kitchenette making Italian Pot Roast, all while trying to deal with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Henri. Yet, with much love and patience, I spent my evening prepping a delectable meal for the family and me. I have to say the pot roast was tender, paired well with multigrain rotini pasta for those like myself with dietary restrictions. I even had time to make an Arugula with lettuce salad dressed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. As an appetizer, I toasted Fresh Italian bread; seasoned …

Chinese Vegetables

Do you want a recipe where you can expose your family to new things? This is your ticket! Super fresh tasting, a little crunchy, a little sauce, and a whole lot of flavor. If you want you can add this to any protein and you have everything. A little rice noodles (bean threads) a ton of veggies packed with even more flavor. Make it spicy for you that love the heat or calm it down for a great side or main dish. You have the power to take this and use it in any way you wish! The one thing …

Spaghetti Pie

This was an interesting and fun dish!!  It’s a cross between a deconstructed spaghetti and lasagna.  The original recipe was from 1974 so there were some modern tweaks I’ve made.  It called for cottage cheese, but I decided that ricotta would be a great substitute.  So you can make the call on which you prefer.  Either way it’s delicious!!

Crab Cakes

If you are a seafood lover, you must try these crab cakes! They are delightful, with a tender center and a crisp outer layer. The flavors are mild and the texture is somewhat soft and chewy. These amazing cakes serve hungry customers and family members as an appetizer or even as an entre. Perhaps along side a steak for a nice surf and turf dinner. Crab cakes are very popular and there are great reasons for that. Enjoy!

Deviled Crab

Deviled crabs are the perfect appetizer or a pleasant addition to any seafood feast with other fresh items from your local market. Deviled crabs have a great punch of flavor while maintaining a remarkable balance. Surprisingly, this dish is not spicy as the ingredients might elude. Similar to the crab cake the center is very tender and the outer layer forms a slight crispy layer. Give this a try and experience the pleasure.

Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry

This is a great dish to make in the summer to use fresh zucchini from your garden or a farmers market. The light taste of the sauce mixed with the chicken and vegetables makes this an instant family favorite. I served mine over plain fried rice but I think this will also be good served with any type of flat bread.

Hamburger Cabbage Bake

Bisquick; the classic and easy baking mix with tons of versatile lunch, dinner, and baking recipes. I got this recipe from an old General Mills recipe and took it up a notch. I had such fun and nostalgic childhood memories that took me back to when I would create all these wacky baked goods for my sisters and me in our toaster oven. Forgive me, mom, for almost burning the whole building down that one time. Oops! Since the ONLY one at home that eats cabbage, especially coleslaw, I took the hamburger cabbage recipe to a whole other level by …

Clam Poulette

A poulette is a velouté sauce with added egg yolk. This particular poulette incorporates clams and their liquid. It is a lovely sauce to pour over vegetables or a buttered pasta.

Chicken & Chickpeas

I must say that chickpeas and I are as well-suited as two peas in a pod. The idea of chickpeas in marinara sauce with chicken and mushrooms didn’t sound too appetizing. But oh gosh, was I proven wrong? It was one of the MOST comforting and fulfilling meals I have had in a while. It is one of those recipes packed with nutrients and protein and has a rich layer of flavor. It all starts with the sharp, acidic white onion, sautéed in creamy butter, along with the nutty flavor of the chickpeas, which pairs perfectively with the earthiness of …

Peas, Rice, Ham and Cheese Salad

This hearty salad is sure to please. Enjoy it for lunch, supper or even as a snack. It has a nice texture and flavor balance of salty, sweet, creamy, crunchy and finished with the all powerful creamy garlic dressing. This salad packs a punch served all alone or even as a side. This was my first time creating this dish and it was very good. The next day, I used the remaining dish (without the dressing) and prepared it like a stir fry with sesame oil, Teriyaki and fish sauce. I added almonds to it to give it more body. …

Maple Nutmeg Butter

This creamy delight will certainly bring a high level of satisfaction to anything you care to explore. The beauty of the flavor balance between nutmeg and maple is remarkable. It takes me to my childhood, and to holidays filled with joy. For those long cold winter nights, try this nice and warm adult beverage. Add very hot apple cider, dark spiced rum, and maple nutmeg butter. Top off with a whipped cream and garnish with nutmeg. Have fun creating new and exciting recipes with this butter.

Fried Chicken in Wine Sauce

Enjoy the beautiful infusion of fried chicken in a very delicate and flavorful sauce. The combination of herbs and spices in this dish will keep you coming back for more. You will be tickled with the subtle sweetness in the sauce while it still embodies the grounded earthy flavors of garlic, mushroom, rosemary, tarragon and sage. Enjoy the crunch of your fried chicken resting in a simply delightful sauce as if it were meant to partner together on your plate.

