Autumn brings out an array of pumpkin and squash. This time of year, I make sure to take advantage of these lovely ingredients and cook with them as much as I can while they are still available. They will stay in great shape for a long time and I keep them on my counter to be made into both sweet and savory meals. Not only is butternut squash delicious, it is full of vitamins and nutrients. You can store whole squash at room temperature for weeks. [Read more...]
Butternut Squash and Apple Oatmeal
Sergi and I both love oatmeal for breakfast and it turns out that Nathaniel loves oatmeal too. I can't spoon it fast enough into his mouth. While he still has a full mouth, he's already grunting at me to get him another spoonful. I love that I can make a large portion of oatmeal and then reheat it another morning. It's a perfect breakfast when you're in a hurry.
Now that autumn is here, I wanted to make a fall appropriate topping, so instead of the Bananas Foster topping that I usually make, I used my go-to recipe and made it with a whole different spin. What could be more fitting than butternut squash and apples? You can also use pumpkin instead of the butternut squash and if you want to make this even more special, stir in some pureed cooked pumpkin too and your oatmeal will taste like pumpkin pie. [Read more...]
Our Story - Video
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you have probably heard some parts of what my husband and I have experienced in the first few years of our short married life.Stroganoff Meatballs
Stroganoff Meatballs are a genius way to combine the comforting flavors of the popular Stroganoff recipe with tender and juicy meatballs.
The creamy mushroom sauce that Stroganoff is so well known for is the perfect match for the meatballs to be cooked in, infusing them with more flavor.
Meatballs are like a nice pair of jeans. They're comfortable and can be dressed up or down. You can go the t-shirt/sweater route or add a blazer, blouse and some accessories, and you look like a million bucks.
These meatballs never let me down. They are so tender and juicy, especially if you let them cook in the sauce for a bit. The gravy is so creamy, the mushrooms add so much great flavor and the sour cream and wine really add depth and just the smallest bit of tanginess.
Just like my favorite pair of jeans, this meal is just as cozy and makes me feel so snug and cheery, but it's good enough for company too.
[Read more...]Slow Cooker Chicken and Peppers
Make a delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Peppers meal with this easy, flavorful recipe. Tender chicken, crisp peppers, and a creamy finishing touch—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner
I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with my slow cooker. The concept is genius—just toss everything in, walk away, and come back to a hot meal. But let's be honest, so many slow cooker recipes leave me with bland, watery, and mushy food. Ugh! It's so disappointing, especially when you’re hoping for something flavorful. After a few tries, though, I finally cracked the code and discovered how to make this dish flavorful, tender, and with just the right amount of texture. Now, I’m excited to share it with you, because this Slow Cooker Chicken and Peppers recipe is simple and delicious.
This meal comes together without any pre-cooking, and the flavor profile reminds me of a cross between Chicken Burrito Bowls and Stuffed Peppers—two of my favorite things. The best part? It's quick, easy, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a little patience.
The trick to getting this dish just right is cooking it in stages. I start by adding only part of the bell peppers in the beginning, so the tomato sauce and chicken can absorb the flavor of the peppers. Then, during the second part of the cooking process, I add the remaining peppers, which helps them stay crisp and tender instead of turning to mush. I’ve tried adding all the peppers at once, and let me tell you, they turn into a soggy mess. If you’re into a more tomato-pepper sauce vibe, go ahead and toss them in earlier, but I prefer to keep the peppers fresh and with a little bite.
The secret to making this dish taste fresh and not “crock-potty” is the finishing touches. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and a handful of fresh herbs elevate the entire dish. It takes just a few minutes to throw them in at the end, but it makes all the difference, turning this meal into something you’ll want to make again and again.
Carrot and Mushroom Brown Rice
Rice is a staple side dish at our house, and the addition of carrot, onion and mushroom is the ultimate Slavic spin that is so hearty and autumnish. I totally just created that word.
Even my husband is a huge fan of this version, even though he's still not too crazy over the brown rice on its own. I love how fluffy the rice turns out and it's completely clump free. The carrots, onion, garlic and mushrooms are an awesome addition and I love serving it with a roast chicken or even fish. Since it's just the two of us, I usually freeze the other half of the rice and then just reheat it later for a super easy side dish down the road. [Read more...]
Lemon and Shallot Sautéed Fish Fillets
This is such a simple method for sautéing fish, but the results are AMAZING. I love how juicy the fish is, and the outside is nice and crisp from the eggs. The breading is really thin, with just enough crunch.
