Blog - Page 4 of 20 - Olga's Flavor Factory

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad With Tomatoes and Cucumbers

This crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is made with fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, sweet and juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. The creamy dressing with fresh herbs is perfect to complement all the vegetables.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad With Tomatoes and Cucumbers

This fun and colorful Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is full of crunch, freshness and brightness. I can never decide if this salad tastes hearty or light, because it is such a wonderful combination of both. It can serve as a side dish, a picnic item or a simple lunch. The fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets are crisp and with the addition of sweet and juicy tomatoes and cucumbers, it is awesome. The creamy and tangy dressing compliments all the ingredients so well. It soaks into all the crooks and crannies, coating all the veggies. The fresh herbs - dill and green onions adds so much flavor to the salad too.

In our family, we often serve this salad during the holidays, potlucks and other parties and special events. Not only is it always a hit, but it is so pretty with all the vibrant colors mixed together. Best of all, you can meal prep it in advance and it stays fresh much longer than most salads. If you have any leftovers, it will taste just as awesome the next day.

Homemade Pasta Dough In the Food Processor

Homemade pasta dough is really simple to make in the food processor. The dough comes together in minutes and is so easy to work with. Fresh pasta is unbeatable and now you can make it at home anytime.

Homemade Pasta dough in the food processor

Making pasta from scratch has always seemed like such a grandiose accomplishment to me. In my opinion, if you've mastered that great art, you deserve to hang up a flag next to your front door proclaiming that you have successfully stepped over the line of home cook to "esteemed and awesome chef".

I came across this recipe on America's Test Kitchen many years ago and I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to make. Their recipe was very unconventional, but two things caught my attention.

#1. I trust their recipes. I have been a loyal America's Test Kitchen follower for more than a decade. It is my most trustworthy source for great recipes and cooking info.

#2. They promised homemade pasta without a machine. If I can get away with not buying an extra gizmo for my kitchen, I certainly will. I already use my food processor in countless ways, so it's another great way to put it to good use.

The results just blew me away. It was SO much easier than I had imagined. It took me less than 5 minutes to make the pasta dough and about 20-30 minutes to roll it out and cut it. Wow! Lest you doubt the quality, let me assure you, the texture and taste was phenomenal.

We still love this pasta dough many years later and it's one of my boys' favorite dinner EVER. I don't make it too often, but when I do, it always becomes a special occasion.

Dill Pickle Soup (Russian Rasolnik)

Rasolnik is one of my favorite light and comforting Russian soups, a dill pickle soup. It is made with potatoes, pickles and barley, with onion and carrot adding a simple but delicious flavor.

Russian Dill Pickle Soup
Rasolnik, made with potatoes, pickles, carrots, onion and barley.

A dill pickle soup may seem like a bizarre concept, but if you've never heard of it before, I would encourage you to try it. This recipe is for Slavic folks or pregnant ladies:). If you're Russian, you probably grew up eating this soup, and don't see anything unusual about it. Rassolnik brings back warm, nostalgic memories for me, and since I like my pickles, it's one of my favorites.

Rassolnik is very comforting, since it has potatoes and creamy barley in it, but it also doesn't taste heavy at all. I feel light and happy after I eat a bowl (or two), which is awesome.

Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Use your oven to make this delicious baked teriyaki chicken. The chicken is golden and crisp on the outside and so juicy on the inside. The homemade teriyaki sauce pairs so well with the chicken. It's delightfully sweet and salty, coating the chicken and soaking into the rice or noodles that you serve with it.

Baked teriyaki chicken - baked chicken thighs with a sweet and sour sauce.

Baked Teriyaki Chicken is an outstanding recipe for any day of the week. Besides prepping the chicken, the process is really easy and takes no time to put together. Using the broiler to cook the chicken gives it a bit of a delicious charred flavor, and since it cooks so quickly on high heat, the chicken doesn't dry out.

This popular Japanese dish is so succulent and tasty, you'll be licking your fingers. The juicy chicken with golden crisp skin is served with a homemade teriyaki sauce, which is potent and flavorful, but also light. I love how crisp and crunchy the skin is, but the meat inside is perfectly tender. It's so good with a bowl of rice or noodles to soak up the sauce.

Homemade Peanut Butter in the Food Processor

Use your food processor to make homemade peanut butter that is smooth and creamy. You only need 1 ingredient and 5 minutes - it's that easy.

Homemade Peanut Butter
Easy recipe for creamy and smooth peanut butter made in the food processor.

Why would you want to make homemade peanut butter? Because it's so easy and quick to make. If you have a food processor, it'll take just a few minutes to go from peanuts to peanut butter.

I was so surprised the first time I tried making peanut butter from scratch in my food processor. In just a few minutes, I had smooth and creamy peanut butter streaming down from my spatula as I scraped down the sides of the bowl.

My children love peanut butter snacks - peanut butter jelly sandwiches, peanut butter English muffins with bananas and honey, dipping apple slices into peanut butter and much more. I love knowing that I'm giving them peanut butter that is a healthier option - no added sugar, emulsifiers, extra oils or other ingredients mixed in.

Easy Homemade Bread Recipe

This is my go-to Easy Homemade Bread recipe that always turns out great, uses simple pantry ingredients and makes my house smell amazing. The bread is so fluffy, delicious and is perfect for sandwiches.

A loaf of fluffy homemade bread, with a few slices cut off.

An easy homemade bread recipe is the perfect place to start if you want to start making bread from scratch. There's something so satisfying with making your own bread - it is absolutely amazing. I love experimenting with all kinds of recipes for bread, but when I'm in the mood for simplicity, this is the one I go for.

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Why You'll Love This Simple Bread Recipe

Perfect for beginners: If you’re new to baking bread or just want an easy recipe, this is the perfect place to start.

Quick and easy: This recipe is a breeze—there aren’t many steps to follow, so you can enjoy fresh homemade bread without spending hours in the kitchen.

Absolutely nothing like homemade bread: Freshly baked bread is a game-changer. It’s amazing with Homemade Strawberry Jam or alongside a warm bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup.

A family favorite: Baking a loaf of bread brings everyone together—there’s nothing like the smell of fresh bread filling the house. You’ll have the whole family crowding around the kitchen, ready to grab a warm slice!

