Marry Me Chicken Soup

We had our friends from Pacific Palisades who have tragically lost their home over for lunch this week. They have been in a hotel and in need of a home cooked meal. Cooking for others has always brought me a sense of calm and purpose. The act of cooking allows me to escape from the stresses of daily life and connect with something meaningful. I hope they felt the depth of our love for them.

I made this Marry Me Chicken Soup, which is a comforting blend of creamy, tangy chicken simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a generous touch of cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Having lived in London for 6 years, I learned a bit about the British diet (not sure "diet" is the right word). Basically, pudding is bloody important! I have never had a dessert served in England without a pitcher of cream being passed around the table to douse it in. Every, yes I mean EVERY, dessert gets doused in heavy cream. Let me just add that their "light" cream is what we call heavy cream here on this side of the pond.
Anyway, the following recipe is from the Goddess herself, Nigella Lawson, and it's definitely worth the calories.
Note
If you don't want to buy self-rising flour, you can make it.
Add 1½ teaspoon of baking powder plus a pinch of salt to 1 cup of all-purpose flour.

By Leslie Blythe

Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole

I made this Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole for my dad. The ground beef simmers in a creamy mushroom sauce with egg noodles, all baked in a casserole dish. You can make it ahead and bake it later, which makes it a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

By Leslie Blythe

Chile Crisp Fettuccine Alfredo with Spinach

This meatless Chili Crisp Fettuccine Alfredo with Spinach will become a fast favorite. The unexpected pairing of fiery chili crisp with the creamy sauce, Parmesan, and tender spinach is utterly unique and undeniably delicious. It's truly mind-blowing how well it all comes together.

By Leslie Blythe

Sicilian-Style Roasted Cauliflower with Orange, Fennel Seed, and Raisins

My husband surprised me with this beautiful orange cauliflower he found at the farmers market. Did you know that it packs a serious vitamin A punch? We're talking about 25 times more than regular white cauliflower. Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision, a strong immune system, and even helps with cell growth.
To celebrate this vibrant find, I made Sicilian-Style Roasted Cauliflower with Orange, Fennel Seed, and Raisins. The flavors are incredible – a lovely balance of tangy acidity from the orange juice, a subtle brininess, and a touch of sweetness from the raisins. It's truly a delicious and nutritious dish.

By Leslie Blythe

Hot Black-Eyed Pea Dip

For good luck and prosperity in the New Year, I always try to include Black-Eyed Peas in my celebrations. We could all use a little extra good fortune, right? This warm and cheesy Black-Eyed Pea Dip is a perfect party appetizer or snack, served with tortilla chips. It's loaded with cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and jalapeños for a spicy kick.

By Leslie Blythe

Baked Salmon with Parmesan Herb Crust

This Baked Salmon with Parmesan Herb Crust takes salmon to new heights, by coating the fish in Panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated parmesan, and freshly chopped herbs. Not only does this parmesan crust add loads of flavor, but it also adds a crunchy texture. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a tang to the finished dish. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests.

By Leslie Blythe

Coca-Cola Carnitas

Coca-Cola Carnitas is a popular way to make carnitas. The Coke adds a unique sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the pork. The acidity in the soda helps to tenderize the pork, making it incredibly flavorful and easy to shred and the sugar in the coke helps to caramelize it to help make it crispy. You can use it for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, or even salads. Serve in warm corn tortillas with toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, salsa, and lime. This recipe uses a slow cooker, which makes it easy.

By Leslie Blythe

Chicken Scarpariello

Our friend Melanie made this Chicken Scarpariello, which is a classic Italian-American dish. Scarpariello translates to "shoemaker" in Italian, and the dish is thought to be named so either because the ingredients can be "cobbled together" quickly, like a shoemaker might, or because the dish was traditionally eaten by poor shoemakers who could afford its simple ingredients; the exact origin of the name is unclear. The origins of the recipe don’t matter, it was incredibly delicious. It’s sweet, savory, and tangy.

By Leslie Blythe

Salmon With Anchovy-Garlic Butter

Our friend Jeanne invited us to dinner and made this Salmon with Anchovy-Garlic Butter. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that highlights the delicate taste of salmon. The anchovies add a rich, umami flavor without being overpowering. If you're new to anchovies, start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste.

By Leslie Blythe