Many times, I just serve the fish without the sauce. My favorite accompaniment is a Cauliflower Tomato Salad and some fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes. This exact dinner makes me think of my Mom and my childhood. We used to make this dinner a lot, especially in the summer. Even though most of my siblings did not like fish, for some reason this one was a big hit and would get eaten up right away. I think the very modest breading did the trick.
Adding the simple sauce gives the dish some great flavor from all those aromatic ingredients. Lemon always pairs so well with seafood, and shallot, garlic and parsley are my favorite three musketeers. I try to sneak them in everywhere. You can't blame me though, because they are best friends and like to be together. [Read more...]
Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries
Try these delicious Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries. Using puff pastry dough, they’re quick, easy, and perfect for beginner bakers.
Guava and cream cheese pastries are a simple yet delicious treat that combines the sweet, slightly tangy flavor of guava with the rich, creamy goodness of cream cheese. Using frozen puff pastry dough, these pastries are quick and easy to prepare, making them a perfect option for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a fuss-free dessert. The puff pastry’s crispy, flaky layers contrast beautifully with the smooth, gooey filling, creating a delightful bite every time.
The addition of guava paste gives these pastries a tropical twist, adding a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese. If you can’t find guava paste, don’t worry—you can easily substitute with strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite jam. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or at a gathering, these guava and cream cheese pastries are sure to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
2 sheets of prepared puff pastry; each one 12 oz
5 oz. guava paste, about ⅔ cup
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 egg yolk for the cheese filling
1 egg plus 1 Tablespoon water, for egg wash
¼ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling on top of the pastries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cut each sheet of dough into 6 (3 inch x 4 inch) pieces.
In a medium bowl, place the guava paste. It is really stiff, so add a few spoonfuls of boiling water to it and mix it up to make it easier to work with.
Mix the cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar and vanilla until smooth in consistency.
Whisk the whole egg and 1 Tablespoon of water together. This will be the egg wash.
Place 1 ½ - 2 Tablespoons of the cream cheese filling down the center of each pastry, leaving some room around the edges. Place about 1 Tablespoon of the guava paste either next to the cream cheese filling or right on top of it.
Brush the edges of the pastry dough with egg wash.
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges with your fingers.
Use a fork and press down all around the edges to crimp shut, creating a rectangular shape.
With a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes across the top of the pastries.
Brush them with more egg wash and sprinkle with some sugar.
Arrange the pastries on a parchment lined, rimmed baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
If you don't have guava paste, you can easily substitute it with raspberry or strawberry jam, or any jam or preserves that you like, for that matter.
Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries
These Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries are a sweet, creamy treat wrapped in crispy puff pastry. With tropical guava paste and a sweet cream cheese filling, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of prepared puff pastry; each one 12 oz
- 5 oz. guava paste about ⅔ cup
- 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg yolk for the cheese filling
- 1 egg plus 1 Tablespoon water for egg wash
- ¼ cup granulated sugar plus extra for sprinkling on top of the pastries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut each sheet of dough into 6 (3 inch x 4 inch) pieces.
- In a medium bowl, place the guava paste. It is really stiff, so add a few spoonfuls of boiling water to it and mix it up to make it easier to work with.
- Mix the cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar and vanilla until smooth in consistency.
- Whisk the whole egg and 1 Tablespoon of water together. This will be the egg wash.
- Place 1 ½ - 2 Tablespoons of the cream cheese filling down the center of each pastry, leaving some room around the edges. Place about 1 Tablespoon of the guava paste either next to the cream cheese filling or right on top of it.
- Brush the edges of the pastry dough with egg wash.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges with your fingers.
- Use a fork and press down all around the edges to crimp shut, creating a rectangular shape.
- With a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes across the top of the pastries.
- Brush them with more egg wash and sprinkle with some sugar.
- Arrange the pastries on a parchment lined, rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
A simple pasta dish that has the comforting flavors of Chicken Pot Pie - the pasta soaks up the creamy and silky sauce, with tender pieces of chicken, carrots, onion and peas.
Chicken pot pie is a comforting and cozy dinner, but requires a wee bit of work, specifically the pie topping. What if I told you you could create the same nostalgic taste but with very little effort and probably with ingredients you already have on hand?
I'm sure most of us have been there - you have no idea what to cook, so you're browsing through your pantry and refrigerator, trying to come up with something that doesn't involve a trip to the store. All of these ingredients are a staple in my house, so I can make it any day of the week.
The pasta is coated in the silky creamy sauce and the juicy pieces of chicken give this dish that soothing feel and the carrots and peas give it the distinct "pot pie" taste. You can also add some corn for extra crunch and flavor.
Am I the only one who always gives myself a pat on the back when I shop in my own pantry and come up with something the family loves? Now you can too.
