Benedictine Dip
Our friends Leila and Kevin invited us to their Kentucky Derby party. She served this delicious Benedictine Dip, which was invented by the caterer and restauranteur Jennie Carter Benedict in Louisville around the turn of the 20th century. The dip combines cucumbers, red onions with cream cheese and mayonnaise. Initially, it was a spread for tea sandwiches, and over time, Benedictine spread went beyond sandwiches and became a dip for crackers and crudité.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Firehouse Chili and Cornbread Casserole
I have made this Firehouse Chili and Cornbread Casserole twice in one week due to the rave reviews. I like this dish because the cornbread is baked right on top of the chili, which gives it a nice crust on top.
Cocoa powder (my secret ingredient in all my chilis) adds a rich depth of flavor to chili. Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder so it doesn't make the finished dish sweet.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 45 mins
- Yields: 10 Servings
Marcella Hazan’s Rice & Smothered Cabbage Soup
Marcella Hazan's Rice & Smothered Cabbage Soup features slow-cooked cabbage and onions. The sugar in the vegetables caramelize and become tender and sweet. You then add Italian Arborio rice and simmer it longer. Don't let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you. This soup is complex in flavor and satisfyingly comforting
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 2 hrs 5 mins
- Yields: 2 Servings, or 4 - 6 Servings as a side
Japanese Shiitake-Butter Sticky Rice
Japanese Shiitake-Butter Sticky Rice is so easy to make because the shiitake mushrooms and carrots are steamed on top of the rice, infusing it with their flavor. The butter and miso add richness and umami.
It's a great side dish for meat, chicken, or seafood. We actually ate it on its own. You can also top it with a fried egg.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Artichoke “Meatballs” in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
Artichoke "Meatballs" in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is a recipe that I found on this wonderful site called Spain on a Fork. If you like Spanish food, you must check it out. This vegetarian dish captures the essence of meatballs in a meatless way. It's made with canned artichoke hearts, and comes together in a flavorful and creamy garlic sauce. I served it over spaghetti, but it can also be served as an appetizer.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Contrary to popular belief, Chicken Cordon Bleu isn't French. It likely originated in Switzerland around the 1940s. The first documented recipe appeared in a Swiss cookbook in 1949. It is based on schnitzel, a thin, breaded cutlet, filled with cheese in this case. Most recipes roll the ham and cheese in the chicken. This recipe puts the ham, cheese and bread crumbs on top and it gets baked in the oven, which makes it way easier. It’s served with this Parmesan-Dijon Cream Sauce sauce, which makes this dish outstanding.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Spicy Honey Sesame Salmon Bites
This Spicy Honey Sesame Salmon Bites is my new favorite meal. The combination of the sweetness of honey, subtle heat from the chili crisp, creaminess of the avocado, and the crispiness of the rice is just about as perfect as it gets.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 2 Servings
Hot Pickle and Cheese Cracker Dip
As a kid, growing up in Indiana in the 60s, one of my favorite snacks was/is Cheez-Its Crackers and Kraft Pimento Cheese Spread. We are taking "haute cuisine". My tastes have evolved into a somewhat more sophisticated palate, though if you showed up at my house with this combo, I would be delighted! Anyway, getting back to my main point here is this Hot Pickle and Cheese Cracker Dip. It's a deliciously spicy, tangy, cheesy, briny dip that is covered in, wait for it... Cheez-Its and baked. What's not to like?!
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 8 - 10 Servings
Smashed Dumpling Tacos
Smashed tacos are a recent trend that combines elements of both smash burgers and traditional tacos. These Smashed Dumpling Tacos are a fun and creative twist on the classic dumpling. They're made by taking the filling of a dumpling and pressing it into a tortilla, then frying it until crispy. Most recipes use ground pork, but I opted for the healthy option and used ground turkey. These are so good!
Miso Mayo Blistered Green Beans
These Miso Mayo Blistered Green Beans are so good and easy to make. I actually made these in an air fryer at 375° F for about 8 - 10 minutes, shaking it periodically. The recipe says to broil them in the oven. I also just stirred the miso mayo mixture instead of heating on the stove. You can serve them alongside your favorite Asian main course, chicken, pork, steak, etc. Trader Joe's has Miso paste in a convenient resealable pouch.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