Ingredients:

Ingredients For Homemade Bread on the counter.

warm water (110-115 degrees Fahrenheit) - This temperature is perfect for activating the yeast without killing it—just warm enough to help it get to work.
dry yeast (active dry yeast or instant yeast) *see note below
sugar - Regular granulated sugar works fine, but I often swap it for honey.
oil - Any neutral oil works, but I like using olive oil best, followed by avocado oil.
flour - Bread flour is the best choice for a chewy, airy texture, but all-purpose flour works too.
salt

The complete list of ingredients and their exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Yeast

They are very similar and can be used interchangeably in recipes. However, active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in warm water first, before using it in a recipe. Instant yeast can be added in dry.

If you're not sure which yeast you have, just add it to warm water first to be safe. The water should be about 90-110 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast and your dough won't rise.

Is Your Yeast Still Active?

It's such a bummer if you make the bread dough and then wait and wait and it doesn't rise.
To check if your yeast is still active, sprinkle the yeast into some warm water (100-110 degrees Fahrenheit) with a little bit of sugar. Set it aside for 5-10 minutes. It should rise and foam up. It’s ready to use! If your yeast doesn’t do that, it’s time to get new yeast.
P.S. Store your yeast in the refrigerator or even your freezer so it stays fresh longer.

How to check if yeast is still active - in a glass measuring cup.

How To Make Homemade Bread

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water with half of the sugar. (If you're not sure if your yeast is good, set it aside for about 5 minutes, it should foam up.)

Mix the liquid ingredients. Pour the water with yeast into a large bowl of a stand mixer. Add the rest of the sugar and the oil.

Add the dry ingredients. Mix in half of the flour, starting on low speed until it’s well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour and salt, continuing to mix until all the flour is fully incorporated. Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes, up to 10 minutes, if you're doing it by hand.

Set the dough aside to rise until doubled in size, anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the temperature in your home. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Shape the dough. When the dough has doubled, place the dough on the counter and shape it into a rectangle. It should be roughly the width of your bread pan. Roll it up tightly, starting with the short side until you have a neat loaf. Place it seam side down into your bread pan. (Mine is about 9 X 5 inches)

Set aside to rise until doubled again. The dough should rise slightly over the edges of the bread pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips that make this easy bread recipe even more simple and perfect.

Oil the bowl: Before setting your dough to rise, brush a little oil on the bottom and sides of the bowl. This helps the dough come out easily once it’s risen, making the process much smoother.

Cover it up: Use plastic wrap (or a shower cap) to cover the bowl. This will keep the dough from drying out and create a nice, moist environment for it to rise properly.

Roll up the bread dough before placing it in the bread pan to rise. While it may seem like an extra step, rolling the dough helps create better structure. Dough that’s simply plopped into the pan tends to be denser and lacks the structure needed for a light, airy loaf. By flattening the dough into a rectangle and rolling it tightly, you’ll achieve a neater shape, a more tender crumb, and a loaf with better structure.

When you get the bread out of the oven, brush the top with butter. It will be even more delicious, but will also make the bread have a glossy finish and will make the crust softer.

A close up picture of a loaf of white sandwich bread, the end cut off.

Quick Ways to Speed Up Dough Rising

Want your dough to rise faster? Here are a couple of my secret tricks to speed up the process ☺️.

Use a Heated Blanket: Wrap your dough bowl in a heated blanket. This creates a cozy, warm environment that helps activate the yeast, so your dough rises faster.
Use a Warm Garage or Laundry Room: A warm garage or small laundry room can work wonders for dough rising. These spaces often stay cozy and warm, providing the perfect environment for the yeast to activate and help your dough rise faster.
Try the Instant Pot for Faster Rising: If you have an Instant Pot, place the dough inside the inner chamber and set it to the yogurt setting. The warm temperature (around 100°F) creates the perfect environment for your dough to rise in about half the usual time. It’s a quick and efficient way to speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to prevent dough from getting dry and crusty while rising?

Cover the bowl and the bread pan with plastic wrap. You can also brush the top of the dough with oil for extra insurance.

How to store homemade bread?

Homemade bread doesn't have any preservatives in it like store bought bread, so it will not stay fresh as long. (This is never a problem in our family - it's so delicious, it gets eaten much faster!)
Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel if you don't want it to get softer. It will last at room temperature for a few days.
If you want to keep it fresh longer than 3-4 days, store it in the refrigerator for 7-9 days.

Can you freeze homemade bread?

Yes! Bread freezes really well. Make an extra loaf and freeze it, or, cut a loaf in half if you have a smaller family. Make sure the bread is wrapped tightly, preferably in multiple layer. Freeze for 1-3 months. Here's a detailed post all about how to freeze bread.
Thaw at room temperature. (Remove the bread from the bag/container, wrap it in a towel while thawing, so it absorbs any condensation.)

Why does my bread have gaping holes?

If your bread has big air pockets or gaping holes, it’s likely that the dough wasn’t rolled up tightly enough. Make sure to roll the dough snugly when shaping it before placing it in the pan. This helps eliminate large air pockets and ensures a more even crumb, giving you a soft, uniform texture.

More Delicious Bread Recipes You Will Love

Easy Homemade Bread Recipe

Olga Klyuchits

This easy homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners. With just a few simple ingredients, it creates a soft, fluffy, and golden loaf that's ideal for sandwiches, pairing with soups, or enjoying with butter and jam. Simple to make and absolutely delicious!

4.82 from 16 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 20

Cook Time 25

Course Miscellaneous, Breads

Cuisine American

Servings 1 loaf of bread

Ingredients

1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)
2 ¼ teaspoon dry yeast
2 Tablespoons sugar or honey
2 Tablespoons oil olive oil, avocado oil (any neutral oil will work)
3 - 3 ¼ cups flour bread flour or unbleached all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
butter optional, for brushing on top of bread

Instructions

Warm up the water until it's a nice, bath water temperature. (See note.) Sprinkle in the yeast and half the sugar. Mix it until the yeast and sugar dissolve. The yeast should get foamy within a few minutes.
Pour all the liquid ingredients (water, yeast, sugar and oil) into a large bowl of a stand mixer and mix to combine.
Add half the flour to the bowl and start on low speed and mix the dough with a dough hook attachment, until the it comes together. Add the remaining flour and salt, gradually increasing the speed and knead the dough for 5-10 minutes.
Brush the bowl and coat the dough in a little bit of oil, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside to rise until it doubles in size 30-90 min.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
When the dough has doubled, place the dough on the counter and shape it into a rectangle. It should be about the width of your bread pan. (I use a 9 X 5 inch bread pan.)
Roll it up tightly, starting with the short side and then place it seam side down into a greased loaf pan.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and set aside until the dough doubles once again, 30 minutes to an hour.
Bake in the preheated oven for 23-27 minutes.
Take the bread out of the bread pan within 5 minutes and let it cool on a rack. Brush the top of the bread with butter to make it more glossy and to make the crust softer.
Store the bread, wrapped or in a bag, at room temperature, for 3-4 days. Store in the refrigerator if you need it to last 5-9 days. Bread can also be frozen for 1-3 months.