[Read more...]Vegetable Pasta Salad
Lunches can be quite a predicament. Hardly anyone has the time to actually prepare a lunch unless it's a sandwich or something as equally boring and predictable. There's nothing wrong with a "good ol' sammich", but it's nice to have a bit more interesting options too. Pasta salads are perfect and this one in particular is something I'm so happy to share with you all.
First of all, how great is it to make something in advance and not have to worry about it at lunchtime? It will last up to a week in the refrigerator and taste just as fresh as the day you made it. I couldn't believe it myself until I had a bowl a week after I made it. It's surprising how fresh it tastes.
It doesn't take long to make this salad either. In the amount of time that it takes to cook the pasta, you can have all your veggies prepped, mix it all together and VOILA - Приятного апетита (Russian: Bon Apetit)!
I chose to use vegetables that pair really well together as well as stay fresh for a long time. The cute bow tie pasta is so charming, I bet your kids would love it in their lunch boxes too. [Read more...]
Whole Wheat Bread
Most of us try to eat healthier at some level. Since I eat so much bread, I knew the smart thing to do was use whole wheat flour instead of white flour at least some of the time:). Who am I kidding? I still love my fluffy white bread! Every now and then I get a hankering for some dark bread, and I especially love Russian Black bread. I wanted to have a whole wheat bread recipe with just a few basic ingredients.
I've tried numerous recipes, and usually the bread is on the tougher side unless you add just a small amount of whole wheat while the bulk of the recipe is white flour. Well, what's the point?
Ever since I made America's Test Kitchen version of Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread, I knew this recipe was the one for me. They use a very interesting technique of soaking the whole wheat overnight before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients and this makes the whole wheat much softer. That's the reason this bread turns out just as soft as regular white bread, even though there are 3 whole cups of whole wheat flour and only 2 of white bread flour. The addition of wheat germ gives the bread really great flavor too.
I've gotten multiple questions from you guys about adding some whole wheat flour to my other bread recipes, so here's the perfect recipe for you. No need to make changes and experiment - America's Test Kitchen has done that for us. All we have to do is make the bread and then cut ourselves a slice of warm bread and spread it with butter. Sort of beats the point of trying to get healthy, but whatever. It's so good I can't resist. I'll eat the second slice with a bowl of soup, so that should be better, right? [Read more...]
Cheesy Roasted Zucchini Video
As summer draws to a close, I'm still taking full advantage of the vegetable surplus availability this time of year and sharing one of the most easiest recipes for zucchini. This video will probably always be one of my favorites. While editing it and watching it over and over again to make sure I got it all right, I couldn't stop smiling and getting this warm and fuzzy feeling washing all over me.
You might be wondering why I sound so giddy and elated and I have a very simple explanation - we filmed this recipe at my parents' house, where I'm always so happy and feel completely at peace. It seemed perfectly fitting to share a recipe that my Mom came up with to make good use of her overabundant supply of zucchini and of course, I used all the ingredients from her garden too. [Read more...]
Raspberry Cheesecake Tart
Tarts are so pretty and elegant and I love how easy they are to make. I wanted to create a tart with a simple shortbread cookie type crust and have a no bake filling. The less oven time, the better. Right now my baby is at an age where he needs a lot of attention, so I don't have time for fancy layer cakes or other fussy desserts during the week. During the weekends, my husband can take charge of baby watching, but during the week, I'm on my own. Since we have company on weeknights too, this is the perfect solution. I made the tart during my baby's nap times and it was all ready to go for our guests that evening.
I combined three of my favorite sweet flavors - cheesecake, berries and a simple cookie that isn't too sweet.
To make sure it wasn't runny, I used unflavored gelatin for the cheesecake filling. This tart has a sandy shortbread crust, with a creamy mascarpone cheesecake filling, topped off with fresh, juicy raspberries. You can even make this into small, individual tarts which would be really cute. With a nice cup of tea, this tart is the perfect way to relax with your family or guests.
Buying Our Kitchen Appliances On Craigslist
When we bought our house last summer, we gutted our entire kitchen and remodeled the whole thing - cupboards, counters, island, walls, ceiling and floor. We also upgraded the appliances to nicer stainless steel ones from the ones that came with the house. We knew that a great way to stretch our budget was to buy used appliances instead of brand new ones. I also didn't care if all the appliances were the same brand, so that widened our options quite a bit. You can read all the details of the rest of the kitchen remodel in this post.
First of all, we sold all of the simple, white appliances that were in the original kitchen. They all worked well and were in pretty good shape, so that was another way we were able to stretch our budget even more. [Read more...]