Chilies and Cheese Rice

Mix some California green chilies, fluffy rice, gooey Monterey, and what do you get? An easy cheesy peasy rice dinner. I tweaked the recipe and turned this chili and cheese rice dish into rice cakes with an ingenious hack, baking it in a jumbo-sized cupcake pan.  A comforting dish made simple for any mealtime, whether on a relaxing rainy Sunday afternoon or getting in the door late from a progressive day of work or school.  This recipe is an explosion of flavors that pops with a well-elevated amount of heat on the palette, between the gooey grated Monterey cheese and …

Cilantro Creole Chicken and Rice

Love the deep soul flavor of your grandma’s Creole chicken? Love fresh? Here’s grandma’s Creole Chicken with a twist of freshness? Soul with fresh, or as I state it “fresh soul” it’s the new trend for those willing to try (yes my kids roll their eyes when I told them that joke as well.) However, once you try this you can send me a thank you card!

Tuna Burger with Spicy Mayo

Here is a new twist to an old classic. My family loves tuna salad sandwiches and this gave a new and exciting change. It is perfect for lent or if you just want to avoid red meat and change things up just a bit, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family did.

Radish Stir-Fry

Three supermarkets and a few produce stores later, I found all ingredients for this light, bright with a bite stir-fry. The recipe didn’t call for oyster sauce,  lemongrass, or ginger, but these ingredients add peppery spice and acidic assertive flavors, converting it into an unforgettable dish. Gosh, I remember the first time I tried doing a stir-fry. It was a delightful mash of vegetables because I didn’t have my heat at the right temperature and used way too much oil. However, this radish recipe with green onions turned out perfect. It was fulfilling, crisp in bite, with umami, and a …

Beef Patty Parmigiana

What an amazing comfort dish to share with your family. The fragrant notes of onions and garlic partnered with the acidic tomato capture a perfect balance when paired with the sweetness of the wine and boldness of lemon and capers. Resting beautifully on your pasta of choice; this dish is sure to make an impression. Add a side salad and toasty garlic bread for the perfect finishing touch.

Flank Steak Bordelaise

Imagine taking a bite of a perfectly seasoned steak with so much flavor that you never want to stop chewing. Well, now take a sauce that is so good you will mistake it for your new favorite drink. Combine both the sauce and the steak and you have a perfect dinner. Throw in some veggies and starch of choice and you can once again thank me later for this moving up the list of being one of the best dishes. It’s so good that you can impress anyone and everyone, go ahead it’s a lock-in dinner for impressing that first …

Oven-Baked Beef Ragout

This dish was very simple in it’s design, but it needed just a dash of sprucing! Some advise for parents flying solo: make this when the chaos is at its minimum, for the sauce gods demand your undivided attention. I say that because our home runs on Loki energy, so there was much fire manipulation to avoid disasters. Sauces are something that I absolutely adore, and the original recipe had an extremely user-friendly sauce that could become a stroganoff of sorts with the addition of sour cream. That sounded like an amazing idea, but on purpose sounded better, and a …

Pesto, Chicken and Rice

The pesto!!!! Listen kats and kittens, if you don’t like pesto, then this isn’t for you. (We can still be friends, though!) I made this dish a few ways to see what worked best, and the neighbors literally just asked for more rice and pesto. You’ve been warned. Pesto is traditionally made with nuts, but after Thing 2, I developed a tree nut allergy. Pumpkin seeds work really well, though a bit more dense in consistency than what pesto tends to be. Lemon juice is a thinning option, and gives the pesto a totally different attitude, should you need that …

Portuguese Baked Beans & Sweet Cornbread

Oh, the flavors in this dish!! Linguica isn’t found up here in northern Michigan, so I used hot chorizo instead. Please, please hunt linguica if you can, otherwise you can sub a good quality, savory sausage for this recipe. My diet doesn’t include 90% of most meats, but I did taste this before serving. My mouth was quite pleased with the results, and I encourage you to delve into the culture behind this creation and play with the spices you find. I also made a sweet cornbread to go alongside this, because I’m a Southern woman, and…beans!!! Would I be …

Spinach Quiche

I…must admit defeat. This recipe came to me hand-written, and lovingly notated throughout. The crust recipe portion is now the new bane of my existence, and I am sad. Rarely has a crust triumphed over my stubbornness, but the lovely CandiAnne had to pull my tail out of the fire with this one. Her crust recipe is pretty epic, and I’m happy to share it. Ok, aside from the colossal crust crisis, this is a super yum, and easy, recipe to make. The seasonings are lightly, so please play with what your palette craves. I’m hooked on smoked paprika, so …

Tamales

Being from California, Mexican food is a staple of our diet LOL. I learned how to make Tamales early on and every so often I get down on Christmas, gather everyone around, and have a Tamalada. I also make these from time to time during the year. While these may seem spicy by reading the ingredients, they’re not that bad after they cook down, the masa is added and they’re ready to eat. You can also remove the seeds from the dried peppers which will bring the spicy heat to near zero. The peppers used in this are all very …

Lemony Battered Fish

If you love the flavor of lemon, these this is definitely the recipe for you. The fish has a wonderfully crispy exterior and soft, flakey interior. I enjoy serving this with lemon butter tricolor rotini and broccoli with lemon wedges.