Notes

Water Temperature: The water should be between 110-115°F. This is the ideal range for activating the yeast without killing it. If it’s too hot (above 120°F), it could kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. You can check the temperature with a kitchen thermometer or test it by dipping your finger in—it should feel warm but not hot.
Bread Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which gives the bread its chewy, airy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour will work just fine, though the loaf might be a little softer. If you have access to it, I recommend using bread flour for the best results.
Sweeteners: You can substitute honey for sugar in this recipe if you prefer. Honey adds a subtle sweetness and can give the bread a slightly richer flavor.
Optional Step - Brush with Oil: Before baking, you can brush or spray the top of the dough with a little oil. This will help create a more golden crust and prevent the dough from sticking to the plastic wrap.

Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner (Stir Fry in the Oven)

This chicken sheet pan dinner is such an easy recipe to make a stir fry in the oven, all cooked on the sheet pan. The juicy chicken, mushrooms and vegetables roast in the oven until everything is golden brown and flavorful.

Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
(Sheet Pan Stir Fry)

Chicken sheet pan dinners are some of my favorites for weeknights. This one is a fun adaptation of a stir fry. I decided to use a sheet pan to cook the chicken and vegetables. It was awesome to eliminate oil splatters at the stove. Cooking everything in the oven is healthier too, since you use a lot less oil.

Traditionally, stir fries are cooked in a wok or a skillet. Cooking a stir fry in the oven is a brilliant way to make the process even easier. It's so convenient to cook the chicken and vegetables all on one sheet pan. Preparing chicken stir fry in the oven on a sheet pan is a genius way of simplifying the process.

The juicy chicken, mushrooms and vegetables roast in the oven until everything is golden brown and flavorful. The delicious honey, garlic and soy sauce brings everything together perfectly and coats the chicken and vegetables in the sweet and salty saucy goodness. I love serving this with long grain white rice or rice noodles.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Bread

Make this overnight breakfast casserole with bread, spinach, eggs and cheese and all you have to do in the morning is put it in the oven. It's really hearty and delicious and bakes up so fluffy and tender.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Bread, eggs, cheese, spinach and ham.

During the holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years', we cook more than any other time of year. We try our hand at new recipes of cookies, pastries and cakes, while not forgetting family favorites. Our kitchen are abuzz with activity and we make sure that the table is brimming with elaborate main dishes, roast turkey, roast beef, ham, etc. We also don't forget all kinds of fancy salads and appetizers. The only meal that is often forgotten is breakfast. Who has time for breakfast when there are so many other things to do? Unfortunately for our family members, they are usually left on their own, to scrounge around in the refrigerator or the kitchen cupboards and try to find something edible to tide them over til the big feast. Does this sound familiar?

Here is is wonderful solution. This amazingly delicious breakfast casserole, that you can assemble the night before or even a few days ahead of time, will be a pleasant surprise to your family and I guarantee once you try it once, you will be making it all year long. This is also my secret weapon when I have overnight guest.

This creamy, flavorful casserole is full of breakfasty goodies - eggs, ham, cheese and spinach - all soaked in to bread. You can add all kinds of other fillings or substitute for your family's preferences - sausage, roasted peppers, green peppers, different types of cheese, mushrooms and herbs.

How To Use a Food Processor

A food processor is such a versatile kitchen appliance and can be used in so many ways. If you cook from scratch, it is so helpful and saves a lot of effort and time. In this post, you will find lots of ideas how to use a food processor in many creative ways.

How to use a food processor
creative ways to use a food processor

The food processor is an essential tool in my kitchen, and there are so many things that it excels in. It is such a powerful and versatile machine. There are some things that can only be achieved in the food processor, while others, like grating something, just make the job much easier and faster.

I love how it simplifies meal prep and saves me so much time. It can blend, chop, dice, slice and grate, allowing for faster meal preparation. In this post and video, learn how to use a food processor in ways that you may already know and find out some creative ways to put it to good use too. I've shared about the food processor in My Most Used Kitchen Appliances post and video and today will feature the food processor itself and all the ways that it shines.

Cast Iron Roast Chicken

Use your cast iron skillet to roast a whole chicken then make a delicious and luscious gravy to spoon on top. The chicken gets golden and crisp on the outside, really juicy on the inside and the pan drippings make the best gravy.

Cast Iron Roast Chicken With Pan Gravy

A cast iron skillet is so versatile, you can use it as a baking pan and roast a whole chicken in it. The chicken is golden brown and crisp on the outside with an amazing garlic flavor and so juicy and tender on the inside. It's perfect for a simple but classic family dinner.

As the chicken roasts, the chicken juices collect in the bottom of the skillet and get rich and concentrated. Take out the chicken and while it rests, (which is super important to keep that bird as juicy as possible), use the drippings to make a smooth and flavorful gravy right in the same skillet, taking it to the stove this time.

I love serving this dinner with mashed potatoes because what else pairs so perfectly with gravy? You can also serve some Garlic Green Beans, also so easy to make and go really well with everything else.

Shortbread Cookies With Jam (Split-Second Cookies)

Split-Second Cookies are buttery and tender shortbread cookies with jam. They are so soft and buttery they melt in your mouth. Not only are they absolutely delicious, they are so simple to make.

Shortbread Cookies With Jam
(Split-Second Cookies)

There are many varieties of recipes for shortbread cookies with jam. I think this one is so wonderful because they are just so simple to make, look beautiful and taste just right. My cousin shared this recipe with me many years ago, and we have been making it ever since. They are called Split-Second Cookies; I imagine it's because of how easy they are to make.

During the weeks before Christmas, the smell of baking cookies wafts through most houses, there are cookie exchange parties and lots of treats in offices. Even families that hardly ever bake during the rest of the year, find themselves congregating in the kitchen and pulling out the butter, flour and eggs. We've all seen the sappy commercials and cheesy Christmas movies with a grandma in the kitchen baking with her grandkids and all the other similar scenes. It's so predictable, but gives you a cozy, warm feeling anyway:). I'm such a sucker for corny things like that.

They are the best tender, buttery cookies and the tart jam complements them perfectly. If I only had to make one type of cookie, this is the one I would choose. (If you want to make soft cut out sugar cookies, check out this recipe. They are great to make with kids.)