Fish and Vegetables En Papillote (Baked in Parchment Paper) Video Recipe
Fish with vegetables in one of my favorite options for a quick, healthy and really delicious dinner. I definitely wanted to film this recipe, because I love it so much. The fish is infused with the flavor of the vegetables in every bite, the vegetables are the perfect texture, and everything is so juicy and packed with deliciousness. It's also a really healthy dinner, which will give you the perfect full feeling but still with a spring in your step.
I really hope you enjoy this video. I have more recipes coming up soon, so be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don't miss them. [Read more...]
Our Family Trip To NY
Going to NY is always like a breath of fresh air for my spirit and emotions. And literally, the air is so much more fresh, clear and pure than anywhere else I've been in the whole world. Not only do I thrive in the country and being surrounded by nature, it's so awesome to spend time with my family. [Read more...]
Sautéed Green Beans, Baby Peas and Cherry Tomatoes
Summer is such a happy time of year. Everything is in the peak of growing, it’s warm and sunny. Even summer rain holds a special place in my heart. I love the cozy feeling it gives me. It’s a gardener’s paradise. We are in NY right now visiting my parents, and my soul is in complete peace and I can’t stop smiling. I am in love with my parents’ garden. It’s in full bloom right now and we are definitely indulging in all the wonderful, completely organic vegetables that they grow.
When I’m in Florida, I have to make do with the produce I find in the grocery stores and farmer’s markets. This combination of veggies is spot on. I can always find all of these ingredients no matter what time of year, but they taste so “summery”. I’m mentioned many times how much Segi and I love green beans, but I also really like using frozen peas. Since they are frozen at their peak of ripeness, they taste absolutely amazing and fresh, as long as you don’t overcook them. The shallots and garlic provide the flavor to the while dish, and the cherry tomatoes add a bit of acidity. It's the perfect side dish to so many entrees.
Deluxe Veggie Omelet
Craving a breakfast that’s both delicious and indulgent? This Deluxe Veggie Omelet is the perfect choice, bursting with fresh veggies and savory flavors in every bite.
Start your day on a delicious note with this Deluxe Veggie Omelet! Packed with fresh, colorful veggies like peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes, this omelet is the perfect way to fuel up in the morning. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast or a light brunch, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it a great choice for busy mornings or a leisurely weekend breakfast!
This veggie omelet is my favorite when I want a more indulgent breakfast option. The caramelized onions and golden brown mushrooms are so filling and hearty, the roasted peppers, tomatoes, spinach and fresh herbs bring so much brightness and fresh flavors. The feta cheese and shaved Parmesan cheese are the finishing touch that are so creamy, tangy and nutty. So many vitamins and nutrients are packed into one omelet. You will start your day right from the very beginning. You can make this for an indulgent breakfast on the weekend, as well as a quick dinner any day of the week. I've been making it over and over again and every time I savor every bite, trying to get every single ingredient on the fork before it goes in my mouth. It's SO good!
[Read more...]One Dish Asian Chicken and Rice
As a task-oriented, type A personality gal, I love staying busy and productivity should be my middle name. However, one look at my baby's beaming smile and all my noble ambitions fly right out the window. Nothing makes me happier than playing with my son. I've always appreciated easy dinner options, and now it's become a necessity. Food must be easy in order to be cooked in my house these days. I should start a new category of recipes on this blog - "While the baby is napping". As soon as those sleepy eyes open and that cute face turns my way and I hear baby babbles, I'm ready to move on to take off that apron. There are more important things for me to do, like letting him play with my face (his favorite thing to do now), sing silly songs, read books and watch him roll over, play with his toys and discover new things every day.
Playing with Nathaniel is so satisfying, but also exhausting, with juggling regular household chores and trying to keep my unpredictable lab levels normal. Cooking has to be fast and simple. Maybe it's a subconscious thing, but I think simple meals taste better anyway.
Chicken and rice is always a favorite combination in our house. Using chicken thighs keeps the meat so juicy and makes perfect leftovers too. With just a few classic Asian ingredients - ginger, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, and soy sauce, it gives this dish a unique twist and amazing flavor combination. [Read more...]
Grilled Vegetable and Mushroom Kebabs
Grilled Vegetable and Mushroom Kebabs are the perfect side dish anytime you have the grill going. You can use a variety of different vegetable combinations, they are so simple to prepare and grilling them gives them so much awesome flavor. 
You've probably seen all kinds of vegetable combinations coming out of my kitchen. The fact is, that I adore veggies, especially when they are sautéed or roasted. They are the part of the meal that I look forward to the most. As soon as I load up my plate with meat, starch and veggies, I will pounce on the veggies first.
For the first 8 years of our married life, Sergi and I were apartment dwellers. Now that we have our own home with a backyard and grill handy, we make good use of it. With the grill only a few steps away from our kitchen, it makes it very easy to prep everything in the nice, air conditioned house, step outside to put the food on the grill (keeping all the heat and cooking mess out there) and in just a short time enjoy some charred, crisp but tender vegetables.
This is my favorite combination - zucchini, peppers, tomatoes and red onion. The mushrooms add so much heartiness to the kebabs, you could serve this to vegetarians, since it's very filling, but it will make all the meat eaters happy too. We all appreciate tasty food, don't we? [Read more...]
Summer Grilling With the Family Video (Chicken, Salmon and Vegetable Kebabs)
You've probably figured out that grilling is our jam, since I've been sharing so many grilling recipes with you recently. I think it's a good excuse for us to get together with family and friends. I've lost count how many times we've had people over for some grilled food. Come to think of it, we're having our church small group coming over tonight! I'm not making that up:). [Read more...]
Easy No Churn Chocolate Swirl Ice Cream
This no-churn chocolate ice cream is incredibly easy to put together—just mix, swirl, and freeze. The result? A velvety, indulgent dessert that’s as good as any ice cream shop creation, but without all the work. You’ll be reaching for this recipe every time you want a sweet treat on a hot day.
What’s better than a cold, creamy treat to beat the summer heat? If you love ice cream but don't want to deal with the hassle of making a custard or buying an ice cream maker, then this Easy No Churn Chocolate Swirl Ice Cream is your new best friend. It’s the quickest, simplest ice cream recipe you’ll ever try, and best of all—it tastes absolutely amazing with a creamy, rich texture that will satisfy all your sweet cravings. [Read more...]
Best Cheeseburger Recipe
Craving the perfect grilled cheeseburger? Discover the best homemade cheeseburger recipe that delivers juicy, flavor-packed burgers every time.
Homemade Cheeseburgers are epic.
Taking a giant bite of that juicy, grilled burger with melted and drippy cheese and all those crisp toppings is the ultimate Memorable Meat Moment. If you've never made grilled cheeseburgers yourself, you will be blown away by how it will absolutely crush all your past wimpy cheeseburger experiences.
You won't have to hunt for the meat in your bun this time. The burgers are a statement piece in this meal. I love how each bite has that charred grill flavor. The meat is loaded with flavor and is SO JUICY. It may be extremely controversial and in some cases blasphemous to add anything to the hamburger meat, but I don't mind going against the mainstream to get a juicy and flavorful burger. The perfect burger with cheese may already deserve a standing ovation, but with the addition of the burger sauce that has just just the right amount of tang and sweetness and all your favorite toppings, it just goes over the top.
We only make burgers a few times a year, but when we do, we aren't shy about it and go all out.
[Read more...]Hash Brown Breakfast Pizza
Sergi and I love relaxing mornings with a big breakfast on the weekends. It's practically our favorite meal of the week. When we eat a nice, hearty breakfast, we can skip lunch since it fills us up so much. This gives us more time to fully enjoy our weekend and do fun things as a family, or be responsible and cross off some things off our to-do lists.
I combined all of our favorite breakfast foods into one very scrumptious pizza - hash browns, eggs, bacon, avocado and tomatoes. It's just the right balance of heartiness and the vegetables cut through the richness with their fresh flavor, crunch and creaminess. All of these ingredients are usually my pantry staples, especially when tomatoes and avocados are in season, so I can whip this pizza up any time, even for an easy weeknight dinner. [Read more...]
Grilled Salmon Kabobs
Salmon Kabobs is one of the best easy and healthy ways to prepare salmon. Marinated in garlic, lemon and fresh herbs - it takes just a few minutes to make them but all these flavors pairs so well together.
Grilled Salmon Kabobs are one of our favorites to make for easy family dinners but also when we have guests. Seafood and lemon are always a great match and with the addition of garlic and fresh herbs, the salmon is really flavorful. Cooking the salmon very quickly on high heat gives it that amazing smoky flavor and beautiful char, but keeps the fish very juicy.
Everyone needs healthy, quick and delicious dinner options that can easily feed two people or a crowd. Change up the flavor of the kabobs by using different herbs, spices and instead of lemon try using lime. This is a favorite with both kids and adults.
[Read more...]Crab Cakes With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Homemade Crab Cakes are absolutely out of this world delicious. With large chunks of sweet crab meat, the patties are flavored with bell pepper, onion, celery and garlic. The creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is just the thing to serve with them.