Garlic Green Beans

Garlic green beans are a wonderful side dish that are so easy to make and pair really well with many entrees. The tender beans retain their vibrant color and are sauteed in a skillet with garlic for the best flavor.

Garlic Green Beans
Green beans sauteed in a skillet with garlic

Green beans are an iconic side dish that are really versatile and can be served with so many entrees. One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to cook them is sauteed in olive oil or butter with some garlic. They complement many dishes excellently, the most perfect pairing is steak and creamy mashed potatoes. What a great way to have a homemade steakhouse dinner!

Another plus to green beans is how quickly you can prepare them. The secret to perfect green beans is partially cooking them first in boiling water. This makes the beans more tender, but still keeps their vibrant green color. You don't have to cook beans very long, or they will become mushy. With the garlic adding lots of flavor, this is one simple dish that is absolutely perfect.

Pecan Sticky Buns

These Pecan Sticky Buns are so tender, they melt in your mouth, have a sweet cinnamon filling and a gooey, caramel glaze with crunchy pecans. They are wonderful with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee.

Pecan Sticky Buns with a sweet cinnamon filling a gooey caramel topping and crunchy pecans.

I make these Pecan Sticky Buns all year long and especially during the holidays. There is something so homey and comforting about yeast buns. As they bake, the house is filled with their warm, spicy aroma. It's better than any scented candles, making your home so inviting.

If you're a newbie with yeast dough, don't let it intimidate you; it's actually not that hard. The dough is really easy to work with and you have the step by step photos and a video to see exactly what each step should look like. The best perk of homemade baking is that you get to enjoy them while they are still fresh and warm out of the oven.

The buns are so soft and tender and the sticky glaze is incredible, especially paired with the crunchy pecans. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven for 5-10 minutes and they are returned to their warm, gooey glory.

Orange Jello Slices

These cute orange jello slices is a recipe that your kids will love. You can use packaged jello or add some unflavored gelatin to juice. They are so fun to make and great for holidays and parties.

Orange Jello Slices

I got this recipe for Orange Jello slices from my Mom years ago. She made them for the holidays and they were always a big hit. This is such an ingenious idea for serving jello in a more interesting way. You can use either store bought packaged jello or use most juices, add some unflavored gelatin to it. Slice up the oranges when the jello is chilled and they look so cute and festive.

Not only is the delivery method adorable, but I love that the jello gets infused with orange flavor too. It really elevates the taste and that is always great. My kids absolutely loved these! It's creative and unique but is also made in advance too, so it's great for parties. That's always my biggest tip for hosting - get as much done in advance as possible. I make this dessert several days ahead, then all that's left is to slice them up.

Whenever I make Layered Rainbow Jello, my kids and all their little friends get so excited, so I knew that would love this too.

Russian Chicken Meatball Soup

Russian Chicken Meatball Soup is so light and fresh, made with aromatic vegetables, potatoes, rice and the most tender chicken meatballs. This is a soup that is a favorite with the whole family.

Russian Chicken Meatball Soup

Russian Chicken Meatball Soup with rice, potatoes and fresh herbs is so easy to make, but is both healthy and filling. The light, "brothy" soup with the tender chicken meatballs is the perfect comforting meal any time of year. It seems every culture loves their meatballs in many ways. A great option is to serve it in soup. My mom made this Russian Meatball Soup, which we called Суп с Фрикадельками, quite often and I make it for my own family now. This soup is light and healthy, but absolutely delicious.

This is definitely a quick dinner option, since there is very little prep work and the cooking time is fairly short. The ingredients are very simple pantry staples, but marry together to create an incredibly tasty soup. I really prefer using chicken for the meatballs, with their clean flavor and such moist, plump and succulent texture. You will feel light and fresh when sipping each pleasing spoonful, not only from it's healthy goodness but also because you'll still have some energy left, instead of spending it all on the cooking.

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff cooks much faster in the Instant Pot. The beef is really tender with a creamy mushroom sauce. It's perfect over noodles or mashed potatoes.

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a great example of a technique that the Instant Pot excels in. I really love cooking tough cuts of meat in it because it's cooked in a fraction of the time and just melts in your mouth. I don't think anyone would argue that Beef Stroganoff is one of the most comforting meals.

The combination of hearty, tender chunks of beef, slices of mushrooms and a creamy, decadent sauce - so good. Not only is it delicious, but there's even more to appreciate - this is a meal prepper's dream. You can prep most of the ingredients in advance or even cook the whole thing early and just reheat.

This is a great option for holiday meals or simple family dinners. I often will make this for guests or special occasions because I can do all the work ahead of time and have more time at the last minute. This dinner is also great as a leftover, so make extra and get the night off from cooking the following day.

Salmon and Potato Soup

This simple yet flavorful Salmon and Potato soup is not hard to prepare and delivers a wonderfully comforting and delightful taste. Featuring fresh salmon, a variety of crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is sure to impress.

Salmon and Potato Soup

Let’s talk about Salmon and Potato Soup—it’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but surprisingly light in flavor! That’s one of my favorite things about it.

You can start with a simple mix of aromatic veggies like onions, celery, and carrots. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Adding more vegetables can really enrich the soup and enhance the flavor. The peppers and tomatoes add a bit of sweetness. I love the note of acidity that the tomatoes add to the soup. You can use either a poblano or a jalapeño pepper, adjusting the heat level to your preference. You can also add some crushed pepper flakes and/or cayenne pepper for additional heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for an extra spicy touch. All those vegetables really make the soup bursting in flavor and textures.

The star of the show is definitely the salmon. It cooks up super tender and juicy, soaking in all the wonderful flavors from the aromatic veggies. And those potatoes? They make a perfect pairing with the fish, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

This soup has become a family favorite in our home, and I think you’ll love it just as much!

Breaded Chicken Tenders

The flavor of homemade breaded chicken tenders is out of this world. The breading is really delicious, golden and crisp and the chicken is really juicy and tender on the inside.

Breaded Chicken Tenders

For me, Breaded Chicken Tenders are the ultimate example of how amazing something can be when made at home. Seriously, the flavor of the breading is phenomenal. Making your own homemade breadcrumbs really pays off in this recipe and it only takes a minute to mix it together. The fresh breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and parsley really give the chicken so much flavor.

This recipe doesn't include any extraordinary ingredients, they are all pantry staples. The best part is that it's a favorite of both children and adults. You'll have the whole family satisfied and smiling, munching away and cleaning their plates with no prodding.