I always feel so fancy whenever I eat crab cakes. That's probably because crab cakes are on the menu at most high end restaurants. Ever since I tried my first crab cake a few years ago, I knew why they were so popular. Crab cakes tastes so fresh, with juicy morsels of crab and flavored with peppers, onion, celery and garlic. Making them at home is so easy.
Since fresh crab meat is quite expensive, I wanted to make sure it really shined in this recipe. I only added enough ingredients to add flavor and to bind everything together. The whole point of crab cakes is for you to be able to enjoy the crab, not have to hunt through your whole crab cake and only find a few tiny pieces of crab here and there. Crab reminds me so much of the sea. It has that lovely sweet flavor that brings to mind crashing waves and hot summer breezes.
[Read more...]Fire Roasted Grilled Corn Salad
This grilled corn salad made with fire roasted corn, peppers, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs makes the perfect side dish for any BBQ or hot summer day.
Put a unique spin on the way you serve corn with this Fire Roasted Grilled Corn Salad. This salad isn’t finicky at all; you can serve it both warm, room temperature and even cold. Fresh corn off the cob can’t even begin to compare to canned or frozen corn, so take advantage of the abundant summer corn crop, and make corn as much as possible. Fresh corn is so crisp, crunchy, juicy and sweet. Grilling the corn gives it slight charring and that amazing grilled flavor.
I seasoned the salad with more garden flavors – bell pepper, red onion, garlic and fresh herbs. A jalapeño pepper gives it just a little bit of heat and flavor. The whole salad is simply dressed with olive oil and fresh lime juice. I don’t think you will be disappointed with this salad. We certainly love it in our family.
It's the perfect side dish to many summer menus - Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast, Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken, Burrito Bowls, Zucchini and Feta Turkey Burgers and Baked Steelhead Trout.
[Read more...]Berry Pink Lemonade
What could be more perfect for summer than lemonade? In our family, whenever we get together, most of the time you will find us drinking lemonade of some sort, either Mint Lemonade, Orange Lemonade, and now this Berry Pink Lemonade.
I wanted to create a recipe for Pink Lemonade that was as simple as possible. I didn't want to be making simple syrup, cooking fruit, etc. Even though I do that many times for other recipes, like Apple Pear Kompot, Cranberry Raspberry Mors or Raspberry Peach Iced Tea, this time I wanted something that I could manage with the least amount of dishes, appliances and especially the stove. During the summer, simplicity is crucial, in my opinion.
Using fresh berries was the key and I was so happy with the taste. It honestly turned out so much better than I imagines, and my expectations were certainly high. The color is so vibrant and beautiful and you can comfort yourself that there is no dye in your drink or other weird ingredients. This lemonade was full of "berryness" and just the right amount of tartness from the lemons. A sip of this brought me back to picking berries in the woods, surrounded by the green scent of the forrest, arms and legs scratched from the berry bushes and lips, tongue and fingers stained with berry juice. [Read more...]
Pesto Pasta With Chicken Tenders, Shallots and Cherry Tomatoes
Summer is the best time of year for simple meals with the biggest flavor payoff because there is such a wealth of fresh ingredients available. With a 4 month old whose main mission in life is to monopolize as much of my time as he possibly can, it's a necessity for dinner to come together FAST. I definitely don't want to compromise on the flavor of the food that we are eating every night, so it's just as important for the food to taste great.
This is honestly one of the most satisfying meals to make for my family. Not only do I make this often for Sergi and myself, but it's also great for company. I almost always have pesto in my freezer, so it takes only 15 minutes of prep time to get all the ingredients ready for cooking and the rest of the meal comes together in the time it takes the pasta to cook.
The pungent and aromatic pesto sauce coats the pasta with such a beautiful vibrantly green sauce. The cherry tomatoes not only bring a pop of color to the dish, but they are so juicy and crisp. Shallots, garlic, parmesan cheese and just a hint of spicy red pepper flakes round it all out with such a perfect balance of seasoning. Crispy, breaded chicken tenders accompany this pasta dish perfectly, but you can use chicken breast, turkey breast or even shrimp. [Read more...]
Beef Fajitas
During one of my weekly meal planning sessions, I suddenly got a craving for Beef Fajitas. I don't even know why, since I've never made them at home before, but it just sounded good. I was fully expecting a plain and simple dinner for just Sergi and I, nothing glamorous. In fact, I forgot to check our pantry and it turned out that we only had one lonely flour tortilla. That would never do, and since going to the grocery store with a baby is a very involved commitment, I decided to just make them from scratch. How hard could it be, right? After looking at tons of different recipes on Pinterest, I found one that caught my attention.
Boy, oh, boy! This simple dinner knocked our socks off. I almost felt reverent eating it. Every component was so fresh, perfectly paired and just screaming with flavor. The homemade tortillas really made it extra special. The juicy strips of steak, grilled peppers and onions that have the perfect amount of sweetness and are nice and crisp, along with so much fresh flavors from the Pico de Gallo, Guacamole and cilantro - all of this wrapped up in that warm tortilla almost brought me to tears.
Of course, I vowed to make this next time we had our family over our house. On Memorial Day, we had a fun family party and I was thrilled to share this with them. I was not disappointed with their reaction and the Beef Fajitas were the star of the show. I was only too happy to make this dish again and document the whole thing for the blog, step by step pictures and all. I hope you enjoy. We will certainly be making this over and over again. [Read more...]
Ambrosia Salad Jello
Ambrosia salad jello is a perfect summer dessert. Made with pineapple flavored jello and coconut milk, it’s the perfect base and the addition of the juicy mandarin oranges, sweet cherries, peaches and mini marshmallows, makes it a wonderful combination of flavors.
Ambrosia Salad Jello is just the dessert you will love making in the hot weather. Summer is the time for cold, fruity and refreshing desserts. It's also extra nice if it's easy to make and doesn't require any baking. This is why gelatin desserts are absolutely perfect for this time of year.
When I found this recipe on Cook's Illustrated, I knew immediately that I wanted to give it a try. So, of course, I made it for the next family gathering and it was devoured by all.
The flavor of this gelatin desserts reminds me so much of Pina Colada, since it's made from pineapple flavored gelatin and coconut milk. With the addition of mandarin oranges, peaches, cherries and mini marshmallows, this dessert has so many awesome surprises in each bite. The fruit isn't too sweet and is very juicy and tastes refreshing. The mini marshmallows are like little pillows of soft sweetness. All in all, you'll want to make this for your next party.
It's so easy to make, can be made in advance and is such a wonderful way to cool off. [Read more...]
Creamy Potato, Leek and Celery Soup
Soups are so dependable. They are like that perfect spot on your couch that conforms to your body and feels "just right". Whenever I want something comforting and soothing, I know just where to turn - my big soup pot.
Since my pregnancy has resurrected many health issues for me, food and I don't always get along. Soups, however, never let me down. They are with me through thick and thin. This particular soup I created on one of my pregnant days, when I really wanted something creamy, with a punch of flavor, but would leave me feeling great. Soothing should be this soups middle name. It felt like a hug from the inside as I savored every spoonful.
Since then, I've many this soup many, many times. It has become a favorite not only for me, but for my whole family. I had made a big pot of this soup one day, and we had a bunch of my family members stop by our house. Of course, I offered them this soup, and they were all amazed by the flavor and the texture. I've been texting the recipe to my Mom, my sister in law, etc. and whenever I pass by a celery root at the store, this soup goes on my menu. I hope you give it a try; it's delicious any time of the year. [Read more...]
Creamy Carrot and Pea Rice, Roasted Flounder and Asparagus: Cooking For Two
Cooking for two is not as easy as it sounds. When I was an enthusiastic new wife, I had such a hard time scaling down recipes to serve just my husband and myself, since I was used to cooking for 8. Making a tiny portion of soup looked so wrong, so we would be stuck eating the same meal three days in a row until be both couldn't look at it anymore. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem. Not only are there many households with only two people, there are many who have graduated to Cooking For Two when becoming empty nesters.
Most recipes online and in cookbooks are created to serve at least 4. Yes, there are some foods that taste great as leftovers, but there are some that no matter what you do, will still taste dry and just not have that fresh taste and texture the next day.
Cooking for two shouldn't be such a challenge. Fish is a perfect option for a wonderful meal for two people to share. The creamy rice sort of reminds me of a risotto, or a savory rice "kasha". The fish and asparagus cook so quickly in the oven and take just about the same amount of time to cook. This is also perfect for cooking for two, since you will only need one small saucepan and one baking sheet for the entire meal. The less dishes to wash and the less cooking steps involved, the better. It looks and feels so elegant, it would be a perfect option for a romantic date night. [Read more...]
Cucumber Melon Drink
Refresh your day with this Cucumber and Melon infused water. A simple, delicious way to stay hydrated while adding flavor and fun to your beverage.
Even though we drink water almost all the time, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up with something a little more exciting. We love experimenting with different drinks like Mint Lemonade, Raspberry Peach Iced Tea, and flavored water. Adding berries, herbs, and citrus can turn an ordinary drink into something refreshing and flavorful. This Cucumber Melon Drink is a unique flavor combination, that results in a crisp, hydrating drink. It's perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.