These chicken tenders can be served on their own but you can also add some vegetables and make a Chicken Scampi Pasta that is so amazing too. Make a big batch of the chicken tenders because they reheat beautifully and you'll get a night off cooking too.

Graham Cracker Cake (No-Bake, 5 Ingredients)

This no-bake graham cracker cake is made with just 5 ingredients and is an amazing copycat of an intricate honey layer cake. The fluffy sour cream frosting makes the cake really tender and the sweet graham crackers pair so nicely with the tangy frosting.

Graham Cracker No Bake Cake made with only 5 ingredients

If you're looking for an easy cake that looks impressive and tastes amazing, you can stop searching and try this Graham Cracker Cake. It reminds me very much of the famous Russian Honey Layer Cake, Medovik, but is 100 times easier and faster to make.

This cake is made with just 5 ingredients and there's no baking involved at all. It's easy enough for novice bakers and children to make. The combination of sour cream and heavy whipped cream is perfect for the frosting. The sour cream gives it a really lovely tang and cuts through the richness of the whipped cream. The cream makes it really fluffy and velvety.

The cake does needs to be made in advance so, keep that in mind. The graham crackers need time to soak up the frosting and become tender. I always love when desserts can be made in advance, which is so convenient for holidays, parties and special occasions. Make this up to 2 days in advance and it's one less thing on your to-do list. The pretty layer of grated chocolate adds a nice flavor to the cake and looks so pretty.

Apple Upside-Down Cake

Apple upside down cake has tart, juicy apples baked with a tender cake on top. Flip the cake upside down after baking and you get a stunning presentation of glossy apples on top, in a warm caramel-like sauce that is perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Apple Upside Down Cake

A warm dessert on a cold winter night has a way of enveloping you with a sense of comfort and cheer. The sweet, slightly tart apples are partially cooked in a caramel-like syrup and then baked into a fine-grained, tender and delectable cake.

Partially cooking the apples also prevents them from seeping unwanted liquid into the cake. Since the apples are almost cooked before going into the oven, the cake is really soft and tender, since you don't have to bake it too long for the apples to cook through.

Your home will be perfumed with a sweet aroma and it’s so satisfying when you take it out of the oven inverting the pan to reveal a gorgeous design of apples glistening with caramel. With a mug of tea, coffee, or a tall, cold glass of milk, whichever you prefer, all you need is a good book/movie, or a fun group of friends. This cake is absolutely incredible served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You will not believe the speed with which it will disappear from plates. It’s also a great lunchbox option for the next day.

Egg in a Hole Breakfast Sandwich

Egg in a hole is a unique twist on a typical breakfast sandwich. Cook the egg right in the center of the slice of bread. Serve it with crispy bacon, juicy fresh tomatoes and creamy avocado slices.

Egg in a hole breakfast sandwich with bacon, tomatoes and avocados.

An egg in a hole breakfast sandwich is such a fun way to serve an egg sandwich. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out a hole from the center of a slice of bread, add it to a skillet and crack the egg right in there. The egg and bread cook at the same time. It's genius! The bread gets crisp, golden brown and buttery.

With some slices of smoky, salty bacon, fresh tomatoes and creamy avocados, it is a complete feast in very bite. My husband and I love the combination of all these ingredients, but there are so many ways you can make lots of variations of this sandwich. Add some cheese, use sausage or ham instead of bacon and use guacamole instead of avocados.

We like to cook bacon in the oven. It's such an easy, hands-off method that gives you perfectly crisp, evenly cooked bacon every time. While the bacon is in the oven, you can prep everything else, make your coffee/tea, start cooking the sandwiches and by that time, the bacon will be ready and it's time to assemble and enjoy. It really is a winner and doesn't take too long to make either, which I consider pretty important for a breakfast meal.

How To Store Fresh Herbs

Find out the best way to store fresh herbs so they stay fresh as long as possible. Whether you grow herbs in your garden or buy them from the grocery store, this will keep them from turning yellow and slimy much longer so you can enjoy green and vibrant herbs in your food.

How to store fresh herbs so they stay fresh as long as possible.

Fresh herbs wake up your palate with every mouthful. They add fresh flavors to any recipe, plus they make your everyday meals look extra fancy and beautiful. Chicken noodle soup with fresh herbs is absolutely more delicious with fresh herbs. I love sprinkling parsley and cilantro on my omelets, casseroles, pasta dishes and almost everything else.

The only downside to fresh herbs is that they wilt and spoil so quickly. There are so many different methods that people suggest to make fresh herbs last longer. I tested several of the most popular ones to find the one that works the best.

Not only will this method make your herbs last much longer, but they will be washed and ready to use, so you'll use them more often because it makes it easy and convenient. I store fresh herbs like this every time I meal prep for the week.

Pelmeni

Pelmeni are famous Russian meat filled dumplings. This recipe has a really unique dough that is so easy to make and is a dream to work with. Serve them boiled until they are tender or pan fry until golden and crisp.

Pelmeni Russian dumplings

Pelmeni are a staple in the Russian cuisine. Almost every country has a dumpling filled with meat in its repertoire - pierogi, ravioli, tortellini, wontons, etc. Similarly, in the the Russian culture, Pelmeni are a big part of the menu. The dumplings have a ground meat and onion filling, encased in a tender dough.

These recipes get passed down from generation to generation. We have been making them in my family for as long as I can remember. With my Mom and sisters, we would have Pelmeni making days, making HUGE batches to store in the freezer to have on hand for quick dinner options. I love traditions like this one. Homemade Pelmeni are such a treat and a labor of love.

Traditionally, the dough is made from water, flour, egg and salt and the filling is ground meat, salt, pepper and onions. Although I love this classic recipe and grew up making, about 15 years ago I experimented with a different type of dough and I was instantly converted.

This dough is an absolute dream to work with. I don't even use any extra flour to roll it out, it doesn't stick to my hands and is soft and pliable. I even use it to make Blueberry Vareniki too. The texture of the pelmeni is very tender too. This recipe will give you 150-200 pelmeni. You can easily halve it and make less. With a little butter and sour cream, this is the ultimate comfort food for Slavic families.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Chicken Alfredo Pasta has such a rich, luxurious and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta. With juicy morsels of chicken and crisp broccoli and peppers, everything pairs together to make a wonderful, comforting meal that is an American favorite.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta with broccoli and peppers

Chicken Alfredo Pasta with broccoli and peppers is a perfect dinner for weeknight family meals. The rich, creamy and cheesy sauce is really comforting and coats the pasta. With the crisp golden chicken and colorful vegetables, this meal comes together so quickly. In the time that it takes the pasta water to boil and then cook, everything else can be cooked and ready to be all brought together.

You can also make many variations of an Alfredo pasta dinner - using different pasta, many vegetable variations and instead of chicken, you can use shrimp or sausage. We love to use the alfredo sauce as a dipping sauce with some breadsticks too.

Orange Scones

Orange scones are the ultimate pastry perfection and can easily be made at home. They are tender, with buttery, flaky layers and so much orange flavor in the pastries and the glaze. Such a wonderful treat for kids and adults.

Orange scones are a marriage of two of my favorite things - scones and citrus. If I'm attending a potluck, chances are that I'll arrive holding a plate of scones in my hands. Scones are also my go-to dessert to prepare if I'm having guests over for coffee or tea. They are just so wonderful, not too sweet, golden and crunchy on the outside and the pastry itself is incredibly tender, flaky and buttery. There is so much orange flavor in every bite, from inside the scone and on the outside glaze too.

You can typically find orange scones in most bakeries and coffee shops, but I promise these homemade scones are on a whole different level of amazingness. You can definitely master making these pastries if you follow a few simple but important tips that I will walk you through, step by step so you get it just right.

Scones are great for meal prepping and they freeze well too. Since you don't need any special tools, not even a mixer, you can make it anytime and anywhere. I've made these on vacations and at other people's houses. It's such a treat for the whole family or friend group to enjoy. What could be more cozier than biting into some slightly warm pastries? It will make your companionship all that much better when you have some scones to enjoy with your coffee and conversation. When you've tasted these Orange Scones, you might want to try Lemon Blueberry Scones too.

Instant Pot For Beginners

The Instant Pot is an appliance that is incredibly popular and has so many useful functions. This post is for Instant Pot Beginners, explaining how it works and its many features. You'll also find helpful tips, troubleshooting advice and easy recipes to try.

Instant Pot For beginners - tips, how to use the instant pot, best recipes for the Instant Pot, and frequently asked questions

One of the kitchen appliances that has become a huge phenomenon since its introduction is the Instant Pot. It has taken the cooking community over by a storm. Are you are new to the Instant Pot? This post will help you find out how it works and the best ways to use it. Learn what the different cooking terms and phrases mean and some easy recipes to try.

I love to cook, so secretly, a part of me wants to try ALL the cooking gadgets and appliances. However, the bigger part of me strongly resists them. Yes, I want to try them, but do I actually want to own them? Usually not. I am really skeptical about whether it's REALLY going to work as well as it's hyped up to be. I don't want to spend money on an appliance that is going to take up valuable space in my kitchen if it doesn't I can do the same functions just as well or better on something I already have, like the stove or oven. After resisting for a while, I finally broke down and bought it on a huge sale one Black Friday.

After using it just a few times, I was quickly won over. It has become one of my favorite kitchen appliances. (Here are some of my other favorite small kitchen appliances.) I use it all the time and it really fits my cooking style. After owning it for 5 years, I still use it several times a week. Not only that, but I also find more and more ways to use it. I've published many recipes, but I also wanted to share some general information that would be helpful to a beginner. I will give you my best tips, troubleshooting advice and answer some frequently asked questions.

Oven Roasted Salmon With Fresh Tomato Basil Topping (Video)

Oven roasted salmon is one of the most foolproof methods to having the juiciest fish that retains all its moisture. The fresh tomato basil topping gives this entree a vibrantly stunning presentation and so much incredible flavor.

Oven Roasted Salmon - the fish is so juicy and the fresh tomato basil and garlic topping makes it beautiful and flavorful.

Oven roasted salmon is my #1 recommendations for anyone to try, especially if you're intimidating by cooking seafood at home. Welcome to the recipe that takes all the guesswork out of it. It's so easy and you'll get consistent results. You will wow yourself, your family and your guests because it looks like it came from a gourmet restaurant. The combination of the juicy salmon and the fresh tomatoes, basil and parsley with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze and a squeeze of lime juice - it's healthy, light and bursting in flavor.

You know what else I love about roasting salmon instead of cooking it on the stove? You can make as many portions as you need at the same time, either 2 or 22, they will all fit on the baking sheet and be ready in 12-14 minutes. The salmon roasts while you quickly cut up the tomatoes and herbs. No need to stand at the stove and get splattered with oil and try to guess when it's time to flip it.

I use this method all the time and switch up the flavor by using different toppings, such as a creamy yogurt dill sauce or make a lemon butter sauce with shallots and fresh herbs.

Apple Cookies - Яблочное Печенье

Apple cookies are a wonderful treat any time of the year. The buttery cookies have bits of soft apples all throughout and are absolutely perfect with a warm cup of coffee or cold glass of milk. I love packing them up for a lunch box treat.

Apple Cookies

Apple cookies are just the thing to make when you need a quick treat. On my parents property, they have numerous apple trees. As I was growing up, we would pick so many apples in the autumn and make all kinds of great things from apples - apple sauce, dried apple chips and Apple Sharlotka. To this day, I still love baking with apples. Whenever the kitchen starts to smell sweet from baked apples, it brings me back to those warm memories of picking apples with my siblings in the crisp and sunny autumn days.

These cookies have such an uncomplicated loveliness - simple and quick to make and taste just as straightforward but enticingly tasty. I found the recipe from a Russian recipe forum and have been making them for years. They aren't too sweet, have a wonderful buttery vanilla flavor and are medium soft. With a dusting of powdered sugar and soft bits of baked apples throughout the cookies, you will find yourself reaching for more than one handful.

Pack them up in your kids' lunchbox, enjoy them both at home and at work and since apples are available all year long, you can enjoy them during the cold and warm seasons.

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

The cheesy, creamy Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is one of the simplest, most satisfying meals you can create on a busy night. Cooking it in the Instant Pot not only saves on dishes since it's all cooked in one pot, but it also takes no time at all.

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper is one of the most comforting easy dinners. One of my favorite things about the Instant Pot is meals like this one. I can cook everything in one pot and it cuts down on the time I stand next to the stove significantly.

A few years ago, I shared my Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta recipe. I thought it would be a perfect recipe to recreate in the Instant Pot and make it even faster. The ingredients for this meal are my all time pantry and freezer staples already, so it's a meal I can cook anytime I want something easy or didn't meal plan.

Sautéing the ground beef with onions and garlic is really easy, but that is the most "time consuming" part of the recipe, so you can imagine how ridiculously simple it is to put it together. The combination of the ground beef, aromatic onion and garlic, dry and fresh herbs and the cheesy pasta is so satisfying and hearty. It's like Macaroni and Cheese with beef, or homemade Hamburger Helper, but way better:).