If you're not a fan of regular water and it seems too boring and plain for you, give this a try. It’s super refreshing, light, and a little sweet – the perfect pick-me-up without being too heavy. It’s also an easy way to get more creative with your beverages, and it looks gorgeous in a glass, too! Whether you’re looking for a new drink to enjoy or just want to add a little extra flavor to your water, this combo of cucumber and melon will definitely hit the spot.
[Read more...]Loaded Nachos
Loaded Nachos are always a crowd pleaser. They are such a great appetizer for a party or a low key, casual dinner, especially during the hot summer months. I love that the most time consuming parts of this awesome appetizer can be made ahead of time. You can also customize the toppings to whatever you or your family and friends like.
The crispy chips, the fresh tomatoes and herbs in the Pico de Gallo, the ooey-gooey cheese sauce and the creamy avocado all come together in the perfect bite. [Read more...]
Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo
This Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo is incredibly simple to make, yet packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that blow store-bought versions out of the water. With juicy tomatoes, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño, it's perfect to serve with chips, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and burritos!
Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo is the perfect fresh salsa to add flavor to your favorite dishes. This version has all the vibrant, fresh ingredients—juicy, ripe tomatoes, fragrant cilantro, a little kick from jalapeño, and shallot. Unlike traditional salsa that’s often made in a blender with cooked or canned tomatoes, Pico de Gallo is chunkier and made with fresh ingredients.
What I love most about this fresh tomato salsa is how simple and versatile it is. You can serve it with tortilla chips or Loaded Nachos but also pair it with dishes like Chicken Quesadillas or even my favorite Meal Prep Breakfast Burritos for an added burst of flavor. The best part is that you can adjust the heat and flavor to your taste, and it’s so quick to make—perfect for a weeknight snack or a fun weekend meal. [Read more...]
Almond Apple Puff Pastries
These Almond Apple Puff Pastries are so easy to make, using frozen puff pastry, almond paste and apples. They are so elegant and delicious.
These Almond Apple Puff Pastries are such a cinch to prepare. Homemade goodies are the best and you can use some store bought ingredients to give you a head start. In this recipe, store bought puff pastry and almond paste make this recipe especially easy and convenient.
These pastries are so beautiful and elegant. They are very quick to prepare too. One of the nice bonuses about this recipe is that you can keep all the ingredients on hand and when you have unexpected company or want a simple baking option, this is the recipe to reach for.
I love flaky, tender puff pastry. It's a great staple to have on hand for both savory and sweet food. Almond paste and apples are a great combination for this very humble sweet treat. You can even use pears for another delicious option.
[Read more...]After a Month Long Absence....
I'm back!
Wow. It's been over a month since I last posted a recipe. I don't think I've ever been away from blogging for more than a week since I first started. That certainly wasn't the intention. In fact, before I had my c-section, I made sure to store up about a month and a half worth of blog posts in advance to post while I was recuperating. [Read more...]
Beef, Shiitake, and Green Bean Stir Fry
Sergi and I both really enjoy green beans and I serve them as a side dish almost every week. I decided to make them the star in a beef stir fry, which just happens to be my favorite protein to use. With just a few other simple ingredients, this dinner is just chock-full of flavor.
Stir frys hardly take any time at all to be cooked. Cutting and preparing all the ingredients takes more time than the actual cooking process, and since there aren't that many ingredients, you can be sure that this dinner should be to on your menu for busy days. One of my biggest time savers is to cut up all the ingredients in advance and then it all comes together so quickly. The flavors are spot on and 50 times better than any take out you can ever get. [Read more...]
Chicken, Mushroom and Buckwheat Casserole
As a girl with strong Slavic roots, I grew up eating buckwheat and I still love coming up with different recipes that will incorporate this nutty, flavorful and very nutritious grain. Even though my favorite way to enjoy buckwheat is as a kasha with mushrooms, I wanted to come up with a way to make it into an entree. Cooking the entree and the side dish at the same time is such an awesome idea. Not only do you save time, but there are less dishes to wash. I can appreciate that for sure.
I made this dish many months ago when I was still pregnant, and my husband and I both loved it so much, I knew I had to share it with all of you. The fluffy buckwheat groats are flavored with both dry and fresh mushrooms, which is a match made in heaven, in my opinion. I topped the buckwheat with juicy, lean chicken and it's all baked together under a golden, cheesy crust.
You can even assemble it ahead of time and then just finish baking it in the oven. That's especially convenient for Sunday dinners, when we come home from church hungry, but don't want to spend hours preparing a meal. Of course, there are plenty other days of the week where a prepped dinner is such a life saver. [Read more...]