Adjika - Tomato Pepper Salsa

Adjika is a popular European side dish that is similar to a tomato pepper salsa. The tomatoes and peppers are cooked with carrots, apples and garlic to make a delicious combination that is savory, a little bit sweet, tart with a bit of heat too. It's wonderful to serve with poultry, meat, seafood or even spread on black bread to enjoy with a bowl of soup.

Adjika tomato pepper salsa

The best way I can describe Adjika, or Adzhika is a tomato and pepper salsa. Every year, at the end of the summer, my Mom would make this delicious vegetable side dish to preserve and enjoy during the cold months. As the bountiful garden harvest comes to a close, canning all these delicious vegetables is a great way to make good use of every last bit of summer's gifts. Every canning season doesn't seem complete to me without making a batch of my Mom's Adjika.

Adjika is made with peppers, tomatoes, carrots, apples and garlic that together make a wonderful combination of flavors. It's usually served as a side dish, condiment and is often used to flavor other dishes. Since I don't have any Georgian heritage in me and don't really have any acquaintances from that particular region of the former Soviet Union, I'm pretty sure this is NOT an authentic recipe. This version is my Mom's recipe, and her side of the family goes back to Belarus as far back as we know. I can't vouch for authenticity like I said, but I can certainly guarantee that it tastes great!

It has a salsa like consistency, you can make it as spicy and hot as you like by adding more or less hot peppers. I like mine mild, so I keep the heat level pretty tame. With the addition of carrots, tomatoes, and apples, this pepper salsa is a perfect combination of flavors - peppery, acidic, slightly sweet and very balanced. Serve it alongside shish kebabs, chicken, fish as well as to flavor soups, stews, casseroles and on top of burritos.

How To Cook Bacon in the Oven

When you learn how to cook bacon in the oven, that'll be the only way you do it from then on. The bacon cooks so evenly when it's all arranged on a baking sheet and turns out perfectly golden and crisp.

Oven Baked Bacon

Oven baked bacon is the best. Not only is it awesome that you don't have to deal with bacon grease splattering the stove, counters, the floor and YOU, it also frees up your time to cook the rest of your breakfast, like a batch of tender and fluffy buttermilk pancakes or an omelet.

I really appreciate the time I save by multitasking, but I also think cooking the bacon in the oven will give you the best results. The bacon turns out perfectly crisp and cooks really evenly, much more so than in a skillet. You can also cook an entire pound of bacon at once, if you use a large rimmed baking sheet, you can fit the entire package of bacon on there.

It's really convenient for meal prepping, when you can cook a bunch of bacon at once and use it throughout the week in many meals, such as Hash Brown and Bacon Egg Muffins or one of our family's favorite indulgent entrees, Potato and Bacon Pie or add it to your Breakfast Quesadillas or Breakfast Burritos.

Easy Lunch Ideas - How To Pack Cold and Hot Lunches

Are you looking for some easy lunch ideas to pack for your family? Here you will find both cold and hot lunch options for both kids and adults, as well as how to pack them so they stay fresh.

Easy lunch ideas may feel like a paradox. Lunches can be one of the most overlooked meals that we prepare, especially when it has to be packed for school or work. We have our breakfasts and dinners that we plan for or make our family favorites, but lunches are often a shot in the dark. Most of the time, we start out with great intentions but our motivation quickly fizzles out.

It's challenging to come up with something to eat Every. Single. Day, especially if you have to think on the fly early in the morning when your brain is still a bit foggy or you're running late. Plus, we have to make it hours in advance and figure out how to keep it hot or cold too.

In this post and video, I hope to give you some fresh inspiration and lots of ideas, whether you're looking for some creative options or want to learn how to prep lunches in advance to make it easier on yourself. I'll also show you the best way to pack food so it stays fresh and delicious, cold or hot, so your effort doesn't go to waste. Wondering about lunch containers? We cover those too. Bento style, glass containers, plastic containers, thermoses, and more, I'll show you many different ones, so you can decide which may work well for your family.

Potato Pancake Appetizers

Potato pancakes are great to use as a foundation for an appetizer. Served with some crunchy apple and celery slaw and then topped with smoked salmon, capers and green onions, all the flavors pair perfectly together.

Potato Pancakes are so satisfying, why not make them into cute appetizers? Since potatoes are a great blank slate, they pair well with so many things. In this case, I topped them with a small spoonful of apple and celery slaw that is crunchy, sweet and tangy, which cuts through the richness of the potato pancake and the salty smoked salmon.

I love serving potato pancakes for breakfast or lunch on the weekends, served simply with sour cream, or add a meat filling and serve it as the main entree for dinner too. What could be more Belarusian than an appetizer based on a potato pancake too? Not only does it look pretty, all the components go so well together. The combination of the hearty pancake with the refreshing, crunchy and creamy slaw and the salty fish and fresh herbs is spot on.

These would be perfect as a party starter, and really get your appetite going. You can also serve it as a light meal, with tea or even as a lunch option. If you're feeling very festive, you can also use caviar instead of the fish or if you're not a seafood appreciator, you can serve the pancakes with canadian bacon, prosciutto , or sautéed mushrooms instead.

Chicken Riggies

Chicken Riggies are made with rigatoni pasta, tossed in a creamy pink sauce, juicy chicken and peppers. You can also add some mushrooms and/or olives as a flavor variation.

Chicken Riggies is a regional dish created in Utica, NY, where I spent most of my childhood and teenage years until I moved away after marrying my husband in 2006. It is an Italian-American pasta dish, with chicken and peppers in a creamy tomato sauce, that you can make as mild or as spicy as you like. There are many variations of this popular recipe.

Plump and juicy pieces of chicken are paired with bell peppers and cherry peppers. Onions, garlic and parmesan cheese create a great flavor for the creamy tomato sauce. Mushrooms and olives are a great addition to this comforting pasta dinner. The larger tube shaped pasta pairs so well with hearty tomato sauces like this one.

This one pot meal is a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner for your family or for that time when you get unexpected guests and need something tasty but quick to cook. You can prepare the sauce while you cook the pasta and then toss it all together at the end, serving it right away. Another way to serve Chicken Riggies is to bake it in the oven, topped with cheese, which melts and turns golden brown and gives this dish a wonderful cheesy finish.

How To Peel Peaches

Peeling peaches to remove the fuzzy skin is actually really easy with a few simple steps. It comes in really handy for baking, canning, freezing and just snacking.

How to peel peaches

Learning how to peel peaches is very useful. The thin and fuzzy peach skin sticks on like a glove and it's nearly impossible to remove unless the peaches are overripe. Using a vegetable peaches will make the outside of the peach very jagged.

With this easy method, the skin will peel right off and leave a beautifully smooth peach. Placing the peaches in boiling water and then quickly transferring to ice cold water will loosen the skin just enough for it to be peeled. Fun fact - you can use this exact method to peel tomatoes too:).

This is great for snacking, baking, canning, freezing peaches, fruit salads and so many peach recipes. During peach season when they are so juicy and sweet, I love to take full advantage and enjoy the peaches in all the possible ways. One of my favorite fruit salad that stays fresh for days has peaches. You can also use peaches in muffins, just add peaches in your favorite muffin recipe, bake them into indulgent peach hand pies, add some peaches to iced tea or cook up a quick compote to top your french toast or pancakes.

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Chicken Burrito Bowls are one one of the best options when serving guests because of how versatile this recipe is and it's enjoyed by all, even picky eaters. It starts with a bowl of fluffy rice, grilled chicken and then all kinds of complementary toppings.

Chicken Burrito Bowls is such a popular recipe, both homemade versions and as a takeout option. Who else likes Chipotle as much as our family? This is where I borrowed the idea for this recipe initially many years ago when we first started enjoying it at home with our family. Start with a bowl of rice (either white or brown, quinoa, couscous, barley, etc.), pair it with a protein, such as grilled chicken, or many others and finish it off with endless combinations of your favorite burrito toppings.

I think the versatility and all the fresh components of this recipe are what make it so irresistible. This recipe is so dependable that most people will enjoy it, even picky eaters, but there are also endless options of how you can serve it. I'm so excited to share how you can customize Burrito Bowls to fit most diet and taste preferences.

You know what else I appreciate about this recipe? It's one of the best recipes to give new life to your leftovers and repurpose them into something exciting. This is exactly why I often purposefully make extra rice so I can make Burrito Bowls the next day as well as extra grilled chicken, slow cooker chicken, pulled pork or grilled steak.

Not only will you enjoy a delicious dinner, but you will save time and money when you use smart menu planning to cut out a lot of work by making your effort pay off when you make the different components once but then eat then at least twice.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Instant Pot

This creamy chicken and wild rice soup is so comforting and easy to prepare. Made with aromatic vegetables, chicken, a wild rice blend and fresh herbs, cooking it in the Instant Pot makes it come together quickly and cooks all in one pot.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup made in the Instant Pot

Everyone knows that chicken soup is good for the soul and this one made with wild rice is such a great variation. I first tried the Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup at Panera Bread and it was such a big hit with my boys that I knew I would have to recreate it at home.

Chicken and rice is such a classic combination and adding wild rice such a wonderful textural element. Wild rice takes much longer to cook than white rice, anywhere from 40-50 minutes, but cooking it in the Instant Pot saves you a lot of time. The rice itself cooks in half the time, about 20 minutes.

The base of the soup is made with aromatic vegetables that are a must in any chicken soup - onion, celery, carrots and garlic. I would highly recommend using a homemade chicken broth in this recipe. It makes a huge difference since it's such a major component of the soup. It is really comforting and I love that it's made in one pot.

Homemade Guacamole

Homemade guacamole can’t be beat – it is WAY better than storebought. In this recipe, avocados take the center stage, as they rightly should, with lime juice, jalapeño or poblano pepper for a bit of heat and flavor, shallot, green onion, cilantro and just a bit of sweet tomatoes.

Homemade Guacamole

The best guacamole you will ever taste is the one you make at home. It is so much richer in flavor and will knock your socks off. Guacamole is one of those recipes that really shines when it's made with all fresh ingredients. Plus, you can make it as mild or spicy as you like, and add the exact promotion of ingredients that you like.

Serve the guacamole with some crunchy tortilla chips or add is as a topping to tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, burgers, as a side with an omelet or egg sandwich for breakfast or tuna sandwich or chicken salad wraps for lunch. It is creamy, has some crunchy elements and really sings with fresh flavors.

Once you see how easy it is to make homemade guacamole, this will be one of those recipes that you will feel confident making yourself all the time. It's a great snack option anytime of day.

Cheese Blintzes

Cheese Blintzes are made with thin and tender crepes filled with sweet and creamy farmer's cheese. They are such a treat and can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert.

Cheese Blintzes with a cherry sauce

Cheese blintzes have a special place in my heart. Growing up as a Belarusian, we called them (Налистники) Nalistniki in Russian and they were always one of our favorite family recipes that we enjoyed all year long and definitely on holidays and special occasions. They are loved by many different cultures and for good reason. Thin, delicate crepes are filled with a sweet farmer's cheese mixture that melts slightly when you cook the blintzes in butter. They are golden on the outside with layers of thin crepes and the gooey and creamy cheese filling inside.

My mom would make her own farmer's cheese, tvorog, that has such a creamy texture and the perfect amount of tanginess and sweetness. You can often find farmer's cheese in many grocery stores too.

This recipe is wonderful to make in advance. You can either store the blintzes in the refrigerator for up to one week and heat them up in a skillet before serving or even freeze them for up to 3 months.

Tomato Caprese With Burrata and Pesto

Tomato Caprese can be served as an appetizer or salad, made with fresh slices of tomatoes, burrata cheese and balsamic glaze. Instead of basil, use rich and silky pesto sauce to drizzle over the creamy and gooey cheese.

Tomato Caprese salad gets reimagined with a few tweaks that upgrade it into the most amazing appetizer or salad that will be the star of the show. In addition to slices of fresh and juicy tomatoes, I added creamy avocados, because they pair so nicely together. Instead of using basil, I use pesto - this rich and concentrated sauce has basil, garlic and parmesan - so it is a match that is meant to be. The silky pesto coats the cheese, tomatoes and avocados and adds fresh basil flavor to each bite.

You can use either mozzarella or burrata cheese, but I personally prefer burrata. As you slice into the cheese, the gooey center mixes with the pesto and is such a great mix with the tomatoes and avocados. In the pesto itself, I use pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts, which makes it more mild and gives it a flavor twist. To top it all off, try using a fig balsamic glaze. It's slightly sweeter and also more mild than regular balsamic glaze.

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Hello. I’m Olga, the creator and photographer of the recipes that you see here. Welcome to my online kitchen, where I share step by step recipes and kitchen tips, to make homemade cooking easier, practical, and of course, more flavorful.

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